21 July, 2010

In the Mind of an Animal

Sometimes the difference between winning and losing is simply mentality. Being mentally prepared is often as important, if not more so, than being physically prepared. This week the workouts have been more than a little nasty. Simply put, they were designed to hurt. If you over prepare physically and mentally when you are not in a game situation, you will not have to question whether your abilities will carry you through in a game. Once you've taken a few punches and realize you're not made of glass, you don't feel alive unless you're pushing yourself as far as you can go.The best example of this mentality in the derby world that i know of is Annie Maul. I had a chance to catch up with her over the weekend as she helped her team, the KC Roller Warriors to another stellar victory. She was voted the MVP of the bout which just adds to the long list of credentials This woman has gathered by kicking ass! Annie Maul, #111, is also the captain of her home team, The Victory Vixens, and arguably one of the hardest working players in the sport. If she's not skating, she is probably at the gym. When we sat down the conversation went like this:

Congratulations on your latest victory!

Anne: Thank you.!It was another really good team effort. All of the girls played really hard!

So let's start off with explaining how you got your name?

Anne: When i was looking for my derby name i wanted something that was both feminine and aggressive, brutal and destructive. I was with Oucho Marx one night and it just sort of hit us. I checked the national registry ( at the time it was a piece of paper that was kept at the rink) and found that it was available. That's how it happened!

Do you have a personal theme song?

Anne: My personal theme song would be "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor. I especially love the line "Rising up to the challenge of our rivals". That pumps my shit up!!!

Any pet peeves?

Anne: People who freak out about stupid stuff that they can't control. Oh and quitters. I really hate people who quit without finishing something.

Without roller derby, what would you do?

Anne: Is there anything else? I guess I would travel. Probably go to more concerts and read more.

What would you have to say is your favorite thing about roller derby?

Anne: Only one? Seriously? I guess I'd say knocking bitches out. Releasing aggression is something that we all need. Controlled aggression is ok right?

Do you have a favorite exercise?

Anne: My favorite way to exercise is to ride my bike. Bike riding makes me feel like a little kid again. Adventure and mischief almost always follow.

What are your top five songs to skate to?

Anne: 1. Riot by The Sounds, 2. Pump It by The Black Eyed Peas, 3. Move Bitch by Ludacris, 4. Outta My Way by Damone, and 5. Get Up and Go by Damone

Any advise you want to leave us with?

Anne: ( laughing ) Advise? There will be ups and downs in your skating and your life. Just keep doing. Never give up, Never quit

Thank you Annie Maul For taking the time to share your passion for the game . I hope your season continues to go well and i wish you and your team the best of luck.

today the goal as you go through your workout is to dig deep and find the right mentality to bring out the best in yourself. This, again, is going to be a rough one. Here is your workout!

5min. Warm Up
Stretch
4x 50meters skipping for distance
4x 25meters skipping for height
3x 20 speed skaters
2x 30 sec. mountain climbers
10 min. of interval training ( Sprint 30 sec., Jog 90sec.)
2x 25meters lunges
2x 25meters bear crawls
4x 60sec planks
4x 25 bicycle crunches
2min. Cool down
Stretch


Enjoy!

J

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