Sam and Allyse...I mean, Rambo and Pixie!



Pre-derby Rambo swagger. 

As I've stated before, I LOVE new skaters.  Their excitement, their giddiness...it’s intoxicating! I love hearing about the first this or that as they go along in the process of becoming a full league member able to be rostered.  It’s very exciting.  Seeing and hearing about all their progress is very rewarding and inspiring.  I think it’s one of the many things that help veterans stay excited about derby; that fresh excitement coming in waves throughout the year, I love it!

Have you ever wondered if anyone you went to high school with plays derby? I often did.  A few months ago, I was reconnected with a girl I graduated with (through facebook, where else?!?).  In fact we went to elementary school, middle school, and high school together.  I’ll admit we were not the best buddies ever, but we were more than acquaintances.  Turns out, she was a derby athlete in training.  Yeah!  I take no claim in her success; she’s a little spit-fire and looked rather natural on her skates.  It did not surprise me at all that she was becoming a derby athlete. She’s athletic, quirky, DIY, and spunky--totally fit the bill.

In January, I went home and skated with Granite State Roller Derby.  Yeah 603!  (Awesome fact about New Hampshire, we’re so rad we only have ONE area code! You can put that little nugget in your Trivial Pursuit brain file.)  Anyhoo, turns out this little fresh meat HS buddy of mine was pretty damn good!  Since then, she’s been texting me about her process of becoming a full pledge member of GSRD and trying out for their All Stars.  It’s been so great to hear about someone else’s experience, especially someone I’ve known for such a long time.  The milestones: first time she’s called by her derby name, her first REAL scrimmage against another league, her tryout process for the A team…it’s been great to be a bystander.  All I offer is advice from time to time and words of encouragement.  She’s such a rad girl and I’m so happy she has derby in her life.  And BANG BISCUIT!  She just made GSRD Legislashers (All Stars)!



Pixie Howl, Granite City Roller Derby

Is there some over arching moral on this?  Not really.  I just wanted to brag about a girl I knew when I had to play the recorder in music class, when I played field hockey for one season-hated it and stole the plaid skirt (punk rock bitches-I still have it 14 years later), and when I had the sweetest purple hair ever!  Still knowing and being friends with the people you went though all that growing up shit with is something special.  It’s like they have massive amounts of blackmail on you but you have the same amount on them.  So it’s like you’ve got a truce going on. (What?)

So yeah, reconnect, love each other, and go new skaters!

-Rambo



Stinger...25 Questions: Stalking Your Favorite Rollergirls

Another highlight from WFTDA Apprentice league, the Sac City Rollers...Stinger, is a veteran blocker for the Capital Punishers.  West Coasters give this team your love and go watch them bout!!  Schedule and info at http://www.saccityrollers.com/.

Name: Stinger
Number: 6

1. What league(s) are you/have you been affiliated with?

San Joaquin Vixens, and now Sac City Rollers

2. How long have you been skating (derby)?

5 years

3. How did you discover roller derby?

As a kid, from Knight Rider...as an adult the 10 o'clock news.

4. List your most notable derby injuries...

Popped both of my inner knees at the same time

5. What was/is your oddest non-derby injury?
Received 9 stitches on my knuckle because of a steel stake and sledge hammer

6. How did you select your derby name and number?
My husband gave me my name

7. When not being a derby badass, what do you do for work (company can be kept anonymous)?
Part-time, I'm an instructor, full-time was a concrete finisher, but recently became a safety coordinator.

8. What are some derby names that you find particularly funny/clever?
Skella Whore!!!

9. What is your non-derby first name?

Veronica

10. If you could have chosen your own non-derby name, what would it be?

Elizabeth, my mother's middle name

11. What are your non-derby hobbies/activities/hidden talents?

I can really sing in the car. 

