Videotaping And Skating

For Me:
I remember when I first started skating, my daughters asked me "mom what do you want for your birthday?" I said, "besides a Zuca bag. I want a cheap camera with video capabilities."  I really like to video tape myself whether its a practice session or its a competition, for me its a learning experience because it gives me the chance to watch myself skate and see what I am doing wrong and correct it.

Also like to receive the feed back from other skaters such as advice and tips on what I can improve in future. Sometimes, its capturing a moment when you finally landed that one jump you were trying for a *gazillion* time or the dreaded spin that has been *haunting* you for the longest and finally!! you go it and its on tape for validation!!!  I tend to watch my videos over and over, no matter how old they are.  I say what ever works for you as to improving your skating skills is a good thing.

Friends:
I have gotten some positive response from videotaping. Since I have been positing my videos, a few of my adult skating friends like the idea of videoing themselves as well.  So, now they have told me that they're going to start doing the same thing. This will give them the opportunity to view their moves and elements on tape and do the same.

Coaches:
My coach and same as others like to tape their students for the same reason. My coach likes to video my skating especially a week or two before testing - she will point out exactly the area I am not getting right.  Also the coach and student can review the performance as wells as technique, posture etc. and discuss as to how and what needs to be done for correctness.

Me during an early morning practice session....I said I will post my back spin and sit spin and here it is!! There is lots of room for improvement but I am very proud of my progress!!.

Like I said, what ever works for you to improve your skating, for me its videotaping myself....like the saying says "the proof is in the pudding"  Sometimes, others may say when you landed a jump "oh, good for you, where's the video?" they ask as curiosity and validation on their part. Well here it is...."on video"  I don't upload video to show off or brag about my skating its simply another tool for me to better my skating.  Keep skating and get those cameras rolling!!!

Happy Skating!

Coach & Choreographer

Practice today:
Skating today was great !! Finally my skating is back to normal.  I am so happy with my boots and blades.    My coach was very impressed with my skating....she has noticed a real improvement  in my overall skating.  I am so glad she told me this because now I know all my hard work finally is showing its light.

My Coach:
Since I started skating, I always had a coach. Coach Lynn is my coach for about 7 years I've been very fortunate.  Hiring a coach and connecting and/or click is most important.  With a coach will come one on one techniques, moves, jumps, testing and competitions. He or she will train you, push you to your limit and what your body can perform at the same time provide a safety net - that us adult skaters need.  My coach is not just a coach she is my best friend.  She has molded me to the skater I am today.  From competitions to testing....she is strict and tough indeed, but for good reasons.  She's taught me power, discipline and patience.  She only expect the best from me and respect of  the sport.  She will not put me out there whether its a test or competition without full confident of myself and my skating "her name is on the line" !!  I listen to all her tips and advice for this is why I am where I am in my skating today!!

Choreographer?
I did however, hire coach Jill in the beginning to middle of this year along with Lynn, her main focus was getting me ready for MIF and testing - coach Jill is one of the best in her field.  But, it has come to a point in my skating that requires more coaching and ice time!!! With testing and competition its is time for another coach who can help me with my programs and competitions.  Finding a coach with the right time slot and availability is hard to come by.  The majority of all the coaches at our rink are already booked.  So, coach had mentioned that I should look into speaking with coach Alex for choreography for my free skate and artistic programs.  Coach Alex and Lynn is also coach Christina, so I feel really comfortable with this transition.

Having coach Alex as a choreographer will be a plus to my program(s).  I am so use to being in my comfort zone, however, this will be a challenge for me since I am so used to my coach but I am thrilled to have such a well-known, talented and an awesome skater - you can say that he is "fierce".  I hope that I can keep up with his skating and teaching - remember; "I am no spring chicken"  My issue is finding a balance and at the same time will I be able to connect.  I am I ready? that is the question..

I can't wait to get started and see how my progress and performance in my skating comes to pass.  Will keep everyone posted on my progress.

Happy Skating

Finally my Flip jump

In the few years of my skating, I was always going and going wondering when the next spin will happen,  when will I land that jump.  The anxiety of it all is a bit stressing not mention the worrying about the next test level or competition.  I watched Skate Canada last week and what an inspiration watching the best of best on the Ice.  I dream of skating like that one day!! only in my dreams...who knows.

Today's Practice/Lesson
Jumps:
I've been at it with the Flip jump for almost 2 years now and finally LANDED!  I did a few of them, some were semi-good but one was good enough for me!!! Its a huge accomplishment for me because I've been working so hard and now I am actually seeing my results, Thank You, Lord!

Coach had me work on Free Skate program and combination jumps today: loop/loop,  loop/1/2 loop/Sal and Waltz/Loop/loop it will take time to master but its good practice and will give me the most points in competition!

Spins:
Though my doctor told me to don't over do it with spins, I am cautious!!
Camel spins did about 7 revolution yippy!!.  Backspin are much better quiet and smooth.  These *blades* some how like backspins hehehe!!!  It's so funny, because about a month ago, I was literally cursing my blades and today, love, love them!!!

Quote of the day: "on the flip"
"remember, that your free leg (which is your toe pic on the ice) is not your jumping leg, its your skating leg, that's going to vault you up in the air"  RC

When my friend told me this - it was so hard to visualize, until today!!! and it is so correct!! the skating foot has to glide back with strong knee bend in upward motion while your toe pic is on the ice yep!!!  Now I have a different perspective when it comes to the Flip!!

On a Short Note:
On the Ice:
Work on backspins consistently, back double 3s and salcows these elements is the "key" to your Flip jump.

Off Ice:  
Standing in one position and with your left arm in front and right back, you want to hop on your right foot and at the same time bring your left foot into a "4" position (foot over your right shin) and jump/hop bringing arms together.

Hard work, persistence and determination don't give up!!  I still have a lot to work do with my flip but its not  stopping me!!!

Can't Stop Smiling - Happy Skating

No Rush

November 1, 2012
Skating today was a successful one indeed!!

Finally my skating is back to normal - actually getting use to my blades and more comfortable with my skating position and center core.  I just want to say a special thanks to all my skating peeps for all your advice and support!!

Quotes of the day:
A good friend of mine told me "I decided not to *rush* my skating and I am in a good place and content with my training"  by AWM

"5 minute barrier time for working on elements that you aspire to do; example: for me it is spread eagle so time at the barrier taking each part at my own pace until I feel ready to try it on open ice and build on it" by RC

Spins update:
I did some real nice camels with good revolution "5" Yeah!! and sit spins trying to center and get a little lower without straining my lower back - slowly but surely.  Also, initiated some good back spins - so happy!!.

Jump attempt:
Manage to land 2 nice loop/loop jumps which is a difficult jump because its on a back outside edge and you have to ride the edge and jump in a back spin position.

Practice Session:
This was a eye opening moment for me, because today I decided not to *rush* my skating and just focus on my elements; MIF, stroking making sure my edges and leg extensions are in sync.  There after I moved to my jumps; decided to just work on my entry for my flip jump: FLI edge w. FLO3turn and just hold it and jump up (no turning) this will help me get the control I need.

I have a new outlook for my future skating as well as my new mindset "No Rush" there will always be ice time, and there will always be days where you need a break, but never RUSH your skating, take your time, testing can wait and competitions will come and go....Don't dwell on a bad skate or a re-try on a test, take it one day at a time and don't rush it....lesson learned!!