Skate Journal Day #1

Over the last couple of months I have been re-adopting healthier habits in order to drop a few pounds before our wedding. Quarantine and self-isolation periods have made me a lot less active (and down right lazy!) I started walking again at local parks and the track and I began making changes to how and what I eat. While browsing on YouTube I came across the most fascinating physical activity that could really add a level of fun to my movement…roller skating!

I have only experienced skates once as a child around 9-10 years old. I remember my Mom bringing home some plastic skates from a thrift store find. I skated in the house on carpet and got the hang of it until I was brave enough to go outside. I fell once outdoors; never to try again! Here it is at age 31 and I am wanting to try it again! I never did learn how to swim, so I thought skating would be a good option. After weeks of doing research on skates and watching videos for beginners, I finally purchased my first pair with a few accessories and a skate tool. Yesterday, July 27th was my first day on eight wheels! Oh man, was it an experience. I thought I’d keep a journal category here about my skating adventure. I can’t wait to see the improvement.

Let’s talk about the skates

It’s no surprise that I’d fall in love with a new hobby that required a bit of an investment to get started. I wanted to find a good quality pair of skates as I was concerned in how their durability would be for a plus sized woman. Ultimately, I decided to purchase the Crazy Skates Evoke in Black. These were $279 + tax / shipping, however I was able to conveniently purchase them through AfterPay from Pigeon’s Roller Skate Shop. I also invested around $80-90 in protective gear: helmet, elbow pads, knee pads and wrist guards. I didn’t think I’d need anything other than knee pads but boy was I wrong! I am glad I have all the protection I can get.

My First Time on Wheels

In all honesty, I think I was a bit too confident to start. My hard living room floors quickly set that straight! It is such a strange sensation to be rolling. Not only that, but the skates gives me at least 3-4 inches of height. I am slowly but surely, finding my balance with these. I was absolutely terrified after lacing the skates on the first time and then struggling like a new-born deer to to stand up! After wobbling through the house a few times, I started to get a little more comfortable. I was only able to skate for 4-5min at a time, but I did see slight improvement after each small break. My feet cramped, my back hurt, and my thighs definitely burned from the constant squatted/knee bend position. There was lots of sweating involved, too. Well, I got what I asked for…exercise!

I fell once, relatively safely. Yes, there is a right and wrong way to fall! The second fall was totally unexpected as my wheels went flying out from under me and my tailbone took a dive for the floor. The pain that ensued is nothing I’d wish on even my worst enemy. Nonetheless, I’m fine and still have a spirit of wanting to learn.

I share my little skating journey with my coworkers. One of which who roller skates, too. I can’t wait to get good enough for us to skate together on our lunch break at the local park or tennis courts. 🙂

Skate Journal Day #2

Surprisingly enough, I wasn’t as sore in the muscles as I thought I’d be after Day #1 and my falls. Getting up from a seated position on the floor is still a bit challenging, but I’ve learned ways to make the transition either. Yay! Improvement. My strides were better with a few trips and near-falls. I still haven’t quite figured out how to stop with my toe stops (despite me watching so many videos!) Things are a whole lot harder to do once you’re actually on the skates. My time on Day #2 was limited, as I had some art commission work to do, but 50min was great! My feet did not cramp until I was near the end of the session, so I feel my muscles getting stronger little by little.

Today, I also mustered up the courage to use my Y3 Skate tool (Powedine brand) and adjust my skates. I am looking forward to seeing how they perform. I adjusted the nuts on each wheel, so the rolling should be more even and go farther. I have also adjusted my trucks, so finally I should have a better time shifting my weight and guiding my skates to make turns. I look forward to testing the new adjustments out tomorrow!