12. Do you collect anything, if so, what/why?
Collecting glass antiques, because they are delicate.

13. What was your favorite Holiday or Birthday present received as a kid?

A pair of white skates

14. Who was the object of your most embarrassing teenage celebrity obsession?
The kid with the asthma from the movie "Goonies",

15. Which celebrity would you like to be friends with?
Dave Chappelle

16. Do you have tattoos? What, where, and why?
None

17. What is something that most people don't know, or would never guess about you?
I cry with sad movies and semi-sad, too.  I hate scary movies!!!

18. What movie(s) can you watch over and over and never get sick of?
Pulp Fiction

19. I can't leave the house without...?
...returning at least three times for something.

20. What would I find in your refrigerator right now?
beans, queso, tortillas, eggs from our chickens, chile, BBQ sauce

21. What is your most over-used word or phrase?
"thank God"

22. What is the last book you've read?
"The Art of War"

23. Very first set of wheels?
white skates from my cousin, Lencha

24. What is the biggest life hurdle that you have overcome?
Learning to forgive, and most of all forget.

25. List 3 things that you plan to accomplish in 2012?
*go on a honeymoon after 10 years of marriage
*squeeze into a size 8
*not procrastinate, too late...broke that one already, sorry!!!

Lou's Derby Gruels: Number One

You'll notice that the theme in these recipes, whether they are in true "gruel" form or not, will be balanced nutrition to maintain your game!  This one in particular features an excellent balance of carbs, protein, and fiber to sustain you through your high energy derby training.  As mentioned in "Fiber is Your Friend", carbs turn into glucose that your body burns for energy.  Fiber slows this process down so the energy can be maintained over longer periods of time.

If you give it a try, let me know what you think!  Did you experiment with other flavors or spices?  Feel free to use the comment section below to ask questions or give feedback!

-LOU

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili

makes 2 servings, 2 cups each

photo: eatingwell.com

Ingredients:
2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
1 small sweet potato, peeled & diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. ground chipotle chile (optional)
1/8 tsp. salt
1 1/3 cups water
1-15oz. can black beans, rinsed
1 cup canned diced tomatoes
2 tsp. lime juice
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro


Directions:
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.  Add onion and potato and cook, stirring often, until the onion is slightly softened--about 4 minutes.  Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, chipotle and salt.  Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Add water, bring to a simmer, cover, reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook until the potato is tender, 10 to 12 minutes.  Add beans, tomatoes, and lime juice; increase heat to high and return to simmer, stirring often. 

Reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook until slightly reduced, about 4 minutes.  Remove from the heat and stir in cilantro. 

NUTRITION INFO: Per serving: 374 calores, 6g fat (1g sat., 4g mono); 0mg cholesterol; 67g carbohydrate; 14g protein; 15g fiber; 697mg sodium; 603mg potassium.

Recipes:  Your Lifestyle matters c 2010
Source:  EatingWell.com

 

ANTIKS!!!!

The other day the incredibly talented and super sweet, Wild Cherri, asked me about my wicked-awesome Antiks.  Let me give you a little back-story before I get on with the Q&A.


I have been apart of Team Antik for just over a year now. I am completely honored that Quadzilla asked me to be apart of his team, along with some incredibly talented skaters (check them out here).  I was very cautious at first, and kind of nervous to try out this new skate boot.  After some convincing and reminding myself that I had nothing to lose, I finally agreed...and I haven’t looked back!  I know Antik technically sponsors me, but I can honestly say I would not be sponsored by something I did not believe in and I told Quadzilla this before I signed on.  I was okay with it not working out and sending them back.  However, that was definitely not the case! Using the Antik skate boot has been one of the best things I've done for myself to improve my performance. They complement my aggressiveness and need for superior support.  If you or someone you know has been considering the Antik, then the following Q&A is worth a read. Enjoy!



Jamming for Quad Skate Terrors
Photo by: Earl Sod

Wild Cherri: Do they provide more ankle support than a speed boot?

Rambo:  I went from the Riedell 195 to the Antik, holy shit balls are they completely different. I too wanted more ankle support, but was afraid I'd lose my angles with such a high boot. But no ma'am! I was sure wrong. In fact I feel like they are apart of my foot-an extension, if you will. Like they’re the best pair of running shoes, but with wheels.



