The Thought of Just Giving Up

Had a lesson yesterday, and it went pretty well...worked on my program and spins.  Doing run throughs of my program really gets me short of breath, think I am lacking cardio...something else I need to work on.

From this day forward is now getting myself ready to compete after 2 years and test my bronze free skate (again) though I am optimistic, I feel like I am fooling myself sometimes.

I've been away from the ice on and off for a year...not consistent....but now I am giving it another shot skating 2x a week and 1 lesson a week.  I am hoping for the best, this test will determine where I am lacking...I am going in with no expectations or to prove to myself but just to get feedback from the judges to view where I can improve this time around.

My Bronze Free Skate Dress

The thought of just giving up has crossed my mind.  "I've seen skaters who started sooner are now ahead of the game and I really don't want to compare myself....but I can't help it, no lie"   Had a long conversation with my coach and she strongly advised me to keep going, not give up but just enjoy the moment and just skate for me and nobody else....she is so correct.

My goal is to keep going and not set high expectations or goals that are beyond my scope but goals that I can achieve now rather than nothing at all...goals are what keeps me focused and motivated.

Happy Skating

Off Ice Practice

HAPPY NEW  YEAR Everyone!

Well, it's that time of year where we all are anxious and eager to hit the ice and start the season with competitions, shows and exhibitions.  Though you might have your programs ready or not, it is always good to warm up your body, legs and memory by doing "off ice" before entering the rink.

Funny, but when I am driving - I do run throughs in my head with my music playing or in my living room.  Sometimes, I just start doing some off ice jump rotations, spins on my spinner when I know I have practice ice or lesson that day.  

I try to be consistent with off ice - but sometimes there is not enough time in the day.  However, when I get to the ice rink - I warm up and do some off ice for a good five or ten minutes.  The point is by doing off ice practice, it creates "muscle memory" so when you get on the ice, your memory of that moment embedded in your brain....crazy, but it's true!!

1. Jump rotations - from a stand still I bend my knees with my left arm in front, right arm back, I jump up and turn in the air.
2.  Toe loop - just a simple tap - toe in, and hop
3.  Loop jumps - just position the loop and jump.
4.  I like doing waltz jumps too
5.  Squats with free foot in front and hold 5 counts - this helps for your sit spin position and how long can you hold the spin on ice.
6.  Jump and check out practice - when I jump and check out and hold my position (this is an area where I forget so easily when I am on the ice.
7.  Axel jumps - waltz jump/loops - rotations

Whether you're a beginner or elite skater, off ice is very important to your routine and make it a habit to continue with it, it will help you in so many ways. 

Happy Skating

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