Pre-Bronze MITF and FS test in review

Yesterday was finally THE DAY. It was THE DAY that I finally took my Pre-Bronze MIF and FS test at my rink. I had basically been working on this test for a year, with the initial plan of testing back in April, but back then, decided I wasn't ready.  However, I had told myself that I would be ready for this test session, and I spent many months preparing for this test day.

For those of you who are not familiar with the testing process, you basically have have to pass skating tests to be able to compete.  Plus, certain competitions may allow you to "skate up" a level, depending on your passed tests, and their rules/regulations.  In USFS, you have two components to your test. There's the "Moves in the Field" (MIF) and then, if you pass that, there's the "Freeskate" (FS)portion.  The MIF consists of different patterns, which is used to demonstrate skating edges (based from the former "school figures" where figure skating gets its name), and the skater has to demonstrate those patterns with good control, power, and flow.  The FS portion is where the skater demonstrates jumps, spins, and footwork, like that is found in a regular competition program.  However, a skater must pass the MIF portion of the test before taking FS. All skaters start at the first level, then work their way up, with each test getting harder to pass as they progress.  For the adult skaters who are skating the adult levels, the first level is Pre-Bronze.  Then, there'ronze, Silver, Gold, then, from there, one can transfer to the remaining USFS levels, and even test all the way up to "Senior" (the highest level).

As for me, I honestly found the whole testing experience a VERY nerve wracking experience.  I generally do not perform skating tests well, because of the nerves.  I can handle performing on flute in front of hundred of people, but put me in front of one judge on the ice is a whole different story!  I know that this is because I'm not that experienced of a skater, and this whole testing thing is still very new for me. I had also been nervous about getting all of my moves down well in preparation for the test, which upped my anxiety level.

For both of my tests, I shared the ice with one other adult skater (which is common for early level testing) and we each had one judge.  We started our patterns at the opposite ends of the rink, and honestly, I'm VERY glad that I had practiced most of my patterns from both ends, knowing that this situation may happen.  The rink itself was very quiet, and there was no one in the stands.  So, I was able to pretty much hear everything that I was doing ...for better or for worse. I normally LOVE it when the rink is super quiet, which rarely happens.  I think there's A LOT of benefit to having quiet sessions where you can hear your edges, because I think hearing music a lot takes that listening ability away to some extent, thus we end up having one less sense to use with learning basic skating skills.  I feel like that skaters should not only be able to feel where their edges are on an element, but how that particular element sounds, and music often covers a lot of that up. There's just a certain calming quality about skating when one can hear their edges cutting into the ice, and I think that gets overlooked.

That being said, I would like to share with you about my morning with testing as a whole, as well as the thoughts that were going through my head as I was testing.  I will warn you that my thoughts were totally not sunshines and rainbows.  I was fighting through really nerves, and trying to think of some technique at the same time to try and remain at least somewhat focused.  This was INCREDIBLY hard for me to do, and I basically just ended up relying on my practice and training to get me through.  Based upon what I was thinking during my tests (especially my MIF), I am glad that my coach was not tough on me as I do enough of that onto myself.  I will have the results posted of my test sessions at the end of this email.

Here goes: the run down of my test session:
I got up around 7 a.m. as my test session was scheduled to start a few minutes before 10. I shower, have breakfast, and get my things together and arrive at the rink at 8:15 or so.  I put my things down, and see that there's a youth hockey game going on.  I'm already super nervous, but decided to do a few simple stretches, and run a few slow laps around the rink, while listening to "Bang Bang" by Arianna Grande.  I only ran about three laps or so, but I totally needed it to sorta get rid of that energy, while starting to get my body warmed up and breathing going.  "Bang Bang" has been my "go to" song lately to get moving, so that was the best thing for me to listen to at the time.

A few minutes later, I go back into the lobby to start stretching, and I tried including stretches for the whole body, but also focusing on the stretches for my spiral.  These included front splits and straddle. By this time, the hockey games are just about done, and more kids who are testing are arriving.  At about 8:45, I start changing into my dress and putting on my make up (ice is being zammed now).  I get out about 10-15 minutes later, and watch the first test taker for a few minutes.  Then, I decided it was best for me to keep moving, and try some off ice rotational jumps.  A few minutes later, my new coach arrives, and I decided to join her and her student into a stretching/warm up routine.  My coach also helps me with stretching my spiral, and by this point, I'm feeling as warmed up as I can probably get.

Around 9:25 or so, we were told that the tests were moving a bit ahead of schedule (a good thing), so those of us in the next group could start getting our skates on.  I get my skates on, check in with one of the monitors, and then meet with the other skaters in my group just outside the door in the lobby. THEN, my previous coach comes in! He came down as a surprise to see me and his other students test!!! I was so glad to see him!!! I had only one lesson with my new coach at this point (just a few days ago, actually), so it was nice to have someone who really knows how I skate, and knows how much I have progressed just before I test.

A few minutes later, we go to just outside the rink door for our on-ice warm up. At this point, nerves are kicking in, and I could not watch the other skater who had to re-skate one of her elements. So, I kept my back to her, did some deep knee bends, and just tried to get myself together.

The warm-up
At a testing session, each group of skaters gets a five minute warm up period.  This period is meant to get your skates under you, and maybe to run through any last minute patterns that you and your coach want to go over.  I did about a 1/2 lap of stroking, then did the crossover pattern with my mohawk transition.  I also did a few forward edges, a few backward edges, then went back to the crossover pattern to try the transition pattern again, as I missed it the first time.  My backward crossovers were scratchy, which wasn't good.  However, in order to help me focus, I gave a brief thought to my "buddy" that I have a running forum, which gave me just a brief moment to breathe and sort of collect myself.  During the last minute, I ran through one round of the Waltz 8, just to make sure that I could 3-turn in both directions.  Then, we were called off the ice.  Reality hit me that I was going to be testing at any moment, as my friend and I were first in our group.  My previous coach tells me that he has faith in me with this test.  My friend and I gave each other a high five, then went out when we were told to do so.

Thoughts going to the judges table

1. Uh oh. This is it. I'm already shaking.  Judges are over there. Skate to them.
 *Side note: The skater always goes to the judge(s) first.  This is to verify information on your testing comments sheets, which they should have.  They may also explain any special accomodations that may be done, such as starting at opposite ends, if there's more than one skater on the ice.*

2. Thank goodness I have practiced most of my patterns using both ends.  Just my luck. I got the "opposite" end of the rink for this test. Oh well. Just go with it.  Trust your practice with this.

3. Oh !@$!! I'm about to start testing. Oh !@#$!! Okay. Find your starting point. You know how to start.There. T-position. Arms up. Breathe. Go.

Thoughts throughout the the test: Forward Perimeter Stroking (CC)
1. Dude, I'm shaking!
2. Did I just toe push on that corner?  Ugh. Keep going.
3. 1-2, 2-3, 3-2....
4. Judge's area straight at 3 O'clock. Keep looking up towards the wall! Arms! Chill! Get in the right position!
5. What the hell just happened with my free foot? Get back up there, foot! Dude, nerves, you're making me really shakey. 4-2..5-2..6-2...
6. Crossovers on the corner.  Better.
7. 1-2, 2-2...This is taking more effort than normal...
8. Keep looking up towards the wall!  No toe pushing!
9. 6-2...crossovers! Keep those arms steady!! Damn you nerves! Arms! They're not windmills!
10. Finish. T-stop. Arms out. Hold. down.

Clockwise
1. Breathe. T-position with right foot in front. Arms out. Go.
2. Whoa. That started a little faster than I expected. Did I just cut that corner a little soon. Hold that stroke a bit longer, just in case.
3. 2-2, 3-2....DON'T LOOK DOWN! Keep looking just above the Meijer sign.
4. Damn you nerves! QUIT MAKING ME SHAKE! Regroup. Regroup. Focus. Keep looking towards the wall. Keep counting. Look towards the wall. Keep going.
5. Crossovers ahead. Go.
6. Ugh. There's that slight scraping with my right foot. Come on! More step! I hope the judge doesn't hear this.
7. 1-2, 2-2, 3-2...judge coming up at 9 o'clock! DO NOT LOOK TOWARDS THE JUDGE!!! LOOK AHEAD!  See that wall? Keep looking towards that.
8. Crossovers now...okay.
9. Finish. T-stop. Arms out. Hold. Down.