WC: Do you lace them up all the way?

Bo: I do not. I go up to the second to last eyelet and do not cross them in the back. I feel his allows me more maneuverability. I felt too constricted when I did the full lace. But I have teammates that like the full lace. That's one the things I like about the boot, you can have as much or as little support/customization that you want.

WC: Does your foot move around inside?

Bo: No! This is what I really needed, no movement. My previous boot was loose but adding socks and liners made the boot feel like it was coming off my foot. It was kind of a nightmare. The Antik is so snug and comfortable. I've coached all day boot camps and bouted that evening with no discomfort, no aching feet. Nothing.

WC: Are they easy to break in?
Bo: Yes! I know this is hard to believe. Hell, I didn't believe it until I had to break them in. I broke them in by lacing them up loosely to start and as the weeks progressed tightened them. I have NEVER had a blister with the Antiks. WHAT?!!? Yeah. They feel like they're an extension of my body. I feel more confident to do jumps and fancy spins, and press harder and faster on the turns. They definitely added to my game.


WC: What size shoe do you wear, what size Antik?

Bo: Shoe: 9 ish, (9 1/2 chuck taylors) Antik: 7 1/2



Getting awesomely blocked by fellow Team Antik skater, Smarty Pants
Photo by: Axle Adams

WC: How long have you been on them?

Bo: First bout was June 2011, I got them around April 2011. (I wanted to change out the plate and that took about a month to complete and really get on them.)

WC: Are they holding up pretty good?

Bo: Yes, despite a few minor things that I got fixed. I ripped the tongue early on. Riedell replaced it at no cost. (If you didn't know, Riedell makes them so you know you can trust the craftsmanship) I also had a small issue with the sole and Riedell also fixed that (at the same time as my tongue). I'm fairly rough on them-skating a lot indoors and outdoors/street skating. I've been very pleased with their durability.

WC: If you needed a new boot tomorrow would you replace with a new Antik?

Bo: Absolutely and I am! I just ordered a new set!



Rambo's brand new Antiks!!
Plates mounted by Steve at
Asphalt Beach.

WC: What don't you like?

Bo: When the tongue ripped, that sucked. But after Riedell replaced it, no problems. I believe there was an issue with some of the foam early in production. Now changes have been made in how it’s produced which has made it stronger and more durable. When I was breaking them in, the leather at the top of the boot rubbed my ankle raw. So I had to wear tall socks for a little while until the leather softened. Other than that, I can honestly say I have no complaints about the boot.

If you have any questions, post them in the comment section below and I'll do my best to answer them. 

-Rambo

Rambo's Quick n' Dirty (Part 4)



Quick n' Dirty #4



60 Mountain Climbers (1 on both legs is one rep)

60 Scissor Jumps (1 on both legs is one rep)

20 Burpees

40 Star Jumps

40 Push Ups (25 plyo/jump push ups, 15 regular)
4 min Jump Rope (all at once or broken up, your preference)

1 min Squat isolated/body weight (stay stationary, do this at the very end)

Little to no rest in between exercises and they can be completed in rounds. Do a few of each exercise and then repeat. If you do not have a jump rope, pretend! But, really challenge yourself. Time the circuit and try to improve on your time day after day. With the push ups, if you're doing them in sets of 10, do the first 5 plyo/jump and the last 5 regular, alternate for 30 and do the remaining 10 plyo/jump push ups at the end. Really push yourself to exhaustion. Bonus if you get all hands and feet off the ground! Enjoy!

For definitions and assistance on form, check out the DEFINITIONS page.

 

*photo by Eric Powell

Bissli Kill...25 Questions: Stalking Your Favorite Rollergirls

In researching leagues to highlight for this interview series, I was perusing derbyroster.com where I've spent endless minutes (killing time at work!) marvelling at just how far derby has reached in this world.  One of my most pleasantly surprising discoveries, was Thunder Girls Roller Derby...Israel's only team (that we know of), based in Tel Aviv!!  I am so, so honored to highlight the girls of this league.  They are brand new, currently learning the basics of skating and could use alot of love an support from the derby world.  Check out their facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/tathundergirls, and send them some notes of encouragement!  And if anyone in their world travels, end up in Tel Aviv, look these girls up and go skate with them!  They're learning fast and strong and I am excitedly anticipating the day they can represent their country in a Derby World Cup!

