I haven't updated in about a week but I assure you I have been working hard during that time to make up for the lost ice time from when I was sick. This past week, I have been living at the rink running this program over and over until it was beautiful again. The day before competition day, I was feeling strong and had a clean run through so I tried to carry those positive feelings with me going into my event.
15 Minute Warmup Ice - This is a new thing. Every time I compete, I purchase the 30 minute practice ice and it's always crowded and stressful. I spend more time trying to dodge people or make way for others that it's never a good practice. This time, I purchased the 15 minute warmup ice and it made all the difference! First, they made it "adult only" so I didn't have to dodge 6 year olds with no situational awareness. What a luxury! I got everything done that I needed to! I struggled a bit on my camels. The first one was nice and then as I did more, they got progressively worse. My final camel was good though so that was refreshing. Again, I was feeling very at ease and confident in my elements so I was feeling like my skating during my actual event would be the same.
Silver Free Skate - I was the third one to go on so I did some breathing and visualizing while I was waiting for my moment. When it was my turn, I was announced and got into position for my routine. My music started and off I went. My opening Loop jump was BIG and floaty with arms overhead. It really set the tone for the whole thing. The one change I made since my last competition was I took out the Lutz and replaced it with a Salchow. My Lutz is just not good. It's never good. So why am I putting elements in my program that are not good? I know Christopher wants to challenge me and I'm okay with that but I don't think I should put something in a program if it still needs more time to cook, you know? So I did a nice Salchow and went into my camel spin (which was lovely for once! Wahoo!). The rest of the program was really nice as well. I did a nice strong Flip jump right in front of the judges and ended with a beautiful spin. Honestly, I don't think I could have skated it better! Very pleased!
Results - Ok, here's where it gets wild! I got off the ice and Christopher asked me what kind of score I expect from that routine. I said I would be pleased with anything over 19.71 since that was my personal best and would also mean that I passed my Silver Free Skate Test. After a couple of minutes, he flipped his phone around with the results and staring back at me was 26.12!!!!!! Holy shit! What?! Bonkers! I knew it was a good skate but I didn't think it was that good! There were things I would have knocked me on that the judges didn't (hello Toe Waltz) but the only thing I got dinged on was my combination spin (camel to scratch) and even that wasn't a huge negative GOE. So yeah, I passed my test, had a beautiful skate, and earned a new personal best! It was a good day! I ended up with a Silver medal and I'm so proud of myself I could burst!
Afterthoughts - So what was different this time? I'm not sure. Everything was so easy that day. I usually stress out about hair and makeup but it only took me 30 minutes instead of two hours to get that done. I had time to drink a cup of coffee which I don't normally allow myself to do. I also didn't "zone" this time. I usually make time right before I put skates on to listen to calming music and visualize success but, this time, I didn't have my phone with me to play music on so I just...put my skates on and breathed. I didn't watch the skaters who went on before me and instead focused only on me. Repeating positive affirmations and telling myself that I'm going to kill it out there. Maybe it was all of these things together. I don't know. But I think I was overthinking before with all of my old rituals. Sometimes change is good. I feel like I have finally earned my place as a Silver-level skater! Doing the IJS Test Protocol to pass my Silver Free Skate Test was the way to go! Highly recommend!
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