The plan

15 Weeks since the Break - Although I'm still in pain (more sore than anything else, really), I'm making progress with the rehab. I'm able to balance for long periods on time on my left leg, do a small hop, and walk without a limp. Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself, but I think I'm ready to get back on the ice.

I'm not planning on picking up where I left off, obviously, and I'm not even sure how my mental state will be once I lace up and get on the ice so I don't want to get right back into lessons with Christopher quite yet. I'm afraid of wasting his time if I end up too scared (or in too much pain) to continue. My plan, therefore, is to enroll in an adult beginners class at another rink. I really just want to start from scratch and work on the basics of skating for now until I am comfortable enough to take lessons with Christopher.

This will force me to focus on things like getting my edges (and my confidence) back all while being in an environment where the expectations for progress are kind of low. Basically, they won't expect me to be jumping and spinning at a high level anyway so I don't have to worry about not being able to do that right now. And I can go at a sloooow pace.

Additionally, I cannot fathom getting on a freestyle session right now. I'm just not going to be able to dodge upper-level skaters who are trying to jump and spin all around me. If I start back with Christopher again, I will either need to take my lessons with him during a freestyle session or during a crowded public session at the Promenade. I'm just not ready for that yet.

A new adult beginners session starts at Apex on November 4th so that gives me another 4 weeks to continue with rehabbing my leg. The class is an advanced beginner class that will focus on Adult Basic 4-6. Nothing fancy. No commitment. No disappointment if I am not strong enough to continue. Before I register, I'm due to see the doctor again so I want him to be honest and tell me whether or not this is a good idea. As much as I think I'm ready to get back on the ice, I don't want to do it if the doc doesn't think I'm healed enough. If everything goes well with the adult session, then I will start back again with Christopher in January :)