Name: Bissli Kill
Number: 333

1. What league(s) are you/have you been affiliated with?
I'm now with TLV Derby Girls, and that's my first league.

2. How long have you been skating (derby)?
3 Months now, as green as a rain forest...

3. How did you discover roller derby?
I'd seen Whip It for the first time (original right?), and when I heard a league is opening in Israel I knew I've got to join in, it really felt like it's the thing that's missing in my life.

4. List your most notable derby injuries?
My one and only (yet) has been a fractured elbow (hurts like Mother!).

5. What was/is your oddest non-derby injury?
I guess the 3 times I've broken my little toe (damn corners).

6. How did you select your derby name and number?
There's a snack in Israel called Bissli Grill, and I've had the nickname Bissli for while because the snack kind of looks like curls (and I'm curly) and so the way from there to Bissli Kill was short, the number is also on the motif of curls, and a bonus that it's "half way to hell"

7. When not being a derby badass, what do you do for work (company can be kept anonymous)?
I'm mostly a student in Brain Studies and a waitress from time to time

8. What are some derby names that you find particularlyfunny/clever?
A few that made me laugh/jealous are Princess Paincakes ( from Dead and Derby in New Zealand), Chestie Blockwell and Cheshire catfight

9. What is your non-derby first name?
Hagar

10. If you could have chosen your own non-derby name, what would it be?
Something exotic but still easy to pronounce like Bo or Ya

11. What are your non-derby hobbies/activities/hidden talents?
Guitar playing, and art of all sorts, and on the hidden part- dancing (mostly while alone at the house)

12. Do you collect anything, if so, what/why?
I guess I collect CDs (I've got a few hundreds by now), and because I want music I love to stay safe and out of electrical devices.

13. What was your favorite Holiday or Birthday present received as a kid?
Definitely when I got my first rollers at age 8 (Inline skates), I think I begged for a whole year before I actually got them.

14. Who was the object of your most embarrassing teenage celebrity obsession?
I would have to say The Corrs (an Irish band) I was beyond obsessed, I had bought anything with their name on it.

15. Which celebrity would you like to be friends with?
Allison Hannigan, she looks like a funny, loving person.

16. Do you haveTattoos? What, where, and why?
Unfortunately no, I've got to start working on that.

17. What is something that most people don’t know, or would never guess about you?
I'm a super-geek, if I don't know something I write it down so I can later check it out on Wikipedia.

18. What movie(s )can you watch over and over and never get sick of?
Matrix and Gattaca, both I've seen more times than I care to remember

19. I can't leave the house without...?
Ipod!

20. What would I find in your refrigerator right now?
Lots of Cottage cheese and different kinds of culinary experiments (I love to cook, but not sure if I'm any good).

21. What is your most over-used word or phrase?
At the moment it's "lahit" which in Hebrew means hit (something popular).

22. What is the last book you've read?
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

23. Very first set of wheels?
Poison!

24. What is the biggest life hurdle that you have overcome?
I've got a feeling that it's this period right now in my life - trying to juggle between work, study and derby, and so far I think I'm handling it quite well...

25. List 3 things that you plan to accomplish in 2012?
Finishing this school year and feel like I've learned something and had fun, getting our league to the next level by increasing our number, and bring this sport to as many girls as possible, and learn how to find my peace in all of this hectic leaving (:

Introducing...Guest blogger #2!!!

I'm so excited to introduce everyone to yet another fantastic new column on Kate in Skates that will hopefully be super beneficial for your derby goals:  Lou's Derby Gruels!!! 

