Skating Goals for 2019

It's going to be 2019 soon so I wanted to recap the year, check up on goals, and set some new ones for the new year. This year had ups and downs but overall I think I came out on top. Earlier today, I was thinking about how much work I put in this year to recover. It's been 11 months since I made my official return to the ice (this is "official" because it includes lessons and contract ice rather than just the "feeling things out" public sessions I was going to). I've come a long way and I'm SUPER proud of myself! I got a lot done in those 11 months and, to be honest, I think I'm a much better skater now than I was before I broke my leg. Of course, it helps that I have a very patient coach and a husband who supports me in all ways (including driving to the rink to bring me pants when I rip a hole in the crotch of my other ones!).

So, let's talk about my 2018 goals before I start yapping about new ones. I had two official goals and one bonus goal. The first goal was to test my Pre-Bronze MIF and Free Skate. I tested in May and, although there were hiccups and I was hella nervous, I passed and it was a great learning experience. This particular goal is much older, though. I actually set this goal in 2005 when I first started skating down in Texas. Something always came up (moving to Colorado, new job, new rink) and then I left skating for a bit to finish school. So, this was something that I really felt was unfinished business. I really wanted to get it out of the way so I could finally move forward. The second goal was to start learning Bronze MIF (at the time, I was still unsure whether or not jumping would be in my future so I left the Bronze Free Skate out). This goal was also accomplished. I have been devoting about half of my ice time to Bronze moves and I think they are almost testable. My bonus goal was to possibly learn the first three ice dances (again, I didn't think jumping was in my future so I was thinking of a back up plan). I didn't even touch this one because obviously, I'm a freestyle skater at heart and I need to JUMP! So, overall, a success in term of goals achieved! YAY! That brings us to...

Skating Goals for 2019!

Goal 1: Pass Bronze MIF and Free Skate - I'm not really sure when in 2019 I'll do this but it will more than likely be after Midwestern Sectionals in March. Maybe May maybe June but it will get done before the summer is finished.

Goal 2: Start preparing for Silver MIF and Free Skate - Silver Moves is going to be rough so I know this is going to take a while. That's why I'm just leaving it as a learning goal that will be ongoing and not a goal that I plan to finish in a set time frame.

Goal 3: Compete - I would like to skate in at least two but maybe three competitions in 2019. I already know I'll be at Sectionals and I'll probably do the Colorado Springs Invitational again but my dress is so pretty and I'm working so hard on this program that I feel like I owe it to my coach (and Brad Griffies) to showcase "Rey's Theme" quite a bit this year. Please note that this goal says nothing about winning. I'm not competing to win (although winning is nice when it happens). I just want to skate my best and be proud of what I'm able to do. :)

Fitness Goal - Yeah, I'm adding a fitness goal in here as well! My flexibility typically sucks but over the past few months I've seen actual improvements with my skating due to all of the stretching I've been doing. I'm more confident on the ice, falls hurt less, and skills are easier. So, I'm going to take it a step further and continue the stretching until I have achieved full splits (forward and straddle). Ugh, my thighs hurt just thinking about it!

Anyway, Happy New Year to all two of you who read this blog, lol :)