Dianne, I'm a LOT older than my coach....old enough to be her mother! She thought it would cause a problem at the beginning and asked if I had a problem with it; my answer "no" still stands true today. I have a lot of respect for my coach and we get along well in the student-coach relationship. She has now become coach to my husband and daughter.

We have several people in my club that are older. One of our skaters is 71!!! He is a beginner but I would say almost pre-bronze...he is working on his jumps and spins. He also skates inlines during the summer.

But, I love the look I get when i ask one of the younger girls how to do something....like the evil bunny hop or 1/2 flip. They think it's a hoot to show the "old lady" how to do stuff!!!

RE: Halloween Classic-My coach did ask if I had a support group in case she can't make it up there for the competition....I think I can securely say YES! She just wants to make sure I don't freak out and have someone to say a few words to me before I hit the ice. I'm sure I can find someone. I gave her the application so she could look it over; I'm reviewing my music to see what the timing of it actually is as she would prefer that I skate no-test this one time (but she would be ok with me skating pre-bronze also...we need to wait and see how my skating is going).

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Skate@Delaware
Ah, show skating!!! I do it for the glitter!

Leisure: Wednesday evening's dance sessions (once a month) at Alexandra Palace are definitely leisure skating! Great fun, although the ice there is a bit weird and wonderful. We enjoyed ourselves, although after 90 minutes in the morning, 90 minutes in the evening was too much and I got off with about 15 minutes to go.

In the break, we watched our friends go through their new pairs routine, and their side-by-side step sequence was awesome. I know if Husband and I had tried, it would look like we just randomly happened to be in the same ice-rink.

We worked a bit on our step sequence, and thankfully, the new holds are working now. Don't think our idea for the end is going to work, though, will have to tackle that in the morning.

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Mrs Redboots
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I love my computer because my friends live in it!
Ice dancers have lovely big curves!

Labor:

With it being the first week of fall ice and regionals just around the corner, the Wednesday night freestyles were completely packed. It was near impossible to squeeze in a camel spin without taking someone out!

Last week, we found out that the coach who was replacing our coach who moved away was also leaving, as she had found a full-time teaching job.

Thankfully, I had already gotten myself set up with another freestyle coach to work with as a secondary coach. She has now become my primary coach. My club also hired 2 new coaches, so I'm taking dance from one of them.

Leisure:

I had my first dance lesson in 10 years with one of the new coaches and it went pretty well. We worked on the swing & cha-cha, both of which weren't nearly as scary as I'd remembered them. Maybe I'll actually test them in this lifetime.

I also ran through the footwork sequence from my compulsory & freestyle programs at the end of the session when my legs were nearly jello and was able to get through it without putting my foot down at any part. As long as my nerves don't get in the way, I might actually have a really kick a$$ footwork sequence.

Labor
Breaking in new boots! My ankles are red raw and I have a nice scab on the right one.
But...

Leisure
Right foot is feeling better than it has done for quite some time!

On my free skate lesson Tuesday tea-time I was a little shaky. Having only skated for 20 mins the previous day in my new boots, I struggled a bit but by the end of the lesson had my spins back and even managed a few jumps. Stayed on for the evening, made a total fool of my self on the dance interval but did manage a fairly low, perfectly centred sit spin.

Wednesday morning was my dance lesson. Wasn't expecting much but suddenly, as if by magic...suddenly started feeling more relaxed and confident, I skated quite a good (for me) Dutch Waltz and my coach remarked on the improvement. So feeling a lot more positive about ice dance, though it's gonna be one heck of a lot of hard work for me to even do the simple dances well.

Funny how this sport seems to go... you have a move down then lose it, then the opposite happens - it's like you're getting nowhere then suddenly something comes together. I have a love-hate relationship with skating, as I do with my man:

ie - can't live with 'em, but certainly couldn't live without 'em!

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There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness"

Sonic, are you wearing gel ankle sleeves? If not, go out and get some right away! Your poor ankles will be so much happier.

Thanks doubletoe! Anyone any idea where I can get these?

S xxx

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There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness"

Last night was session #2 of "Fall Skating School".

Leisure In the first hour, despite being tired 15 hours into a long day, everything came together fairly well. I even started flirting with the forward Mohawks again. In the first lesson, my coach worked on my "form" and technique in forward stroking (heel push) and I found myself with WAY more speed than I'll ever need - downright scary, someone my age and size going THAT fast

Labour By the second hour I was fading fast! Most of my body had already gone home to bed - LOL! Anything resembling "snap reflexes" was long gone, as were the back Mohawks and most of the 3-Turns.

After a 20 hour day, the bed sure looked good!

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Dianne
(A.O.S.S.? Got it BAD! )

Sonic--
You can get bunga pads for your ankles from online stores that sell skating equipment and so on, or probably the pro shop at your rink.

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August 22, back on the ice!

Labor: Just starting to prepare for my Silver MIF test.

Leisure:

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Tim David's Website

If Sonic's rink had a store, which I don't think it does....but how about these?

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Mrs Redboots
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I love my computer because my friends live in it!
Ice dancers have lovely big curves!

