Hello once again folks!
So as I'm quickly learning as of my latest lesson (I'm a day late writing this. I was absolutely wiped after my lesson yesterday) my backwards game is in need of work. Is it something that most skaters struggle with? My body is having a hard time wrapping its head around doing most backwards skating techniques. I won't lie, I ended up flat out and on my butt more than a few times. While that might discourage some people I find that the falls really motivate me to try harder and do better.
As I told my coach, many people learn from their falls and I'm no different. By the end of the lesson I was doing fairly well and I really feel like I came out of it with better form and technique in skating backwards. Before I just kind of moved my legs about to try and figure it out, but now I can actually pick up some speed and get moving a bit more confidently.
Going backwards has been a very interesting experience, mostly because as a whole, people generally tend to always be 'forwards' in everything they do. Everything we do is in front of us and now suddenly I'm doing things in reverse and have to rely on myself to be confident in doing so. It's definitely a hard egg to crack into. I find my brain tends to go into overdrive and telling me that this isn't 'safe' or 'right'. You know brain. You're a jerk.
Alas, let us get into the meat and potatoes of what I did in my last lesson:
Skating Forwards: We did plenty of forwards based techniques but generally speaking. Going forwards and just basic skating is not an issue for me. Now that I've gotten a bit more used to the presence of toe picks and how to move my feet and be aware of how they move this is hardly ever an issue anymore. In fact, I find I'm using more and more figure skating techniques just in general as I move about. It's fun how they seem to translate to just general moving about.
Switchbacks: This is one of those 'techniques' I find myself using here and there. If I know I have to reset after trying something and I have to be the other direction. I push my feet together and spin about. I'm pretty confident here although nowhere near perfect or 'pretty' in a figure skating sense.
Skating on Inner/Outer Edges: This is where I'm both confident and a bit shaky at the same time. Inner edges are fairly easy although I definitely have to work on my 'control' when going about them. We're doing them up and down the length of the rink now. As for outside edges, I'm struggling to keep my feet in the right spot and not be so shaky when I go into them. My coach did say the outer edges tend to be a bit more of a struggle and come in time. So I'm not overly concerned. Practice makes perfect!
Balance: Like last time, I feel like my balance is improving. But I still struggle to not lean forwards in either panic or to try and find my balance. Like my horseback riding, I tend to lean forward and it is a terrible habit I'll have to break. I'm sure if both my different types of lessons drill this into me, it'll come with time!
Mohawks: Now these are where I'm figuring things out a bit more. I managed to do a few fairly good ones and I'm happy with how these are coming along. It's the first bigger 'technique' that I'm getting the hang of. I do have to work on keeping my momentum through these however as I have a habit of losing it long before I can make it through two sets.
Three Turns: Now that I actually remember the name of them, we have been doing some three turns. Which is more or less changing direction on one foot. I've just learned during these lessons about finding that 'sweet spot' on your skate. Admittedly, I completely forgot it existed and now that I've discovered it, I'm managing to pull off things much better including three turns. I still can't get past one three turn as I tend to fight the edge I'm riding but this will come in time!
Skating Backwards: I won't list all the individual techniques we worked on here but the lesson did focus a bit heavier on upping my backwards skating abilities. I can now get a lot more speed and stability when going backwards although many of the techniques we worked on are rough to say the least. Like I explained above, getting my body to accept moving backwards as 'normal' is difficult to wrap my head around. We did attempt to learn backwards crossovers but I didn't even manage them in the slightest. Next time I shall do better!
So that sums up most of what we worked on. All-in-All I feel I'm improving and doing better within my means. It's been a LOAD of fun up until this point and the only downside is that I now have to wait a full two weeks until my next set of lessons. The downsides of working a crappy rotating set of shifts in a factory job that you work 6 days a week at. Sometimes doing an adult job just sucks! Oh well. Responsibility ho!
Now, that's not to say my next two weeks will be packed with no skating. I've researched and figured out a good schedule for all the nearby public skates/adult skates that I can make use of to practice in between. Some of them don't allow figure skating, but that doesn't mean I can't just up my skating stamina and such. I'll make just as much use of these. The main hurdle I'll have to get over is again; anxiety. It's a lovely beast that loves to spite me. I have to get comfortable enough to practice with people watching. Hopefully I'll be able to get through this over time.
Well, that's about all I've got for today! That was my most recent lesson and both my successes and failures! Hopefully you've enjoyed reading my journey as much as I've enjoyed living it!
Ciao for now!
Sam
Saturday 18 February 2017
Wednesday 15 February 2017
Meat and Potatoes!
Hello again readers!
The title isn't really all that relevant. It was my failed attempt at making a clever title. I am quickly learning that it is not easy to think of a good title for every entry, so you'll have to forgive me for my shortcomings in that department for now. So then! On to the meat and potatoes of this blog. Ah crap...found my title! The last paragraph is basically going to be irrelevant. Confused yet? I am.
I tossed a post up today on my facebook page and asked my friends what to write about and while I only got one response. It was actually a really good one from a friend whom I have a lot of respect for. She suggested I write about how skating is different from everything else I've done and the specific reasoning on why I chose skating. An excellent topic madam! I'll break this up into two parts to make it as straightforward as I can.
Now, when it comes to the many interesting (Interesting to me anyways.) things I've done. I've been around the block a few times. If I include from when I was kid up to now the range of things I've tried and done has been pretty varied. Soccer, Baseball, Horseback Riding, Percussionist Ensemble (Public school, I still drum these beats!), Pottery, Gymnastics, Skating, and many other things! I'm a person who loves experiences and trying new things. To me, at the chance of sounding a bit cliché:
Variety is the spice of life.
Why should we go through life having just done one thing? I want my life to be full of experiences and meaningful ventures. No regrets. The same goes for skating. Except skating is a bit more special to me than other ventures. Much like horseback riding, I have a history in it and this kind of places up pretty high on my 'dedication' list.