Forward Outside Edges:
1. No...don't waste time by going down to your usual spot.  Your fellow adult skater is down there, Just do your thing at this end. You've done this before.
2. Push. Good.
3. 23456...223456
4. Nerves. I freaking hate you right now. Yo. Quit looking down so much. Stay on that edge. Arms, please cooperate.
5. 423456, 523456....done. Overall...not bad.

Forward Inside Edges
1. Ready. Go.
2. Steady....nerves, you're not helping
3. 223456, 323456. So far, I seem to be on an inside edge. Can the judge tell?
4. Almost done...
5. Phew. Done.

Back Outside Edges
1. This is your best backward edge. Give it a good push to start.
2. Damn...not quite as good of a push that you can do. That is the nerve's fault.  We'll make up for it on the other lobes.
3. Better!  Keep going. 223456...
4. Ugh...Nerves! I'm shaking! 323456...423456...
5. Hold that edge, Look towards the sholder. Extend, not spiral...hold.
6. Finish. T-stop. Arms out. Hold. Down.

Back Inside Edges
1. Come on, give me a good push to start these edges.
2. Damn it, nerves! That push sucked!  Make it to the line, make it to the line...made it.
3. Did I just skate on the wrong foot? I hope not.  Okay, worst case scenario is that I would have to reskate it.  Keep going.
4. !@#$ YOU NERVES! YOU MADE ME WOBBLE!!!! WHOA ARMS!!! CALM DOWN!!! STAY UPRIGHT! FIGHT FOR IT!!! STAY UP RIGHT!!! HOLD!!! PHEW!!! That was close!!! Breathe...next one...
5. Ugh. Nausea.  Not what I need right now....
6. These lobes are feeling off....ugh
7. Finished.  Uh oh...crossover pattern next.

Crossover Pattern
1. THIS.PATTERN. TRANSITION.
2. First up. Forward crossovers. Ready. Go.
3. Push, Cross. Push.Cross....
4. First transition...could've used more lean. Oh well. Go.
5. There's that scraping of my left foot.  Come on. Lean! Step! Better!
6. Oh !@#$ Transition is coming up. Shut up. Do these crossovers first. Transition is later.
7. Transition time...oh boy....aim towards the the center. Swing. GET ON THE INSIDE EDGE! Okay...could've used more inside edge, but GO!! Okay, not the cleanest, but no turning back now.
8. UGH!!! BAD SCRATCHY CROSSOVERS! BAD CROSSOVERS!!!
9. Transition...extend leg...down...go!
10.  Better crossovers on this side.
11. Did I do the same amount of crossovers on each side? I have no idea.  I'm just going to assume I did.
12. Finish. Ugh.

Waltz 8
1. Finally! A pattern that I can do in my "normal" spot!  About time!
2. Whoops. Body started just started. 2,3(turn), 4-5-6..
3. Hold the edge. Look towards your sholder. Don't raise the hip..keep holding..ugh.nerves and nausea still going.
4. Whoa. That felt a bit tight around that spot. Hang on. Good. Back to center.
5. Right foot. Are my lobes somewhat even as this side felt more solid.
6. Back to center.
7. Second time. Left side. Repeat.
8. Back to center...stay steady....
9. Right side.
10. Last time. Repeat...back to center.
11. Finish! Spirals!

Spirals
1. Last test. Hey! Can I start my spirals there? Oh wait. Crap. She's starting over there, and is waiting to her start her pattern. What do I do? Crap. I have to use the other end again...and I haven't practiced my spirals much there.  Okay body, just trust yourself here.  You can do this pattern, It's the same steps.

2. I hope I did the right amount of intro steps..

3. Nerves, whatever you do, KEEP.ME.UPRIGHT! DO NOT HAVE ME FACEPLANT!! ..Left leg up!!!  Hold it...balance....

4. Judge's area to the right at a 3 o'clock!  Look up and hold! Turn the foot out! Hold! Make it to the blue line! Phew! Change feet!

5. Hold it!  Nerves, now is NOT the time to make me shake!  You're making this HARD! HOLD! Point that foot! Dude! That's some MAJOR foot shaking!! Okay, down! You made it!

6. Finish. Arms out. down.  Turn towards judging area. ("Thank you!") D.O.N.E!!!! YOU.ARE.DONE!!!!  Get your butt off the ice!!!

I got off the ice, still in full force nerves, anxiety, and some nausea.  One of the first people I see is both my new coach and my previous coach, and both were happy with how I tested. I felt like keeling over from the nerves and anxiety at this point.  My other friend and I gave each other another high five for finishing (during the tests, I could also hear when she finished each pattern).  A few others told me that I did well, and I was able to finally breathe and take skates off, and had another hour to re-collect myself.

Freeskate Test
For this test, I was much less nervous, as a I had a chance to calm down from my moves test.  On this test, I had to do forward crossovers (good direction), backward crossovers (also good direction), two jumps of choice (waltz and salchow), two foot spin (3 revolutions, minimum), 1 foot spin (3 revolutions, minimum), and a spiral or lunge (I did a spiral).  Like the moves test, I shared the ice with another adult skater, and we each had a different judge.  We approached the judges, verified all of our testing info, and then were told which elements to do first. I was told to do my jumps. For what it is worth, I'll tell you my thoughts during that test.

Approaching the judge's table
1. Here I go again. I can handle this.
2. Is this the same judge? She looks familiar...oh well.
3. Okay. Here we go.

Waltz jump
1. Backward crossovers...push, cross, push, cross, push cross...step forward on the outside edge..ready...NOW!
2. Whew. Landed..not that big or high, but landed. Hold the landing...you KNOW this position. Good!

Salchow
1. Please let this be decent. Please let this be decent....
2. Check. Hold...jump!
3. Ugh...too much lean...funky landing...just hang on. This can be re-skated if needed.
4. Back to the the judge. Crossovers are next. Go.

Forward Crossovers (CCW)
1. Keep leaning, Push. Cross. Push. Cross. Good. Keep this up.
2. How many of these have I done?  Oh well, just go back to about where you started and call it good from there.

Backward Crossovers (CW)
1. Crap. I forgot. Which way am I going again?  *Starts to head in one direction*
2. Wait. That's my "bad" side. Start over there for your good side.
3. Push. Cross...Push. Cross....come on legs and edges, work with me here. You're scratching some..
4. Now, you're going! Better! Circle is a bit wide, but just go with it. MUCH smoother now...phew!
5. Finish. Back to the judge's table (spins)

Two Foot Spin
1. Ugh. Scratchy wind up...will have to correct this once and for all. Push...up...hold...other foot down...SPIN!!!
2. HANG ON!!!
3. Exit. Extend...
4. Now one foot.

1 Foot Spin
1. Wait whoa...this wind up is funky....hold hold hold...just step and fight for it...
2. Up...2 3....steady.....
3. Cross...ugh...not quite steady enough for scratch...just keep holding in this position...
4. Done. Exit
5. Back to the judge's area. (spiral)

Spiral
1. This is NOT the MIF pattern. You can take an extra step if needed. You got this.
2. and....UP!! HOLD!! Keep extending!!  Hold..hold...hold...try to make it all the way across. Dang it foot, why do you shake so bad with pointing the toe?
3. Okay...all the way across is not going to happen. You got about 3/4 which is good enough.  Come down. Stop.
4. Turn towards judge ("Thank you!") *Slight bow from me. I respond "Thank you!" back.

I felt MUCH better coming off the ice this time around. I knew that salchow was my weakest element, but felt that everything else was pretty good as a whole.  My waltz jump felt small to me, but landed with a really nice landing position that I worked hard on, and I felt that everything else was definitely passing as well.  It also felt good that I didn't have nerves killing me.  A while later, I got the results from this test.  Both comments sheets are posted below for you to see.  All and all, testing is VERY hard for me, but I am glad that I challenged myself to do it!

I PASSED BOTH TESTS!!!!! I EVEN GOT A SMILEY FACE FOR MY STROKING PATTERN!!!!

