So, you're Fresh Meat...again. Part 1

I want to say Congratulations.

I know that seems harsh or condescending, but it’s honestly not. I’ve been there. Fresh Meat, twice over. Raw Meat? Thawed Meat? Whatever you want to call yourself, you are persistent.

Several times I’ve said to myself “Maybe I’m just too dumb to know when to throw in the towel.” It’s how I felt.

So you didn’t pass your Minimum Skills Tests (MSTs). You didn’t make your endurance. You’re stuck on crossovers. The jump freaks you out. Whatever it is, keep going. Keep pushing. You have to dig deep in yourself, into your soul—your heart. Your confidence gets thrown out the window. You’re the oddball in your normal life. “No, Mom/friend/sibling, I still haven’t made a team.”

Everyone’s practicing with their team, making new friends, new derby sisters—and you’re the oddball at practice. Are you still going to practice? GO TO PRACTICE. It is the hardest and one of the most humbling experiences being the only person at league practice not teamed. You feel dumb, less skilled, out of place. Let me tell you something though, the vets think you’re tenacious. They watch you. They see heart, passion, and persistence. Never Say Die.

You won’t feel yourself getting better. There’s a reason. You keep pushing. It still hurts. It will always hurt if you’re pushing hard enough. The vets will always seem miles ahead of you; they’ve had YEARS of experience. Everyone says “Stop comparing yourself to other skaters.” I try to lie to myself and say that I don’t, but I do. It’s almost nature.

“But…it’s Fresh Meat…AGAIN. How embarrassing!”

No. No it’s not. 

I want to make this point clear:  Everyone's journey is different. Yours will be unique. So what if derby doesn't come naturally to you and you have a long way to go. This is your journey. It is not embarrassing. I promise. Your determination and persistence will pay off, and you'll gain the respect of your derby kin. It will also be much sweeter when you do finish, and you will NEVER take your skills for granted.

Keep pushing and happy skating!


Bitter Sweets <3 

That's me! One of my very first pack skill practices...struggling to keep up.