When I think on all the sports I've done, horseback riding included. There is a big difference in skating from them. They all require skill, but skating requires a bit more than that. Not talent, not fancy outfits (Well...maybe a little), and not just a curiousity. As many of you know, I'm a guy. It's not exactly the most common for guys to simply jump into a female-dominated sport. This has been the biggest difference, for me.
It might seem silly, and trivial to most. But this has driven my anxiety into overdrive. It's been different in the respect that I am not used to eyes being on me in the way skating more or less demands. At the club, I'm literally the only guy on the ice amongst a sea girls. With all the other sports I've done, they were fairly varied in their gender range. Not that I'll let this scare me off. Being the only real 'adult' and the only guy when I skate also makes me feel...unique I guess? Perhaps that's a bit vain. Oh well.
There is also the fact that skating requires a VERY different set of muscles than most people are used to activating. My first few skating sessions and lessons I find everything below my last aches from top to bottom and muscles I forgot I even had are like 'HEY! What are ya doin' ya crazy git!' Evidently my muscles hail from Britain. This has been a huge factor for me. I was sore when I got into horseback riding, but that alongside everything else I've done doesn't come close to what this feels like. But I digress as it is not a 'bad' pain so much as I know I'm activating those muscles. It's kind of cool actually.
So all in all, those are what I feel the big differences have been between getting into skating when I compare it with other things. It's been hell on my muscles and anxiety. But I don't think that's enough to send me packing. Even if I do flee from public skates T.T
Now I have touched base on 'Why Skating' before in a few previous blogs. But lets get into the down and dirty bits of it. WHY skating? Well, I did it as a kid. Is that not good enough reason? Well, I guess it's because my fondest memories I have of doing a sport (Other than recent horseback riding.) have been of skating. I remember a sense of happiness and accomplishment that I've never really felt anywhere else and admittedly, I kind of crave that as an adult. We lose so much as we age that feeling that way is not the easiest thing to come by anymore.
Skating is also a unique skill. Sure, plenty of people can skate. But can you skate like a girl? Because seriously. They rock it. Although I can't say much because some of the top skaters are men. I won't lie, I hope I can only skate half as good as the girls. Maybe even look half as good. But it's not a skill everyone can say they have. It's not the most common. Which is nice. Again, variety is the spice of the life and skating does not fail to provide. Figure skating, Power Skating, Ice Dancing, Skills and even competitions for those who want to pursue them. There is so much to do in this field that it'll be hard to get bored.
Now, I'd always kind of tossed around the idea of getting back into skating in my head. Privately. Because it's not something I generally advertised out loud. Even to my fiancée, whom supports me through everything. But that's more or less where it had remained. In my head. It was only recently after meeting a good friend at my place of work that things kind of materialized in front of me. This friends daughter is big into figure skating and posts about her were constantly popping up in my news feed. This helped as a catalyst for me to really start considering going back into the sport. Just seeing her success made me smile. I will forever be thankful for the pair of them. Thank you Roxanne and Jocelyn for indirectly/directly re-igniting my passions. (No last names. This IS the internet after all.)
Now, this alone may not have nudged me into it. But I also have a rather special cousin. Who has pursued and followed his dreams no matter what gets in the way. He's gone from a teenager going through life to someone who has found his true passion and something I'm sure he will be successful at. It is his success and passion that also helped me decide to go back into skating. It's funny how the drive of the young can help us adults be brave enough to pursue our passions! So to my cousin, Brandon. Keep on keeping on bud!~
Jeeze, this is awfully sappy yet again. My bad. So then. My last post mentioned the 'freedom' on the ice. There is a certain freedom from the world that comes with skating and my other hobby, horseback riding. When I push myself out there and focus on the skill I find that for that while I can forget everything else. There is a certain solace in getting lost in a hobby and while some might see that as trying to escape reality, I disagree. We all need an escape once in a while, something to make us keep smiling and make the rest of world tolerable. Then there's the glide. That smooth motion as your skate moves over the ice. THAT feeling can't be reproduced anywhere else. Sliding on ice or something slippery just isn't the same.
Hopefully this is an interesting insight for some of you reading! That's about all I've got for tonight. I really enjoyed writing this. Thanks Rachel for the excellent idea!
Ciao for now!
Sam
The title isn't really all that relevant. It was my failed attempt at making a clever title. I am quickly learning that it is not easy to think of a good title for every entry, so you'll have to forgive me for my shortcomings in that department for now. So then! On to the meat and potatoes of this blog. Ah crap...found my title! The last paragraph is basically going to be irrelevant. Confused yet? I am.
I tossed a post up today on my facebook page and asked my friends what to write about and while I only got one response. It was actually a really good one from a friend whom I have a lot of respect for. She suggested I write about how skating is different from everything else I've done and the specific reasoning on why I chose skating. An excellent topic madam! I'll break this up into two parts to make it as straightforward as I can.
Now, when it comes to the many interesting (Interesting to me anyways.) things I've done. I've been around the block a few times. If I include from when I was kid up to now the range of things I've tried and done has been pretty varied. Soccer, Baseball, Horseback Riding, Percussionist Ensemble (Public school, I still drum these beats!), Pottery, Gymnastics, Skating, and many other things! I'm a person who loves experiences and trying new things. To me, at the chance of sounding a bit cliché:
Variety is the spice of life.
Why should we go through life having just done one thing? I want my life to be full of experiences and meaningful ventures. No regrets. The same goes for skating. Except skating is a bit more special to me than other ventures. Much like horseback riding, I have a history in it and this kind of places up pretty high on my 'dedication' list.
When I think on all the sports I've done, horseback riding included. There is a big difference in skating from them. They all require skill, but skating requires a bit more than that. Not talent, not fancy outfits (Well...maybe a little), and not just a curiousity. As many of you know, I'm a guy. It's not exactly the most common for guys to simply jump into a female-dominated sport. This has been the biggest difference, for me.