One Chapter Ends, Another Begins

One of the chapters in my "skating book" has finally come to an end.  I had my last lesson with my coach on Wednesday, and last saw him on the ice (at least for a while) this morning.  My coach is leaving as he will be starting his masters in Nursing at DePaul University in Chicago.  I'm so grateful to have had a coach who was not afraid to take on the challenge of teaching an adult beginning FS level skater, who also happens to be a clockwise skater, who has been through my skating ups and downs, and not once has told me that my skating goals are not attainable.

I am excited about his future endeavors, and am excited about working with the new coach that is lined up for me, but he will be someone that I will never forget. 

I HAVE A SWING TO INSIDE MOHAWK TRANSITION!!!

IT FINALLY HAPPENED!!! I HAVE A SWING TO INSIDE MOHAWK TRANSITION!!!! Seriously, this transition has been a MAJOR roadblock for me since I started working on Pre-Bronze MITF this past year.  It's such a simple looking move, but for me, it has been a big source of frustration, fear, and tears.  I simply could not get onto the correct spot on my foot to allow for the transition to happen in my crossover patten, no matter which direction I went.  

Well, low and behold, it "clicked" yesterday.  I cannot describe how excited I am to have this happen! All it took was a simple change in my thought process as I'm doing the element.  I had been thinking "swing mohawk" as one element, and not dividing it into two parts.  So the other day, I just happened to think "swing" (get comfy on the inside edge) then "mohawk," and BAM! It worked!  I felt comfortable on the edge enough to put my foot down as I was in a good spot on my blade to allow it to happen. In the past, with thinking of the move as one whole chunk, I would freak out because I didn't have my balance on the proper edge, and I knew that if I went to put my foot down, I was going to fall, and that wasn't helping my fear factor at all.  My coach and I spent a lessons on this element, without much progress.  I have been so frustrated to the point of giving up on it, and have even cried over this.  It's like a huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulders, and I feel MUCH more confident on this! Is it perfect? Of course not, but am I way beyond happy to have this type of progress? YES!!  Who knew that just breaking down the element a bit would make such a huge difference?  I wish that this happened sooner, rather than later, but this is something that I had to sort out for myself, even if it took me so long to do it.  

I know that there are other improvements to make on the crossover pattern, but I'm so much more confident now, so I can move forward with making the improvements, and be ready to test in January!

It's the fall semester!

Wow. It has really been a long time since I posted on here!

In a nutshell, I am still skating, and continue to make progress.  I can't remember if I had posted this before, but I had thought about testing my Pre-Bronze MITF back in the spring.  Although I had been working really hard on the test, I decided to not test as I was honestly not prepared for it.  The most difficult pattern for me is the crossovers, simply because I really struggle with the inside swing mohawk transition that is suppose to occur between the forward and backward crossovers.  Although I remember initially being really upset with this decision, I'm glad that I decided to not test. I know that the test is "only" pass/re-try, but I want to pass the test well, and not just barely squeak by. I had learned my lesson the previous year about testing something that I'm honestly not ready for, and I don't care to repeat the experience. That being said, I am looking at testing later this semester (December or so), and THIS time, I will be ready. I backed out of the test once,and I don't want to do that again.  I am also planning on testing my Pre-Bronze Freeskate, as my coach said that I would be ready for that as well.

So..this summer...I was able to skate a few days a week at my rink, as it was FINALLY open for the summer!!! Yay!!  There, I started re-focusing on my MITF as well as learning back three turns, a sit spin, and back scratch spin.  I also found out that my coach is going to be leaving in December, so I only have a few more months with him.  I'm going to really miss him as he's the coach that I've had the lonest (since I was in ISI FS 1, basically).  I'm suppose to be transitioning to a new coach as of January, but I 'm not ready for that transition yet! I want to hang onto my coach forever!  However, I am also happy for him as he got accepted into a good graduate school, and will still be able to put me onto the ice for competitions in the Chicago area, so it's not like he will be gone-gone.

My other big news is this...NEW SKATES!!!!! I've been having a lot of problems with my old skates (Jackson Classiques), so this summer, I decided to finally get fitted for a new pair. A week ago Saturday, I was finally able to pick up my new skates, and so far I LOVE them.  When I got measured, I was told that my (now old) skates were a size and half too big length wise, and didn't at all fit me around my foot. I have about an A width heel and ankle, but am much wider towards the ball of the foot (and even have a slight bunion, most likely due to my skates).  So now, instead of being in an 8 1/2, I'm now in a 7 in a Jackson Premiere. My blade is also completely different. My previous blade was a Ultima Mirage, which is okay for beginner skate.  My new blade is a 9 3/4 inch Protoge.  I was really excited, but nervous about the new skates because of the fear of the skates being really stiff and adjusting to the new blades. Honestly, as a whole, these skates are breaking in VERY nicely!  I've had a few minor issues with my right ankle area, but it's nothing that undoing the skate for a few minutes, or re-adjusting the tongue can't resolve, and these are to be expected. I did have one fall over my toe picks, but it wasn't bad.

I first skated in my skates the next day, and I will admit that I could hardly do anything in them.  I felt like I was in someone's else's skates and my feet were like "Whoa...this isn't right."  Seriously, all I could do at first was swizzles and one foot glides.  However, after about 30 minutes or so, I was able to try crossovers.  Since then, I've progressed extremely quickly to my "normal" footwork/edges. My coach has already seen major improvements with my skating, and we're working towards re-adjusting to the new skates. I'm already back to spinning, although that is a bit of challenge as I have to re-find my "sweet spot," so that will take some additional. Part of that will be from really riding my right outside edge (remember that I'm a clockwise/leftie skater), but I'm expecting that to kick in the not-so-distant future.  As a whole, I cannot stress the importance of having good, supportive skates and blades, regardless of your skating level.  They really do make a difference!  I know that I'm feeling MUCH more safe with skating in these skates, as my foot is pretty much on lock down, so it won't shift, have my heel come up, not get loose on me, you name it.  My previous skates were actually very dangerous for me to skate in, so I'm so glad that I finally have something that works well.  These skates and blades should last me up to axel or possibly beginning doubles (if I get that far).

In addition to the new skates, I will be skating two completely new programs this year. I was able to choose the music, and, for the first time, cut the music myself. I had to scrap my original plan of skating to one piece ("Beethoven's 5 Secrets by the Piano Guys) as my coach and I couldn't come up with a good cut.  However, I came across the soundtrack to "Dangerous Beauty" on youtube, by just looking up "figure skating music."  This year, I am planning on skating ISI Bronze again, but also giving a dramatic a try.  The nice thing about a dramatic program is that I can use elements up to FS 4, so it's a good way for me to keep challenging myself, yet not stress over not having all of my FS 4 elements.  For my Bronze program, I'll be skating to "Veronica and Marco," and for my dramatic, I will be skating to "Imprisonment."  The later is going to be especially challenging as it's very dark, and so it will be my job to portray that mood...something that I have never done.  However, I think this will be good, as it will force me outside of my "box."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BhNCNm1dxE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9t6mZYu0VGQ

That's about it for now.  I will try to add updates more often, so just bear with me!

Enough is enough!!!

Rant ahead, just FYI, but I"m feeling the need to post this as a figure skater who is trying to find that balance of being healthy, without going overboard.....

Sometimes, I get really tired of people comparing themselves to me in terms of them wanting to lose weight, eating healthier, not being physically active (considering that I run, figure skate, and do gymnastics), etc. For those of who have known me for a long time know that I've always been on the thin side. Sure, I might be lucky, blessed, have good genes, or what have you for having a thin build, but hearing stuff like this on a regular basis from this person is making me feel very self conscious, and I'm not liking it. I especially don't like that she's making comments that two of my arms could fit into one of her shirt sleeves, and the like. I have told her that being thin isn't everything, that she is fine the way she already is, if she wants to make changes to be healthier, then she should start small, and go from there, etc. However, I'm still getting all of these "I'm fat" related comments, and her comparing herself to me for being thin, which is making me feel very self-conscious. I've had my own (minor) body issues to deal with, and I'm still trying to have a good balance with my diet, although my willpower to not having junk food lately is MUCH lower...don't know if that's a good thing or not....my brain goes "It's JUNK!," yet my body goes "But it tastes so good!" Sheesh. 

