Sunday, February 26, 2017

Decisions, Decisions

Been debating and it all comes down to "decisions, decisions"...making the decision whether or not to test March 12th.  All my skating peeps encourage me and know my abilities. This means so much to me and always appreciate their advice....they all think that I should go for it!!

Well??
After last weeks competition, I had some time to think and discussed it with my coach - test session is coming up in 2 weeks (YIKES).  However, I do have some reservations, and my coach feels - it is best that I should test my free skate in May which gives me much more time to practice and focus on my weakest elements (SPINS, I hate them) and put out a nice clean program that the judges will appreciate.

In all honesty, there is no rush for me to test, because I really want to compete at ADULT NATIONALS 2018....and deep down....."Diana, when you are ready, you will test for you and nobody else"

So, the decision....is to test in May!!  These are decisions, all skaters have to face and/or ask themselves.  It's all part of the sport and we all have family, personal lives that have more priority.  Ice will always be there waiting for us!!


HAPPY SKATING

Monday, February 20, 2017

My First Competition 2017

Well, I did it!!  

I finally got the courage to compete for the first time in 3 years this past weekend.  What an experience!!  I had a great time competing with amazing adult skaters as well as meet old friends and make new ones.  What I love the most, is the love and the support of the skating community is so tight... it's magical.

I wanted to redeem myself and just skate and "Put It Out There" see how my confidence held up...and I have to say, "I did great" I am so proud of myself....I was not nervous or stressed.  Went out there skated my best, with my heart and was very pleased with my skate.

Competed only one event in Artistic and I got a Bronze Medal (third place) I am happy with my placement - no worries just glad I went out there and did it considering i did not practice at all the whole week, only the 5 min warm-up before competing.

My only regret was that I should have gotten some practice ice to get my legs warmed up.  Through the last part my program I was running out of gas - my legs started burning and did not get to center my sit spin (which is my strongest spin) but hey?? we have our ups and downs - and when competing it's so unpredictable.

But there is always that question, in the back of my head; what were the judges looking for and what made them score my skate? Was I not artistic enough? Was my program too two footed or on a flat? Was my program not to par?  Questions, I can never get the answers to.  Oh, well can't cry over spilled milk...on to the next competition.
Here is my Artistic Program to "At Last" by Etta James
Happy Skating

ISI 2017 Spring Classic RDV Sportsplex Ice Den