No class today, but plenty of practice time.

There's no class today due to the 4th of July coming up., so I just went to the rink for an hour to practice. My RBO edge is coming along nicely, but the LBO needs more work. In my last class, we learned a two-foot spin, which is SO much fun!! I'm working more one that, and since my RBO edge is working, I can now somewhat exit my spin. I am getting much more confident skating backwards, and backwards one foot glides are just about as easy as forward one foot glides. I seem to be getting into shape too - my husband commented on my figure the other day. :)

Skating is also encouraging me to eat better and take multi-vitamins. More fruits and veggies and less soda and candy.

I am considering taking private lessons, maybe once every two weeks to supplement my weekly classes. I feel that I need help with correct posture and arm position, as well as edges. I think edges are going to be something I can always improve on.

I am also considering joining the figure skating club at the rink. Not sure if this is something I should do now, or wait until I am close to testing. As of right now, I am still far far away from being able to test.

Lessons resume next week, and surprisingly, the rink is open on July 4. Maybe I'll take advantage of the holiday and skate when there are less people.

RBO...LBO...GRR!

Edges are so finicky!

I have been progessing nicely in the Adult 2-3 claass. I catch on quickly and practice at least two or three times a week. I had some troubles with crossovers (clockwise), but those are improving each day I skate. I'm even mastering a pivot and two-foot spin, although it is slow at best. Then we started working on backwards outside edges. yikes!!

A little history: I have pronated feet and my arches tend to collapse. My skates are off the rack (Jacksons...love them!), and I bought arch supports since I kept falling on my inside edges. The insoles help a little, but I still have a tendency to fall on the inside edge. this makes outside edges VERY difficult. bottom line: I probably need a blade alignment and no one in reasonable driving distance from the Salt Lake Valley does blade alignment! But that's for another day...

Anyways, I couldn't get on the outside edges! At best I could do a backwards one foot glide. and I felt that my body was completely out of aligment whenever attempting the outside edge. I was so frustrated in class!!! And there's not much time for one-on-one instruction. Well, I went to the rink yesterday and practiced for an hour, spending a considerable amount of time on those outside edges. Of course I fear falling, but I just happened to put my weight far enough to the outside, and I finally got it!!! BOTH right and left. Maybe it was just my fear of falling. it's still going to take a lot of practice and strength, but I know I can do it now!

Work is taking over this weekend, but I should be back on the ice on Monday.