It might seem silly, and trivial to most. But this has driven my anxiety into overdrive. It's been different in the respect that I am not used to eyes being on me in the way skating more or less demands. At the club, I'm literally the only guy on the ice amongst a sea girls. With all the other sports I've done, they were fairly varied in their gender range. Not that I'll let this scare me off. Being the only real 'adult' and the only guy when I skate also makes me feel...unique I guess? Perhaps that's a bit vain. Oh well.
There is also the fact that skating requires a VERY different set of muscles than most people are used to activating. My first few skating sessions and lessons I find everything below my last aches from top to bottom and muscles I forgot I even had are like 'HEY! What are ya doin' ya crazy git!' Evidently my muscles hail from Britain. This has been a huge factor for me. I was sore when I got into horseback riding, but that alongside everything else I've done doesn't come close to what this feels like. But I digress as it is not a 'bad' pain so much as I know I'm activating those muscles. It's kind of cool actually.
So all in all, those are what I feel the big differences have been between getting into skating when I compare it with other things. It's been hell on my muscles and anxiety. But I don't think that's enough to send me packing. Even if I do flee from public skates T.T
Now I have touched base on 'Why Skating' before in a few previous blogs. But lets get into the down and dirty bits of it. WHY skating? Well, I did it as a kid. Is that not good enough reason? Well, I guess it's because my fondest memories I have of doing a sport (Other than recent horseback riding.) have been of skating. I remember a sense of happiness and accomplishment that I've never really felt anywhere else and admittedly, I kind of crave that as an adult. We lose so much as we age that feeling that way is not the easiest thing to come by anymore.
Skating is also a unique skill. Sure, plenty of people can skate. But can you skate like a girl? Because seriously. They rock it. Although I can't say much because some of the top skaters are men. I won't lie, I hope I can only skate half as good as the girls. Maybe even look half as good. But it's not a skill everyone can say they have. It's not the most common. Which is nice. Again, variety is the spice of the life and skating does not fail to provide. Figure skating, Power Skating, Ice Dancing, Skills and even competitions for those who want to pursue them. There is so much to do in this field that it'll be hard to get bored.
Now, I'd always kind of tossed around the idea of getting back into skating in my head. Privately. Because it's not something I generally advertised out loud. Even to my fiancée, whom supports me through everything. But that's more or less where it had remained. In my head. It was only recently after meeting a good friend at my place of work that things kind of materialized in front of me. This friends daughter is big into figure skating and posts about her were constantly popping up in my news feed. This helped as a catalyst for me to really start considering going back into the sport. Just seeing her success made me smile. I will forever be thankful for the pair of them. Thank you Roxanne and Jocelyn for indirectly/directly re-igniting my passions. (No last names. This IS the internet after all.)
Now, this alone may not have nudged me into it. But I also have a rather special cousin. Who has pursued and followed his dreams no matter what gets in the way. He's gone from a teenager going through life to someone who has found his true passion and something I'm sure he will be successful at. It is his success and passion that also helped me decide to go back into skating. It's funny how the drive of the young can help us adults be brave enough to pursue our passions! So to my cousin, Brandon. Keep on keeping on bud!~
Jeeze, this is awfully sappy yet again. My bad. So then. My last post mentioned the 'freedom' on the ice. There is a certain freedom from the world that comes with skating and my other hobby, horseback riding. When I push myself out there and focus on the skill I find that for that while I can forget everything else. There is a certain solace in getting lost in a hobby and while some might see that as trying to escape reality, I disagree. We all need an escape once in a while, something to make us keep smiling and make the rest of world tolerable. Then there's the glide. That smooth motion as your skate moves over the ice. THAT feeling can't be reproduced anywhere else. Sliding on ice or something slippery just isn't the same.
Hopefully this is an interesting insight for some of you reading! That's about all I've got for tonight. I really enjoyed writing this. Thanks Rachel for the excellent idea!
Ciao for now!
Sam
Tuesday 14 February 2017
What do I love about skating?
Hello once more!
So Ive had a few friends in the world of skating ask what I love about skating and while I have touched base on this in a few previous pieces I have a more solid answer that I feel expresses how I feel about it a bit more.
I think for me that skating represents a few things and has a few reasons why I love it. First, it was really the first real sport I jumped into as a kid, I have the most fond memories of it out of all the sports I did and for me it has a certain nostalgic appeal for me.
Second, there is something about skating that just "clicks" with me. I cant stop smiling, I want to do more and for the thirty or more minutes my lesson or skate session lasts it feels like Im free and can forget about all lifes problems. There is something about that smooth glide as you go into a swing roll or that fluttery feeling in your stomach when you figure it out.
It just makes me happy. There is also something special in the grace, beauty and skill that goes into figure skating and like many...I hope I can skate half as good as a girl! Haha.
Ive never once sat at a sporting event and just enjoyed watching but during a recent test night when I was meeting up with a friend and her daughter as well as the president of the club I found myself happy and intrigued just sitting and watching. No phones. No distractions just me, the ice and the amazing skaters at the club. It was lovely and the first time Ive ever done that.
But like I said, its thirty minutes of freedom. Thirty minutes of living how I feel I should have. While I may never get anywhere with it, at least I enjoy it.
This is turning out to be a sappy post isnt it? Sorry.
In other news. My last lesson for two weeks is friday. Lame. I hate rotating shifts sometimes! Anyways, thats all for today folks!
Ciao for now!
Sam
Saturday 11 February 2017
Anxiety Wins Out...
Hello again!
So I've spoken before on how I do suffer from anxiety at times. Today when I went to my public skate with intentions to practice what I've learned and get some exercise on my unused muscles in, that demon came back to haunt me. I actually stopped skating and left because the crowd was just too much for me. I realize that it's going to be something I have to deal with and fight against in the future if I ever intend to get anywhere with my skating, but I really struggled today.
For the first time since I started skating, I wasn't really smiling all that much and it was a little depressing. If it wasn't for my fiancee and a close friend whom at this point. I owe a lot to. I likely would have quit many of my hobbies a long time ago. I never used to be like this, I used to love being in the spotlight and being the center of attention. Now it's like I'm a skittish deer in the headlights.
