Test: MITF Pre-Preliminary part 2

Read here the MITF Pre-Preliminary part 1, where there is a link to the judges form. I'll go on here, explaining how I prepared for each task. And here is the video of my test:

1. Forward Perimeter Stroking (CCW and CW) with focus on power and extension.
I explained the Forward Stroking in a previous post.
Firstly CCW and here is the diagram.

There are 6 strokes with 4 crossovers at the end and then repeat. The intro steps were 2 strokes to the end of the ring (left, right) and two crossover  (left, right, left, right), so 6 steps total. I was mentioning in the previous post that I was getting few coaches help in preparing for this test. Two of them insisted that for my height I should do just 4 strokes to demonstrate power. I tried for few weeks if not more but I was as I was trying to push harder into the stroke, I was loosing the posture and I was actually getting tired quickly. When I asked another coach about this, he said that if I look like I'm struggling (as I was) it doesn't show power, shows the opposite. So, I went back to 6 strokes. But working on power I did get better at it and now I was running short on space after 5 strokes, so last stroke on the left foot. And that is a problem for starting the crossovers as they are left, right. So, it took me  a while to get the right stride, rhythm, pace and breathing... I won't go so far as saying that this was the hardest task of the test, but I will say that this showed me exactly what testing is. It is not just knowing to do something, but doing in on a count (yes, the majority of the skills in MITF tests are done on a count so they are consistent and uniform), on a specific pattern and in a pleasant manner.
For the CW stroking I ran into another problem. As the crossover were right, left, right, left, I either had to start the intro steps from a farther away step to fit 3 intro strokes (left, right, left), or start with a right stroke, as I choose. You wouldn't believe how many times I forgot that! And being that these are intro steps and are not judged, it is not a big deal do add a stroke to get on the right (well, left foot), but it's unsettling...
This task takes probably half of the test time, and it gets boring so really it ends up being an exercise for focusing your mind and breathing.

2. Basic Consecutive Edges on alternating lobes (FO, FI, BO, BI) with focus on edge quality. Read about the Forward Edges and Backward Edges. Again, the diagram asks for 6, but for my height is ok to do 4. Also, you can start with whatever foot you want. I settled into doing 5 and I started on my best foot, so I've got 3 on the better side and 2 on the weaker side. The challenge here was to do them same size. My forward edges were way better then the backward ones. I was comfortable doing 4 lobes forward and 6 backwards. That's another reason I ended up doing 5 of them.

3. Forward Right and Left Foot Spirals with focus on extension.
I'll explain the skill in a different post and link it here. The test asks for intro steps (as for forward stroking), then spiral on one leg up to the middle of the rink then on the other foot till the end.

4. Waltz Eight with focus on edge quality.
I described the Outside 3-turn in a previous post. The pattern for the test is on a circle an outside 3-turn, followed by and outside edge and an inside edge, each element covering a third of the circle, then another circle do the other side, forming a figure eight. Then repeat. It is called a "waltz" eight because you do the elements on a count of the waltz rhythm: for 3-turn 123 for the outside edge, 456 for the inside one and so on... Generally, for the test, the 3-turn is done with the foot extended at the end, but it is not a specific requirement. I've just learned to do it with the foot in, and hold the exit edge with the foot in, that for me was way harder,  and I wanted to changed myself and did it like that for the test.

I was satisfied when I finished the test. Not that I was perfect, but I did almost as well as I did in practice. I know there is a saying for competing: practice as it would be the competition and compete as it would be the practice. The same would apply for the tests. Actually for tests, my coach advises to be over prepared to compensate for the nerves during the test.