Saturday morning was my first lesson with Christopher since my injury. It felt good to be back at my home rink on a freestyle session but it felt even better to feel normal again. Outside of some soreness, I felt pretty good. I had nearly a half hour to warm up so when he got on the ice I was ready to go. We talked a bit about goals and then we got to it. Today, he just wanted to work on Pre-Bronze Moves test elements:
Perimeter Stroking - too many strokes therefore not enough extension. I think he said no more than six strokes down the ice with really nice extensions. Don't forget to get on those outside edges! He wants me to enter the end crossovers with a little more speed and power than I currently am. We did both directions.
Crossovers in a Figure Eight - After I told him I was having some fear issues on the forward to backward mohawk transition, we spent some time at the boards working it out. When it comes right down to it, the issue isn't fear so much as the fact that I'm still having a difficult time with stiffness in my ankle so I'm not able to bend my knee as much as I should. Doing a swingroll into a mohawk is scary if you can't bend your knees! So, I just need to work on it some more and get those knees bent and it should be fine.
Edges - We only looked at the forward edges and there were two main criticisms - my lobes are too big and I'm going way too fast. I need to slow it down and make my lobes a wee bit more shallow. See, I always practiced them with big lobes because I know that one of the main criticisms with adult skaters doing edges is that their lobes are typically really shallow. I guess I overcompensated too much, lol. He would like me to take my time and be more precise, which lead into...
Circle 8 - Yes, I know, this is a Bronze move but he said that practicing this basic figure will improve my edges so I guess I need to work on this now during practices. It wasn't until I tried the circle 8 that I realized how little control I actually have over my edges. Ugh, this is tough!
Spirals - You know how much I love spirals, right (said with the most sincere sarcasm I can muster)? On my first attempt, I put my foot down on my left leg spiral because I'm still having balance/stability issues. I tried again and was able to make it cleanly down the ice but I was hella wobbly. Also, I need a stronger push when switching sides. These need work.
All in all, it was a good lesson. I don't think he was expecting much but I really do wish I had done better than I did. Everything improves with time, though. I asked him if he thought an April 13th test date was realistic and he said yes. That's cool. That's what I'll shoot for then :)
Monday, January 22, 2018
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Wednesday Night Practice
Looks like Wednesday nights at APEX are a descent time to go! There were only about 15 people on the ice even though it was a public session. There were a number of figure skaters working on moves and stuff so it was nice. Almost felt like a freestyle session :)
Movez - I worked a lot on edges and they are starting to feel more like they used to. Because I've been off the ice for so long, my initial pushes on the backward edges are pretty weak but that will improve with time. My BI edges are actually better than they were before (odd) and I found myself doing the proper arm and head movements that Christopher wanted. I think maybe I was overthinking them before. Moving on to Waltz 8, I was having a bit of difficulty coming back to the center because my lobes were of unequal size. I'll need to fix that. Forward and Backward Crossovers are getting there. I'm having some issues on the transition. This wasn't a problem before but it is now. Fear is getting in the way and it's kinda pissing me off, to be honest, because this is one of the least scary things I'm working on. Stupid mental blocks. I also spent some time on some Bronze moves namely the Forward & Backward Power Stroking. I worked on flow and pretty arms. Why do I feel like the bronze test will be easier than the pre-bronze?
Jumpz - Still plugging away at those waltz jumps and salchows and they are still very low and small but they are happening so, you know, I cannot complain. The last time I worked on salchows, I did them from a standstill. This time I practiced them from backwards crossovers. I still need much more of a strong check coming out of that three turn. I spent some time at the boards with the toe loop. Honestly, the thought of picking in with my left leg is terrifying. I don't know how I'm supposed to overcome this. :(
Spinz - Holy smokes my spins were terrible! I could not find my center to save my life. Ugh, just ugly. But I did realize how in need of a sharpening I am. Skidding all over the place! I'll drop my skates off at the Pro Shop after my lesson on Saturday.
I took a break for water and Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger (What doesn't kill you)" was playing and it was a nice reminder that I still need to keep fighting to recover. I know my efforts will pay off eventually. This isn't meant to be easy but if anyone can do it, I sure as hell can :)
Movez - I worked a lot on edges and they are starting to feel more like they used to. Because I've been off the ice for so long, my initial pushes on the backward edges are pretty weak but that will improve with time. My BI edges are actually better than they were before (odd) and I found myself doing the proper arm and head movements that Christopher wanted. I think maybe I was overthinking them before. Moving on to Waltz 8, I was having a bit of difficulty coming back to the center because my lobes were of unequal size. I'll need to fix that. Forward and Backward Crossovers are getting there. I'm having some issues on the transition. This wasn't a problem before but it is now. Fear is getting in the way and it's kinda pissing me off, to be honest, because this is one of the least scary things I'm working on. Stupid mental blocks. I also spent some time on some Bronze moves namely the Forward & Backward Power Stroking. I worked on flow and pretty arms. Why do I feel like the bronze test will be easier than the pre-bronze?