I hope I can some day get over this.
Although, I definitely have to get new skates as these used ones make my feel more than a bit sore.
Moving on from my whining though. I've got a few public skates coming up this week which hopefully won't be too crowded so I can get in some practice and work on my edges, stopping and posture. Then Friday I have another lesson with my coach which I got a bit of exciting news the other day that we can do some extended lessons since she has a bit more time. So that's a plus.
Moving on. I joined a few different skating forums online when I started skating and I have to admit, the support and conversations I've had and received have been amazing. I've learned a lot in a very short amount of time and any time I ask a question I get a flood of great answers. I've also noticed that when I give motivation advice, I sound a bit like a fortune cookie. Lame.
Anyways. Just a small entry explaining things a bit.
Ciao for now!
Sam
So I've spoken before on how I do suffer from anxiety at times. Today when I went to my public skate with intentions to practice what I've learned and get some exercise on my unused muscles in, that demon came back to haunt me. I actually stopped skating and left because the crowd was just too much for me. I realize that it's going to be something I have to deal with and fight against in the future if I ever intend to get anywhere with my skating, but I really struggled today.
For the first time since I started skating, I wasn't really smiling all that much and it was a little depressing. If it wasn't for my fiancee and a close friend whom at this point. I owe a lot to. I likely would have quit many of my hobbies a long time ago. I never used to be like this, I used to love being in the spotlight and being the center of attention. Now it's like I'm a skittish deer in the headlights.
I hope I can some day get over this.
Although, I definitely have to get new skates as these used ones make my feel more than a bit sore.
Moving on from my whining though. I've got a few public skates coming up this week which hopefully won't be too crowded so I can get in some practice and work on my edges, stopping and posture. Then Friday I have another lesson with my coach which I got a bit of exciting news the other day that we can do some extended lessons since she has a bit more time. So that's a plus.
Moving on. I joined a few different skating forums online when I started skating and I have to admit, the support and conversations I've had and received have been amazing. I've learned a lot in a very short amount of time and any time I ask a question I get a flood of great answers. I've also noticed that when I give motivation advice, I sound a bit like a fortune cookie. Lame.
Anyways. Just a small entry explaining things a bit.
Ciao for now!
Sam
Friday 10 February 2017
Lesson #2: Only one wipe out!
Hello once again readers!
It's been a long, interesting week I have to admit. Between researching public skating sessions and chatting on various figure skating forums. It's been a very skate-filled week. Monday was my first lesson where it all began and it was a blast. It's filled me with a passion and excitement that makes me smile and be happy before and after the lesson. Though admittedly I've been more than a bit jittery/nervous leading up to my lessons.
I get the impression that I've chosen the right coach. She is really good at keeping me focused on the task at hand rather than those around me. It's definitely alleviated a bit of my anxiety. She also lets me chat her ear off, something I do with very few people. Haha. So then, it's been an absolute blast so far and while my skills are far from being anywhere remotely amazing, I know I'll be at least decent some day.
I've gotten into the habit of 'doing' rather than 'trying'. A friend once told me that to try is to fail. You must shoot to DO what you want, not try to. It's a great philosophy and when my coach asks me if I want to do something new. I say heck yes!
So then, our lessons consisted of more or less the same stuff as last time:
Skating Forwards: This is completely fine for me. I have no real issues going forward or doing basic skating. As far as I can tell. Though I do tend to 'lean over' a bit too much which you'll notice is a consistent issue across things we have been working on.
Stopping: Practice does make perfect. Every chance I get I go for a proper stop and with the advice of standing up straighter I have been increasing my abilities here. Slow stops are a bit more difficult but I can manage basic stops now. No wipe outs here this time! Not on this skill anyways...haha.
Bubbles: I'm sure it has a more professional name, but it's entertaining to call them this. I managed to pick up a bit more speed today with these. These seem to help build up the muscles as this is one of the exercises I get the most sore during.
Switchbacks: Mostly refinement here now. It's a lot easier if you keep your feet close together. Which makes sense. We did attempt single-footed ones but my skill level is definitely not remotely there yet. I'll get there at some day! ^_^
Skating on the outer/inner edges: There IS a name for the back and forth we did for these buuuuuut I can't remember it. I'll make sure to grab it next lesson from my coach. I'm definitely wobbly but I learned today to lean into whatever edge it is I'm skating on and it makes a big difference.
Skating Backwards: We didn't do much of this today. I asked to make it a bit of a focus for next times lesson. My backwards game is not at all up to snuff. Practice makes perfect to say the least.
Balance: My balance feels a little better this lesson. I was even able to go on one foot for a few different moves which made me smile to say the least!
Mohawks: While it took me a little bit to get the hang of them, these were interesting to try. They definitely make you feel out where your feet are and to balance on one foot/edge. I'm learning that while I am right handed, I seem more confident on my left foot. Funny how that works?
SO! All in all, it was absolutely excellent. Skating is filling me with a kind of elation I don't get often. As adults it's so hard for people to come by something that makes them truly happy. While it's only been two lessons, I definitely feel this is going to be one of those things. Something long term. I have a few things in my life that keep me this happy. My Fiancee, Horseback Riding and now Skating. I think I could stick with these the rest of my life and die happy.
Sorry...that was a bit morbid at the end.
Alas! This journal has grown long and I have grown tired. My next lesson is next Friday but since I've delved into the world of public skating I should have plenty of time to skate and write about it in between!
Ciao for now!
Sam
It's been a long, interesting week I have to admit. Between researching public skating sessions and chatting on various figure skating forums. It's been a very skate-filled week. Monday was my first lesson where it all began and it was a blast. It's filled me with a passion and excitement that makes me smile and be happy before and after the lesson. Though admittedly I've been more than a bit jittery/nervous leading up to my lessons.
