DAY IN THE LIFE: Thrills on wheels

Eucabeth Muteshi is a member of the Kenya Federation of Roller Skating, and a graphic designer.

“One and a half years ago, a friend introduced me to roller skating. It was terrifying at first. I started off doing street skating where we would meet at a venue or on the streets and just skate freestyle.

Then I started learning a few tricks. Now I do roll balling and speed skating. It is a lot of fun and a good fitness sport. In fact, roller skating is equivalent to jogging but you will have more fun doing it.

“From 9 to 5, five days a week, I work as a graphic designer. I design cards, posters, fliers and other advertisement items.

Design is most thrilling when you get those challenging jobs. Regardless of whether it is a work day or a skate day, I start my day with skipping rope and sit ups. I am athletic and the exercises help kick start my body. Before I head out of the house, I make sure to have a hearty breakfast. Roller skating is an intense sport. You can’ afford to miss meals or eat poorly.

LEARNING SEVERAL LANGUAGES

“I will spend most of my days for the next moth preparing for the  East Africa Championships in Kigali, Rwanda, in May.

I am in the Kenyan team. It is a roll ball competition, which is an exciting combination of basketball, handball and roller-skating.

We have to train as a team several times a week because unlike speed skating, the roll ball requires both speed, co-operation, balance, strength and also team work.

“While men seem to embrace the danger and the thrill, women often shun roller skating for fear of injuries. True, you will fall a couple of times before you find your balance but if you have protective gear, you have little to worry about.

Skating is not a dangerous sport. I also wish the government embraced this growing sport and invested in us.

“At 6:30 this evening, I went for my Italian class. I plan to master several languages. I am done with German. I might enroll for Chinese next.

When I am not going to class and the weather is agreeable, I will go for a quick swim before heading home. I also love watching chick flicks in the evenings. That is when I get to have some quiet time alone to reflect on my day. When you have been out in the pitch you will need a few quiet moments.

“Eventually, I hope that I can be a professional roller skater. I would love to not only win competitions but also be able to earn a living from something that I am passionate about. Isn’t that what life ought to be?”