Wednesday Night Practice

Looks like Wednesday nights at APEX are a descent time to go! There were only about 15 people on the ice even though it was a public session. There were a number of figure skaters working on moves and stuff so it was nice. Almost felt like a freestyle session :)

Movez - I worked a lot on edges and they are starting to feel more like they used to. Because I've been off the ice for so long, my initial pushes on the backward edges are pretty weak but that will improve with time. My BI edges are actually better than they were before (odd) and I found myself doing the proper arm and head movements that Christopher wanted. I think maybe I was overthinking them before. Moving on to Waltz 8, I was having a bit of difficulty coming back to the center because my lobes were of unequal size. I'll need to fix that. Forward and Backward Crossovers are getting there. I'm having some issues on the transition. This wasn't a problem before but it is now. Fear is getting in the way and it's kinda pissing me off, to be honest, because this is one of the least scary things I'm working on. Stupid mental blocks. I also spent some time on some Bronze moves namely the Forward & Backward Power Stroking. I worked on flow and pretty arms. Why do I feel like the bronze test will be easier than the pre-bronze?

Jumpz - Still plugging away at those waltz jumps and salchows and they are still very low and small but they are happening so, you know, I cannot complain. The last time I worked on salchows, I did them from a standstill. This time I practiced them from backwards crossovers. I still need much more of a strong check coming out of that three turn. I spent some time at the boards with the toe loop. Honestly, the thought of picking in with my left leg is terrifying. I don't know how I'm supposed to overcome this. :(

Spinz - Holy smokes my spins were terrible! I could not find my center to save my life. Ugh, just ugly. But I did realize how in need of a sharpening I am. Skidding all over the place! I'll drop my skates off at the Pro Shop after my lesson on Saturday.

I took a break for water and Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger (What doesn't kill you)" was playing and it was a nice reminder that I still need to keep fighting to recover. I know my efforts will pay off eventually. This isn't meant to be easy but if anyone can do it, I sure as hell can :)