relationships

Derby Love, on and off the track

Posted on by Guest Blogger in Skater Articles Leave a comment

The Joan Ranger and Queefer Sutherland

by Killer Zee

Derby can forge some intense relationships, more so than any other sport or club I have been part of. No one else but your teammates knows what it’s like to get wailed on three times a week, endure grueling drills, and run practices. While we have people outside of derby that support us — why else would they come to see us?! — no one really understands except the people that are right beside us on the line. For example, a recent conversation with my soon-to-be husband sounded something like this:

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The Mommy Track: Keeping Things in Czech

Posted on by Guest Blogger in Derby Moms Leave a comment

by Hip Czech

Hip Czech blocking

I thought about trying out for The Chicago Outfit for over a year before finally deciding to do it. As a mom of two kids working full time as a librarian, it seemed daunting to add the commitment a roller derby team requires (including several practices a week, and hours running and promoting the league) on top of my already packed schedule. Would I have enough time for my kids? My husband? Would I have enough time to kick back, or even enjoy a glass of wine every now and then?

Last Fall however I finally decided: this was it! I didn’t want to have any regrets or grow old wondering “what if…?” I signed up for the Chicago Outfit tryouts in December 2012. Luckily, I passed and started attending practices at the beginning of this year, not knowing really what to expect or whether I’ll be able to balance everything. Or if my life would slide into complete chaos…

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