The first two weeks of last month were unfocused. The fist reason was that my work schedule was full, the moon was also full and I am usually restless during that, so I was tired and unfocused to begin with. Then, I added to it... as I had a meeting Northside (where is hard to get because of construction traffic) so I decided to take a have a lesson with my old coach (that coaches only Northside). I also decided to finally mount the blades on my boots with permanent screws and sharpen the blades, that is Northside too. Those were two days lost driving. The ice schedule also changed, I cannot find ice every day, and on some days the available time doesn't work for me. And so, all these took my focus away from my Tenfox more than I would have wanted. I sooo want to test it... But in those circumstances I couldn't concentrate on it, so really, I'm not ready yet.
The 3rd week of the months I talked myself into approaching skating with a positive attitude and I did better.
The 4th week, I was busy with work again and I lost my positive approach, again... I felt pretty disappointed, and... doubtful about my skating ability.
Then I thought back and I can see I have a solid foundation of skating skills, what I feel is missing is an holistic approach. I had to think of positive things that happened and practice gratefulness.
- While Northside I finalized my boot mounting (and had a sharpening), that is a huge accomplishment after 2 years of skating with temporary mounted screws.
- I reminded myself that my goal for last month was to balance my skating effort and enjoyment. So having options besides working on the Tenfox is part of that goal
- Maybe most importantly, I didn't stop skating. In the past, during busy times and feeling distracted, I would have taken a break (and then I would have had to go through the terror of building muscles again). Now, because I had committed to the dance lesson, I kept skating, even if not focused enough.
- I know I can do it, well the dropped 3 turns for TenFox, I had them in control in the past, they will come back!
The plan for this month?
-Firstly, don't give up, don't interrupt skating... especially because I have difficult work schedule ahead.
- Then, continue the plan from the last month in looking for a balanced approach to skating that includes working towards testing the TenFox, maybe working towards testing the Juvenile Skating Skills or adult gold, but also enjoying. The only thing I feel I concluded last month, is to not get stuck on the TenFox 3-turn and the TenFox, it was becoming a chore...
- TenFox, at this point the only setback is I scrape and I'm not quick enough on the 3 turn (it is improved!). I feet it is good enough to start working at partnering. I did mention that to my coach that i would like to start partnering 2 lessons ago, I will have to ask again what is the hold up...
- I also feel I should start exercises for specific muscles, I work the ankles when I feel weakness, but I should work the core, back, arms and even legs to supplement the skating...