I've mentioned in a previous post (Fiber is Your Friend) that my mom, Lou (yes, I call her by her first name), is a Registered Nurse and Health Coach who makes it her mission to ply me with high fiber foods and nutrition facts.  Well, I think it is only fair let her nag you all into health as well!!  She really does have good information...it is her job, after all.  So in this new feature she's going to share with us all her crazy-ass recipes and tips to help us not only be derby champs, but pooping champs as well!!  Hooray!!    

You can check out more information on Lou's programs on her website: http://www.yourlifestylematters.com/.

Since we all know I have a huge obsession with lists and interviews, I'm also putting Lou through one of my questionnaires.  Of course, she doesn't play derby, so I've modified and condensed it a bit.  I hope you enjoy meeting her (she's pretty damn precious)...I'm quite a fan of her myself, seeing as that I kind of owe her for my existence.  Try out her recipes, coming very soon!

Name: Lou!!!
Number: 1

1. Who is your favorite derby team?

 Nashville Derby Girls!!

2. Who is your favorite derby skater?

Future teammember BioniKate, Curse Practitioner and SlammyLOU Harris

3. Tell us how shocked you were when you found out you were going to be a derby mom?
Thought I'd have  9 months to prepare...but sometimes adopting a sport happens in a phone call. Love the sport - just not too fond of the injuries ("Well mom, I just broke my leg in 4 places" - I HATE those kind of calls!)

4. How do you feel about your new grand-daughter being slated to become a derby champ when she grows up?
I hope she is empowered to be an athlete and feels she can tackle whatever physical or mental challenge she chooses...or that may choose her.

5. Be honest, what is your real opinion about roller derby?
Okay, honestly I wish I understood the scoring and rules a little better....I "get" hockey, football and basketball...there should be a brief scoring and rule info session for us slow learners at the beginning of each bout. (at least I know it is a bout...right?)

6. What are some derby names that you find particularlyfunny/clever?
I love Bork-Bork-Bork!  Also, gotta admit there's names that should make me blush if I just knew what they meant.

7. Let's just lay it all out here once and for all...Who is your favorite child, me or Tyler (<--yeah, I have a brother)?
My favorite daughter is BioniKate....I am allowed more than one "favorite', by the way.

8. What are your non-mom/grandma hobbies/activities/hidden talents?  
Love gardening, hiking, laughing, and cooking.

9. What inspired you to become a Health Coach/Nutritionist?
As a certified Psychiatric Nurse, I spent years counseling individuals and felt that many issues could be tied to health....my own Rheumatoid Arthritis was healed 5 years ago by going gluten free. I have seen first-hand that nutrition, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle can dramatically change lives. Why wouldn't one want to choose health?

10. Do you collect anything, if so, what/why?
I collect the love of my family and good thoughts from my clients...my husband's 100 restored WWII  military helmets take up enough room for the both of us.

11. What was your favorite Holiday or Birthday present received as a kid?
My Chatty Cathy doll helped me through a rough period as a child. When I was 4 years old I fell part-way through a glass storm door and severed my right arm almost all the way off at the shoulder. It was reattached and then I had several surgeries at the Cleveland Clinic to restore some function to my hand. This was back in 1959 (yeah....I am an old one!) and they weren't as experienced in reattaching limbs. I am thankful that God allowed me to have my arm and the lessons it has taught me in life. Chatty Cathy helped me through the surgeries...I literally wore her chat right out of her.

12. Do you have Tattoos? What, where, and why?
Not yet! ....wow...I may be open-minded to this. Would turn a birthmark into a daisy on a certain part of my body

13. What is something that most people don’t know, or would never guess about you?
I LOVE rollercoasters....would LOVE to Bungee jump, parachute from a plane (would pee my pants) and take a hot air balloon ride.

14. What movie(s )can you watch over and over and never get sick of?
Return to Me and Pride and Prejudice

15. I can't leave the house without...?
My iphone (I AM addicted!)...and homemade trailmix.

16. What would I find in your refrigerator right now?
Organic Kale, spinach, zuchinni, arugula, fresh mushrooms, tomatoes, organic apples, strawberries, ground flaxseed, coconut oil, almond milk, nutritional yeast, sour cherry juice, black bean brownies, curried lentil and cauliflower soup, white wine,feta and blue cheese,....shall I continue????  I LOVE to cook!

