Competition Debrief

So, my first competition is in the books! Overall, it was an amazing experience and felt very different from test day. I felt happy and relaxed, I met some other adult skaters who were very positive and supportive of every one else, and I felt confident in my abilities. Would I do it again? Hells yeah! Before I go into specifics, I'm sure you're wondering how I did. I placed first in both compulsory moves and free skate (TWO gold medals YAASS)! Honestly, I had some pretty tough competition and was ready to accept any placement I got so I was genuinely surprised when they announced my name for gold. All I wanted to do was skate my best and I really feel like this was the best I've done in a while. I'm really glad my body decided that this was a good time to center spins and perform well ;)

Warm-upz: I signed up for a 15 minute warm-up session so I could get a feel for the ice and how the rink felt. Holy smokes the ice was rough! It felt like skating on gravel! Before my 15 minute warm-up there had already been three practice sessions on that ice without a zam so by the time I got to it, it was pretty torn up. I ran through everything, though, and Christopher was at the boards making corrections as needed. Those 15 minutes went by pretty quickly and it seemed as soon as I got on, the announcer told us we had 1 minute left. Yikes!

Compulsory Movez: My husband was kind enough to film this and it's a good thing he did because, since I was skating at the Zamboni end, the videographer didn't film it. I put the video below for your viewing pleasure! I was the final skater in our group of 6 so I had plenty of time to overthink before I got on the ice (classic Mandi). Christopher had me do a quick run-through of everything while the skater before me was performing so that when I got on the ice, everything was fresh in my mind. This went as well as it could. Everything flowed nicely and was at a decent speed. If I had to change anything I would have slowed down that final toe loop. It was definitely rushed and I'm pretty sure it was cheated. I think had I slowed things down a bit, I would have done a proper toe loop.

Free Skatez: I ordered a professional video of this so I'll post that once I get it. The videographer said she could cut me a copy at the event but it would take an hour and my mother-in-law was already waiting in the car. I should have it up in about a week. I have the video that my husband shot up on my YouTube page but it's blurry in spots and kind of shaky. If you are really interested in viewing it, it's there, but I'll hold off on posting anything here until I get the professional copy. How did it go? It went well. I still had some nerves and I wish I would have held the landings out more but I landed all of my jumps, the spins were centered, and I ended on time with the music. What would I change? I missed the transition after the salchow-toe loop combo. I added some filler at that point and, honestly, it's not even noticeable unless you are really familiar with my choreography. My attitude spin was lacking attitude. Really, it was just a one-foot spin with an arm variation. I was just so happy that it was centered that I didn't want to raise my free leg any higher and mess it up. Overall, everything felt pretty good and I remembered to make eye contact with the judges and smile.

Overall thoughtz: 1). It helped to not look at the judges faces. When I did look at them, I just looked at their shoulders, really. If I see them as just human-shaped forms without faces it doesn't feel like they are watching me and, you know, judging. So yeah, picturing the judges as blobs kind of helped. I'm totally doing that again! 2). My hair. Oh lord. I got my hair braided at the competition and the lady doing it was quick and professional. She did a great job! But she used a lot of product and my hair felt like cement. It looked kind of greasy even. Next time, I'm just going to do a simple ballet bun and secure the crap out of it. 3). I really loved meeting the other adult skaters! They were so nice and we all cheered each other on. I get a feeling that it's not like this with the younger skaters so I'm glad that the adult skating community is so friendly. It really makes the competition experience a pleasant one. We all friended each other on Facebook so we can keep in touch. 4). I felt very lucky to have Christopher there. Dustin said that I really just seemed to relax once Christopher arrived. He's like my skating security blanket! I also got a couple of compliments on the choreography so I feel extra lucky that I have a coach that not only gives me good direction and support but can choreograph a lovely routine for me. Best coach! 5). I decided not to practice during the two days leading up to the competition. I wanted to relax not only my body but my mind as well. I always skate best after a "reset." 6). No coffee leading up to the event! On test day back in May I drank like a half a pot of coffee and the caffeine/adrenaline combo did not work in my favor. This time, I saved my coffee drinking for after the event (also, once you get the tights, leotard, and dress on, peeing is a monumental task that takes not only mental fortitude but expert contortionist skills. No thanks!).

So now starts the task of working hard to improve the things I've learned and work on the things I still struggle with (and there's a lot!). Knowing that I am capable of doing okay in a competition inspires me to work even harder. I have a lot to prove and miles yet to go!