Jumpz - Still plugging away at those waltz jumps and salchows and they are still very low and small but they are happening so, you know, I cannot complain. The last time I worked on salchows, I did them from a standstill. This time I practiced them from backwards crossovers. I still need much more of a strong check coming out of that three turn. I spent some time at the boards with the toe loop. Honestly, the thought of picking in with my left leg is terrifying. I don't know how I'm supposed to overcome this. :(
Spinz - Holy smokes my spins were terrible! I could not find my center to save my life. Ugh, just ugly. But I did realize how in need of a sharpening I am. Skidding all over the place! I'll drop my skates off at the Pro Shop after my lesson on Saturday.
I took a break for water and Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger (What doesn't kill you)" was playing and it was a nice reminder that I still need to keep fighting to recover. I know my efforts will pay off eventually. This isn't meant to be easy but if anyone can do it, I sure as hell can :)
Monday, January 15, 2018
Competition Musings
So, the 2018 Denver Invitational is coming up in March and I was just poking around looking at their announcement. I don't know, I mean, I feel like I could totally handle participating in the Adult Pre-Bronze Compulsory Moves and I would get some competition practice, regardless of how I place.
Singles Compulsory Moves Requirements:
Singles Compulsory Moves Requirements:
- Elements can be performed in any order, as a program, without music
- No extra elements may be added. Each element may only be attempted once
- All events will be skated on ½ ice
- This event is judged using 6.0
- Entrants in Compulsories may enter any level at/above that which they qualify but may not skate down
- Entrants may enter max 2 Compulsory Moves events
Adult Pre-Bronze - 1:15 max
- Backward Crossovers (min 5 consecutive)
- Waltz Jump
- Forward Upright Spin (min 3 revolutions)
- Forward Outside Spiral
Before my injury I could have done these in my sleep but now it's a bit more challenging as I learn to skate again. I think this would be a neat way to work out all my test jitters, too! Besides, where else will I get to wear my new club jacket if not competition ;) I'll talk to Christopher about it on Saturday.
Salchow wow!
I practiced over the weekend and my goal was to attempt a salchow. After warming up, I decided I was comfortable enough to try one from a standstill. It was low and slow (mostly low) but it happened! I did about 4 or 5 of them from a standstill and landed each one but my leg started to hurt so I called it a day.
Little by little, I plan on adding jumps back into my repertoire. I need to keep my expectations low, though. I'm a different skater now so I no longer have that "I'll just fling myself in the air and hope I land it" mentality. I'm a lot more cautious. I know in time as I gain back my confidence I'll get a little more daring, but for now I just want to play it safe to avoid aggravating my injury.
Getting my salchow back is a big deal, though! It means I can practice my Pre-Bronze Free Skate test as originally planned (with the waltz and salchow being my two required jumps). That's exciting! I'm back with Christopher for lessons starting this Saturday so I'll have him take a look and see what he can polish up.
I'm planning on testing on April 13th :)
Little by little, I plan on adding jumps back into my repertoire. I need to keep my expectations low, though. I'm a different skater now so I no longer have that "I'll just fling myself in the air and hope I land it" mentality. I'm a lot more cautious. I know in time as I gain back my confidence I'll get a little more daring, but for now I just want to play it safe to avoid aggravating my injury.
Getting my salchow back is a big deal, though! It means I can practice my Pre-Bronze Free Skate test as originally planned (with the waltz and salchow being my two required jumps). That's exciting! I'm back with Christopher for lessons starting this Saturday so I'll have him take a look and see what he can polish up.
I'm planning on testing on April 13th :)
Thursday, January 11, 2018
So, I guess I'm committed now, huh?
I just spent my monies on a skating dress so I have something to wear when I test. So I guess that means I really am going to test now because if I somehow can't, that dress will haunt me from my closet...FOREVER 😆
Monday, January 8, 2018
Stupid Holidays
I'm sorry I've been MIA lately but the holidays get busy, as you know. I have been going to the rink, though, so don't think I'm broken again ;)
Not much to report back on except I had an absolute AMAZING practice the last time I went to APEX. It was a busy public session but they were kind enough to put cones out so I had the entire center rink to myself and it was glorious. I was actually able to work on Pre-Bronze MIF and threw some Bronze MIF in there just for kicks. Obviously, I still have some catching up to do but progress is being made.
I didn't go crazy with jumps. I'm still just doing waltz jumps and side toe hops but I've been working other jumps on the floor and I think I might be ready to transition them back to the ice soon. I was especially worried about the salchow since my left leg is still really hurty but it gets less so each time I do one in my apartment. Now, I just need the confidence to attempt them on the ice without being so tentative.
Spins were pretty spot on. They were consistently centered and after one spin I did, I actually had applause afterward! I mean, granted, even the basics look impressive to people who are just there to skate around with their friends but still, HUGE confidence boost!
