Class this week was cancelled. The rink was overbooked and high school hockey got the rink instead... >:(
No word on whether or not class will be rescheduled. I will be skating tonight though, at the public session, and one of my classmates may be there as well. She's really good controlling at her edges, so I hope I can learn a few tricks from her.
So I've decided to post video....It was only me recording, so there is a delay in actually seeing me skate. And a hockey guy skated right in front of me when I did my mohawk, so it is difficult to see. I can't get the second video to load but I will try again later.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Friday, August 24, 2007
Review and Progress
I am very camera shy, but using the digital camera helps me to see what I'm doing right and what I'm doing wrong. It is a tool to help improve how I skate.
I looked at pictures today from when I first started skating (I think they were taken sometime in early July). I then looked at video of one of my practices from last week (that would be mid-late August), and noticed a huge difference in my confidence and abilities. Here is just an example of what I noticed:
First and foremost: My figure is slimming down :) Yay for unexpected benefits of skating!
First Pic: I believe this is a LFO edge...or mabye an attempt at a LBO. I'm trying to lean into the edge, but only my hip seems to be leaning. My shoulders are tensed and my leg is way out in right field somewhere...lol....I was afraid of falling, too.
Second Pic: LBO edge - body more relaxed, better alignment. I seem to be more comfortable leaning into the edge - trusting the edge. Still a long way to go, but I definitely see (and have felt) improvement in just a month and a half!
My advice is to use cameras whenever possible if you seem to be having trouble with technique. It helps to see what you are doing, so that you can improve in areas that are lagging. Of course, coaches are much better! but at least when I practice, I find that cameras help :)
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Adult 3 Week 4
Another very productive class
Backwards Edges: Looking much better! Inside edges are tricky to control, but I finally figured out where my arms go. If doing a RBI edge, the right arm goes in front, if doing a LBI the left arm goes in front. I spend more time in class wondering where my arms go, rather than what my feet should do!
Mohawks: R to L coming along. just practice practice practice. I can now go from a L to R mohawk into backwards crossovers. I'm starting to piece moves together!
Step sequence: Learned forward progressives, which seemed more like forward crossovers - just less "steppy". I think I've been doing my CCW crossovers more like progressives anyways. From what I gathered from SkatingForums.com, crossovers become progressives as a skater's ability advance. We also worked on Chasses and Lunges. Somehow it will come together into a step sequence.
Backwards Crossovers: I still tend to face forward or to the side when doing these. My instructor made two little corrections - putting my arm farther back and turning my head to look behind me in the direction I'm going. Voila! My crossovers were instantly better. BOTH directions. Much more power too. Once my head and arms knew what to do, my feet caught on.
I took video of myself in practice this week, and if I'm courageous enough, I might post them. I can already tell I'm getting more confident on the ice, and getting into shape!
Backwards Edges: Looking much better! Inside edges are tricky to control, but I finally figured out where my arms go. If doing a RBI edge, the right arm goes in front, if doing a LBI the left arm goes in front. I spend more time in class wondering where my arms go, rather than what my feet should do!
Mohawks: R to L coming along. just practice practice practice. I can now go from a L to R mohawk into backwards crossovers. I'm starting to piece moves together!
Step sequence: Learned forward progressives, which seemed more like forward crossovers - just less "steppy". I think I've been doing my CCW crossovers more like progressives anyways. From what I gathered from SkatingForums.com, crossovers become progressives as a skater's ability advance. We also worked on Chasses and Lunges. Somehow it will come together into a step sequence.
Backwards Crossovers: I still tend to face forward or to the side when doing these. My instructor made two little corrections - putting my arm farther back and turning my head to look behind me in the direction I'm going. Voila! My crossovers were instantly better. BOTH directions. Much more power too. Once my head and arms knew what to do, my feet caught on.
I took video of myself in practice this week, and if I'm courageous enough, I might post them. I can already tell I'm getting more confident on the ice, and getting into shape!
Monday, August 20, 2007
Success!
I was desperate to go skating on saturday, so I tried a new rink - the Utah Olympic Oval where they claim they have the "fastest ice on earth." They weren't kidding! The ice was absolutely perfect - I felt as if I were flying. It was so smooth! Plus, the rink monitors were checking for imperfections in the ice (i.e. bumps and dents) and repairing them on the spot! They really take care of the ice there. Since it is a speed skating facility, there were some people in speed skates. And I thought I had troubles catching my blades with BXO's - I can't imagine what would happen if I were on speed skates! yikes!