17. What is your most over-used word or phrase?
"Really?", "There ya go..."

18. Very first set of wheels?
A beige Volkswagon Beetle

19. What is the biggest life hurdle that you have had to overcome? 
Shyness from being heavy as a kid (weighed over 200 lbs at age 12- back then it would have been considered heavy) and with a disability of my right arm that made me feel self-conscious.

20. List 3 things that you plan to accomplish in 2012?
Learning how to be a good grandma (new role), better friend, and kind mentor.

New Skaters: What Vets Want From You (Part 2)

Vets are looking for skaters that are "go-getters".  I kind of hate that term, however, it’s true.  This sport didn’t start with and hasn’t thrived off of a woman expecting someone else to do something for her.  NO!  We go out and take what we want and do it all ourselves.  We need that same type of woman coming up in the ranks.

 If you’re coming in to a team clinic or Derby 101 with no real understanding of derby, you better catch up fast.  What I mean by this is...do some damn research!  You don’t go into a job interview without knowing a little something about the company.  You don’t just dive into a relationship with someone without knowing at least something about them.  Treat derby the same way! (I will retract a bit and say, that some of the best skaters I know never saw a bout before they played derby/passed tryouts.  This is few and far between I tell you!!  And derby's big enough now, that you have no excuse.)



2012 NRG Bootcamp
Photo by Curse Practitioner

Nothing impresses a vet more than new skaters with derby knowledge.  It shows you’ve already put in effort before coming out to a clinic.  It's even better if you’ve actually been to some bouts, read the rules, and have done rink or outdoor skating.  Of course these are all things a potential derby skater should do to prepare themselves on their journey!  However, you’d be surprised by how many skaters don't even bother.  These are the ones that usually waste our time.  

With that said, once you've done some research and have started the training process...you don't stop there.  Keep studying, and keep learning.  Something I see too often is a girl that passes their assessments, makes it to scrimmage worthiness, and then plateaus.  It’s like all they wanted to achieve was mediocrity. She may not be interested in traveling to tournaments on the charter roster, but lack of growth and staying stagnant are not good! 

If you’ve made it far enough to scrimmage and become roster eligible then it’s time to step up your game.  I often say to the newly passed scrimmage players, “now the real work begins!”.  I say it jokingly, but I’m totally serial (Anyone? Anyone?).  Now you’re competing with skaters that have bouts and years of derby under their belts.  You may be competing for a home team roster spot or a B or A team spot. If you made it this far and quit now, why did you bother in the first place?  Why did you spend your valuable time and the leagues valuable time to either literally quit or just ride pine?  NO RIDING PINE! NO QUITTERS!

Moral of the story, be proactive, be knowledgeable, be awesome, and never give up.

Slammylou Harris...25 Questions: Stalking Your Favorite Rollergirls

Another one for my home team!  

I couldn't have a complete interview series without including Slammylou Harris.  I first saw Slammy skate in late 2009 when I went to my very first NRG bout.  Of course, what originally caught my attention was her clever little name choice, and then I got hit with my very first derby crush seeing her with her crazy-long limbs tearing through the pack as a jammer...she's such a talented and graceful skater.  I officially met her in person the night I shattered my leg, and was so hyped up on adrenalin and so in shock that my foot was on crooked that I didn't fully realize at the time that it was Miss Original Derby Crush herself helping me get my skate off.  All that said, I hereby admit that she's one of the reasons I began/continued skating, she's pretty rad and I owe her a debt of gratitude (and I'm too squirmy to tell you that in person, Slams, so I hope you enjoy reading it!).

Name: Slammylou Harris

Number: 99


Circa 2009 (she's part spider monkey)
Photo credit unavailable.  

1. What league(s) are you/have you been affiliated with?

Began skating with the Tragic City Rollers of Birmingham, AL in May 2006.  Moved home to Nashville in 2007 and the Nashville Rollergirls have been the team and league in my heart ever since.

