I was able to skate last month just an average of twice per week. The rest of December I think it's gonna be even less, and definitely less quality because the kids are on vacation so the ice is gonna be crowded.
I don't make new years' resolutions as I find that the "new year" is just a random moment in time. But I do find myself having a little bit a quiet time, after very busy times, to gather my thoughts about past, present and future (skating). So this new year is, after all, a good moment for resolutions!
I started skating, around 15 years ago, just group lessons once a week. Around 10 years ago I've realized I could progress with the help of private lessons and a committed training schedule. I had my goal to get to look like an intermediate level skater, and I think I did it.
Troubles started few years ago when my Riedell boots broke down and the model I was wearing is not produced anymore. I have low volume and flexible (I'm hypermobile) foot, and none of the 5 boots I've tried, including customs (with the help of very good bootfitters) were fitting well. I skate now in Riedell boots half a size smaller that I would need for one foot (the other foot is smaller so it fits well) and stretched on the toe. It is the best solution between all I've tried after my old boots, but I still don't feel secure in them. I'll have to live with that.
The second impediment seems to be time.
And I think it is a vicious circle. Theoretically I could make time, like I did it in the past, by giving up other things. The problem seems to be that I don't feel I'll get a proportional reward (in enjoyment and progress in skating) compared with what I would have to give up. I guess this is mostly because of the boots...
Then, there is the muscle conditioning situation. In the past skating was enough (though maybe not ideal) to build the muscles I to needed to skate. Now I don't skate enough to sustain strong muscles, then, when I skate I'm getting very tired. Another vicious circle...
Another disappointment is that I'm unable to get lessons with my regular coach because the expressway construction makes the travel to the rinks where he teaches, unbearable.
I think I'll have to give up in prioritizing skating, and start doing other workouts regularly. I don't want to give up skating, I'm just unable to prioritize both skating and something else...
