Happy September! Well, I went skating last week but I considering how lackluster my performance was, I didn't figure it was worth writing about. Today, I went to the rink and had a bit better of a time, plus I squeezed in a lesson with my coach. As usual, I nailed my first scratch spin, so I moved on from there. (Interestingly, last time I skated, my spins were off, but that seems to be the exception, not the norm.) I went onto sit spins, and hit two that were realy good. I have been going to the gym religiously for the past 3 weeks, incorporating both cardio and weight training, and I think it has paid off. I was able to get down much further in my sit spin, and I was actually able to rise from it, which is the hardest part. Camel spins were so-so. When I look back, I can see that these spins are improving, but still have a long ways to go. Occiasionally I hit one that is just on, but at this point it seems to be pure luck when that happens. Back spins...ok, that was the sore spot of the day. My back spins suck so bad, it seems like the more I try to fix them, the worse they get. Ugh.
I didn't work on lutz's today, but worked on all my other jumps. Everything seemed pretty much mediocre, except that my salchows were off, I dont' know what to make of that. My toe loops are still slow, but I am getting down the technique, and I *finally* feel like I am doing this jump correctly. IT actually feels good to do a toeloop, not incredibly awkward like usual! My loops seemed kinda curvey today, so I didn't even try loop combos.
As for my lesson, my lesson was very humbling today. I told coach I wanted to work on Pre-Bronze MIF, since I'd like to be ready to test PB and Bronze MIF (and freestyle) next summer. I honestly thought we'd whiz right through PB, but it turns out I have alot of things to fix! Basically a lot of positioning in the F & B edges, and being more strong and consisant in my end patterns for the perimeter stroking. Unfortunatly, we didn't even get to the XO pattern and the Waltz 3 pattern because she had another student to teach, and most importantly, I had to go back to work!
I feel good about my progress so far. I dont' have a lot of ice time, but I am trying to make the most of what I do have, and I have been supplementing it with off ice training...mostly cardio and weight training. I figure if I can make it through my program without feeling like I'm gonna pass out, then i have already overcome one obstacle! SO my goals are to do Badger State Games, do some of the local Basic Skills comps in spring, join the local FS club and test PB & Bronze MIF and FS, and then do some USFSA competitions, like maybe the Madison Open. (Though unfortunaly, there is a poor adult turnout...)We'll see how it all goes!