Duh, quite forgot I was in the relevant thread!!!!

Leisure: Husband and I finally got our step sequence sorted out, and (I hope) finalised. It does depend on what the coach says on Tuesday, though, as I discovered that he can do a really good drag (lunge, to those used to American skating terms). I can't! So we have agreed that after the Mohawk and step to forwards, I will do a 3-turn and then he will go down into a drag and I'll either do a back spiral (which I can get higher if I'm leaning down to him) or else strike some sort of attitude.

Only snag is, this makes the end of our step sequence almost identical to the steps just before it starts, where we do a Mohawk, step to forwards and I do a 3-turn into waltz hold.... hmmmm, need to work on that.

Labour: After he'd gone, I worked and worked and worked and worked on my back cross-cuts, but I have no way of knowing if they are any better or not. Coach never praises, only criticises, so I don't know whether they are as bad as ever, or improving, or what. I did feel I was on a bit of an edge some of the time, though, which has to be an improvement.

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Mrs Redboots
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I love my computer because my friends live in it!
Ice dancers have lovely big curves!

P.S. Oh yea, I forgot - even with my back Mohawks and primative 3-Turns, my coach says we are starting next week to develop some footwork sequences, "Even if it needs some two-footed turns." She said it's time to start developing "speed and flow" for my Interpretive program next spring. I guess she really HAS come on board with my competitive dreams - I THINK that's a good thing?

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Dianne
(A.O.S.S.? Got it BAD! )

Mrs. Redboots, they wouldn't keep criticizing if they didn't think you could keep improving. My normally totally critical coach had been very positive lately ("not bad" being his highest form of praise), and I was getting very suspicious! I actually asked him last week, "So am I actually improving or have you just given up?" He said I've improved.

And then today he was back to his usual disgusted-with-me self ("I do not understand why you cannot do these simple things"), so I felt better. Sick, I am sick.

Yes, it is also the Australian spelling, EXCEPT for the Australian Labor Party. Don't know why! Didn't know it was the Canadian spelling as well - does Canada generally follow English spelling (e.g. metre, colour)?


Better say something relevant to the thread now, so I don't look completely off topic:
Labour: Both coaches trying to get me to do backward edges. Very hard work - at this stage don't know if I'll ever stop putting my foot down.

Leisure: Off to the Iced Energy show in Nottingham tomorrow. Can't wait!

I think it's just us Americans who don't spell the English way. Apparently, we hunted the U's to the brink of extinction along with the buffalo, which is why you never see any U's in "color", "humor", "labor", "favor", etc. . .

Actually, I thought it was that Noah Webster, of the eponymous dictionary, couldn't spell!

Oh, I know... but there are times it is disheartening, especially when there is a deadline as if I don't get these test-ready before the end of the year, and pass them by 1 March, then I will miss out as the system changes then and there is no way I can pass the new moves. So I get very disheartened. I just wish he'd just say "Those are much better, but....", it would help.

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Mrs Redboots
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I love my computer because my friends live in it!
Ice dancers have lovely big curves!

Leisure

Just got back from 2 weeks of skating in Oberstdorf and it was fantastic. Was on the ice for four 50min sessions a day. So amazing. I hope I improved. Everyone has said I've got a lot faster. Spins are better and so is axel although it still does not look how I would like it to look.

I feel my skating and edges etc have improved. I may not beable to do any more elements but I think the quality of my skating is better. And I did a not bad double cherry too! Wasn't rotated but was on one foot!

And my compulsories feel better. Even though I had one very confusing fiesta tango day. As the 2 weeks wasn't with my usual dance coach, I did feel at times as if I had too much information in my head and so I didn't know what I was doing. Its tough having more than one coach on the same thing. At least free skating was with the same person.

Labour

My home rink is too small! I've been spoilt with a big rink for 2 weeks. I can't fit my compulsories in now. I suppose that is a good thing.

My free dance felt dreadful today. Need to work harder. There is only one other competitor in my solo dance category at the British which is a shame. There are 10 in my free skating which is scaring me. Need to work hard over the next 4 weeks.

Have a mental block about right double back inside 3s. I've managed to scare myself with them. They freak me out. And I had many frustrating lessons witht the double back outside 3s. I really really want to do my bronze field moves before the changeover. Coach says they are not far off. Hmmmm Double forward 3s outside and inside are okish. The double back threes inside and outside on my left foot are ok - its the right foot that is dire. Mohawk steps are ok but I don't have any speed so I look a little stationary. Choctaws are surprisingly not bad and I thought I would find them the hardest. And brackets will be ok with work.

Wow, what a wonderful week you've had! I hear Oberstdorf is beautiful. . . Sigh. . .

Yes, the RBI double 3's can be pretty disconcerting at first. I was actually just practicing mine this morning after not doing them for awhile and had to remember all my tricks. The most important things are to WAIT longer before the turn, keep the knee deeply bent, and watch what you're doing with your head and arms. Here's the timing that works for me:
(1) When you reach 2:00 on your circle, turn head to look over right shoulder
(2) Right after turning your head, pass your arms low, near the hips, so left comes to front and right comes back
(3) Reach 3:00 on your circle
(4) Execute BI3-turn
(5) Bend knee and switch arms (left front, right back) so your chest faces inside the circle
(6) Pass 4:00
(7) Execute FO3-turn.
(8) Bend and extend free leg back.

