Nats Prep

I've been sort of bad at updating this blog. I've been practicing and getting ready for Nationals so preparations are still ongoing. I've got my registration done, music uploaded, forms signed, and cat sitter acquired. The only thing I'm still waiting on is the schedule to come out, the practice ice selection that goes along with that, and my hotel reservations (which is dependent on the schedule). 

I've been running my two programs every practice and continuing with Pilates every week which really helps my core (and subsequently, my spins). My employer also gave me a $100 fitness credit to be used on equipment, gym memberships, or fitness attire. Last year, I used it to upgrade my old FitBit Inspire to the new FitBit Sense (which I love!) and this year, I bought myself a Bosu Ball! I've been using them at the Pilates Studio and they are great for balance training and core work so I'm excited to get that set up and start using it. AND! It comes in pink! Who knew!?

Lesson - My lesson this week was just jumps. Seriously, he picked everything apart which is great. I need it. Most of the time was spent fixing my Toe Loop again. I tend to fall into bad habits (Toe Waltz) when I'm rushing so we slowed things down and really focused on the reach back and pivot. They are improved, but I still need work on the reach back. In addition, my arms were wonky. I really need to keep my left arm out in front and slightly across so that I don't rotate too early. Next up was my Lutz. I'm still not picking up my free leg early enough and I'm hella pre-rotating. However, my Lutz is a lot better than my Flip so there's that. We also spent some time looking at my first jump combo in my Bronze Free Skate (Salchow-Loop-Toe Loop) to try to get better flow. Finally, footwork. It looks good but he wants me to have more eye contact with the judges and more emotion. 

So yeah, things are happening. I'm preparing to kill it in SLC. I'm determined to not suck :)