Saturday, June 15, 2013

Age is catching up

June 13, 2013

I have come to the realization that "age" is catching up with me and I am no "spring chicken".  What is most frustrating for me is to see skaters that just started figure skating and simple fact that they're way more ahead of the game than I am....I've been skating close to 8 years now and I don't want to compare myself to others in any way because 1. they are lot younger  2. They have more stamina and energy and 3. They have no fear what so ever.  Just the simple fact skating as an adult skater has its ups and downs for sure.

Sometimes I know exactly what to do in my head and I am so excited to go to the rink and try it on the ice and to realize the fact that it just doesn't seem to click....not matter how many times I practice it just too frustrating to me.   When it comes to working on a certain jump or spin, I really have to just work and work on that element step by step and break it down bit by bit. One element might take me months.....shoot years like my flip jump and not to mention my back spin....my nemesis (I think its everyone's nightmare).  One day I can jump good and other times I am a complete flop.

What about waking up in the mornings with aches and pains, one day my knee if not - its my lower back, not to mention my right hip.  My limitations to spins is another serious dilemma due to my brain abnormality which makes it twice as difficult for me to practice any spins right now.  Do not get me wrong....I am not making excuses what so ever (its not a cop out)....just me trying to express my frustration and hope some can relate.

Have to re-evaluate my skating and how long things will actually take for me to master.  If I have to re-set new goals, and reach certain levels so be it.  All I can do is just work at my pace, one day at time - one element at a time.  I've mentioned before I skate with no expectations just a positive mind-set and a good comprehensive goal for the future.

On a good note I love skating and indeed it keeps me young!!!
Happy Skating

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Bronze MIF Test "Passed"

June 8, 2013

So I've been waiting and practicing for this day a year now and some how it seems like yesterday when I tested my pre-bronze test.  There were times of difficulty, struggles, confidence issues and not to mention injuries that prevented me to test back in November '12 and February of this year.  I am so glad I waited for the right time to test.

June 9, 2013 Test Day!!
Adult Bronze Moves in the field:  I DID IT !!! I PASSED !!!
Woke up ready and confident....had Christina drive me the rink, already was getting butterflies in my stomach....as we approached the rink my nerves started kicking in.  Its the waiting that really makes me more nervous...my warm up was good a bit shaky and knew it.  I did good and yes could've skated better but guess what? we're not perfect and the judges know that and - they want you to do good and pass.
  1. I skated my forward/backward power stroking: judges comment:good flow and extension. 
  2. Power 3 turns could of skated a bit better but I am good with: judges comment: maintained flow after turns. One judge said I was a little scratchy...yep nerves got the best of me (my mouth was so dry at this point and had to catch my breath for 2 seconds...oooof.
  3. Alternating back crossovers to back outside edges - was starting to warm up my legs and feeling much more confident this point 1/2 way through the test. judges comments: good flow and extension
  4. Then came my circle eight - my right outside edge was good then came my left outside edge and as I came to the 1/2 of the circle I stepped down  (foot down).....darn it @#$%^*( (I was biting my lip so hard) I knew it "I said to myself" but kept going and finish my inside right and left no problem.  So the asked me to "re-skate" so I did and first warmed up the first circle eight and then the final circle eight which was way much better.  I was so so glad that I got the re-skate because I did so much better the second time around :) receive scores: 2.6 on all three judges yippy!!!
  5. Five step mohawk sequence:. judges comments: good flow
Overall my a total scores: 12.7, 12.7 and 12.5 from all three judges (12.5 is passing total)

Tips to keeping calm:
  • don't drink too much coffee or eat too much sweets
  • breathe, breathe and do some stretching
  • listen to some soothing music
  • pace yourself back and forth
So proud of myself "bag of nerves" and all....yes its a learning experience and I will listen to the comments and work harder to better myself.  Though nerves did get to me but it did not break me!!! I accomplished my goal and I'm only looking towards the future 
Its finally over and now I can just relax and enjoy the rest of my day.  Next week is a new week and practice and work hard on my bronze free skate test....this one I will take my time and make sure that I am solid on all my elements and to be honest I have plenty of time to test no rush.  

A special thanks to the Club test chairs Michelle, Kristen and Ms. Lori and all the judges that took this day out of their schedule to come out and do this for us skaters.  I am so blessed and humble by the amazing comments from the skaters' parents that have  seen me practice day in and day out - every week and were there today cheer me on.  Its an experience that I will never forget and will always remember.


Happy Skating