Pre-Bout practice.

I didn't feel good. Part of me did not want to go to practice, but all of me knew i needed to. i needed the workout. i needed to see the girls. i needed to- well- PRACTICE! i think the part that wanted to stay home was the part controlled by my pride. i am progressing slowly- much more slowly than i'd like. this is mostly due to my weak ankles and the fact that they make me feel less sure on my feet. i know i need to be patient with myself and just practice and exercise and do my strengthening ankle therapy, but i've never liked having to be patient and wait for results. Anyway, i went. when i got to the rink, i immediately dug into the gear bag to get pads that at least matched somewhat and a helmet that fit. Jessica joined me and right as we were set to begin putting the gear on, Adam called all the Fresh Meat out onto the track. We were going to be laying down rope over the painted track and taping it down with duct tape in order to more clearly define it for the scrimage/practice bout. That;s right. Our Travel team has it's first bout of the year this sunday in Fayetteville, NC! The taping took us about 45 minutes while the other girls warmed up and did some drills. Afte the taping was done, we geared up and practiced for just a little bit. Adam worked with me one on one a bit, skating close to me so i could start to feel how it was to be in the pack while the other 3 freshies practiced stuff i am not quite ready for. (i think they were skating really close and slowing and speeding as a little pack.) i was getting really frustrated by my ankles, but Adam said "all in due time" about 20 times. HeeHee. i love the patience and low pressure atmosphere they have towward us in Fresh Meat, and also the way the same leaders can be so tough on the girls who are already on the team. After some balance work (we walked one foot in front of the other down a line) we un-geared and became officials in the practice bout. My job, along with Jessie (not Jessica) was to listen for and keep track of fouls by the girls playing. it was a great way to learn more about the sport, since we will apparently be performing these roles and others at our first home bout of hte year on march 9th!
It was a different kind of practice, but exactly whati needed, and i am sooooo very glad i went! Now to figure out the logistics of going to the league potluck tomorrow night...