I get the impression that I've chosen the right coach. She is really good at keeping me focused on the task at hand rather than those around me. It's definitely alleviated a bit of my anxiety. She also lets me chat her ear off, something I do with very few people. Haha. So then, it's been an absolute blast so far and while my skills are far from being anywhere remotely amazing, I know I'll be at least decent some day.
I've gotten into the habit of 'doing' rather than 'trying'. A friend once told me that to try is to fail. You must shoot to DO what you want, not try to. It's a great philosophy and when my coach asks me if I want to do something new. I say heck yes!
So then, our lessons consisted of more or less the same stuff as last time:
Skating Forwards: This is completely fine for me. I have no real issues going forward or doing basic skating. As far as I can tell. Though I do tend to 'lean over' a bit too much which you'll notice is a consistent issue across things we have been working on.
Stopping: Practice does make perfect. Every chance I get I go for a proper stop and with the advice of standing up straighter I have been increasing my abilities here. Slow stops are a bit more difficult but I can manage basic stops now. No wipe outs here this time! Not on this skill anyways...haha.
Bubbles: I'm sure it has a more professional name, but it's entertaining to call them this. I managed to pick up a bit more speed today with these. These seem to help build up the muscles as this is one of the exercises I get the most sore during.
Switchbacks: Mostly refinement here now. It's a lot easier if you keep your feet close together. Which makes sense. We did attempt single-footed ones but my skill level is definitely not remotely there yet. I'll get there at some day! ^_^
Skating on the outer/inner edges: There IS a name for the back and forth we did for these buuuuuut I can't remember it. I'll make sure to grab it next lesson from my coach. I'm definitely wobbly but I learned today to lean into whatever edge it is I'm skating on and it makes a big difference.
Skating Backwards: We didn't do much of this today. I asked to make it a bit of a focus for next times lesson. My backwards game is not at all up to snuff. Practice makes perfect to say the least.
Balance: My balance feels a little better this lesson. I was even able to go on one foot for a few different moves which made me smile to say the least!
Mohawks: While it took me a little bit to get the hang of them, these were interesting to try. They definitely make you feel out where your feet are and to balance on one foot/edge. I'm learning that while I am right handed, I seem more confident on my left foot. Funny how that works?
SO! All in all, it was absolutely excellent. Skating is filling me with a kind of elation I don't get often. As adults it's so hard for people to come by something that makes them truly happy. While it's only been two lessons, I definitely feel this is going to be one of those things. Something long term. I have a few things in my life that keep me this happy. My Fiancee, Horseback Riding and now Skating. I think I could stick with these the rest of my life and die happy.
Sorry...that was a bit morbid at the end.
Alas! This journal has grown long and I have grown tired. My next lesson is next Friday but since I've delved into the world of public skating I should have plenty of time to skate and write about it in between!
Ciao for now!
Sam
Tuesday 7 February 2017
2017 Skating Goals
Hello again!
So I'm trying to average a post either every day or every other day. I've been doing decent so far but with the theme of my blog that can be difficult. One can only write so much about your experiences and skating-related stuff so much in between sessions. It just so happens however that someone on a skating forum I joined suggested writing down my goals for the year. I'm not sure if they'll be realistic but if I achieve even one of them, I'll be happy:
So I'm trying to average a post either every day or every other day. I've been doing decent so far but with the theme of my blog that can be difficult. One can only write so much about your experiences and skating-related stuff so much in between sessions. It just so happens however that someone on a skating forum I joined suggested writing down my goals for the year. I'm not sure if they'll be realistic but if I achieve even one of them, I'll be happy:
2017 Skating Goals
- Well, the first and foremost goal is to get the basics down. Stops, Skating Forwards/Backwards, Switchbacks, Forward/Backward Crossovers, Skating on my edges properly and of course proper stroking techniques. This is what I see as the all-around basics in my mind. Everything to Segway into more advanced skills.
- Volunteer my time at the club that offered me a place. While this is not so much a goal as something I should do. But they were willing to give me a shot so it feels only right that I give them some of my free time helping out in whatever capacity I can!
- Find and work out a schedule of public skates/adult skates/open ice dates and times at nearby rinks. While my own offers a fair amount of public skates and ice times, they are not always available when I'm on my day shift. So being able to work out a skating/practice schedule based around my rotating shifts would be great!
- Be a skater in all the skating 'sessions' this year. As far as I understand there is the one that runs at the start of the winter until march/april and then one during the summer as well. My goal is to be an active skater within these and get as much ice time as I can.
- Build some solid relations with those around me and try to help get through my anxiety. This is both a skating related goal and a personal goal. I feel skating can do a lot for my anxiety because it forces me to be in a social setting. Hopefully I'm right :D
- Get in shape for skating. Again, this is both a skating and a personal goal. Getting in shape for skating is good, but getting in good all around shape is the overall goal. I'll have to figure out a good set of exercises beyond my current.
- If I find I really like skating at the end of this 'session' then invest in a good, solid pair of skates. While my used ones are nice, a properly fitted pair I imagine would likely be a lot nicer on my feet.
That's about it. That's a good set of goals I think for this year and I feel all of them are more or less obtainable in some respect. Do you think there are any other goals I could or should add to the list? Toss me a comment!
Ciao for now!
Sam
Monday 6 February 2017
Lesson #1: Figure Skating 101
Hello again!
So today was the day my skating began. My first private lesson and registration with the club. Both my coach and the lady whom I registered with were super friendly, helpful and encouraging which was nice. I gleaned a lot of information today as well, which I'll be sharing of course.
First off, it took every ounce of me to actually get off my butt and head into the arena. It's curious, fighting with yourself and fighting anxiety. In the end, I told myself that if I didn't go in, I never would. Good move because it got me in there. As mentioned, the lady whom I registered with was SUPER friendly. It definitely helped nudge me out of my shell.
Now, as for the actual skating. It was definitely very up and down. I wasn't sure how I'd do going into it. After all, it's been a very long time since I skated, minus the public skate I managed to jump into. I expected it would be a long process. And it kind of was. I'm definitely not amazing. But a lot of it did come back fairly quickly. Today was definitely focused on the basics.
