The past few practices have been a blur of basic skills testing. We Fresh Meat are currently under evaluation to see if we are track-worthy — safe for ourselves and others, safe to compete. I don’t want to talk too much about the test itself. It’s been pretty stressful on all of us. I’ve done very well in some skills, and not so well in others. Hoping we will know whether or not we’ve made the team within the next week or two.

Last night we continued practicing skills and teamwork. We’ve been focusing on blocking and partner work lately. I’m learning a lot of strategies and trying to remember them all. Your brain has to work so quickly and be aware of so many things during a jam — your reactions should be almost second nature. I’m getting there.

Endurance-wise last night, I think I had a pretty good practice. We did a partnered weaving pace line — something I dread — and I was able to keep up and did fine. Usually I drop out of a pace line, but I made it through this one and was so pleased. Later when we did some scrimmaging drills, I pushed myself and volunteered to jam several times and also stepped in to block several times as well. I think I skated four jams in a row, which is more than I usually do. My asthma remained under control for the most part — another small victory.

During my last jam, I found myself being blocked by Pamberly, aka the “Jammer Killer,” and she knocked my ass to the ground like it was nothing. However, I scrambled back up as quickly as I could and got back into the pack. She knocked me down again soon after, and after I once again scrambled back up, I started chasing her, yelling, “Pamberly YOU WHORE.” Tensions running high on the track! Seriously, though, it was hilarious.

Anyway, right now my biggest problem is running out of steam during a jam — usually the second or third time around the track I become exhausted and can’t get my legs working right. Chickie Boom gave me a couple suggestions on combating that exhaustion and I will try them out next practice. She said to muster up the rest of my energy and run on my skates. The resulting momentum should keep me moving.

Sore today, but looking forward to more work tomorrow night. I’ll round out my week with a couple sessions of boot camp, as long as I can keep my knee stable. So far I’m okay.