Day 7: Take it for a spin

by | Oct 13, 2016 | 100 Days Of Play | 0 comments

Remember when you were small and could easily balance?

I’ll admit that I’ve roller-bladed before – but not for several years. It’s probably like riding a bike, but, as my friend Anselm will attest, having had to re-teach me how to ride, I forgot how to do that as well!

It’s surprisingly difficult to stay up straight on roller-blades, particularly on any sort of incline. No, seriously, I’m including the camber of a road in that: whizz and you’re off. Within twenty minutes I’d recalled what’s so fun about the activity, swishing and sliding along. But I’m still in terror of the wheeled-boots rushing away out from beneath me. Plus the effort of keeping my feet rigid (which I probably shouldn’t be doing anyway) is causing my feet to ache. I don’t keep going for very long!

What does the experience teach me? Firstly, how easy it is to forget how much fun certain activities are. Particularly ones involving speed. And a little bit of danger! Secondly, I’m reminded that getting good at something takes effort (okay, I’m not sure I’d really forgotten that) and that you are rewarded with added fun / speed / feeling of safety in return for the work you put in.

The other day I was down by the Hudson River, and I see two nuns in full habit rollerblading down the street holding hands. And I’m like, ‘Oh, my God, I get it. The world is surreal and beautiful. And everything is fine.’ – Regina Spektor

 

Ease of play: 2/10

Resemblance to play: 7/10 (could be commuting!)

Aggression: Medium

Speed: Fast

Enjoyability: Medium

Potential frequency of play: High (could be commuting!)

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