Simply Skating Forward: I'm fine. Forward is the easy part. I think this is due to the fact that I have rollerbladed over the years in between skating so I've never really forgotten how to go forwards.
Stopping: Yeah, I'm more than a bit rough here. I remember struggling with proper stops as a kid and it's not really that different now. I'll make sure to practice these at the arena. We focused mostly on side stops today. This was more or less where I wiped out.
Bubbles: These were simple enough, I need to work on building up a bit of strength and speed for these. I struggled to get a bit of speed in there. Not such a big deal but it will come as I rebuild the necessary muscles.
Switchbacks: This came to me a bit easier than I thought. While not perfect, I didn't really wipe out while doing these. I think I'll be able to pick these up easily enough, but time will tell!
Stroking: This I will certainly work hard at. I feel it'll help me build up the right muscles. Back and forth back and forth. A lot of this I feel confident I can practice during public skates!
Forward Crossovers: To the left, pretty decent. To the right...not so much. I'm not sure what it is, but telling my body to do it to the right gets me a touch confused. Once I get the hang of it I'm sure it'll be fine.
Skating Backwards: Last but not least. This is where I feel I likely struggled the most. I don't remember much of skating backwards as a kid. It'll come back to me in time I imagine but in the meantime I have to practice going backwards at a decent speed. Not that speed matters too much.
Balance: I also have to find my balance. Too much leaning in wrong direction, too much wibbly wobbly.
All in all, it wasn't a bad lesson in the slightest. I truly enjoyed it and wish I could have stayed longer. Though due to circumstance I did not remain beyond my lesson tonight. It's funny, I haven't smiled that much about a hobby in a long time. It begs the question why I ever left as a kid? School did pull me away to London for many hours of the day and life threw me curveballs. But why did I stop?
I think that I'll definitely be keeping up with these lessons and working hard at it. Not only will it get me fit but it will bring me a passion. Already I'm excited to go back Friday for my next lesson. Also, I should get my ears checked because I had a hard time hearing...
I have to admit though, It's really a struggle with my anxiety. Being around that many people with so many people around definitely gets my heart and mind thumping. I think this will be a good experience for me to help with it and admittedly after a short bit of skating I was definitely a bit more comfortable.
A big thanks to the president of the club and the coach who made time for me!
Ciao for now!
Sam
So today was the day my skating began. My first private lesson and registration with the club. Both my coach and the lady whom I registered with were super friendly, helpful and encouraging which was nice. I gleaned a lot of information today as well, which I'll be sharing of course.
First off, it took every ounce of me to actually get off my butt and head into the arena. It's curious, fighting with yourself and fighting anxiety. In the end, I told myself that if I didn't go in, I never would. Good move because it got me in there. As mentioned, the lady whom I registered with was SUPER friendly. It definitely helped nudge me out of my shell.
Now, as for the actual skating. It was definitely very up and down. I wasn't sure how I'd do going into it. After all, it's been a very long time since I skated, minus the public skate I managed to jump into. I expected it would be a long process. And it kind of was. I'm definitely not amazing. But a lot of it did come back fairly quickly. Today was definitely focused on the basics.
Simply Skating Forward: I'm fine. Forward is the easy part. I think this is due to the fact that I have rollerbladed over the years in between skating so I've never really forgotten how to go forwards.
Stopping: Yeah, I'm more than a bit rough here. I remember struggling with proper stops as a kid and it's not really that different now. I'll make sure to practice these at the arena. We focused mostly on side stops today. This was more or less where I wiped out.
Bubbles: These were simple enough, I need to work on building up a bit of strength and speed for these. I struggled to get a bit of speed in there. Not such a big deal but it will come as I rebuild the necessary muscles.
Switchbacks: This came to me a bit easier than I thought. While not perfect, I didn't really wipe out while doing these. I think I'll be able to pick these up easily enough, but time will tell!
Stroking: This I will certainly work hard at. I feel it'll help me build up the right muscles. Back and forth back and forth. A lot of this I feel confident I can practice during public skates!
Forward Crossovers: To the left, pretty decent. To the right...not so much. I'm not sure what it is, but telling my body to do it to the right gets me a touch confused. Once I get the hang of it I'm sure it'll be fine.
Skating Backwards: Last but not least. This is where I feel I likely struggled the most. I don't remember much of skating backwards as a kid. It'll come back to me in time I imagine but in the meantime I have to practice going backwards at a decent speed. Not that speed matters too much.
Balance: I also have to find my balance. Too much leaning in wrong direction, too much wibbly wobbly.
All in all, it wasn't a bad lesson in the slightest. I truly enjoyed it and wish I could have stayed longer. Though due to circumstance I did not remain beyond my lesson tonight. It's funny, I haven't smiled that much about a hobby in a long time. It begs the question why I ever left as a kid? School did pull me away to London for many hours of the day and life threw me curveballs. But why did I stop?
I think that I'll definitely be keeping up with these lessons and working hard at it. Not only will it get me fit but it will bring me a passion. Already I'm excited to go back Friday for my next lesson. Also, I should get my ears checked because I had a hard time hearing...
I have to admit though, It's really a struggle with my anxiety. Being around that many people with so many people around definitely gets my heart and mind thumping. I think this will be a good experience for me to help with it and admittedly after a short bit of skating I was definitely a bit more comfortable.
A big thanks to the president of the club and the coach who made time for me!
Ciao for now!
Sam
Saturday 4 February 2017
Not-So-Waiting-Game
Here we are again.
It figures that the day after I write a blog about waiting in anticipation for information and things to get sorted out, I get a call concerning all of it. It's basically all good news. I start my lessons on Monday. Yay <3 I have a coach sorted out. The only current 'downside' is that the club and board are still discussing how my payment will work out. It's nothing major, they're just deciding what my cost will be. Normally it's a certain amount based on how many sessions you want per week but since I'll be doing a two week rotation (Based around my work) of two weeks of two lessons each and then two weeks off. It changes the price scheme a little bit. Or at least I assume it will.
