www.sincityskates.com
I had gone four decades without ever visiting an Orthopedist, until this morning. After about three and a half months intentionally (at first) and unintentionally (with regularity) falling on my knees, I found myself in some serious pain. As it turns out, no major damage has been done. Nothing some super-sized anti-inflammatory drugs and a couple of visits to physical therapy (and time and a lot of ice) can't help along. Did I mention this all happened before my new knee pads arrived?
I'm not big on giving advice. Lord knows, I could use more than I could ever dish out. However! If you are considering roller derby, my dear friends, or have started training and have not yet invested in some serious knee pads, please indulge me for a moment...
I love you, my dearest 187s. You are so soft and snuggly on the inside. You are so strong and tough on the outside. Your shock-absorbent core makes me feel cared for and loved. I would wear you all day every day if only... if only... hey, why don't I wear them all day, every day? Well, they would look a little strange over a suit in a board meeting...
I can understand why I started out in Pro-Tec street pads. They were inexpensive, and combined with Gladiator knee gaskets, protected me very well as I started out. However! I should have listened to all the wise women who have skated before me. I was told to invest in knee pads from the very beginning. I was told in no uncertain terms that if I was serious about roller derby my Pro-Tecs were crap. Did I listen? Sure, I listened, and then I told myself, "Well, as soon as I pass my safety assessment...." Then, "after I'm scrimmage-approved...." Who's the loser? That would be me!
Yes, I have at least twenty years on some of my meat-sisters and my knees were probably more prone to this than my skinny, much-more-fit-than-I-will-ever-be cohorts, but don't let that be your excuse! Picture me ever so gingerly lowering myself to the floor, kneeling in pain and looking up at you pleadingly, batting my blue eyes at you... Please, please, please buy better knee pads! Always wear your gaskets! I want all of you to skate until you decide you want to retire. Don't let your knees decide it for you.
Trust me, when you're my age, you will remember me. "You know, I remember when Robin said...."
May you skate fiercely in large knee pads!
That is all.

View Original Post at robinlbernstein.blogspot.com

• Filed Under:  
• Skating, Roller Derby, Sports, SportsPLUS, Health & Fitness