Wednesday, August 7, 2013

A Fallen Star: Tough Love Advice from a Rookie

I really can't explain the concept of hard work and dedication any better than this rookie did, so I'm posting it unamended. This woman is gonna NAIL that assessment next go-around!

"A fallen star: Some of us didn't make it to or pass the White Star Assessments for a number of reasons, injury being one. I'd like to talk about why I didn't pass my assessment at the end of Spring Fresh Meat. I came into it thinking, there is no way I cannot pass. From the beginning, I knew that "sports" come naturally to me. I played basketball, softball, threw shotput/discus, powerlifted, and even ran cross country. To top it off in my adult life, I am an avid Crossfitter. I don't think I was too cocky, but I had a little pride that I wasn't willing to give up to learn. 

I became frustrated with the hurting (ankles/lower back/shins you name it... it hurt at some point)... I like to call it "butt hurt." Some things came easier to me than others, and I broke my cardinal rule. I focused on those things that were easy. When shit got hard, I bailed... Blamed it on my aching back, my cramping thighs, or my burning shins. About a month out from assessment, I stepped up my game... practiced practiced practiced... met up with Vet skaters, watched derby bouts online, tried my 27 in 5 almost every day!!

My first assessment was miserable. I started having back spasms and freaked out... I bailed. Blamed it on my back, but it was just a lot of hard work that I hadn't been participating in on a weekly basis. No matter how much you practice outside of Saturdays, you WILL NOT get the same effect. So I encourage you to show up on Saturdays, not just be there but show up!!! Participate, when you think you can't go on, stick with the drill another minute (unless you are truly injured).

My second assessment was much more relaxed... different assessors and less girls. I pushed myself harder than I ever had, why? Because I knew I had to do good!! Why didn't I have that attitude every practice?? I had NO idea that my past performances at practice would be a factor in the decision for me in passing/failing my assessment. So what should you take away from this? Show up, be present, push yourself beyond your comfort zone, because you don't make progress being comfortable. I still hate crossovers and plow stops, but you better believe every time I put on my skates, I work on them!!! Don't let your ego get in the way, be humble, and punish your weakness!!!"

1 comment:

  1. thanks girl! I am just staring out and I enjoyed your blog!

    ReplyDelete