Now I don't really care either way. If I get a better price, then yay! I've saved a bit of money. But if I don't, I'm not overly concerned. I mean I expected to pay a fair amount in the first place so it's not THAT big a deal. Especially if I find I really get passionate about the sport. Though with the amount of building excitement I've been having, I imagine I will be.
It's curious though, how throughout all of this I haven't really been 'nervous' or had much in the way of anxiety. I think a lot of it is because it's all kind of been up in the air with nothing set in stone. Until now. Oh boy. I really am excited but I'm also really nervous too. As an adult going into a sport that is generally dominated by females and children, I'm definitely the odd man out. It's one of those things I'll have to get used to but I'm certainly nervous just thinking about it.
I am however, genuinely excited. Things are finally coming together after all the roadblocks and now things are set to come together nicely. I used to do it as a kid and I remember that I really did enjoy it. I hope that it hasn't changed since I've become an adult as I'd hate to lose that part of myself. It's funny how you crave finding that 'something special' again as you age. Why is it that when we become adults that we have to simply become someone else? I get that we have responsibilities and how we have to conduct ourselves changes.
But why do I have to change who I am? Who I was? My mind is simply more mature now, I'm still the same person I've always been. Jeeze...this is getting awfully deep isn't it?
Lets just say I'm nervous and excited for my lessons. In the words of a TV character, I'm nervicited! I'll be updating as I progress through my skating and make sure to give lots of juicy details!
Ciao for now!
Sam
It figures that the day after I write a blog about waiting in anticipation for information and things to get sorted out, I get a call concerning all of it. It's basically all good news. I start my lessons on Monday. Yay <3 I have a coach sorted out. The only current 'downside' is that the club and board are still discussing how my payment will work out. It's nothing major, they're just deciding what my cost will be. Normally it's a certain amount based on how many sessions you want per week but since I'll be doing a two week rotation (Based around my work) of two weeks of two lessons each and then two weeks off. It changes the price scheme a little bit. Or at least I assume it will.
Now I don't really care either way. If I get a better price, then yay! I've saved a bit of money. But if I don't, I'm not overly concerned. I mean I expected to pay a fair amount in the first place so it's not THAT big a deal. Especially if I find I really get passionate about the sport. Though with the amount of building excitement I've been having, I imagine I will be.
It's curious though, how throughout all of this I haven't really been 'nervous' or had much in the way of anxiety. I think a lot of it is because it's all kind of been up in the air with nothing set in stone. Until now. Oh boy. I really am excited but I'm also really nervous too. As an adult going into a sport that is generally dominated by females and children, I'm definitely the odd man out. It's one of those things I'll have to get used to but I'm certainly nervous just thinking about it.
I am however, genuinely excited. Things are finally coming together after all the roadblocks and now things are set to come together nicely. I used to do it as a kid and I remember that I really did enjoy it. I hope that it hasn't changed since I've become an adult as I'd hate to lose that part of myself. It's funny how you crave finding that 'something special' again as you age. Why is it that when we become adults that we have to simply become someone else? I get that we have responsibilities and how we have to conduct ourselves changes.
But why do I have to change who I am? Who I was? My mind is simply more mature now, I'm still the same person I've always been. Jeeze...this is getting awfully deep isn't it?
Lets just say I'm nervous and excited for my lessons. In the words of a TV character, I'm nervicited! I'll be updating as I progress through my skating and make sure to give lots of juicy details!
Ciao for now!
Sam
Friday 3 February 2017
The Waiting Game
Hello once more,
Now I'm not actually sure how many people are reading at this point. But it seems I get 30-40 views per entry. That's pretty cool and more than I thought I would admittedly. I know these haven't been the MOST interesting of entries but I try to keep them varied as I play the waiting game. A lot of this what I guess I'd call a 'journey' has been a waiting game.
I mentioned before that when I began searching I didn't expect it to be my own hometowns local club that got ahold of me. I imagine it might have been the same sort of wait and process anywhere else but it's still been a fairly long waiting game. Wait for emails, Wait for police check, wait for dates and finding a coach. It's so much more complicated than my other main hobby which is horseback riding. Not that I'm complaining, as I get through each bit of the process it actually feels like I'm gaining traction and getting somewhere.
I will note that the people I've dealt with at this point have been very helpful and very friendly. Heck, even the coach that I managed to get ahold of has been SUPER enthusiastic. Much like my horseback riding coach, I really enjoy this aspect in people I'm learning from. Their enthusiasm is infectious.
On a side note, I really do need a more professional email...using my kaydenwaveharp and myr_man emails really feels unprofessional at this point. Not that this is at all professional but it's awfully awkward to give those emails everywhere I go, even more so since they're mostly a remnant of the past. KaydenWaveharp is actually the old gamertag I used to use when I was big into gaming and it kind of stuck across most of my accounts, while Myr_Man is from when I was 14 or 15 years old, the name of the first barn I worked at was MYR Equine Centre and being a kid I used that as my email. Just a curious fact. Maybe I'll get a new one.
Anyways, this has dragged on a little bit. Hopefully my waiting game will be over as we roll into the coming week. I'll cross my fingers!
Ciao for now!
Sam
Now I'm not actually sure how many people are reading at this point. But it seems I get 30-40 views per entry. That's pretty cool and more than I thought I would admittedly. I know these haven't been the MOST interesting of entries but I try to keep them varied as I play the waiting game. A lot of this what I guess I'd call a 'journey' has been a waiting game.
I mentioned before that when I began searching I didn't expect it to be my own hometowns local club that got ahold of me. I imagine it might have been the same sort of wait and process anywhere else but it's still been a fairly long waiting game. Wait for emails, Wait for police check, wait for dates and finding a coach. It's so much more complicated than my other main hobby which is horseback riding. Not that I'm complaining, as I get through each bit of the process it actually feels like I'm gaining traction and getting somewhere.
