I’ve always been a huge fan of sports, trying out different ones throughout my life. But let me tell you, nothing, and I mean nothing, has ever challenged me as much as roller derby. This sport isn’t just fun, it’s hardcore. It pushes your limits in every way possible – stamina, strength, speed, and even mental toughness. So, naturally, I thought, “Why not dive headfirst into this challenge?” That’s how I started my roller derby journey.

Getting Started
First things first, I needed the right gear. After a bit of research, I found out that roller derby is mostly played on flat boots. I mean, there might be exceptions, but I haven’t seen any. So, I got myself a pair of those and started practicing. I fell down a lot, sure, but hey, that’s part of the learning curve, right?
Training Days
- Endurance: I started with basic skating, focusing on building my stamina. Long sessions, pushing myself a bit further each time.
- Power: Once I got the hang of skating, I moved on to power training. This involved lots of squats, lunges, and core work. My legs were on fire, but it felt good.
- Agility: Next up was agility. Quick turns, sudden stops, and weaving through cones – it was tough but super fun.
- Mental Conditioning: This was the hardest part. Roller derby is fast-paced and intense. I had to learn to stay focused and make quick decisions under pressure.
The Game: Just Steel
Now, let’s talk about “Just Steel.” This was the code name I gave to my derby persona. Why “Just Steel”? Well, I found out about this awesome racehorse named Just Steel, trained by D. Wayne Lukas. This horse was a symbol of speed and strength, and that’s exactly what I wanted to embody on the track.
I learned everything I could about this horse. Apparently, Just Steel was bred by Summerhill Farm and sired by Justify. He even had a pretty good run in the races, scoring 65 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Talk about inspiration!
Every time I stepped onto the track, I channeled my inner Just Steel. I skated harder, pushed myself further, and even though I wasn’t racing for a Kentucky Derby title, every match felt like my own personal championship. It was an amazing feeling.

Reflections
Looking back, starting roller derby and adopting the “Just Steel” persona was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It wasn’t just about the physical challenge, although that was a huge part of it. It was also about the mental game, the strategy, and the camaraderie with my teammates.
Roller derby taught me that I’m capable of more than I ever thought possible. It showed me that with hard work, determination, and a bit of inspiration from a racehorse named Just Steel, I could push my limits and achieve things I never thought I could. And that, my friends, is a lesson I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.
So, if you’re looking for a new challenge, something that will push you to your limits and beyond, give roller derby a try. You might just surprise yourself. And who knows, maybe you’ll find your own “Just Steel” along the way.