How to Train to Skate a State

...or just be in better shape. The Sk8 the State training regimen will whip any body into better shape (seriously, I've got the man-arms to prove it). Most of the Sk8 team attends roller derby practice twice a week, which is a great full-body workout. In addition to that, every day we are doing 200 crunches, 200 squats and 100 push-ups, and also skating at least 40 miles per week outdoors.

I realize this sounds like a lot, but if you spread the activity over a full day and incorperate my patented Twizzlers-and-ice cream-based reward system, it goes by really fast (for obvious reasons, I'm going to get someone else to write the nutrition blog entry). I start my day with 10 push-ups on the side of my tub and 40 squats while I brush my teeth. Then after a healthy breakfast (Butterfingers and Mello Yello) I do a set of 50 crunches and 10 more push-ups.

Now, being that I'm a writer and not a "productive" member of society, it is easier for me to work crunches, squats and push-ups into my daily routine. What if, for example, you work in a law office? Well if you have a three-walled cubicle, the squats are easy; simply stand periodically and say: "Did a fax come in for me?" then bend at the knees, keeping your back straight, until you are in a position similar to sitting in a chair, stand again and say: "How about now? Did the fax come yet?" And repeat.

After just a few weeks, you'll notice a dramatic change in muscle tone and strength. And, if you follow the above procedure for working squats into your workday, your coworkers will stop asking you to lunch, which will help you shed some of those unwanted pounds.

Vanilla Skates and Bones Bearings Join the Sk8 the State Team

We're all on pins and needles waiting for our shipment of Vanilla Skates and Bones REDS bearings! You may remember, last year Vanilla sponsored the three skaters with brand new Brass Knuckles. Mo Payne, PBR and Dubbs not only sported those skates on the trek across South Dakota, but are still rocking them for roller derby. This year, most of us are going with the Vanilla Curves, which still have the custom b/d fit (narrow in the heel, wider in the toe) and some more cush and padding. These skates should make for a nice, comfy glide across Nebraska this year.

And what is going to keep our wheels rolling through the road dust and grit? Why, Bones REDS bearings, of course! Bones has offered to send each skater two sets of bearings to carry us across the state. I use REDS for derby and LOVE them! They roll just as smoothly as some ceramics I've tried and can withstand a ton of rough use (even if you aren't exactly diligent about cleaning and lubing your bearings regularly).

We couldn't be more thrilled to be working with these great sponsors! Our goal is to be able to give every cent donated directly to the National MS Society, which means that we need our gear, food and lodging and other such necessaries to be donated. Thanks to Vanilla and Bones, we're much closer to our goal! If you would like more info on becoming a sponsor or donating to the cause, you can comment here, look us up on facebook or email sk8thestate@hotmail.com.

Hugs and Kisses,
Amelia "Skinnerella" Saint