Hanging out on 98 Rock

For those of you who aren't early birds, you most likely missed myself and Adrenaline Junkie on the 98 Rock morning show promoting our Derby Double Feature Weekend.

For those of you who don't know, this weekend (9/7/2012 -9/8/2012) is filled with derby action here in Baltimore.

Friday night we begin with a screening of the full length documentary "Derby, Baby" presented by Charm City Roller Girls and One Rock Studio.  This event takes place at The Creative Alliance.  Doors open at 7:30pm.  Tickets are $10.00 and available at The Creative Alliance.  “Derby, Baby” is the first feature-length documentary about the global women’s roller derby scene, narrated by Juliette Lewis.  

Saturday night is the Charm City Roller Girls Home Team Season Opener at Du Burns Arena.  Doors open at 5:30pm.  Tickets are $12.00 in advance for General Admission ($15.00 at the door).  We also have VIP tickets for $25.00.

And now, please enjoy a recap of our appearance on 98 Rock.  Please do NOT text in.  The Contest is no longer valid.  


9-6-12 Roller Derby Aircheck

Getting active with the kids

  I am by nature a very active person.  Even before my Roller Derby days, I was involved in a variety of activities.  I took dance lessons for 13 years, and bowled in a duckpin league for almost as long.  There was softball, basketball, and volleyball (my sports “mistress” prior to roller derby). 

  When I wasn’t participating in organized activities, I was out riding my bike, swimming in a friend’s pool, or playing kickball and dodge in the school parking lot.  I have been active my whole life, and I’m trying to develop the same activities level in my 3 year old son.   But, it can be a challenge.

  My son is growing up in a very technological era, inundated with video game systems, DVD movies and channels that broadcast cartoon ALL DAY.  It makes it very difficult for a kid to unplug from all this technology to become active.  With the Summer Olympics still fresh in our minds, it is the perfect inspiration to promote healthy activities.  Although it can be a challenge, there are plenty of easy ways to take part in physical activities.

  Our house features a decent sized unfenced backyard with a small playset and grassy areas that provide a perfect space for outdoor fun.  We have a deck box filled with various preschool friendly sports equipment and even a Slip and Slide.  A nice day in the backyard could begin with some swinging, and progress to shooting soccer goals, and end with a dip in the plastic kiddie pool.  But, the backyard is not the perfect retreat every day.  Due to improper grading and drainage issues, our backyard haven becomes a quagmire unsuitable for outdoor play, unless we want to pretend we’re on an excursion through the Everglades.  So, we have to find other playtime solutions.

Boarding in the neighboorhood

  Our garage is our secondary activity arsenal.  There, my son can choose from his Power Wheel, scooter, or “big boy” bike equipped with training wheels.  This active mama has no problem pulling out a pair of skates or a skateboard to keep up with the mobile boy.  But, before we hit the pavement, safety gear must be on.  I never step out on the Roller Derby track without safety gear.  Therefore, my son does not start a wheeled activity without his gear in place.

  We are also lucky to have a community with trails that travel through the surrounding the wooded areas.  These are perfect for short nature hikes, where we can also learn about animals and plants.  Sometimes, we take a canvas bag and collect items to use for nature based art projects. 

  We are also within a short drive from a multitude of playgrounds.  My son loves slides and swings, so it’s easy entertainment for a while.  We also make sure to stay hydrated with a water bottle nearby.  A trip to the playground usually results in one tuckered out 3 year old.

  One of my favorite activities to do with my son is going to the local library.  It gets us out of the house, and away from the temptation of TV and video games for a while.  We first got involved in a Babies Loves Books program when he was 6 months old, and continued into a Tales for Twos program until he started his preschool program.  Besides developing a love for books, these activities also involve moving and dancing and being social.  BONUS:  IT’S FREE!!  Now, we visit the library regularly to find great books and have a little physical activity.  There is a small indoor play area and an outdoor playground.  There’s also a trail to a nearby pond.  Going to the library always ends up being good for mind and body. 

  Even in this technology driven age, it is easy to find simple activities for kids to get active.  Look around your neighborhood for trails and playgrounds.  Break out the bikes and scooters, or just lace up some shoes and go out for a stroll. Check out your local library and Parks and Rec for activities.  There are so many ways to get kids off the couch and moving. 

Another Sample and Share Opportunity

Thanks to Old Navy and Crowdtap, my friend Kristin and I, were able to sample some of Old Navy's new shorts, and each get a free pair of our favorites!

Apparently, the Warm Multi Printed shorts I chose in the end was meant for me, because they totally matched my Roxy shirt.  What made me choose them over all of the other available options?  Well, let's look at what other options I chose to sample:

I had chosen two different printed shorts, a pair of Perfect Khakis, and Diva Denims.  The printed shorts drew my eye right away.  But they were two different lengths.  The Caspian Sea Blue turned out to be a little too short for my liking.  The Perfect Khakis were comfy and had a great length, but they seemed a little too baggy.  The Diva's were great too, but the length was a little iffy.  I love the dark denim shorts though. 

