Worse than it looks....

That's....it? From a fall that felt like the bone was going to pop out the skin like an overripe pimple on a Domino's employee forehead? That's had me wincing every time I sit down all day? Granted, it's the angriest shade of purple I've seen this side of paintball. Still, it looks tremendously weedy given the sore and the ouch and the bag of peas down my pants for half of training and then SISTER WRECK'D ME PUNCHING THE BLOODY THING.

The lesson there is that you can't rely on impressive hits to deliver impressive bruises. Last night's training was the final one before the bout Saturday night, and as the clock runs down we're following our diets and exercise plans and getting ourselves ready for what feels as important as a grand final. Mascara Massacre has the feel of a team with something to prove, to ourselves if nothing else. We've worked incredibly hard for this, and I think that no matter what happens we'll have given absolutely everything we have.

Speaking of diets, after my little pause and hum over being told I wasn't eating enough earlier in the month, I appear to have got over the hump. Porridge for breakfast, the obligatory toast and peanut butter for lunch, and I'm getting better at remembering to eat (and cook!) in the evenings and that snacking is fine. I think I needed the brain dump after being told that to sort out a few bits and bobs in my head (and a massive thank you to everyone who e-mailed, facebooked and spoke to me about that post, pretty awesome to know there are all these people out there in my corner!).

The blog is nearly up to 3000 views since I started it in January. Things have changed for me immensely in that time, both in derby and in the real world. I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who reads this, it's pretty cool that other people find this readable! After the bout I'll be reviewing Gumball toe-stops (had them a wee while, been giving them a thorough going-over), Pro-Tech Dent mouthguards (apparently the best in derby, can't be worse than my current $10 special from the pharmacy) and a load of other stuff. If you've got something you want me to write about, share, review or whatever, then get in touch!