2. How long have you been skating (derby)?
5 years, 8 months, and 9 days.

3. How did you discover roller derby?

I knew literally nothing about modern derby when I decided I wanted to be a part of it. I had just graduated from college and was trying to figure out what I was gonna do with my life (how little things have changed) and as little as I knew about the sport, I knew that this would be a rad group of ladies to get involved with. I wasn't wrong.

4. List your most notable derby injuries...

Torn ACL/PCL/LCL.  Repaired and good as new with a hella sexy scar on top. 

5. What was/is your oddest non-derby injury?
My jackass older brother shot me in the head with a BB gun once.

6. How did you select your derby name and number?

Nobody calls me by my full name.  I am Slammy or Slams.  When I came back from injury last season I toyed with the idea of going by my real name but EVERYONE I know outside of my family calls me 'Slammy' so it would just be weird.  Also, I live in Nashville and people seem to get a kick out of Slammylou Harris.  I'm #99 because I am obviously build like a linebacker.

7. When not being a derby badass, what do you do for work (company can be kept anonymous)?

I work at a restaurant for monies and am still trying to figure out what I'm doing with the rest of my life.

8. What are some derby names that you find particularly funny/clever?

I'm kind of over derby names.  There is just so much more to be impressed with in this sport than a clever name.  But I did chuckle when I heard 'Baller Shot Caller' at South Centrals this past year.  And 'Bob Loblaw' makes me smile everytime I hear it.


9. What is your non-derby first name?
Elizabeth, but I have convinced more than one person that Slammy is short for Slamantha.

10. If you could have chosen your own non-derby name, what would it be?

Eliza

11. What are your non-derby hobbies/activities/hidden talents?
People have other activities in their lives besides derby?!?  I read, put together jigsaw puzzles, and watch episodes of the Golden Girls like it's my job.  Because I am 75.

12. Do you collect anything, if so, what/why?
Record covers and conquests.

Photo credit unavailable (if it's yours, let us know!)

13. What was your favorite Holiday or Birthday present received as a kid?
Barbie Dream House

14. Who was the object of your most embarrassing teenage celebrity obsession?
Jared Leto as Jordan Catalano.  The crush faded with the emergence of the eyeliner.

15. Which celebrity would you like to be friends with?
Miranda July

 16. Do you have tattoos? What, where, and why?
No.  Still searching for the right one.

17. What is something that most people don't know, or would never guess about you?
I'm a pretty open book.

18. What movie(s) can you watch over and over and never get sick of?
Ladybugs.  Dirty, Rotten, Scoundrels.  Waiting for Guffman.





 19. I can't leave the house without...?
My toothbrush

20. What would I find in your refrigerator right now?
Bourbon Balls from Christmas.  Everything else is super, mega healthy.

 21. What is your most over-used word or phrase?

"Have you met me?"--when people act shocked at something I do or say that seems completely in character for me.

22. What is the last book you've read?

I am concurrently reading "The World Without Us", Ron Paul's "The Revolution", "S&M 101" (yes, you read that right.), and the last book of the Hunger Games trilogy.

23. Very first set of wheels?

My cozy coupe

24. What is the biggest life hurdle that you have overcome?

I am absolutely sure that I have not completely overcome my need to be right and have things done my way, but I am better at dealing with my control issues now that I was a year ago.  Playing a team sport has definitely increased my ability to take a deep breath, step back, and not fly off when things are not done exactly according to the plan in my head.

25. List 3 things that you plan to accomplish in 2012?

Travel somewhere not for derby, go back to school, Champs 2012.

Rambo's Quick n' Dirty (Part 3)

Photo by Axle Adams

Ohh this one is a fun little ditty! You'll need a Tabata HIIT timer or a stop watch for this workout. Remember Tabatas are 20 sec max effort work with 10 sec rest for 8 rounds (4 mins total).  Go ALL out!  Transition time is 10 secs between exercises.  If you don't have a kettle bell use something heavy and hold it at your chest when doing the squats.  If you do not have a box/step/bench to jump on, do double high knees to your chest instead, landing on the balls of your feet absorb the pressure with a slight squat-fast repetition.  Enjoy! 

