Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Body By Derby: Derby Over 40

Body By Derby is a figure study of active derby athletes to show the different body types of active skaters and the physical effects derby has on the players. This entry features skaters from central Indiana who are all 40 years and older.  These skaters represent Bleeding Heartland Roller Derby, Derby Lite Indianapolis, Circle City Derby Girls and Naptown Roller Girls. More pictures can be found at Cory's website. Get future updates on Facebook by following The Rollergirl Project.
IMG-1645
From Left:  Elizabeth Smackwell, Megan Enemies, Cat Scratch, Kaka Caliente, Pele's Melee, Smack Karo Whack, Just Jane, Audracity, Lady Miss Bier, KimstiGator, Knitty Gritty, Philly Cheezskate, Splatty Hearst and Farrah Fracture


IMG-1796 Name Elizabeth Smackwell
League Circle City Derby Girls
Age 45
Children None
Height 5'11"
Weight 158
Weight before derby 150
Started September 2012
Key Position Jammer & Defensive Blocker
Practice time per week 6-8 hours
Other Workout I do circuit training with a personal trainer and biking
Diet None
Laps in 5 minutes 30 laps in 5 minutes
Previous Athletic Experience Played basketball through freshmen year of high school and then I played for fun.



IMG-1760 Name Megan Enemies
League Circle City Derby Girls
Age 43
Children  None
Height 5'9"
Weight 130
Weight before derby 150
Started Late 2006 
Key Position Defensive Blocker
Practice time per week 4-6 hours
Other Workout I do bodyweight exercises/cardio/use dumbbells at home. In the summer, I skate the Monon Trail frequently and do a lot of hiking. In winter, I try to go to an open skate every few weeks. I love indoor rock climbing but can't afford to do that regularly.
Diet I don't eat fast food, red meat or pork. (I haven't eaten at McDonald's in 12 years). I also don't eat much sugar and rarely drink soda, and if I do, I make it myself with my Sodastream.
Laps in 5 minutes 29 laps in 5 minutes
Previous Athletic Experience None


IMG-1694 Name Cat Scratch
League Bleeding Heartland Roller Derby
Age 49
Children 1 step-son
Height 5' 8 1/2 "
Weight 142
Weight before derby 142
Started Fall 2011
Key Position Defensive Blocker
Practice time per week 9 hours
Other Workout Cross Fit, also skating the B-line when the weather permits.
Diet Vegan and Gluten Free
Laps in 5 minutes 29 laps in 5 minutes
Previous Athletic Experience Nothing significant . . . led a very active lifestyle (running, spinning, swimming, etc.but that all started in my mid- to late-30's). I dabbled briefly at intramurel volleyball and softball years ago, but Roller Derby is the first team sport I've been seriously involved with.


IMG-1712 Name Kaka Caliente
League Bleeding Heartland Roller Derby
Age 46
Children None
Height 5'4"
Weight 130
Weight before derby 130
Started 2007
Key Position Jammer
Practice time per week 12 hours
Other Workout lift weights, yoga, fitness classes--rowing, TRX, WillPower and Grace, running, cycling
Diet I have taken Michael Pollan's advice to heart. I try to eat REAL food in its most original form as much as I possibly can. I'm really tough about eating good food and will stay away from crap food. I don't pay attention to portions or combinations after that.
Laps in 5 minutes 32.75 to 33 laps in 5 minutes
Previous Athletic Experience I have always been athletic and played team sports. I started playing softball and basketball when I was really young. I switched to primarily soccer in high school and college. And in college I discovered ultimate frisbee. After college, I played competitive soccer and ultimate until I joined derby.


IMG-1591 Name Pele's Melee
League Circle City Derby Girls
Age 42
Children None
Height 5'2" -ish
Weight ??
Weight before derby ??
Started December 2007
Key Position Defensive Blocker
Practice time per week Now it's 4 hours a week, with the team.
Other Workout Cardio and plyometrics. Will be adding running and biking in the spring. Last year I did Cross Fit regularly. Not available now where I moved to.
Diet I've eliminated processed foods for the most part, as well as soda and fast food.
Laps in 5 minutes I think it was 33 in 5 minutes
Previous Athletic Experience Softball and bowling as an adult. Volleyball, softball, basketball and bowling in high school.