So, what was the big decision for myself and my sample and share partner?  It came down to length.  We both preferred a 5" length or longer, and we both found a great pair of shorts that met our style!

Thanks Old Navy and Crowdtap for another great opportunity.

Blocking out the misconceptions about Women's Roller Derby

“You play roller derby?  You? No way.  So, you just get to skate in skimpy outfits and hit other girls all the time?”

That would be the typical response I receive when a person learns that I play roller derby, and it’s all based on the misconceptions of Women’s Roller Derby.  I have been spending a good portion of my 2 ½ year derby career clearing up those misconceptions.  In fact, I was recently on a local radio morning show, when one of the hosts actually brought up the misconceptions most people have about Roller Derby, and how we can clear them up.  Well, this is one step to do so.

Misconception #1 – Roller Derby girls are big, mean, tattooed covered rough looking girls.

Reality – Yes, some girls are big and muscular.  Yes, some have tattoos. Yes, some are rough and tough looking.  BUT NOT ALL.  I, for example, stand at 5’9’’ with a lean athletic build.  I’m not tough looking, especially when I have my 2 year old son in tow.  I look like a normal mom that lives down the street, playing in the yard with my son, or just running errands around town.  

If you take a look at the Charm City Roller Girls, you will see girls of all shapes and sizes, so to say.  In fact, my team, the CCRG Night Terrors, is made up mostly of jammer type skaters; lean, quick and agile.  And we all have different backgrounds.  We have moms, nurses, teachers, students, military, computer programmers, and so much more.

Misconception #2 – Roller Derby isn’t a sport, just entertainment provided by scantily clad women.

If you’ve ever donned a pair of roller skates and hit your local skate rink, you would know that roller skating itself is a pretty good workout.  Now, add skill and strategy, and you have part of what makes Roller Derby a sport.  As a roller girl, I am required to attend practices where we work on skills, endurance and strategy.  Roller derby is not just skating around and randomly hitting opposing players just to hit them.  There is a strategy in which we play both offense and defense simultaneously to allow our Jammer to score points, and prevent the opposing jammer from doing so.  

Roller derby is hard work.  There are no choreographed fights that take place.  Besides the entertainment we have as our half-time show, there is no other entertainment factor than sitting down to cheer for your favorite team.

As for our outfits, or “boutfits” as we like to call them, yes, sometimes they are comprised of tight fitting derby shorts, leggings or fishnets.  I used to dance (tap,  jazz, and ballet) for 13 years, and honestly, I’m not wearing anything more tight or revealing than my dance costumes.  I actually wore fishnet stockings in tap numbers, but in roller derby, I stick to leggings to protect myself from rink rash.  Although, plenty of girls do prefer the fishnet style as part of their boutfits.

Misconception #3 – Roller Girls get paid to do play.

If I got paid to play Roller Derby, I would have much better derby gear, and cringing a little less when I’m at the gas pump.  Roller Girls don’t get paid to play the sport.  In most leagues, like Charm City Roller Girls, we actually pay monthly dues to be a part of the league.  Our league is skater-owned and operated, meaning the league runs entirely on league members.  Our committees are responsible for designing promotional materials and merchandise, public relations, web page maintenance, fundraiser, and so much more.  

On bout day, with the help of volunteers, we lay a plywood subfloor and sport court, sell merchandise, take tickets, handle crowd control and all other duties to keep the bout running.  We also depend on donations and sponsorships from local businesses and organizations who are interested in supporting the sport. 

 

Misconception #4 – There are no rules, just full out beat downs using any body part you can fling at your opponent

If I had a nickel for every time someone asked me about elbowing an opponent, or punching a player, I’d have a good chunk of change in my pocket.  

There are plenty of rules in Roller Derby.  Charm City Roller Girls are a member of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), which is the governing body of women’s flat track roller derby.  WFTDA is also the body that sets the rules in women’s flat track roller derby, and there are plenty of them.  There is no elbowing an opponent allowed, or punching anyone for that matter.  There are legal blocking zones set by WFTDA and enforced by Referees. 

As you can see, via the below graphic, players are allowed to only use the arm from the shoulder to the elbow, the torso, hips and booty, and the mid and upper thigh to make legal hits on opponents.  Elbows, forearms, hands, head , and areas below mid thigh are not allowed.  

To see all of the extensive rules and regulations that exist in Roller Derby, visit http://www.wftda.com.