Bottom line, I may have to speak up and tell her to stop using me as a reference for her weight woes, because it's making me feel really uncomfortable. I really wish that she would just accept herself for who she is and what she has,quit complaining, and make the changes herself if she wants to get healthier. I can't do the work for her, and am willing to give her encouragement/support in her healthier endeavors, but she has to take the first steps (whatever those may be), and stop comparing herself to me. 

Enough is enough!!!

There's a first for everything....

Competition season is upon us here at the U of I, and I did my first competition of the season last Saturday at Homewood-Flossmoor.  The competition got off to a super late start due to the sound system malfunctioning, but was able to catch up and be on time again.  As a whole, my events (ISI Bronze solo, compulsories, and FS 3 interpretive) went well, and it was a good competition overall.  I met two other adult skaters there, and I got the chance to cheer on one of them as they competed right before me.  The other adult skaters were Gold and Silver level.  The gold level skater and I happened to meet earlier that day, and she told me that she had remembered me from last year, and I inspired HER to compete again this year.  I was very honored and humbled by this, and that alone was enough to make my day in skating. It just reminded that I may never know who's watching me, and may be inspired to skate for the first time, or return to skating/competing.

 Results wise, I got a first place finish "against the book" both my solo and interpretive skate.  For my interpretive skate, I was given "Fireball" by Pitbull, which I'm thankfully familiar with.  Interpretive was actually pretty fun! I honestly didn't really know what to in the first half of the song (about 30 seconds or so), but there was a big downbeat a bit later, and suddenly, you couldn't help but basically dance to it.  I basically focused on footwork type of stuff, and I hope that I get better with interpretive skating, I can just really go things and really play things up to the audience.  However as a whole, I came off the ice feeling that I had done well, and was told by several other people (mostly from my rink) that I did well.


Also, at this competition, I faced a first for me....falling in competition.  I'm sure it was bound to happen to me at some point, and that some point was during my compulsory portion.  For my compulsories, I was required to perform my change foot spin, dance step sequence for FS 3, and a salchow.  I fell on my salchow, which was my last element of the routine.  I'm not quite sure what I did wrong, but my feeling is that I was too tilted when I took off, throwing off my balance when I went to land, and I couldn't hold onto it.  Too be honest, I was disappointed about that jump, and I knew that fall was going to cost me.  I know that I was skating against the book, and I have been struggling with that jump a little bit lately, but for the most part, it's been pretty consistent for me. I was suppose to get my falls out of the way up to the competition, not the other way around.  So, for me to have that fall when I've been working so hard to do well, was disappointing.  The rest of the routine had also gone pretty well too!  I pretty much nailed my change foot, although I was on my toe just a little bit at the end of the backspin (could've swore I heard my coach yell "nice!"), and my dance step was alright...could've stayed more steady on my outside mohawk so that it looked more like a mohawk than a bracket (and a bad bracket at that), but was other wise good.  I was especially happy with the change foot as those have FINALLY kicked in.

However, looking back at that fall, what I told myself a bit later on in the day was that fall was ONLY a fall...nothing else. I did not disappoint my coach, the audience as a whole, or even the judges.  They marked me down because of a technicality with my skating, that's it. As a matter of fact, my coach was super proud of me going out there and competing, and doing well as a whole.  It takes A LOT of courage to go out there and compete, especially as an adult, and doubly so when you're in a competition with mostly kids/teenagers.  So knowing that, I am glad I competed, and have hopes to do another competition later this spring if finances will allow.

As for back at the home rink, my rink has changed hands from ISI to USFS.  This change has been a change in the making since I started skating, and has finally come through.  I'm not entirely sure why we changed hands, but I hope that this will draw really good coaches to our rink, so that we can continue to increase the quality of good skaters at competitions.

Speaking of coaches, I'm in the process of changing of changing coaches.  My current coach, Jeremy, is graduating this spring, and will not be staying here for graduate school.  I respect his decision to go someplace else, and want the absolute best for him, but am very sad that he is moving on.  His leaving is one of the sad things that I don't like about our rink...coaches coming and going every few years due to them being college students.  However, what I am liking is that Jeremy is taking the initiative in finding a new coach for me.  Unfortunately, I'm not able to skate much this next week or so, due lack of finances, but I have a lesson scheduled with a potential coach, Michelle, in about two weeks.  I don't know too much about her, but she has come from one of the top skating training centers in country (even did boarding school there), and sounds like she has quite a bit of competing and coaching experience under her belt.  She would also be able to put me onto the ice for both ISI and USFS, which is a bonus.

My other personal choice is Max Liu, who use to teach Gracie Gold.  I know first hand that he's an excellent coach, and has flat out said that he enjoys working with adult skaters (major plus in my book).  I have seen him coach other students at our rink, so I know he can be tough.  However, I also know that he's also very good because of his emphasis on technique, which I sometimes feel like a lot of our coaches lack with their teaching, in order to "push" students through levels.  Then, when it comes to competition, the student doesn't generally do as well because of it.

My plan with both of these potential coaches is to take a few lessons with each, and Jeremy wants to be involved by observng/"co-teaching" the lessons.  That way, he can have some additional imput about who he thinks would be a better fit for me.  Ultimately, it'll be my decision on who I want to be my coach, but this way, we can discuss the positives and negatives together.

Semester in Review

Wow. I've been horrible about posting things this semester!  Hopefully, I will post a bit more once the new year starts.  So, for those of you who may have missed it, here's my semester in review. You final will be at the end of this post. *wink wink* :)

As usual, my rink closed for the summer in early May.  I literally spent the entire summer working at summer day camps in town, and doing TONS of off ice training.  I took off ice private lessons all summer with my current coach, and took an off ice class.  One of the coaches teaching the class also happens to be a clockwise skater, so naturally, I was often paired up with her when working on jumps.  I even worked on some off ice axels, and had some VERY good goes with it.  However, I started having issues with my left hip.  I kept landing too hard in general, so I was having some muscle pain, even with landing on waltz jumps.  It wasn't anything serious, but it was something that my coach and I definitely took a look at, and worked on fixing.  So far, knock on wood, things have seemed to have healed, and I haven't had problems since.

In addition to my off ice private lessons and classes, I was still running and took up weight lifting at my gym.  The later was due to my off ice lessons since we were using weights at my coach's gym where he was living at the time.  Weight lifting has kicked my butt, plain and simple.  However, I made progress, and was able to start increasing the weights for my squats and bench press.  In addition, I was also in a pool a few days a week since I was with summer camp kids, and would work on in-water jumping when I was able to do so, which proved to be a lot of fun since I have no fear of going under if I messed up.  I also worked on jumps from off a diving board, and even tried my hand at an in-water climbing wall.  I didn't do so well with that since the knobs were really hard on my feet, and it takes a ton of upper body strength, but I can't say that I didn't try. :)

Throughout the summer, I was able to skate a few times at different rinks, which was really good for me, as I could totally feel how much stronger I was getting as a result of my off ice work.  Plus, I felt like I didn't totally lose my skills from this past year since I was able to skate more often.  My rink FINALLY re-opened in mid-September, and I was soon able to start weekly lessons with my current coach.

Skate America!!!

In October, I got the chance of a life time to see Skate America in Hoffman Estates (one of Chicago area suburbs), and I served as an ice monitor for the practice sessions.  Basically, I would let the skaters off and on the ice.  This was such an amazing experience to see the skaters and their coaches up close, and was just amazed at watching these skaters fly around the rink with seemingly no fear of falling.  I also learned a few things, as well as gaining a few words of wisdom from being arms length away from some of these skaters and their coaches:

1. The competitors are normal human beings, and many of them are SUPER nice! They are also human beings knowing that many of them get super nervous before going onto the ice.
2. Even top notch competitors utilize basic skating skill drills in their practices. This includes bunny hops, basic stroking, and waltz jumps.
3. The top notch coaches will STILL correct their skaters on basic positions...head up, bent knees, pull-in, etc.
4. To see a major skating event for free...VOLUNTEER! It's a great way to see the events, be an active part of the skating community, and to see/hear top notch skaters up close!
5. Pairs skaters use a spray on adhesive on their hands to prevent slippage during lifts. I had never thought about that!
6. Skaters do need positive reinforcement from their coaches.  I heard Jason Brown say something about his triple axel that he was uncertain about.  His coach was literally right by me, and what was her response? "Trust it." I totally needed to hear that.
7.  What I need to remind myself now because of #6 with my own skating: Go for it. Risk it. Trust it. 8. Jason Brown really is SUPER nice! He is totally this happy go lucky guy that just makes makes me smile when I watch him skate.
9.  Arena food is super crappy and majorly expensive.  Another perk to being a volunteer is having MUCH better food choices back stage.
10. Watching these types of competitions live will make you work that much harder when you get back to the rink.  You know that you will never be at the level that these skaters are at as an adult skater, but you will work your butt off that much harder to work on the skills that you have your current skating level.