My backwards edges have come back from a long vacation, and the LBO edge feels really good! I know I need to lean more into the edges, but for a beginner, they are ok. I worked a bit on BI edges, which are improving. I did a couple of good R to L mohawks, as I worked more on rotating my body and not just my feet.
Spins were fun, but hard to center on the ice. It's easier for me to spin on hockey-type ice. I even did a couple of cheated one-foot spins just to see what spinning on one foot feels like. I can't wait to progress to layback and scratch spins.
Feeling ambitious, I thought about 3-turns, and did a bunch of two foot turns, but putting most of my weight on one foot in preparation for the real deal. I did my mohawks a bit two-footed at first, and it really helped me out.
The last five minutes was spent on Lunges. And I fell on almost every single one. But falling is good. If you're not Falling, you're not trying!!!
Lesson tonight, then a loooong 12 work shift. blah. I'd better sleep.
My backwards edges have come back from a long vacation, and the LBO edge feels really good! I know I need to lean more into the edges, but for a beginner, they are ok. I worked a bit on BI edges, which are improving. I did a couple of good R to L mohawks, as I worked more on rotating my body and not just my feet.
Spins were fun, but hard to center on the ice. It's easier for me to spin on hockey-type ice. I even did a couple of cheated one-foot spins just to see what spinning on one foot feels like. I can't wait to progress to layback and scratch spins.
Feeling ambitious, I thought about 3-turns, and did a bunch of two foot turns, but putting most of my weight on one foot in preparation for the real deal. I did my mohawks a bit two-footed at first, and it really helped me out.
The last five minutes was spent on Lunges. And I fell on almost every single one. But falling is good. If you're not Falling, you're not trying!!!
Lesson tonight, then a loooong 12 work shift. blah. I'd better sleep.
Friday, August 17, 2007
"It was a dark and stormy night..."
The public session I attended this week was more crowded than usual, and very dark. There was a power outage and only a few dim lights were lighting the rink. It was great! Very different than what I'm used to, but fun.
Practiced more mohawks and BO and BI edges. They are coming along at glacier pace, but still improving. Crossovers felt better, but I did have a heck of a fall. My legs were too close together when crossing and I caught my blades and fell on my hip. I actually heard a "thud"! LOL!!! But then I got right back up and tried again. Some kids nearby looked horrified when I fell, but that just shows how strong I am with getting right back up. :)
Saw one guy at the rink who I swear was my biology professor from five years ago. He was pretty good too!
There was also a young skater (maybe early teens) who was practicing double jumps and spins. she would whiz right past me with remarkable force, and the jumps were so powerful! She landed one about three feet from me and I could not believe how much strength and force was exerted with the jump. Truly amazing. I know I want to jump, but I'll have to get into much better shape to do it well.
I've been a bit frustrated with my RFI mohawk, so while I was on dry land, I tried to go through the motions of the mohawk. I first did a LFI (my good side) and then a RFI. I realized I am not rotating my free leg enough, resulting in losing balance and falling forward whne I switch feet. I'll try to get it right on dry land and see how things go at the rink tomorrow.
I'll be starting a skating notebook to take to the rink, and will work diligently on my edges, using very helpful tips from fellow skaters. Thanks to everyone who has helped me out!
Practiced more mohawks and BO and BI edges. They are coming along at glacier pace, but still improving. Crossovers felt better, but I did have a heck of a fall. My legs were too close together when crossing and I caught my blades and fell on my hip. I actually heard a "thud"! LOL!!! But then I got right back up and tried again. Some kids nearby looked horrified when I fell, but that just shows how strong I am with getting right back up. :)
Saw one guy at the rink who I swear was my biology professor from five years ago. He was pretty good too!
There was also a young skater (maybe early teens) who was practicing double jumps and spins. she would whiz right past me with remarkable force, and the jumps were so powerful! She landed one about three feet from me and I could not believe how much strength and force was exerted with the jump. Truly amazing. I know I want to jump, but I'll have to get into much better shape to do it well.
I've been a bit frustrated with my RFI mohawk, so while I was on dry land, I tried to go through the motions of the mohawk. I first did a LFI (my good side) and then a RFI. I realized I am not rotating my free leg enough, resulting in losing balance and falling forward whne I switch feet. I'll try to get it right on dry land and see how things go at the rink tomorrow.
I'll be starting a skating notebook to take to the rink, and will work diligently on my edges, using very helpful tips from fellow skaters. Thanks to everyone who has helped me out!