The best way to understand Women’s Roller Derby in 2012 is to come see a bout.  You can find the full schedule for the Charm City Roller Girls at http://www.charmcityrollergirls.com/ 

Checkin' out new styles

I am by no means a fashionista.  At derby practices and bouts, I'm sporting leggins, tank tops, and some sort of knee high or athletic ankle socks.  Outside of derby, it's jeans, and a tee or sweat shirt, unless it's a "fancy" day, then I spruce it up a little.
But, thanks to roller derby and it's intensity, I have unintentionally lost quite a few pounds.  I'm almost back to my high school weight.  CRAZY!  While that's great and all, it's not so great on my wallet.  I've had to purchase all sorts of new clothes.  Gift cards and coupons have become my best friend.  But, my ultimate friend is Crowdtap.
I have joined an Old Navy style council on Crowdtap, voicing my opinion about new and upcoming products.  The best part is getting selected for sample and shares! I was lucky enough to be chosen for the most recent sample and share opportunity: to try the new perfect fit tees and tanks.  With the coupon, I was able to get two free tanks or tees!
So, I went to my local Old Navy and found a couple different styles that were valid for my sample and share.

My go-to is normally rib knit tanks.  I wear them for practice, under sweaters, under button down shirts, and not to mention tanks make up 80% of my summer wardrobe.  So, of course, I tried the tanks.

 I pick up a v-neck with a little skepticism. In my entire wardrobe, I have 2 v-neck tees.  Much to my surprise, I LOVED these v-neck tees. 

My next option was the crew necks.  Can't go wrong with a crew neck.  They're great for layering and wearing individually.

My biggest surprise was the size I ended up with.  I generally lean towards a medium in tops.  In these perfect fit tees and tanks, SMALL was the winner.  OMG!  Makes me feel great about myself.  I don't know the last time I fit in a small top, even in high school. 

What ended up being my two freebies I left the store with?  A charcoal v-neck and a dark purple vintage crew neck.  These new tees and tanks are really great.  They're comfy, and they come in great colors.  I suggest you check them out for yourself.  And check out Crowdtap.com and maybe you can get an awesome opportunity for free stuff like I did.

UPDATE ***

My Sample and Share partner was Miracle Whip, also of the Charm City Roller Girls.   She chose a rib knit tank and the rib knit henley, which she decided to layer.  What does Miracle Whip have to say?  "They're super soft and really comfy!"  Comfy enough to even sport for a roller derby practice!

Charm City Roller Girl on 98 Rock

On Monday, January 30th, I was joined by fellow roller girls, TwiBite and Aidee Dee, while visiting Mickey, Amelia and Spiegel on 98 Rock.
We talked about January 28th's Home Team Season Opener bout, and about the upcoming bout on February 18th.  The Morning Show gang were very excited to hear about our 7th Season and hope to attend what is turning out to be the best season yet.
In case you missed it, you can listen here.
1-30-2012 Roller Girls

Who is Ellie Vation anyway?

I'm not famous in the Hollywood sense.  Nor do I get paid being Ellie Vation.  I play Roller Derby.  And I may get recognized by a few fans here and there.
Yes, Roller Derby was very popular in the 70s and it was even shown on TV.   Yes, that movie Whip It was about Roller Derby... and mostly got it right.
I play for the Charm City Roller Girls.  We are a WFTDA league based out of Baltimore, MD.  WFTDA is the Women's Flat Track Derby Association.  So, if you saw Whip It, you would notice they played on a banked track, where the track is sort of elevated on the outside and slopes inwards.  Well, a WFTDA league plays on a flat track, no elevation or sloping.  We skate counter-clockwise, bumping and hitting into each other on this track with an actual strategy to win.  More on actual rules and such of derby in a future post.
So, how did I get into this sport?  Well, I can thank my husband for that.  He attended a bout with his business partner, and told me all about it when he came home.  He thought I might be interested since I've been an athlete all my life.  My athletic career has ranged from dance (I'm talking ballet, tap and jazz), to volleyball, to basketball, to ice skating, to running, to softball...obviously, I don't like to sit still for too long.  And having a background in ice skating and growing up roller skating at the local Skateland, maybe Roller Derby was just the thing for me. 
So, I attended a Charm City Roller Girl's bout, and fell in love instantly.  Lucky for me, tryouts were coming up quickly.  So, I bought some derby worthy roller skates and all the necessary pads, helmet and mouth guard and hit an Open Skate session at the same Skateland I grew up going to.  I met a few other Skater Tots (other derby hopefuls) and some actual Charm City Roller Girls and began to work on the skills I needed. 
"What skills?" you ask.  Well, you need to be able to perform a variety of stopping techniques, various falling styles...oh... and that little endurance exercise of a particular number of laps in a certain time frame.
Tryouts came and I was as prepared as I could be.  A week or so later I received the official new.... I WAS A CHARM CITY ROLLER GIRL!!!!
After a year of training and going through the assessment process, I was drafted by the Night Terrors the Monday before the March 2011 bout.  I survived my first season and even better, the Night Terrors went undefeated in the CCRG Home Team Season and won the Home Team Championship!
Now, the 2012 Season approaches and I'm looking forward to helping my fellow Night Terrors defend our championship.
So, who is Ellie Vation?  Number U23 of the Night Terrors!  Come find me on the track.