Basically, this event was the skating "pick me up" that I desperately needed, so I was able to return to the rink a few days later with the renewed energy.  I started attacking my program more for my rink's fall exhibition skate, and was even attacking my Pre-Bronze MITF more.  Since I was able to attack my program more, I did a successful first performance skate of the season with my program that I'm planning on using for skating competitions this winter/spring.  My coach and I re-choreographed my jazz number ("In the Mood" by the Glenn Miller Orchestra), which is my ISI Bronze program.  My program wasn't perfect, but I was happy with how I skated during the actual exhibition, and my coach was also extremely proud of me.

At this point, I'm working on really cleaning up that program for the Homewood-Flossmoor Polar Ice competition in January.  I'm also working really hard onto finally getting that "devil" change foot spin as it's still not happening.  THAT has been frustrating to the point of tears for me, however I have gotten it a few times, so I think a lot of it is mental at this point.  I just hope that I will have two clean change foots for Homewood-Flossmoor....one in my program and one in my compulsories.  I'm not really worried about any of the other elements, but I have to get that change foot to happen. I'm trying hard to be patient with it, and have done a fully rotated change foot spin here and there, so I know that they're hiding in the ice, so I just have to keep working on finding them.

This fall, I also continued with off ice training with my coach, and ran a local 5k at the end of September called the "Woman's Fitness Run," which the local running club hosted.  There were approximately 80 runners, and I came in 32nd overall with a time of 30:30, and place 11th in my age group.  At first, I was not happy with how I did since I started off way too fast, almost got too hot, and just about ended up walking from tiring out.  However, looking back, I actually did really well, and I have hopes to place in the top 10 for my age group next year.

In addition, I also ran a 5k back in August.  It was the "pie run" which was my first ever 5k from the year before.  Although this race is not timed, I finished the race in 23 minutes and change, which averaged to about an 8:25 mile, and I finished third overall.  I was actually the lead female runner for 3/4 of the race.  Since it was a "pie run" pie was served at the water stops along with water.  Knowing that there's no way that I can run and eat pie without getting sick, I skipped the water stops (I had my own with me), which saved me on time, and probably helped me keep my lead.

Unfortunately, I have not been running much as of recently, but am hoping to get back into it as I'm planning on running in the half marathon again here in April, which will take time to train for.  However, I am taking an adult beginning gymnastics class at a local gym, and it is SO.MUCH.FUN!!  It's expensive about ($130 for 8 weeks), but is totally worth it, and it is GREAT for off ice training.  This is because gymnastics is all focused on flexibility, balance, and strength, which is all done by your own body.  I am planning on keeping up with the gymnastics, and actually even have hopes to compete in my first adult meet in march. I might be doing "low level" skills, but someone's gotta show people that you can start gymnastics in adulthood, so it might as well be me. Like ISI FS levels, there are 10 levels to gymnastics, with level 10 being the hardest.  Most of my skills are around a level 3 at this point, although I do not have a strong bridge, due to lack of shoulder and back flexibility, plus the needed arm strength.  It is something that I'm working on, because I have hopes to make progress to harder maneuvers from there.  So far, I think my favorite events are vault, beam, floor, and bars (although that may change), and it's been extremely good for me as I've got very little fear with working on my elements, so I'm able to attack them more.  This is because if I screw up, I land on much softer surfaces.  I have even been finding myself pounding out stress with landing on those mats, so it's been very great for me mentally as well.  I actually wish I had more of that "let me at it" attitude on the ice.  However, there's a big difference with my fear of falling because ice doesn't have any give if you crash...unfortunately.

So yeah...that's what I have for this semester.  Since I"m officially on Christmas break from work, my plan is to skate a lot, do some skating for the sheer fun of it, and focus on off ice training again.  I may have to see about setting up some type of schedule for myself, as it is extremely easy for me to overdo things and wear myself out in the process.  However, I'm determined to continue to improve with my skating, and am also so grateful that I've also found gymnastics to love as well.  :)

That's it for now.  I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday season, and happy skating!

Springing forward

Well, the time has come. My rink closed for the summer, and so my skating is very limited to when and if I can get onto the ice someplace else.  I finished my season with running my first ever 1/2 marathon in 2:13:15 at a 11:30 pace. I had been training for the race since January, with the goal of running the entire race, minus the water stops.  I met that goal, and was SUPER proud of myself for doing it. I had never expected myself to run a 1/2 marathon just a year after starting to run, and even initially balking at the idea of doing a 5k.  

About a week after the race, I skated in my rink's annual ice show in the principal number, adult number, and in a mini-solo as Cruella de Vil from "101 Dalmations." The theme of the show was "When I grow up," so the different groups were portraying different jobs, such as a postman, fashion designers, world travelers, fire fighters, etc.  As a whole, I really enjoyed taking part in the show, and especially loved the adult number and skating as Cruella de Vil.  The adult number skated to "Roam" by the B-52s, and we dressed as people who were traveling the world as pilots, beach goers, socialites, etc.  It was choreographed by a new coach at our rink Max Liu, who also happened to have coached Gracie Gold when she was a young skater.  I was excited to be working with him, as I have hopes to have him as a coach once my current coach graduates next year.  

For my Cruella de Vil number, I REALLY enjoyed skating to that one.  The music was sung by Selena Gomez, and although she's a much younger pop artist, my coach and I were able to make the routine much more age appropriate. My routine wasn't particularly complicated as it was only about a minute long, but I really enjoyed skating as someone that's my total other persona. I also absolutely LOVED the costume, which was mostly borrowed from another skater.  Since I enjoyed the routine so much, I've already asked my coach about using this routine as a character solo for competitions next year, which he has totally agreed to do.  I think that I can really pull the character off once I work a bit more on expression...gotta get a good creepy smile thing to make the audience shiver a bit.  However, my coach was SUPER impressed with my ending pose. He told me that it was totally creepy and totally matched her character. :)  

On May 7, I took my FS 3 test. This test was very stressful for me as the change foot spin has been challenging for me. I had all of my other elements, except for that change foot being consistent.  Plus, I had the situation of either taking the test and not passing, or waiting until sometime in the fall of taking my test, not knowing how much ice time I will be getting this summer, and be very wobbly on skates again this fall when I would be back on the ice.  I decided to go ahead and test. I passed by the skin of my teeth on the change foot, but I was not happy with the test because of that change foot. I did give the examiner one decent change foot on the compulsory part, but had to re-skate it for the FS part, and did not do it well.  My examiner "passed" me on a 5, but only on the agreement that I "continue to work on it." However, the test is now behind me, I'll keep building on that skill, as well as moving onto FS 4.  This is bringing me the one step closer to being able to do an axel, or at least axel prep work before my coach graduates and leaves next spring. :)  

Now....onto some tough stuff that I've been facing lately.  

Not all of my skating experience is fun and games. A chunk of it is downright hard, and sometimes a very frustrating process.  Before I go any further, I want to make it clear that I have discussed this issue with my coach, and we are still on VERY good terms as I have a tremendous amount of admiration and respect for him, and have greatly enjoyed having him as a coach.  However, a few days ago, during an off-ice lesson, he asked me something at one point that made me stop and think, and it brought back a memory from last year from an off-ice lesson I had with him (may have been my first one).....a comment about my body fat...and how uncomfortable that made me feel.