Monday, August 13, 2007
Adult 3 Week 3
Things are getting harder! Only two students in class today. Here's what we worked on:
Backwards Crossovers: I'm trying very hard to not lean forward so much with these. My instructor had me work on the crossunder and maintaining edges, as I tend to miss that. She showed me how to do a half swizzle, bring the skating leg to the front while crossing under with the other leg, then holding that position - legs crossed. It's SOOOO hard, but worth it because it forces me to find the inside edge. My CW crossovers are miles ahead of my CCW.
Backwards Edges on a circle: This is the hardest element on Adult 3 for me to "master". I have a heck of a time getting the BO edge. It helps if I put my weight on the ball of my foot and near my little toe, but I seem to loose a lot of momentum with that. And it seems that a month ago I was doing great. Maybe I'm thinking too much about it...
On to BI edges, which are much easier for me get, but harder to control - I end on the inside edges too much and nearly spin. The thing I mostly struggled with with the inside edges was the arm position, which is opposite of the arm position for BO edges. My feet and arms don't communicate well and I ended up doing more BO than BI edges! And my BO edges that time around were ok! (See - I think too much about it when I'm trying to do it) These edges will take A LOT of practice in the coming weeks if they are going to be passable.
Mohawks: Mohawks feel nice and look pretty when done right. I've practiced these a lot this week and my LFI mohawks are good - not nearly as over-rotated as before. My RFI mohawks are lagging, but I somehow did a couple of good ones when the instructor was watching. :)
Lunges: I've done these before in the past in rental skates, but that was years ago! I tried one, and caught my edge while coming out of the lunge and did something funky to my hip and felt something *pop*- but it's OK now. Just felt weird. I almost did that fun breakdancing move where people spin around on their back!!!
Hope to make it to the rink a couple more times this week. I am determined to get those backwards edges!!!!
Backwards Crossovers: I'm trying very hard to not lean forward so much with these. My instructor had me work on the crossunder and maintaining edges, as I tend to miss that. She showed me how to do a half swizzle, bring the skating leg to the front while crossing under with the other leg, then holding that position - legs crossed. It's SOOOO hard, but worth it because it forces me to find the inside edge. My CW crossovers are miles ahead of my CCW.
Backwards Edges on a circle: This is the hardest element on Adult 3 for me to "master". I have a heck of a time getting the BO edge. It helps if I put my weight on the ball of my foot and near my little toe, but I seem to loose a lot of momentum with that. And it seems that a month ago I was doing great. Maybe I'm thinking too much about it...
On to BI edges, which are much easier for me get, but harder to control - I end on the inside edges too much and nearly spin. The thing I mostly struggled with with the inside edges was the arm position, which is opposite of the arm position for BO edges. My feet and arms don't communicate well and I ended up doing more BO than BI edges! And my BO edges that time around were ok! (See - I think too much about it when I'm trying to do it) These edges will take A LOT of practice in the coming weeks if they are going to be passable.
Mohawks: Mohawks feel nice and look pretty when done right. I've practiced these a lot this week and my LFI mohawks are good - not nearly as over-rotated as before. My RFI mohawks are lagging, but I somehow did a couple of good ones when the instructor was watching. :)
Lunges: I've done these before in the past in rental skates, but that was years ago! I tried one, and caught my edge while coming out of the lunge and did something funky to my hip and felt something *pop*- but it's OK now. Just felt weird. I almost did that fun breakdancing move where people spin around on their back!!!
Hope to make it to the rink a couple more times this week. I am determined to get those backwards edges!!!!
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Adult 3, Week 2
After two lousy practice sessions, things are most definitely improving.
This is week two of this LTS session. Here's what we worked on Monday.
Mohawks (Forward Inside)- far far away from the barrier! I've been practicing these throughout the week, but kept leaning onto my backwards inside edge causing me to over rotate and nearly spin. I asked the instructor about this and she suggested putting my free leg behind my skating leg more to counterbalance...and voila! I'm still over-rotating at times, but my mohawks are much improved. I was able to do both right and left sides. and I'm finally learning what to do with my arms and head! My lower body tends to understand things before my upper body does...
Two-foot spins: We already started on this last session, with the forward pivot. I'm a CCW spinner like most people, and think one of my classmates is a CW spinner - cool!! I love to spin, as I had mentioned before and I want to do so much more like scratch spins and all sorts of one foot spins. I think the Bielmann is the prettiest, along with the layback. Someday I'll get there. My spins were pretty centered, but I was a little wobbily as I had a hard time getting on the rocker of the blade. Still much fun though!
