Learn To Skate USA Evaluation

My Learn To  Skate USA account got renewed through my LTS group program tihs month, and coincidentally LTS USA sent me an email that they're sending me a magazine and LTS USA materials. So, out of curiosity I logged into LTS USA and checked out my skill ratings since last year.

Every rating is "Needs Improvement."

What does that mean? 

That's the coach equivalent of

 

But I'm getting better doesn't that count?

I get better even if I don't pass Freestyle 2.  Even if I NEVER pass Freestyle 2 and I'm going to be doing Freestyle 2 forever....And I'm okay with that. I'm still improving no matter what it says on the chart.

Reading Technical Manuals

"using almost the full ice surface" ... "will result in no value."

Who Has Time for That?

Between the 3 1/2 hour round trip to the rink, plus skating, doing off ice exercise, work,  and cleaning the house: who has time to take care of  myself?

I do not kid, I once went 6 months not getting a hair cut until someone told me that beauty shops are open on Sunday now, and have been doing so since the 90's!!  In really big cities you can find beauty shops open 24 hours a day.  No more excuses for me not to get my hair cut!! Maybe one day I'll have enough time to dye it pink.


I do manage to religiously take care of my toenails.

I never let them get this bad

 

It turns out, that toenails improve your balance.  So, I prioritize toenail clipping at the same level as off ice exercise. 

There's your tiny little figure skating fact for the day.

Another Spin Trick

Having Trouble Keeping Your Head in place in Spins?

A group coach recommended if you spin to the left bite the right collar of your jacket.

It keeps you from over rotating your head to the spin direction and  keeps your spin centered.

I only had to do it 3 or 4 times before I broke myself of the habit of looking too far to the left.

These blades are....too good...

Last week I was practicing snap turns---that's a two foot front to back turn at speed. Twice my right foot dragged on the ice and I had consistent falls: drop on right hip, jam right shoulder. I decided to send the boots to my sharpener.

Then today, I got to skate on them for the first time.

My sharpening...feels 'funny'

Well, damn...even the back stop 

....is better than after 2 hours of wear

So my sharpener has achieved the impossible;

A first hour sharpening that feels

perfectly broken in

It must be.....

 

Oh, and beer..

Sharpening from heaven--Ten dollars! $10!!!

Plus he left a piece of chocolate in the laces.

 

Murder....at....the RINK!!!

Courtesy of the Adult Skaters of SKATENATION Plus Richmond VA