Skating 2012 Year Recap!!

I have to say that 2012 has come and gone too fast.and so much has happened  This year indeed had its challenges, ups and downs yet bitter sweet; Survived my hubby's heart attack, my dad's passing and my mom moving to Florida. I was diagnosed with a brain abnormality back in March which will limit me to my skating but it will not stop me!  Have to be very careful and try to avoid any head injury, and the least spins I perform on the ice is for the best.  I don't need to get a seizure or a brain stroke on the ice.

May 12, 2012
I landed my axel on Mother's day, Yahooo!!! I do have to work on it and get it higher and clean!! Its a working progress :) but I am happy with it.

Then,
To my excitement - was featured in the USFS Magazine June issue "Adult Corner" thanks to my blog post "The Test", where I mentioned that Ashley Wanger was my inspiration to begin my testing and future with USFS.  I was truly honored.  I have to give special thanks to all my followers and readers of my blog because your support and comments really encourage me to keep writing and share my skating journey.

I managed to stick to my 2012 goals and test and passed both MIF and FS Adult Pre-Bronze.  Competed at ISI National competition which was not my best skate. At one point I decided to give up on competing completely, but I had a change of heart and  vowed to improve and better myself and sure said done.

Had no choice but to upgrade to new boots and blades some how all this time I've been skating with the wrong size blade and boots lol.  Though the skates that I purchased were Harlicks, they were *used* but for a good price they work just fine.  When you're in financial situation, have to make due with what ever comes your way.   To be honest it was a nightmare, with blisters, falls and just pure torture trying to break them in, in a short note I love my skates.

Decided to compete again in October and give it one more try and redeem myself and I skated great! My jumps and elements have gotten much better, seen a big difference in my skating.  Had some minor injuries that still need healing but not so bad that I have to stop skating.

Now training hard for 2013 Skating Season and prepare for Sectionals which I am so excited yet nervous since this will be my very first USFS competition - praying and hoping for the best.  Also, gearing up for my next test Adult Bronze and hope for a pass.

So blessed to have met such amazing friends aka adult skaters via my blog and facebook - its funny how we have so much in common and share the same dreams and goals.  I am so thankful to the Lord for giving me this opportunity to live my dream and to share my thoughts with all of you.  

My last lesson for the year is next week Thursday.   Would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and Peach, Happiness and Prosperity for 2013!!

On A Quick Note:  Never give up! There will be times where it will be hard and you feel that you want to give up....no! don't listen to that "drunken monkey" positive mindset will over come your "fears" Fear not but Fear Itself, and always remember "Failure is not an Option, its a Choice"

Blessings to you and a Happy New Year!!

Happy Skating 

Skating with Friends Near and Far

Skating Today!!
I have to say that today was a wonderful day! Had the amazing opportunity to meet and skate with a few fellow *adult* skaters!  I met two new friends for the first time though we've communicated via facebook, It was a true blessing to see them in person they came all the way from Tampa and Ocala.

We skated on an almost empty rink and must say it was a great skate. Skating with adult skaters is great because we can all relate to our challenges and level.  We exchanged pointers and dislikes on the jump or spin we dread the most lol.  Teresa actually gave me some encouragement on my flip jump(which I screwed up), while she watched me skate my program she said  
Quote of the Day:  "come on Diana you can do it" 

these words were repeated in my mind over and over!! This I am so grateful for thank you Teresa.  Have to say that will have to do this again in the near future !!  Thank you Heather, Amy and Teresa for coming and skate with me. Oh PS: Amy you have an awesome lutz jump by the way !!

Did work on my program which I am feeling most confident every session....its a great feeling to skate clean and land some decent jumps (except my flip) its a hit or miss at its best today.  Trying to cope with this pain I've been having my right hip - have my good days and bad.  I found that when I stretch before I skate it doesn't hurt as much.

Well, I am off to my next blog post....Happy Skating, Peace and Merry Christmas to ALL!!

Accelerate with Off Ice

December 13, 2012

World and International Coaches highly recommend doing off ice training!!
Performing off ice and warm ups before practice helps accelerate your performance.  Skaters achieve results faster and stronger when they continue doing off ice practice on a regular basis.  Some rinks provide classes and/or training but if your rink does not provide it, you can try and do some off ice at home, but ask your coach first before doing it on your own.  Your coach will show you what jumps practices to work on.  With practice and keeping it consistent you will achieve:

Higher Jumps and Rotations
Speed and Endurance
Flexibility and Balance

I make it a routine to work on my jumps etc. on a  weekly basis.  I like this video, off ice has helped me significantly for sure.  One thing to keep in mind is that when you do jump rotations off ice, you are on a stand still oppose to when skating the jump you are gliding.  I try to warm up right before my lesson by doing some jump rotations, and stretching this will loosen muscles by doing this you'll avoid muscle injury etc. on the ice.

Today's Lesson:
I did have a good lesson, however, skated a run through of my free skate and 1.40 min I was out of breath something is wrong, I am completely out of shape -even though I skate -  I am definitely out of shape hmmm some how this does not make sense.  I have to find way to skate without running out of breath.  I don't want to any exercise that will make me loose weight, in fact I need all the weight I can for health purposes.

Overall on a good note:  My jumps are improving nicely and my MIF are much quieter and smooth.  Gearing up for my next test coming up soon in Feb 2013.   I think I'm ready, but I don't want to feel over confident and then I don't pass.

A Merry Christmas to All
Happy Skating