Tips on the two foot spin: make sure your toes are "pidgeon toed" with your heels out and your toes turned in, nearly touching. I find that keeping a good posture and keeping a stiff upright stance helps center the spin, otherwise it's all wobbily and travels. oh, and never look down when spinning :)
I am also becoming very curious about 3-turns, which I think doesn't get covered until Adult 4. I've been trying to attempt some near the barriers, but not much success with these yet.
Busy work schedule coming up this week. Hopefully there will be enough time to practice!
This is week two of this LTS session. Here's what we worked on Monday.
Mohawks (Forward Inside)- far far away from the barrier! I've been practicing these throughout the week, but kept leaning onto my backwards inside edge causing me to over rotate and nearly spin. I asked the instructor about this and she suggested putting my free leg behind my skating leg more to counterbalance...and voila! I'm still over-rotating at times, but my mohawks are much improved. I was able to do both right and left sides. and I'm finally learning what to do with my arms and head! My lower body tends to understand things before my upper body does...
Two-foot spins: We already started on this last session, with the forward pivot. I'm a CCW spinner like most people, and think one of my classmates is a CW spinner - cool!! I love to spin, as I had mentioned before and I want to do so much more like scratch spins and all sorts of one foot spins. I think the Bielmann is the prettiest, along with the layback. Someday I'll get there. My spins were pretty centered, but I was a little wobbily as I had a hard time getting on the rocker of the blade. Still much fun though!
Tips on the two foot spin: make sure your toes are "pidgeon toed" with your heels out and your toes turned in, nearly touching. I find that keeping a good posture and keeping a stiff upright stance helps center the spin, otherwise it's all wobbily and travels. oh, and never look down when spinning :)
I am also becoming very curious about 3-turns, which I think doesn't get covered until Adult 4. I've been trying to attempt some near the barriers, but not much success with these yet.
Busy work schedule coming up this week. Hopefully there will be enough time to practice!
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Foggy Skate
Someone left the door open....
Dry, hot summer air + damp cool rink air = FOG!
It was definitely the most humid place in the state of Utah. I don't mind the humidity, but the fog was very thick and I could barely see people across the Olympic sized rink. It was distracting and I had a less than pleasant skate.
My backwards edges have dissappeared. I don't know if I am afraid of falling, or just having an "off" week. Please come back soon LBO and RBO edges! LFO and RFO are good - and my RFO has greatly improved, including the leg extension.
First BIG fall!!! I was doing a BXO going CCW and completely tripped over myself leaving me landing on my butt and my two feet straight in the air!!! It was a slow-motion kind of fall, but left me stunned for a few seconds. And I luckily thought to lift my head slightly during the fall, saving it from cracking on the ice. At least I made it through my first really nasty fall. Slightly sore, but definitely OK.
BXO going CW are coming along nicely! Arms still flailing at times to keep my balance, but looking and feeling better. CCW are lagging. My "knock=knees" may make things more difficult, but definitely NOT impossible. :) Anyone else have "knock-knees" or are the opposite: "bow-legged"?
Found a cool "glow in the dark" skating session held weekly at a rink about an hour away. I'm going to try to convince my husband to go along with it. Sounds like it might be fun...maybe dangerous?? I'm picturing a rink that is pitch black with glowsticks swirling around the rink....
Crossing fingers for a better skate tomorrow...
Dry, hot summer air + damp cool rink air = FOG!
It was definitely the most humid place in the state of Utah. I don't mind the humidity, but the fog was very thick and I could barely see people across the Olympic sized rink. It was distracting and I had a less than pleasant skate.
My backwards edges have dissappeared. I don't know if I am afraid of falling, or just having an "off" week. Please come back soon LBO and RBO edges! LFO and RFO are good - and my RFO has greatly improved, including the leg extension.
First BIG fall!!! I was doing a BXO going CCW and completely tripped over myself leaving me landing on my butt and my two feet straight in the air!!! It was a slow-motion kind of fall, but left me stunned for a few seconds. And I luckily thought to lift my head slightly during the fall, saving it from cracking on the ice. At least I made it through my first really nasty fall. Slightly sore, but definitely OK.
BXO going CW are coming along nicely! Arms still flailing at times to keep my balance, but looking and feeling better. CCW are lagging. My "knock=knees" may make things more difficult, but definitely NOT impossible. :) Anyone else have "knock-knees" or are the opposite: "bow-legged"?
Found a cool "glow in the dark" skating session held weekly at a rink about an hour away. I'm going to try to convince my husband to go along with it. Sounds like it might be fun...maybe dangerous?? I'm picturing a rink that is pitch black with glowsticks swirling around the rink....
Crossing fingers for a better skate tomorrow...
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