Axel Journey Begins

 Lesson today! We really only worked on two things: spin entries and....AXEL!!!!

Spinz - On the blue line. Over and over and over again. I never seem to hold the entry edge to my spins long enough and that is part of the problem I have when it comes to centering a spin well. So we did plenty of exercises where I start at the blue line and just hold hold hold that entry edge until it hooks on its own rather than forcing the hook to happen like I usually do. We did regular one foot spins, camels, and the dreaded sit spin. It's so much more difficult doing spins from a standstill but if I can do it well here, then my spins from a windup will be so much better. 

Axelz - After torturing me with spins on the blue line he asked to see some jumps. I asked what he would like to see thinking he would want to look at my flip jumps per usual. But I was totally taken aback when he said "let's do Axels." WHAT?! I had to ask him again because I thought I misheard him but yeah, Axels! So, back to the blue line to start some Axel preps! We worked on what the entry should look like with my arms and free leg back and then we talked about the snap. On the blue line, we worked on a waltz jump into a backspin and he said once I master this, he'll move me into the harness. About three months ago when I was getting better with my flip jumps, I put my padded shorts into retirement but I think I'll need to dig them back out again. I know with Axels, you need to be willing to throw yourself and be ready to take some spills in the process. I'm really not looking forward to the hurt of it all but I'm SO HAPPY that I have started this process! 

I'm usually pretty motivated in my practices but now I have this goal that I've wanted to achieve since my first glide on ice so I'm extra motivated to work my ass off for this. My initial goal was "Axel by 50" and for all I know it may just take me 9 years to finally get it so I'm glad we are starting now. AHHHGHG, this is so exciting! This feels better than all of the gold medals in the world!