So yeah...body fat/weight/body image...what a very sensitive area to discuss, especially with being bombarded by the media on what's considered healthy, attractive, sexy, etc. We've all seen those advertisements: firming up all sorts of body parts, dropping 30 pounds in 30 days, advertisements for the various new workouts, etc.  They're sickening, right?  Yet, I've recently found myself battling my body image fairly recently, and it's been bothering me, because I've been questioning why I started making changes so that I'm eating healthier and exercising a lot more.  A lot of people would probably say that I should be happy with those changes, and yes, in a lot of ways I am, as I'm feeling the healthier benefits (running a 1/2 marathon is no small feat).  However, my question is WHY did I start making the changes that I've been doing, and what I realized the other day, partially based on a comment that my coach said about a year ago that I perceived as being hurtful at the time.....my body fat.

I will admit that there had been a few times in the past where I would have slight moments of body image issues as I would try on clothes ("Ugh. I look like I'm pregnant with this stomach..") and the like, despite me always being on the thin side and tall at between 5'8-5'9.  I've also always enjoyed being fairly physically active, although my eating habits/food choices often counteracted that...sodas, cookies, chips, french fries, candy, nachos from the rink....you know the drill.  However, in this past year, I made a huge attempt in a change to be healthier after an off-ice lesson with my coach.

So, the story behind this is that during my off-ice lesson with him (which was FANTASTIC as a whole) at a an indoor track on campus, my coach and I ran into a former classmate of mine that he happened to meet a few weeks ago.  This classmate was very happy to see me (and vice versa) as we hadn't seen each other in a long time, and she had mentioned that I looked like I had lost a lot of weight. I told her that I had.  Later on, towards the end of my lesson, my coach had asked me something along the lines of why I lost weight.  I don't remember what I told him at that time, but the thought came to me a bit later on what sparked it.

The memory of one of my off-ice lessons with him a year ago last spring popped into my mind, as it was around then when I decided to get a lot more serious with my skating.  We were working on some abdominal exercises, and he made a comment a long the lines of "This will get the fat off of you and more toned."  I may have partially stemmed that comment as I believe I said something about my abs being flabby.  Although I know that he meant it to be helpful at the time, it served as a hard to swallow pill for me in terms of body image and overall fitness level. I don't want to say that he was the sole reason that I made changes, but that comment was something that pushed me over that edge...and it kinda scares me that I did that.  I have a ton of respect for my coach, and I know that he wants the absolute best for me for my skating. I do know that our relationship is a two way street, and I realized that I do have to pull my own load to some extent, but I wasn't expecting myself to make changes based upon a comment.  I know that we have all heard stories about people developing eating disorders at least partially based upon comments others would make (such as a coach or a judge at a competition).  Although, at this point, I do NOT think that I am heading down a path of an eating disorder, but it was a very scary question that crossed my mind if I don't keep things in check.  

So with this rather sensitive issue in mind, I do have a lot of questions about helping a student fight through any possible body issues.  This could go for skaters of any age, but it may be of most beneficial to teens and adults.  Please feel free to share your answers if you're comfortable in doing so, and/or sharing these questions with your coach or other skaters to generate a healthy discussion.  These are numbered, but not in any particular order of importance.

1. Should a coach question about a skater's body if the coach is concerned about it?  If so, how should it be approached?

2. Can one's weight, especially of that of an adult skater, affect the technical aspects of skating such as jumping or spinning?  What about other skating essentials such as finding boots that fit? Are there any good skating companies that specialize in adult sized dresses/outfits for a reasonable price?

3. What do you think of the training regimes that many skaters put themselves through (even top level skaters) to meet the physical demands of the sport?  Is it really too much of a physical demand on the body, especially at a young age where so many kids are doing doubles or even triples by the time their early teens? Are they really eating well (with the chance to splurge once in a while), getting enough rest, have some honest-to-goodness downtime, etc? How do skaters handle their body image thoughts during their training?  What these top name coaches doing to ensure that their skater is NOT heading down a harmful path?

4. For those of you who are adult skaters who made the decision to get healthier during your skating career, what was your reason for those changes? Have those changes become a part of you in a positive way, or do you find yourself just struggling to push through?

5.  What can coaches and skaters do if they know another skater at their rink is really struggling with their body image/weight issues?  

6.  What does it really mean to be healthy and fit?  

7.  What are some other danger signs that skaters should take notice about themselves of potential harmful eating and exercise habits?  

8. Years ago, I remember a skater's height and weight sometimes being mentioned during their program (same goes for women's gymnastics).  Why did they do this, and why was it stopped? 

9. Are coaches ever under the pressure to have a skater look a certain way? If so, why?

10. If you're a coach, do you have any health goals/plans that you want your skaters to achieve? If you want them to achieve for the particular goal, why is that?

To end this on a positive note, I did talk to my coach about this other day, and he felt terrible about his (unintentional) criticism about my eating and weight, and that I perceived it that way.  Although he is a nutrition major, he told me that me that he never wants me to feel guilty about nutrition as harmful habits can result.  Plus, yes, it's totally fine to treat myself to some junk food every once in a while, as it is deserved, and he's not strict about nutrition, despite it being his major.  He also stated that he has been super proud of me, that I'm incredibly hard working, has enjoyed seeing my skating mature over the past two years, and have been a joy to teach.  So, hearing that made me feel a lot better, and let's just hope that this feeling of inadequacy with my body image is just a really short thing.  

March Madness

For the few of you that may be reading my postings, I'm sorry about not keeping up with this lately.  Skating has been keeping me busy, and now that we're on Spring Break, I have a bit more free time this week. Unfortunately, that also means less time to skate as our rink has been closed for a few days.

Last weekend, I competed in my home rink's competition  For this competition, I did FS 2 compulsories, FS 2 Artistic (using my old FS 2 program), a Bronze level solo (which was completely brand new for me), and decided to give interpretive skating a try.  I did compete "against the book" in all events, as I was the only adult skater in the whole competition, but I skated well enough for a first place finish in all events.  I had posted a picture of me and my coach with my medals, although I was the most proud of just going out there, facing myself--no matter what recent frustrations I've had skating wise, and skating well as a result.  My coach even later told me that the girls from our rink were also super proud of me for competing.  Afterwards, a friend of mine and I went to local restaurant for much deserved "Irish Nachos" (waffle fries with nacho toppings), and I had a drink or two of choice. :)

Since I was proud of how I did at the competition (as well as for our other skaters), I decided to post a picture of my coach and I with my medals on Facebook.  This caused some nasty backlash from another adult skater (who skates at about my level), who basically told me that my medals were not deserved as I didn't compete against anyone else, that people are so into the "everyone gets a trophy" mentality, all I care about are jumps and spins and not "real" skating, and that I'm basically not the "whole package."  THEN, this skater had the nerve to insult my coach by telling him that he doesn't have nearly the experience that her current coach has, that all he cares about is having students win medals, and that he's basically not a good coach, just because he's young and doesn't have 30+ (or whatever) years of teaching experience behind him.

To be all out honest, I did try to step back and see a lot of her comments as way for me to keep improving my skating, as yes, there are elements of my skating that are needing work.  However, I'm doing my best to improve them, and that process takes time.  At the same time, seeing those comments REALLY hurt because I felt like I was just getting shot down, and she had no clue on how much work I've put in this past year to improve my skating.  Even my coach and another skating friend, who saw those postings, jumped in and defended me, which I was appreciative of.  However, when the skater insulted my coach (it wasn't the first time, either), that's where I drew the line.  It's one thing for a skater to tell me something rude, but to insult my coach was WAY below the belt.  I don't care so much if someone insults me personally, but insulting my coach takes things to a whole different level, as this skater has NO CLUE on how hard we have worked together, both on and off-ice, to get me where I am today.  Sure, my coach is young and ambitious, but that's because we both have goals that we want to achieve. I may not be a 10-13 year old skater, but I am willing and working towards ours goals to the best of my ability, and I'm glad that he is a part of this process.

So I guess the moral of this posting is that sometimes, I think adults create more drama than kids do.  In this situation, my advice to those adult skaters to who want to insult adult skaters is to keep their mouths closed, take a good hard look at themselves in the mirror, and make sure that they're aware of Karma, because "she" can be a real witch with a "B" when she comes around.  Plus, bottom line, it's just poor sportsmanship.  We're all on different skating levels, skating at different rinks, and frankly, none of us are going to the Olympics, so there really shouldn't be this type of drama among the adult skating community.  I got into skating because I found it fun (still do) and challenging.  I know that I don't have access to the top notch coaches, and, in reality, top notch coaches probably wouldn't want to work with me anyways since I won't be winning major skating championships.  However, I'm am very happy to be working with MY coach, as he is the best coach that I could possibly have at this time.