IMG-1628 Name Smack Karo Whack
League Bleeding Heartland Roller Derby
Age 43
Children 3
Height 5' 4"
Weight 185
Weight before derby 150
Started September 2012
Key Position Defensive Blocker
Practice time per week 6 to 9 hours
Other Workout Yes, swimming, biking, wood splitting.
Diet High protein; large volume. 
Laps in 5 minutes 27 in 5. Barely, once.
26.5 in 5 reliably.
Previous Athletic Experience Tennis, basketball, swimming, softball, running, volleyball.


IMG-1527 Name Just Jane
League Naptown Rollergirls
Age 47
Children 2
Height 5'4"
Weight 144
Weight before derby 153
Started November 2013
Key Position Jammer & Defensive Blocker
Practice time per week 6 hours
Other Workout Yoga, Core Strengthening
Diet No special diet, just try to make healthy choices. I take a multivitamin and calcium supplement daily.
Laps in 5 minutes 28.5 laps in 5 minutes
Previous Athletic Experience Volleyball, Basketball, Softball


IMG-1689
Name Audracity
League Naptown Rollergirls
Age 42
Children 3
Height 5'6"
Weight 160
Weight before derby 170
Started July 2011
Key Position Offensive & Defensive Blocker
Practice time per week 6 hours
Other Workout Running. Weights. Swimming. Biking. Lifting. Cross Fit.
Diet I'm not consistent with it but try to eat healthy and stay away from candy, chips and breads!
Laps in 5 minutes 32 Laps in 5 Min
Previous Athletic Experience Softball, Volleyball, Track and Field, Color Guard, Basketball. Cheerleading


IMG-1577 Name Lady Miss Bier
League Circle City Derby Girls
Age 41
Children None
Height 5'6"
Weight 176
Weight before derby maybe 185
Started April 2008
Key Position Offensive & Defensive Blocker
Practice time per week 6 to 10 hours
Other Workout  
hiking, cardio, occasional biking
Diet As many fresh fruits and vegetables as possible. I am not a vegetarian, but limit my red meat intake. I love to cook, so I'm always trying new things.
Laps in 5 minutes 30 laps in 5 minutes
Previous Athletic Experience  
when I was a kid, I played softball, ran hurdles and short sprints in track, cheerleader for a few years.


IMG-1515 Name KimstiGator
League Naptown Rollergirls
Age 47
Children Yes
Height 5'4”
Weight
Weight before derby
Started 2012
Key Position Offensive & Defensive Blocker
Practice time per week 6 hours
Other Workout I started Cross Fit in January 2014. I attend public skating sessions at least twice a week. If I do not attend Cross Fit or have derby practice, then I run on the treadmill or use the elliptical at home.
Diet I try to focus on vegetables with meat as the side dish. I recently purchased a Nutri Bullet and began adding fruits to the diet. I try to avoid breads and potatoes (my weakness).
Laps in 5 minutes 29.5 laps in 5 minutes
Previous Athletic Experience None


IMG-1604
Name Knitty Gritty
League Bleeding Heartland Roller Derby
Age 41
Children 3
Height 5'5”
Weight 135
Weight before derby 130
Started Nov 2009
Key Position Jammer
Practice time per week 2-3 hours with BHRG & 3 hours with the Junior League
Other Workout Cardio, running and weight lifting
Diet I try to make healthy choices but the training let me enjoy eating whatever I want!
Laps in 5 minutes 29 laps in 5 minutes
Previous Athletic Experience Swimming

IMG-1551 Name Philly Cheezskate
League Circle City Derby Girls
Age 45
Children 2
Height 5'10"
Weight 162
Weight before derby 155
Started July 2011
Key Position Defensive Blocker
Practice time per week 4 to 6 hours
Other Workout Cardio machines at the gym and free weights
Diet High protein, try to minimize sugars and eat very little processed foods
Laps in 5 minutes 29 laps in 5 minutes
Previous Athletic Experience I played softball in school, dabbled in basketball and volleyball. I did a figure bodybuilding contest in 2009, and placed 4th in the 35 and over group, and 5th in Tall-Novice.