Surprisingly, nothing hurt too much during that practice. I've been stretching more and working on improving the dorsiflexion in my left ankle so I think that has been helping a lot. I'll do my best to keep up with it because if this is what brings me back to feeling more like me, then it's worth it :)
As promised, I want to make my official return to the ice now that it's January. This means going back to lessons and contracting with my rink for freestyle ice time. I'm still settling things with Christopher since his schedule has changed slightly but it looks like my old Thursday morning lessons might move to Saturday mornings. I picked up a contract and as soon I get things finalized with Christopher, I'll turn it in and get back on home ice. I cannot wait!
Oh! And I suppose I should talk about goals now that it's a new year and all that.
Skating Goal 1: Pass Pre-Bronze MIF and Free Skate tests. This is a carry over goal from last year since I couldn't test back in August like I wanted to for obvious reasons.
Skating Goal 2: Start preparing for Bronze MIF test. I'm still undecided about the Bronze Free Skate test but I know I definitely want to test through all the moves tests.
Bonus Points Skating Goal: Learn and possibly test the first three ice dances (solo, of course). You know, if this is a thing I can do, I think I might want to try to do it :)
Not much to report back on except I had an absolute AMAZING practice the last time I went to APEX. It was a busy public session but they were kind enough to put cones out so I had the entire center rink to myself and it was glorious. I was actually able to work on Pre-Bronze MIF and threw some Bronze MIF in there just for kicks. Obviously, I still have some catching up to do but progress is being made.
I didn't go crazy with jumps. I'm still just doing waltz jumps and side toe hops but I've been working other jumps on the floor and I think I might be ready to transition them back to the ice soon. I was especially worried about the salchow since my left leg is still really hurty but it gets less so each time I do one in my apartment. Now, I just need the confidence to attempt them on the ice without being so tentative.
Spins were pretty spot on. They were consistently centered and after one spin I did, I actually had applause afterward! I mean, granted, even the basics look impressive to people who are just there to skate around with their friends but still, HUGE confidence boost!
Surprisingly, nothing hurt too much during that practice. I've been stretching more and working on improving the dorsiflexion in my left ankle so I think that has been helping a lot. I'll do my best to keep up with it because if this is what brings me back to feeling more like me, then it's worth it :)
As promised, I want to make my official return to the ice now that it's January. This means going back to lessons and contracting with my rink for freestyle ice time. I'm still settling things with Christopher since his schedule has changed slightly but it looks like my old Thursday morning lessons might move to Saturday mornings. I picked up a contract and as soon I get things finalized with Christopher, I'll turn it in and get back on home ice. I cannot wait!
Oh! And I suppose I should talk about goals now that it's a new year and all that.
Skating Goal 1: Pass Pre-Bronze MIF and Free Skate tests. This is a carry over goal from last year since I couldn't test back in August like I wanted to for obvious reasons.
Skating Goal 2: Start preparing for Bronze MIF test. I'm still undecided about the Bronze Free Skate test but I know I definitely want to test through all the moves tests.
Bonus Points Skating Goal: Learn and possibly test the first three ice dances (solo, of course). You know, if this is a thing I can do, I think I might want to try to do it :)
Monday, December 11, 2017
Back to the scene
The Sport Stable had an afternoon weekend session and I thought it might be a good thing to skate there this weekend and return to the place where I broke my leg. It's all part of that thing where you do a scary thing and then once you do it, it's not so scary anymore. Kinda like that first fall.
However...oh my god their ice was awful! But I wanted to check this off my fear list so I got laced up and got on the ice. After a few warm up laps I did a two-foot spin and immediately caught a rut then I tried some edges and caught a rut. The ice was so dangerous and I wasn't about to risk getting hurt again but I at least wanted to land a single jump just to be able to say that I did. The last time I jumped at that rink I had to be wheeled out on a stretcher. I just wanted to cancel that out and land a jump even if it was just a tiny waltz jump. So, I did and then left.
I really don't see myself skating there any more in the future. The public sessions used to be so empty and now they are not. The ice is progressively getting worse and worse. Their main focus at this rink is hockey and the ice shows it. I couldn't find a smooth spot at all! From now on, Apex and my home rink (the Promenade) will be my only options. Even though the Stable is much closer to my house, it will be worth the drive to skate somewhere else that has better ice and, you know, not get hurt.
However...oh my god their ice was awful! But I wanted to check this off my fear list so I got laced up and got on the ice. After a few warm up laps I did a two-foot spin and immediately caught a rut then I tried some edges and caught a rut. The ice was so dangerous and I wasn't about to risk getting hurt again but I at least wanted to land a single jump just to be able to say that I did. The last time I jumped at that rink I had to be wheeled out on a stretcher. I just wanted to cancel that out and land a jump even if it was just a tiny waltz jump. So, I did and then left.
I really don't see myself skating there any more in the future. The public sessions used to be so empty and now they are not. The ice is progressively getting worse and worse. Their main focus at this rink is hockey and the ice shows it. I couldn't find a smooth spot at all! From now on, Apex and my home rink (the Promenade) will be my only options. Even though the Stable is much closer to my house, it will be worth the drive to skate somewhere else that has better ice and, you know, not get hurt.
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