I will note that the people I've dealt with at this point have been very helpful and very friendly. Heck, even the coach that I managed to get ahold of has been SUPER enthusiastic. Much like my horseback riding coach, I really enjoy this aspect in people I'm learning from. Their enthusiasm is infectious.
On a side note, I really do need a more professional email...using my kaydenwaveharp and myr_man emails really feels unprofessional at this point. Not that this is at all professional but it's awfully awkward to give those emails everywhere I go, even more so since they're mostly a remnant of the past. KaydenWaveharp is actually the old gamertag I used to use when I was big into gaming and it kind of stuck across most of my accounts, while Myr_Man is from when I was 14 or 15 years old, the name of the first barn I worked at was MYR Equine Centre and being a kid I used that as my email. Just a curious fact. Maybe I'll get a new one.
Anyways, this has dragged on a little bit. Hopefully my waiting game will be over as we roll into the coming week. I'll cross my fingers!
Ciao for now!
Sam
Wednesday 1 February 2017
Boring pants!
Hello!
I realize now that I haven't even gotten onto the ice yet and I've thoroughly enjoyed writing in this blog. It's all been about skating and this entry isn't much different. But it's interesting what sort of things motivate you to write and enjoy doing so. I've always kind of been a writer at heart and I am almost always writing at least something. But never anything like this. Hopefully I can keep this up throughout my experience.
Just a quick entry today. I went and picked up a pair of men's figure skating pants the other day. I was going to use track pants but finding a pair with a decent fit was difficult. Me and my fiancée actually drove a fair distance to get them and while they are nice (And currently being tailored to the right leg length) I have to admit, I'm a touch jealous of the ladies. Maybe I just didn't see any alternative mens styles but seriously, look:
How much cooler are the ones of the left, versus the ones on the right? Is it too much to ask for something beyond boring black skating pants for men? Come on. Those are way cooler. Perhaps if things take off in a good way I will look into something a bit more unique.
Just a bit of a mini-rant there. Moving along.
So, after jumping through the many hoops things are fiiiiiinally getting somewhere. I got ahold of a club (Duh..), got all the necessary things done which surprisingly included a police background check. Which is because I'm around kids. Oh the joys of being an adult amongst children I guess? Not that it mattered. It came back clean. I've never so much as had a parking ticket before let alone criminal charges and I even found my old Skate Canada number. Which I was genuinely surprised still existed as the last time I skated as a registered skater was when I was a kid. Pretty neat.
It's curious getting back into something like this as an adult. Many people say you should forget about stuff like this as an adult. I disagree. Just because you're an adult, does that mean you can't enjoy hobbies such as this? Some of the worlds greats in many fields didn't get into what they succeeded at until they were older. I believe as more mature individuals we tend to have more passion behind as well. A drive to do better and to succeed. I'm not saying kids don't have it, but as adults I believe we understand what it means to be motivated about these things a bit more.
By next week I hope to have landed my first lesson which I imagine will be a fairly sizeable blog entry. I tend to like writing about my experiences so that I can later recap and work on my weaknesses and shortcomings. (Of which I'm sure there will be many. Roller skating does not translate so well to the ice. Even if I did used to skate.)
I realize now that I've been writing a bit longer than intended. This was actually meant to be a shorter entry. See what I mean? It's genuinely encouraging me to write. Yay me <3
Alas, it's nearly 2:30 Am and I do need to sleep. Gosh dangit, they need cooler pants for men.
Ciao for now!
Sam
I realize now that I haven't even gotten onto the ice yet and I've thoroughly enjoyed writing in this blog. It's all been about skating and this entry isn't much different. But it's interesting what sort of things motivate you to write and enjoy doing so. I've always kind of been a writer at heart and I am almost always writing at least something. But never anything like this. Hopefully I can keep this up throughout my experience.
Just a quick entry today. I went and picked up a pair of men's figure skating pants the other day. I was going to use track pants but finding a pair with a decent fit was difficult. Me and my fiancée actually drove a fair distance to get them and while they are nice (And currently being tailored to the right leg length) I have to admit, I'm a touch jealous of the ladies. Maybe I just didn't see any alternative mens styles but seriously, look:
How much cooler are the ones of the left, versus the ones on the right? Is it too much to ask for something beyond boring black skating pants for men? Come on. Those are way cooler. Perhaps if things take off in a good way I will look into something a bit more unique.
Just a bit of a mini-rant there. Moving along.
So, after jumping through the many hoops things are fiiiiiinally getting somewhere. I got ahold of a club (Duh..), got all the necessary things done which surprisingly included a police background check. Which is because I'm around kids. Oh the joys of being an adult amongst children I guess? Not that it mattered. It came back clean. I've never so much as had a parking ticket before let alone criminal charges and I even found my old Skate Canada number. Which I was genuinely surprised still existed as the last time I skated as a registered skater was when I was a kid. Pretty neat.
It's curious getting back into something like this as an adult. Many people say you should forget about stuff like this as an adult. I disagree. Just because you're an adult, does that mean you can't enjoy hobbies such as this? Some of the worlds greats in many fields didn't get into what they succeeded at until they were older. I believe as more mature individuals we tend to have more passion behind as well. A drive to do better and to succeed. I'm not saying kids don't have it, but as adults I believe we understand what it means to be motivated about these things a bit more.
By next week I hope to have landed my first lesson which I imagine will be a fairly sizeable blog entry. I tend to like writing about my experiences so that I can later recap and work on my weaknesses and shortcomings. (Of which I'm sure there will be many. Roller skating does not translate so well to the ice. Even if I did used to skate.)
I realize now that I've been writing a bit longer than intended. This was actually meant to be a shorter entry. See what I mean? It's genuinely encouraging me to write. Yay me <3
Alas, it's nearly 2:30 Am and I do need to sleep. Gosh dangit, they need cooler pants for men.
Ciao for now!
Sam
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