Challenge is a noun and sometimes is a verb

Tomorrow, I embark on the Roller Derby Workout Challenge. The Heart Attacks, a roller derby team out of L.A., created this marvellous DVD and have an accompanying challenge, including an eating plan. Structure! Just what I need. Many of my fellow fresh meat are taking up the challenge, too. Support! Just what I need.

Roller derby has been such a gift. My first roller skating session was March 3, 2011. Since then, I've challenged myself in many ways to improve at this sport. I'm much stronger than at this time last year. My legs are starting to get definition I haven't seen in years. And while I adore a taut calf muscle, the true benefits have been beyond physical fitness. For all that it has reputation for girl drama, my derby experience so far has been mostly very positive.

The group is made up of women ranging in age from early 20s to mid 40s. We are public servants, engineers, students, stay-at-home moms, nurses and so many other things. Some are natural athletes, moving with ease and grace. Others are fighting hard for every bit of improvement. All inspire me to be better.

Today, I am prepping my house for the challenge. I am also prepping my mind and heart.

And what have you done?

I really hate that John Lennon Christmas song. "And so this is Christmas and what have you done? Another year over and a new one just begun." Makes me feel like I've accomplished nothing! As usual. But as Ben Davis reminds us, it's striving for perfection that makes us great.

I've been beating myself up a bit for still being a disorganized mess and for letting my running slip, but you know what? A year ago, I didn't even run. At all. A year ago, I didn't roller skate. A year ago, I was getting over a long illness. A year ago, I only had one niece. In the past year, I've found a love for roller derby, reconnected with some great friends and made new ones.

2011 has been a pretty good year.

For 2012, I recommit to this blog. I will try to get a handle on this organization business. I'll add more workouts to my week, starting with the roller derby workout challenge. I'll try not to neglect my husband and dogs (too much). And I'll try to clean up my eating. Oh yeah, and maybe find some time for writing.

Ready to lace up your skates?