January flashback

Looking back at last month, things are mostly going okay.  I still don't have my change foot spin and my salchow jump is a hit-or-miss, but I'm gradually getting stronger, skating with better form, developing better edges, etc.  I've had one lesson so far for the new year, my coach was very happy with how much better my one foot spin got since my last lesson six weeks prior. I've actually had a break through with that spin, thanks to the word "table top" at my last lesson.  My coach is having me think "table top" with my arms to keep them strong and steady as I push and rotate into the spin. With using that, my spin has more power into it, better rotation, better centering, and not on my toe pick nearly as much. So, I've pretty much been taking that idea and running (spinning?) with it.  :)  As for my salchow and change foot...those will get better over time.  Maybe I just need a magic word with the change foot, and it's just a matter of finding it.

My BIG plus for last month was that I skated in the Polar Ice Classic at the Homewood-Flossmoor Ice Arena near Chicago.  This was the second time I've ever competed, and I competed in two events (FS 2 solo and compulsories).  Although I was competing "against the book" in both events, I'm VERY happy to say that I scored a first place finish in both events!  I even did my solo with only a 30 second warm up on the ice.  What happened was that the competition got behind schedule, so my coach thought that we had a lot of time before getting onto the ice.  So, we were in the dressing room area, doing warm up stuff, and suddenly, someone comes looking for me, as I was suppose to have been on the ice right then. I was in my dress and make up, but didn't have my skates on!  I rush into my skates, but by the time I got onto the ice, I had 30 seconds left.  I had never been on their ice before, which, of course, feels really different than my home rink.  I was also suppose to be the first to go in my group.  Needless to say, this rattled my nerves quite a bit.  Thankfully, my coach was able to have me be switched to being last, so that I could have a chance to get myself together.

I was nervous when I stepped onto the ice. I was more nervous about skating in front of an unfamiliar audience, and skating well than being judged itself.  I had one mistake in my step sequence in the beginning of my program, but knowing that I had a second shot with it (due to the choreography), I took a moment to glide on an outside edge, tell myself that I KNOW that sequence, let the last one go, and give it another shot. I did the sequence right the second time around, and continued to skate a clean program after that.  I even got cheers for my spiral, which felt really good. Before I knew it, my solo was over.  I always find it hard to believe on fast something flies by when you're out there on the ice.  In regular FS sessions, I will do my solo, but it feels like it takes much longer than when I'm performing in front of an audience.  It simply just flies by.  With getting through that, I wasn't at all worried about my compulsories.

For my compulsories, I almost missed part of my warm up again, but I was able to get there in time for my five minute warm-up.  Next time, I'm going to make sure that I'm ready to go at least 10-15 minutes beforehand, so that I'm not rushing onto the ice.  I had to do a ballet jump, 1/2 lutz jump, and a one foot spin.  Knowing that I could do my solo well under pressure, I wasn't nearly as nervous doing my compulsories, so I was able to keep my focus really well.  I was the only one on the ice at that time, but I took my time through my elements.  I came off of that ice feeling like I did well, but it was still really nice to see that first place score posted later on.  The first place rankings got me a high five from my coach, so I was very happy with how I skated, despite my nerves, and I'm looking forward to competing again in March for our Illini Ice Competition.

As for a more recent event, I will be trying out for a "specialty number" for our rink's spring exhibition skate in May. The try outs are next Saturday, and all of the skaters are trying out with using "You've Never Had a Friend Like Me" from Aladdin.  For this number, each of us designed our own routine, and we'll be skating it in front of the exhibition coordinators for a chance at either a solo, duet, or trio.  With this, we have absolutely NOTHING to lose, as we will all get something, so it's a win-win situation.

As for other goals, I have started working on the Pre-Bronze MITF (just started working on the stroking sequence), and I have hopes to put together a bronze level program for the March competition.  I'm also skating to a new practice routine, which is majorly helping me stay focused, and I'm sure it will help me with making some much needed progress.  The scary part is doing my jump sequences, as I have to approach them with more speed, I build up the speed, set up for the jump, and things MAJORLY slow down...argh!  It WILL get better!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all of my fellow skaters of all skating levels and ages out there.  I have high hopes for this year to be a good one in everyone's lives.  Looking back, I think I've had a pretty awesome year.  In case you missed them, here are some of the highlights:

1. Got a new skating coach who has been nothing but fantastic.
2. Passed BOTH FS 1 and 2
3. Learned, and landed, a salchow and toe-loop.
4. Got into MUCH better physical shape, ran a 5k, and got a HUGE hug and an "Oh my god!" comment from my coach the first time that he saw me back on the ice back in August.  It sucked to not skate for basically the whole summer, but, all of that off-ice work paid off!
5. Learned a new routine for FS 3, and performed it at our fall exhibition in front of a large crowd, nerves and all!
6. Got compliments from other adult skaters on how much my skating has improved over the year.
7. FINALLY sorting out that freaking 1/2 toe walley jump, and have finally made my peace with it.
8 Decided to try out for a specialty number (solo, duet, or trio) for my rink's spring exhibition.  The tryouts are in February.
9. Registered to skate at the Polar Ice Classic at Homewood-Flossmoor on January 11. This will be my second time ever competing.

So, all and all...not a bad year skating wise! Yes, some skating days were harder than others, but the main thing is that I stuck it out.  To keep me motivated, I've come up with a list of things that I would like to work on for this coming year.  It's not a "must do" list per se, but something for me to work towards.

-Pass FS 3 (planning on testing that in a month or so)
-Learn, take, and pass USFS Adult Pre-Bronze MITF and FS
-Get a legit spread eagle and Ina Bauer, and maybe use them in a program
-Land a clean loop and flip jump, both off and on ice...MAYBE take FS 4 late next fall
-Continue to work on overall fitness and flexibility, including the possibility of running a 1/2 marathon in April. :). I also want to get a true center split, and get my right leg split consistent.  However, my right leg split is MUCH better than what it use to be!
-Learn the beginning ice dances
-Skate at different rinks if I get the chance, and maybe take a lesson or two in a specialty area from a different coach at said rink.
-Don't be intimidated by the young skaters. A lot of times, we're working on similar, overall ideas, just at different levels. Plus, someone's got to show them that one can skate as a grown up, and be good at it. It might as well be me (and you!).
-Skate more often for the sheer fun of it. Go ahead...laugh with a friend at attempts to do shoot the ducks and landing on your butt.
-Continue to have a positive attitude with my coach, and be willing to try new things
-Continue to conquer the fear of falling by allowing myself to fall. Yes, there is a chance of falling on my front superman style or hitting the back of my head, but I can't let that fear stop me.
-Be proud of what I'm able to do, what I'm working towards, and seeing how far I have come.  Come to think of it, I've come A LONG WAY since I started skating classes on January 16, 2011. :)
- DON'T.GIVE.UP!  Off-days and bad days are gonna happen, but quitting is NOT an option.

What are YOUR goals?

Gradually making progress

Well, I finally did it. I skated a solo in an exhibition skate! This program was a whirlwind program that my coach and I put together in just a few weeks, and the program is mostly an FS 3 level.  I was really nervous about doing the program the night before, and my coach could see the panic in my face. It also didn't help that I took a hard fall right on my tush, and ended up on my back. My coach didn't see the fall itself, but heard the impact, and saw me on my back, which was enough to scare anyone.  I considered that skate my "rough skate," so I was just getting the jitters and the falls out of the way.  As a musician, I've had MANY times in which I would have a rough practice/rehearsal, and the performance would be fine.

As for the show itself, I'm super proud that I did it. I skated to Henry Mancini's "Love Theme" to Romeo and Juliet, and felt as pretty as Juliet on the ice in my lavender colored dress that I stoned myself.  I had never stoned a dress before, and to say that I learned a few things along the way is an understatement. Essentially, patience is key, along with using large enough stones (at least 12 to 16ss), and using a good glue. I had a bit of an adventure with stoning the dress because I bought crystals that were standard sized (ss) 8, 10, and 12.  The stones were MUCH smaller than I anticipated! Plus, I initially used "hot fix," swavorsky cyrstals, which required this special type of glue gun, which ended up not working at all.  I couldn't get the stones to stick to my dress to save my life, yet the glue gun almost burned a hole in my dress--YIKES!! I finally caved and bought "gem tac" glue from a craft store, but initially didn't use enough of it.  I eventually DID get the stones to stick, but I think I must've re-glued each stone about 4-5 times in the process.  Unfortunately, I am still finding some of the stones that I dropped along the way.  However, the dress was worth it, and I got a ton of compliments on it.  I do plan on using the dress for some future competitions this spring.

