Dear LuluDemon

The term "athlete" is one that is being used a lot in derby at the moment. I guess in part to ensure that our sport is taken seriously and not dismissed as a bunch of girls in fishnets throwing elbows. But also possibly as a way of pushing those skaters that are in this sport to take themselves more seriously.

Personally being called an athlete makes me nervous. To me an athlete is someone that gets up at 6am every day to hit the gym or run up a mountain. When I think of athletes, I think of Suzy HotRod’s daily workout routine or Beretta Lynch's road racing past.

Brim Stone’s alarm goes off at 7am and I stumble over to the hotel coffee maker to make hot water for my morning tea. I gather up my almost-dry gear and remember to retrieve my uniform from where it has been “airing” in the closet. I pull on my tights, sports bra and ankle booties and then cover it all up with my sweats and hoodie – not forgetting my team toque! I have just enough time to force down some oatmeal with banana and protein powder before running down to the lobby and getting on the crowded shuttle bus to the venue.

Dear Luludemon,

One of the things I love most about derby is that everyone's body type has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Right now I am trying to find a little bit of jammer inspiration for my body type, and I was wondering if you could help me out.

I am 5'11, 145 lbs with super gangly limbs. I positionally block sometimes, but I mostly jam. Keeping my limbs in control is probably one of my big challenges as a jammer.

Editor's note: Got a burning question? Send to [email protected]! Luludemon answers your questions here monthly on DerbyLife!

Question

Most of the girls in my league try to be as open and welcoming to fresh meat as possible but there are a handful who are cold as witch tits to the fresh meat. Why is this? Are they afraid of losing their spots on the A team roster? Are they insecure? Jealous? Shy? Inquiring minds want to know.