IMG-1776 Name Splatty Hearst
League Derby Lite Indianapolis
Age 42
Children None
Height 5'7"
Weight ??
Weight before derby ??
Started October 2008
Key Position
Practice time per week 2 to 4 hours
Other Workout Crossfit-type workouts, yoga, walks/hikes with my four-legged pal, plus a rigorous snow-shoveling regimen this winter
Diet No gluten or dairy. Everything else in moderation.
Laps in 5 minutes 30 laps in 5 minutes (at last count)
Previous Athletic Experience I never played a team sport before derby. I skated fairly often as a kid and managed to retain some memory of how to do it after 20+ years off skates. Derby invaded my life, sucked me in, and wouldn't let me avoid it. I love that this sport enables women to find their athleticism when they're well into their 30s and 40s (and beyond).


IMG-1500 Name Farrah Fracture
League Naptown Rollergirls
Age 41
Children 2
Height 5' 9 1/2”
Weight 160
Weight before derby 170
Started July 2011
Key Position Offensive & Defensive Blocker
Practice time per week 3 times a week and 4 days a week at crossfit
Other Workout I belong to IXF Crossfit and lots of my teammates belong as well so we get to workout together outside of our practice times. I also lead a very active lifestyle. In the summer we like to get together and skate outside.
Diet Organic as much as possible.
Laps in 5 minutes 31 Laps in 5 Min
Previous Athletic Experience I grew up playing basketball and running track.



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20 comments:

  1. I was slightly hesitant about doing this, because I am working on getting in better shape. However, I think the images are beautiful and am so proud of myself and everyone who was involved in this. Thanks Cory!!
    Philly

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  2. I love this. Thank you guys for doing it!

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  3. This is great. I love seeing real, strong women. And a big "heck ya" to us over 40s!

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  4. I just turned 47 this year and was seriously considering retirement until I saw this post. You ladies inspired me to continue skating until my body doesn't allow me to skate anymore. (28.5 in 5min and going strong)

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  5. Goldy Blox A-Town Roller DerbyApril 11, 2014 at 5:44 PM

    I will be 49 next month. Derby keeps me in shape. I recommend it no matter what age!

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  6. Goldy Blox A-Town Roller DerbyApril 11, 2014 at 5:45 PM

    I will be 49 next month. Derby helps keep me fit. I recommend it no matter what your age! Anyone over 40 that does derby is a rockstar in my eyes!!

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  7. Thank you for your inspiration! I played derby for a year about 5 years ago then became a couch potato. Now I have just returned at age 48 and restarting, wondering if I was too old. This helped me understand I am NOT too old and ready to rock and roll my younger derby sisters!

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  8. I am excited to see after being repeatedly told that I shouldn't do this at 40!

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  9. Just started roller derby in january this year. I'm 41, 4 children and overweight.....but loving derby!!! Your pictures are beautiful and very inspirational. Thank you for sharing them. Xx

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  10. Hey ladies. I am 38. I typed into Google "Am I too old for roller derby?" and got this. Thank you for answering that question! :)

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  11. This is just awesome!!! I had my first practice this week, at 48, and I really needed to see this.

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  12. So glad I found this - these women are gorgeous and badass! Thank you for reassuring me that it'should not to late for me to give roller derby a try in my 40's! Ps. My 10 yr old daughter just read "Roller Girl," a graphic novel for middle readers, and it inspired us both to give it a try.

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  13. Thank you so much for this. I've been off skates for four years and about to get back on wheels. You are all an inspiration!

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  14. So...I'm a bit l8 reading this and joining a team. But this short article profiling you all is extremely encouraging. Ty all so much for sharing.

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  15. Thank you for this. Doing derby again at 54!

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  16. I just started at the age of 51 and am doing it with my 29 yo daughter! we skate for the 580 Roller Girls in Lawton. ok

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  17. Thank you so much for being bold and confident enough to do this. You're all gorgeous! I'm 32 and starting to get into skating with hopes of derby, and was afraid that even at 32 I'd be aging out soon, if not already. This has given me so much confidence to seriously try, knowing that it's never too late to start.

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