Then and Now

I can bravely admit, that I am a die-hard rollerblading lover. I have to say “bravely” because sadly, I get teased a lot for rollerblading. For some reason a lot of people seem to think that Blading (that’s what the cool kids call it) was a fad that came and went in the early 90’s. I can’t even tell you the time’s people have given me ‘the look’ when I tell them I’m going. The look that says ‘seriously? You still rollerblade? Are you kidding me?” They always laugh, and make fun. I merely shake it off, and go on my way. It’s their loss after all.

For those of you who owned a pair of blades similar to the Variflex I have pictured above (don’t be ashamed, I also proudly owned a pair of the flouresent green beauties) you think rollerblading has come and gone, and isn't popular or cool anymore. I’m here to tell you though, that rollerblading is not dead. Not dead at all.

As fate would have it, I had a friend in college who had rollerblades, and got me going again based on her love for it. I invested in a pair of blades, and haven’t looked back since. Since then I’ve gone through 3 sets of blades, and about 32 wheels. What can I say, I really like it.

When I lived in Provo, I would go just about anywhere. The streets were a lot more 'Blade Friendly' then they are here in Salt Lake. My favorite places to go now are along the parkway trails. Provo, West Jordan, and my new favorite, the Draper parkway trail. The Draper Parkway is a lot less busy and has really long stretches of hilly emptiness, no dogs or kids to make get out of your way.

I probably can’t do it justice by writing about it, but there’s this moment as I’m rollerblading along the trail. A moment where I’m going down this hill, followed by a straightaway--I’ve managed to pick up so much speed, it feels like I’m flying. In fact, I’m going so fast, that I’m flirting with being out of control. Like if I hit a rock or a bump at that speed, I would crash horrifically, eating asphalt, or landing in shrubbery and gravel--but that’s all part of the fun and thrill. There’s sunshine and blue skies, wind in my hair, empty trail in front of me, music playing on my iPod, and life is good. Those moments are small little spurts of happiness that help get me through rough days.

This other Rollerblade picture is the pair I currently own. A little different than the above Veraflex. :)

Basically what i'm saying to anyone who doesn't own a pair of rollerblades: Maybe it's time to invest in some. The pro's far outweigh the cons.

Pros: Great alternative exercise, fun, speed, allows you to be outside, better on your knees than running.

Cons: hmm... look at that, I can't think of any cons. :)

Well besides the fact that i've totally fallen and eaten it a few times, and one time I thought I broke my wrist after falling. :) other than that, best hobby ever.