For definitions and assistance on form, check out the DEFINITIONS page.

Quick n' Dirty #3

10-30 foot Forward sprint and backwards (run backwards) sprint (2 mins)

Kettle Bell Squat and Push up Tabata (4 mins) alternate exercise every other “work period”
Box Jumps (18 inch or higher) Tabata (4 mins)
Side plank Tabata alternating sides (4 mins)

Diagonal Leg Bound Tabata (4 mins)

5-30 foot Forward sprint and backwards (run backwards) sprint (1 mins)

A sprint and return backwards is one rep. When running backwards pick your feet up, knees towards your chest, and engage the core. Always landing on the ball of your foot and absorb. FAST TWITCH!

Annathrax...25 Questions: Stalking Your Favorite Rollergirls

I am absolutely loving me some Greenville Derby Dames!!  My derby crush roster is now fully stacked with these bitches...
Reason number one:  They are so freaking nice to me!   
Reason number two:  They have a cookbook!!  (http://www.greenvillederbydames.com/)
Reason number three:  Annathrax tore the cartilage from her STERNUM!!  How do you even do that?!?!  Umm...that's epitomically (look it up, it's a real word) badass!!

Name:  Annathrax
Number: 187

1. What league(s) are you/have you been affiliated with?
Skated for Reedy River Roller Girls
Skated for Low Country High Rollers
Founded Greenville Derby Dames

 2. How long have you been skating (derby)?

Since March 1, 2006

 3. How did you discover roller derby?
A friend of mine was skating for the Reedy River Roller Girls and I asked to go skate with her. A girl broke her ankle at practice and I held ice on her until the ambulance got to the rink. I never looked back!

 4. List your most notable derby injuries?
 I tore the cartilage from my sternum, broke my pinky, a couple of concussions, the usual.

 5. What was/is your oddest non-derby injury?

I got punched in the neck once.

 6. How did you select your derby name and number?
A co-worker named me Annathrax when he wrote it on a cup of coffee for me, my number is based off of California Penal Code 187 and is slang for murder.

7. When not being a derby badass, what do you do for work (company can be kept anonymous)?
Store Manager of a High End Coffee Shop 

8. What are some derby names that you find particularly funny/clever?
Octopushy hahahaha

9. What is your non-derby first name?
Anna Beth

10. If you could have chosen your own non-derby name, what would it be?
I'm named after my Grandmother on my Mother's side and one of my Mother's childhood friends that couldn't have children, I love my name!

11. What are your non-derby hobbies/activities/hidden talents?
Coupon Addict / Wannabe Extreme Couponer!!!!! I usually save 50 - 70% on my grocery bill EVERY week!

12. Do you collect anything, if so, what/why?
 Gas masks of course!

13. What was your favorite Christmas or Birthday present received as a kid?
 Fluffy Bunny, I slept with it until high school, ain't no shame!

14. Who was the object of your most embarrassing teenage celebrity obsession?
 hahahaha the Metallica poster in my brother's room!

15. Which celebrity would you like to be friends with? 
Someone really slutty and bad so I would look better!

Photo by Nelson Rajo

16. Do you have Tattoos? What, where, and why?

All over, some are dumb, some are awesome, cover ups coming soon!

17. What is something that most people don’t know, or would never guess about you?
 I'm scared of needles

18. What movie(s) can you watch over and over and never get sick of?

Downton Abbey, not a movie but the only thing close.

19. I can't leave the house without...?
My ipad  and sunglasses.

20. What would I find in your refrigerator right now?
Milk, cheese, eggs, assorted condiments, juice.

21. What is your most over-used word or phrase?
Hey girl hey!

22. What is the last book you've read?
Arther's Reading Race to my 2 year old!

23. Very first set of wheels?
Oh geez I have no idea, but I'm on Heartless Stalkers now.

24. What is the biggest life hurdle that you have overcome?
Getting over myself.

25. List 3 things that you plan to accomplish in 2012?
Take a family vacation, buy a house, procrastinate less.