Program run-through

Ugh. So, ok...I didn't practice at all this week. I have a good excuse, though! We are in the process of buying a house and things have just been a little crazy with phone calls and inspections and whatnot. In fact, I warned Christopher that things will probably be a little crazy for the next few weeks until after we move. I suspect this means that I might have to put off testing until May but, for now, I'm going to try to keep that April 13th test date. Because goals.

Before we ran through the program he hinted at maybe putting a fourth jump into the program (perhaps a toe loop). He was looking at the rule book and if I ever want to compete with this program it would need one more jump. He suspected he could possibly fit it in during the last 30 seconds or so of the program so he had me just run that without the music so he could see where it would fit best. I was a hot mess. All over the place! I skated back to him and he simply said "maybe we won't put a fourth jump in." Wise call, Christopher. Wise call. I mean, hey, I'm not opposed to adding one once I get this program solid but for now I'm just trying to keep this thing from looking like a wonky freak show. Give me time :)

So, we ran the program for the first time from beginning to end with the music and, although it was sloppy as all hell, it got done and I didn't fall. I was so concerned about fitting all of the elements in, I made no attempt to connect with the music. I suspect that will come in time. His main criticisms were that I really need to hold those landings (even the half flip!) and that I need to work on that entry to the one foot spin at the end. I've been a musician my whole life and I was always taught to extend the phrase. Same thing applies to landings. Hold them! Finish them out and don't be in such a rush to move on to the next thing or it will seem unfinished. With the one foot spin entry, I've become so accustomed to entering from the wind-up from back crossovers that my body just refuses to do anything else. It's really just a matter of retraining my brain and breaking the muscle memory. It's so simple too! I mean it's the same entry I use for the two foot spin except I just pick up my right leg to make it a one foot spin.

So, overall, it needs polish and fluidity. Everything needs to look like it's being done with purpose instead of me just stumbling through to the next thing. It will get there. One thing he did mention at the end of my lesson that gave me feels was that he noticed how much more confidently I'm skating lately! That really means a lot because recovering from an injury while doing the thing that caused the injury takes moxie! I've been working hard at getting back to where I was pre-break and it has been no easy feat! I'm glad he has noticed :)