Well, not exactly ‘brand-new,’ although they may as well be. I got my Rollerblades almost 7 years ago now, at the time of my divorce. No shiny new sports car for me.
I strapped them on twice back then I think, for about 5 minutes at a time, and not once since. I also have a book I picked up cheap and read before I even got my skates, In-line skating basics by Cam Millar.
Back in January after E’s Rollerskating Birthday Party, I commented that:
Maybe I’ll go again this spring before I try and learn to inline skate. I had the (probably ridiculous) idea that I should’ve been able to strap on my inline skates this morning and go do a halfway competent job. Of course, the slight hangover, general achiness, 30 degree weather, and goood sense kept me from doing something so completely foolish.
Today it is sunny and almost 80. I had pulled the skate bag out of the closet a few weeks ago when it got nice out, so I strapped them on and "went for it." I would not even begin to label myself as competent, but I was able to skate. My ankles, well, complete lower legs, are not big fans of the reduced stability of in-line vs. regular roller skates, but maybe I can do some exercises to strengthen my ankles, calves, shins, and Achilles tendons. I went around the sidewalk that forms a square around my apartment and the facing ones a couple of times. Then I crossed the street to the cable companies parking lot.
I will strengthen my legs. I will practice. I will learn to skate. I will exercise.
Post title and following lyrics from "Brand New Key" by Melanie.
Well, I got a brand new pair of roller skates
You got a brand new key
I think that we should get together and try them out you see
I been looking around awhile
You got something for me
Oh! I got a brand new pair of roller skates
You got a brand new key
