The *Beast* has been conquered

To many skaters share this phrase which may refer to may elements in figure skating....but for me its the back scratch spin and/or the backspin.  Have to admit I do not stand alone on this one many share my agony, all the practices and falls day in and day out.   This back scratch spin is the nemesis to all from low level to the elite skaters.

THE BEAST HAS BEEN CONQUERED!!!!!

*Back Spin*

Yes, finally this beast was finally mastered yesterday, and I did have witnesses, which lots of folks always like to say "oh sure, where is the video" or "if coach didn't see it, its not valid" well I have to share that I did have multiple witnesses, because my reaction alone will describe my *happy dance* making a fool out of myself on the ice, but it was so worth it.....and yes, I did repeat it a couple of times throughout my practice just to test myself and see if its was just a fluke.

I am not out of the woods yet...though I will celebrate my accomplishment it will only last for a short time...until I can put into my free skate and test my Bronze in November, I am optimistic and keeping positive and working to stay injury free....this is why I am not pushing myself or stressing.  What happens, happens and that's final, I am okay with.

Going skating today, and if I can get a video, I will definitely post it on here!!  

Happy Skating

Second Opinion

Feeling a bit frustrated because I just got my results from the doctor and it seems the pain that I've been suffering for quite some time is actually "vertebra subluxation" and "hip displacement".(right side)....in english terms; my right hip is pushed forward and my left hip is back.....subluxation; my back and neck is out of alignment.....how fun ...:( all due to falling on the ice thru out the years.

What happens now....I have a lot of thinking to do; 1. treatment is going to cost me out of pocket $3,000.00 which at this time I can not afford it, even if they break it down in payments, its still kind of steep....2. Still thinking.  3. I am debating whether to seek a second opinion. 

Feeling so frustrated and I really don't know what to do....sometimes I just feel like giving it all up.

Skating Recap:

Had a lesson on Monday, which went very well....coach was very pleased with my loop jump and finally I heard it from her very own words...."now that loop jump is a "pass" !!!! So, excited and pleased with myself despite my skating practices have been shortened due to $$$$ but still manage to skate during the week.

I am progressing moderately well... knowing that I have to deal with this pain on my backside.  I am limiting myself the amount of sit spins since I've noticed that it aggravates my back even more.  It prevents me from stretching forward and dropping lower into the sit spin hoping for the best and keeping an open mind and just skating forward.  Any comments and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Life is bigger than self

Happy Skating

Now Comes Silver MIF

Took me a year to train and pass my bronze moves in the field (MIF) though it was tough, but got the courage and I did it.  Now comes Silver MIF they say the higher the level the harder it gets, this is very true. These moves are hard and dangerous if performed incorrectly.  This is why I am breaking these moves one by one...step by step.

Skating ISI and USFS are mostly similar in elements and moves but skated in a different pattern...I am so glad I tested ISI because I have a better insight now that I am testing USFS.  For example: the 8 step mohawk sequence in ISI FS3 is the same in Silver as well as the FS 4 dance step is the inside and outside right and left back 3 turn sequence similar as in Silver.

Today's lesson
Went well, pretty much worked on light stuff...since I am recovering from my knee injury.  My jumps are getting better and same with my back spin....I am so glad I decided to wait and test my free skate in November.  In the mean while, as I heal my knee today coach is gearing me up for my Silver MIF.  I am confident I will get these moves.  There's always 1 or 2 moves that from the bat are going to be a nemesis; mine are the *back cross strokes* which are hard and scary. I almost had a dangerous fall when I was skating my 8 step mohawk....talking about saving myself....yep totally insane!!! I am so glad that I don't have to do any circle 8s.

Adult Silver Moves in the Field Test
Candidates must skate the correct steps and turns on good edges showing good
form, continuous flow and strength, and preciseness to their steps.

1. Eight-step mohawk sequence
2. Forward and backward free skating cross strokes
3. FO-BI three-turns in the field
4. FI-BO three-turns in the field
5. Consecutive outside and inside spirals
6. Forward and backward power change of edge pulls
One element may be retried, if necessary.

Some times I wonder about myself and why I do this....well because I love skating and enjoy the challenge. This in the long run will make me a better skater.  I have my work cut for me...but I am ready for this. I know it will take time and with patience it will get easier.

Happy Skating