Category Archives: Bruises

Bruises: Show them off, or cover them up?

After Wednesday’s derby practice, my upper arms and hips turned a pretty mixture of hues: Right now they’re bluish-purple, with hints of turquoise and red. I suspect after a few days, they’lI turn an ugly yellow-green color. While many women … Continue reading

Posted in Bruises, Injuries, Roller derby general, Women's Flat Track Derby Association | Leave a comment

Derby practice: We be jammin’

I’ve always shied away from being a jammer at roller derby practice. I tend to be a blocker or pivot. In case you don’t know the positions in roller derby, here’s a quick guide to some roller derby terms. I’ve … Continue reading

Posted in Black Rose Roller Girls, Bruises, Roller derby general | Leave a comment

Merry Khaos, Harrisburg derby girl, teaches our team

I got a big bruise from Merry Khaos, of Harrisburg Roller Derby’s Nuclear Knockouts. It’s my first bruise caused by someone other than myself! She hits hard (and she said she’s not a hard-hitter…so it makes me wonder what the … Continue reading

Posted in Black Rose Roller Girls, Bruises, Harrisburg Area Roller Derby | Leave a comment

Skating injury, part II: Pop goes the wheel

I have a set of indoor wheels and a set of outdoor wheels. I have to switch wheels constantly. The hard, grooved wheels are for indoor use — allowing for more speed and agility. The soft, smooth wheels are for … Continue reading

Posted in Bruises, Roller derby general | Leave a comment

Skating injury, part I: Taken out by an 8-year-old

My first really hard fall was not during derby practice. In fact, I was proud of myself for managing to stay upright during our first few weeks of practice. I guess I got cocky. I went to the Magic Elm … Continue reading

Posted in Bruises, Roller derby general | Leave a comment

With all of my gear, I feel like a football player

Roller derby involves falling — lots of it. In practice, our coach has been teaching us the right way to fall. And in derby, you can’t use your hands to get yourself off the ground. Just your skates and knees. … Continue reading

Posted in Bruises, Gear reviews, Roller derby general | Leave a comment