I hope this helps!

doubletoe, Oberstdorf *is* beautiful. Visited there years and years ago, climbed a mountain, got woken by cows being taken out to pasture, used my German (whee!!).

Labor:

No skating this week! I was feeling too crummy and on a very tight deadline for a project. I am SO ready to go next week and work on the jumps my coach started me on last week.

I should really go to Obersdorf...apart from skating, I really would like to use my German lol!

S xx

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There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness"

Leisure: Attended my private lesson and two new LTS classes yesterday!
In the private lesson was re introduced to the salchow. It was presented to me too early a few months ago but I think I am ready for it now. I was able to get the basic hang of it.

Power stroking class was just awesome. Five of us enrolled including one other adult. A great coach assigned and already can see this is going to be a very helpful class. It totally ruined my form in basic stroking and crossovers all sides but I can't wait to have good form and the power at the same time! I was totally impressed by the instructor's ability to communicate blending humor, professionalism and his obvious skill. (You know I whine about the lack of such at my rink). He had a style for the adults and a very kid friendly one for the younger members.

Freestyle class was huge! There had to be over 20. One other adult in this too and I was relieved...(remember my fears for the Christmas recital!) This adult is a major roller skater and had only been on ice skates recently 5 times. He was able to do elements already as apparently he did similar things on roller blades. I was impressed that he was as good as he was considering his limited ice experience. They divided us into two groups and switched between two coaches. I am a bit worried about this class as I appear to be the most advanced student in this particular group. I watched the next level positioned next to us and feel they are too advanced for me so I will stay put. Have to wonder if it will be more like a practice session than as helpful as previous classes have been. Additional time and supervision on my spins and jumps thus far will not be a bad thing.

Labor: Took two MAJOR wipe outs. One was attempting the salchow...ouch, ouch, ouch! and one was just during a practice time when I completed a 1/2 lutz just fine...but turned to skate out of it and just did not pick up my toe or something and did a near face plant...double ouch, ouch ouch. Sitting here trying to decide if I am going to my step aerobics class this morning as I am sore and have bruises on both hips. Question how effective my skate practice can be today. Seems to take me about a week to really recover when I hit hard.

Funny how there always seems to be a millisecond that I realize I am going to fall and I can have a whole conversation with myself on the way down...it primarily goes..."You are too old for this!" and "this is gonna hurt!" giggle. Sometimes my perception of it goes so slow that I even have time for "this time you are going to break something!" lol

[QUOTE=DallasSkater]Leisure:
A great coach assigned and already can see this is going to be a very helpful class. It totally ruined my form in basic stroking and crossovers all sides but I can't wait to have good form and the power at the same time!

DallasSkater-if you work on your form, the power will come. It's a lot easier to work on generating more power than it is on correcting form. How would I know that?

Well, there's always the ISU Adult competition held there, this year the first weekend of half-term! No real details as yet, but we know when it will be.

Kateskate, I am deeply envious!

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Mrs Redboots
~~~~~~~~
I love my computer because my friends live in it!
Ice dancers have lovely big curves!

Labor:
Will my loop jump ever come back? It comes, stays around for a practice/lesson or two then mysteriously dissapears!

Leisure:
Made it a point to work extensively on moves today, since Wednesday ( the last time I skated) was such a zoo. Secondary coach took notice ("you're really moving around today") .
Club was able to neogtiate a cheaper price with the rink for club ice.

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Adult Nationals, 2009 "The Time of My Life"

Probably the same way I do - lol. I completely agree with this - when working on Bronze moves, I really focused on trying to go faster and faster, but then I ended up being scratchy and on flats when I was supposed to be on edges. By really focusing on the proper way to do things, I found that I got faster w/o even realizing it - I would think I was moving slower, but I was actually moving faster b/c I was getting more mileage out of fewer strokes.

Leisure:
After skating on semi-crazy sessions Tues and Thurs night, this morning's sessions were quite calm, esp the second one. I'm getting really close on the flip - when it's fully rotated, it's 2-footed and when it's landed on 1 foot, it's a little cheated. I am also getting close on the lutz - I worked on the exercises Tues in lesson and then my coach had me start trying to rotate it. I got close but aside from it being 2-footed, my coach said I'd changed my edge. But now that I'm at least working on the setup, actually landing it doesn't seem so far away.

Had a semi-breakthrough on the camel on Thurs, but today, it just wasn't working. I did have some success with sit spins and getting lower - in fact, on one, I fell (I learned falls are less painful when you're closer to the ground - lol). I guess that's a sign of success?


Labor:
The camel today, plus the change-foot scratch and sit spins I've been working on. In fact, even the solo backspin wasn't there today. But hey, I'm not testing or competing in the near future, so I'm sure it will come back.

The 8-step mohawk and power pulls are going to be the bane of my existence on the Silver moves test. My feet just don't want to move in the right direction.

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Terri C is a Bronze lady!
Gold Moves, here I come!