As for the exhibition itself, as I said, I'm very proud of what I was able to do.  It wasn't perfect by any means, but my biggest accomplishment was not panicking during the performance. I had a few instances when things didn't go right, but would just "Nope. You're not going to panic. Just keep going, and pretend that Romeo is dancing with you."  We had a really nice crowd, and it felt nice to get cheers from the audience for my routine. :)

Now that the show is over, I had been focusing on trying to get all of my elements down to pass my FS 3 test. I had initially thought I would test this coming week. However, a few days ago, I made the decision to not test as I'm honestly not ready for it.  It's mostly due to not having my change foot spin, which is just an awkward spin to do.  I had been stressing myself out over it, and finally came to the conclusion that I'm just not ready to test yet, and, THAT.IS.OKAY!  My coach is also totally cool with my decision, as I would much rather test when I'm confident on the elements, and get good scores, especially since they're the backbone to future elements that I will be working on.  I've decided that I will keep working on my FS 3 elements, but do the test at a later point...maybe in a month or two.

In the meantime, I've also decided to enter my first skating competition since competing at the Delta level a few years ago.  I'm planning on competing at the ISI Polar Classic in the Chicago area in January.  For this competition, I'm planning on doing compulsories and my FS 2 level solo.  Then, depending on how things are coming along for me FS 3 wise, I may do the Sweetheart Open competition, also in the Chicago area, in February, at the Open Bronze level.  Then, depending on when I decide to take my FS 3 test, I may skate at the FS 3 level or Open Bronze level for my rink's competition.  In addition, I will also be trying out for my rink's spring showcase (assuming that I will at least be in the adult number), and starting to work on USFS Pre-Bronze MITF this next semester.  So, although I'm not testing my FS 3 as I originally planned, I have enough on my plate to keep me challenged, and when I am ready to take that test, I'm determined to do well on it.

For your viewing pleasure, you see my program to the exhibition skate through this link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1x60ZKB5gAY

Picture of my skating dress:

Don't look down, and keep on skating!
Janet

Back to it!

Yay! I've been able to get back onto the ice fairly regularly since our rink re-opened in late August.  I have to admit, it took me a while to get use to the feeling of being back on the ice (again), but I am beginning to feel that I've already been making progress.  I had my first lesson of the season with my coach this past Saturday, and it felt great to be working with him again. The main focus of the lesson was learning warm-up drills to really get my body warmed up, and even to get my mind focused to some degree, especially with doing things on both sides of the body.  We also spent some time working on a jumping pattern that he wants me to start incorporating.  The jump pattern is very hard for me at this point as I'm building a lot of speed (a good thing), but it makes the actual jump MUCH more difficult. 

The bonus feature of this lesson was putting my fear of falling aside (for the most part), and even allowing myself to fall throughout the lesson, and NOT feeling bad about it.  This especially came about as we worked on Salchows, and needless to say, I messed up my landings on more than one occasion.  However, I did manage to land a few of them, with one or two being fully rotated.  Plus, I continued to improve on the Salchow as a whole towards the end of the lesson.  My coach was very happy with this, and gave me a high 5. :) My coach is generally very easy going, and so it's not uncommon to hear him shout, "Yes!" throughout a lesson on occasion, but it felt really good to get that high 5 thrown in...definite confidence booster!

In addition, my coach picked out my program music, although he took our suggestions in consideration.  I must have sent him about 30 suggestions, but of course,  he came up with a piece that I had not even thought about.  It's an arrangement of Henry Mancini's "Love Theme" to Romeo and Juliet.  I do really like the piece, and have hopes for it to continue to grow on me, and to really develop the ability to make it artistic. 

For any of you that interested, here's the warm-up routine that I did the other day.  The first few are things that I normally do on my own, while the rest are what my coach threw in.

1. Forward Stroking
2. Forward and Backward Crossovers
3. Forward and Backward edges (Inside and Outside) on a line
4. Forward Inside/Outside 3-turns on a line

Stretching at the boards:
1. Spiral stretches
2. Spread eagle stretch, focusing on having the hips touch the wall/board, and bringing the legs closer together
3. Lunge on both legs
4. Drill (based off of what coach and I worked on)--lunge to spiral.  Start in a lunge position, then lift up and forward to a spiral position, without letting the the free leg touch the ground.  Do each side 5 times.

My coach's drills along the long axis of the rink:
1. Bunny hops, without letting the free foot touch the ground in between. Do one leg on one side, and the other leg on the other.
2. Bunny hop/lunge combo-same as the previous drill, but adding in the lunge.
3. 2 strokes, bunny hop, lunge--don't let the free foot touch the ground

Dip Drill
1. 2 strokes, bunny hop, dip as low as possible
(hands out in front, one grabbing the other. I was doing it with my left hand grabbing my right)
2. Shoot the duck.
Take several strokes to build speed, dip, and and extend out your free foot.  Since I'm a clockwise skater, I balance on my right foot, and kept my left foot out in front. My hand position was the same as above.  I was actually able to get pretty low with this, so my coach was happy about that. :)

When going through ALL of these drills yesterday, it took me about 30 minutes, but that was the main focus of my practice.  In most cases, I probably shouldn't be spending so much time on these, and will probably shoot to do most of these in about 15 minutes in the future. 

Jump pattern:
1. Left over right forward crossovers, starting at my edge circle.
2. Continue crossovers until 1 lap is completed, and head toward the top of the Lutz circle.
3. When in between circles, do an inside mohawk
4. Do backward crossovers about 1/2 away around the Lutz circle, then head towards the center circle, continuing with the backward crossovers to really build speed.
5. Once at the center circle, go into a two foot backward glide, and hold for a few counts (3-5)
6. Open up/Prep the jump
7. Jump

I am not sure if this jump pattern is meant specifically for edge jumps, but we did this with just trying a waltz jump.  As I said, it was SUPER hard because I was dealing with a lot more speed than what I'm use to, and it was more straight line.

As for work on doing a salchow, we worked on this drill using a hockey line:
1. Push into a forward outside three turn, hold the 3-turn straight back. You'll be on a slight inside edge
2. Check arms (left arm bent at the elbow if you're CCW, or right arm bent at the elbow if you're CW, opposite arm in back)
3. Swing your free around to gain momentum, crossing arms
4. Bunny hop at the end with landing position.

Since the jump is still technically a half rotation, the kick through/bunny hop is only used to help gain momentum with doing the actual jump. Of course, in the real jump itself, you won't be doing the bunny hop, but landing on the outside edge of the opposite foot.  However, DO NOT think that this jump is "just" a 3-turn with a waltz jump tacked on, as this is not the case. 

As for doing the jump off-ice it can be done two different ways. Naturally, one way is harder than the other, but they're both worth practicing when you're advanced enough to work on this jump.

Harder way:
1. Start in your take-off position, as if you had finished the 3-turn.  Your arms should be checked, with free leg straight, and skating leg well bent.
2. Kick the free leg through and around, so that you do a 1/2 rotation. Think of jumping up and out.
3. Land the jump on the opposite leg on one foot.
4. Hop as needed to complete the rotation and regain balance.
5. Finish in landing position

Easier way:
1. Start in your normal take off position
2. Hop around on your skating leg several times
3. On the last hop, kick the free leg through and around
4. Land on opposite foot. Hop around as needed for rotation and stability.
5. Finish in landing position

Feel free to try the above warm-up drills and adjust them to your needs.  As for the jumping, please do not attempt these until your coach says it's okay to do so.  I don't want anyone getting hurt for attempting a something that is way beyond your level. 

Happy skating, and feel free to check out the link to my program music (has yet to be edited) for this season. Of course, if you have any comments, please feel free to put them down below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-fY0scV6K4