Behind training

Im not wright any post about my last Thursday training because actually not much to tell.
I been really tired, exhausted (even before training).
Did some steps, struggle with my sit spin.
Main opening for me - about entrance - tried in upright position move free hand and leg in front and only than try to sit.
Its new experience for me, because all years I was learn that need sit and move leg at the same moment (for fast, time economy etc).
But of course I heard about other variant, just never tried befor.
I realized that pretty hard change technique. You body automatically try to do old variant but not new what coach ask you to do.
That's the main problem...

And another thinking after training - that I don't have any time for ice skating practice, just 30-45 min per week. So what I expect from this small amount of time, what progress can be?
Just really slowly! :)
So now I not expect much and move all my plans, expectations (program, competition etc) really far in my mind.

But I can say that I had great weekend :)
I was show my relative from Russia country and been away from home, kids and family all weekend - that's was great, refreshing, interesting and nice ability have rest. My husband was looking after kids and sent some happy pictures, what made me feel good and not worry about anything.
We visited Hamilton gardens, Rotorua, lakes, geysers, Waiotapu thermal wonderland, and Hobbiton (famous place for Lord of the ring fans :)

Pictures here:

Thursday training

Today I been totally relax- no any worries,  everything in time. Kids at pre-school and child minding.
Funny enough I even not think about training before because too much going on around at this moment. So no time think about ice skatinng (all my thinking at this momemt more about future job- what direction to choose,  what the best opportunity,  work at weekend or part time during the week, half day all week or full day but just few days per week, move kids to childcare or not.
Too much thinking and every day different ideas.
Really don't know what the best option with kids and ability having hobby- ice skating.
(At this moment I just sending CV and visited some interview. So will see how its goes :)

About training:
Freezing at ice rink. Closer to winter :)
Warm up. Simple steps. At the end I remember steps what I not often doing- Waltz step and loop step. I just love doing Waltz step, its make me feel skating with music at some ball, romantic atmosphere. Loop step been good but need more control and deeper sit.
Actual training-crossrolls forward and back 2 lines each, lie step with 3turn entrance in different directions (legs), new step- cross roll back inside 3 times and then 3turn back inside and continue with another leg cross rolls and 3turn, Czech step (was hard to remember it).
New step combination- in circle- 1 forward cross over, Jackson step, double 3turn back inside and step forward. I did it 5 times and then we plus to it bracket (when at end combination you doing step forward move free leg in front, shoulders look outside the circle and do bracket- change edge and direction).
And...time for spins:)
First upright spin. I did few times but it feels not so good like before.  We move to sit spin.  Did a lot attempts and only at the end get something close (I at least feel how to do strong move with free hand and leg. Coach other comments was about longer entrance, keep right hand behind, keep body position correct, not move on the sides, free leg stright).
And something new-today first time tried camel spin (before the break I just start learrn it and cant get correct position and spinning). Today it was hard to do too. But at least I tried few times. :) my mistakes was with wrong entrance and wrong hands position. I even was moving backwards but not spinning!
So need hold left hand in front, right back when move to entrance,
When stand in spinning position left hand move behind to the right hand.
At this moment left leg stretching with push, knee- body up. Need feel this moment.
and of course free leg go up like on spiral.
So I need work with entrance and body position.

Its made me excited- we move forward and try something new. But it was not end of the training yet- last surprise - try to do Salhow! First time jump on my training after break (I start training at middle of January, so its 2 month time with once per week training, not bad :) )!
Need to say that's Salhow my less favorite jump (I like to do Flip and Loop jumps, even if they been hard to learn. Have no idea what the situation with this jumps now - after big break). But anyway good start doing jumps :)
My main mistake with salhow - I move free leg too close to another leg, but need go around, keep her freedom. It's hard to do when you few years did wrong. Its always hard change techniques with different coach.
We did just few fast attempts at last minute of training and coach promised next time give me salhow and toe-loop.
Good news and good training.  Not perfect but good enough.  And surprising how much elements we done for the same 30 min. Maybe my skating speed getting faster or my brains became use to it and think faster, I get steps without too much explanation.  Who knows... anyway its positive changes.
Hope next time will be same positive :)

P.S.
I was wright this post from mobile phone (when baby was sleep near) - hard job! never do it again :) Now from computer will try delete mistakes :)

Unplanned training

At Monday morning I decided drive to Gym (anyway I now having membership and they can do child minding for free during morning class).
I decided go to Body Pump. Leave Anna-Bella with nice women and go to class. Funny feeling - its looks like weightlifting at Olympics :)
I almost straight get pain in knee (I guess doing sit down and up with weight need carefully and correct).
I was in class nearly 10-15 min and then leave to go to ice (ice rink just under Gym, you can see skaters from window in Gym class). It was to much for me - just look and not skate. and Gym class looks a little boring.
So I unexpected went to ice skating. There even was my coach and some known girls - adults skaters.
Its looks like I need really enjoy ice and skating.
But...strange - not! I feel me lost. Have no idea what to do (after did first simple steps tried concentrate and do something else but was hard to remember steps what I did at training with coach (only easily come old steps with first coaches - maybe because I did them during few years...)
Or maybe my thinking was about my baby, that I leave her.
Or maybe mentally I was not ready for skating...

Was funny moment when after did some steps I tried to do spins. And cant get it. My coach L seen what I doing and scream me -  Why you doing spins. You not ready. Go do steps first :)
She was absolutely wright. I just was a little hurry :)

Any way at the end I can get some upright spin, sit spin, and did some attempts of  back upright spin (not too bad). and did some waltz jump - just for warm up jumps (I hope I soon will be do them at trainings :)
and at the end did some spirals and just one circle cross overs for feel speed.

So skating was not too bad, and I get some results, just been not happy and not enough concentrate on what im doing and what order.
Next time I need be ready and have some plan :)

Not sure if I will be visit ice one more time during the week or only training.
My baby looks a little unsettle during the day, hard go to sleep. And I start thinking that maybe its because I leave her at morning for child minding.

So had some bad depressive thinking - maybe I not need Gym and ice skating. Maybe its too early for me and kids. Maybe I need give them more attention. Maybe better save money and delete all this spends for sport (because we in really hard financial situation - move in minus on our card, spends more than income, and I trying looking for some job for bring more money in family).
A lot different thinking :)
I hope soon I could decide all this questions.
Will see!
Life always show the way :)
Thinking positive!

Thursday training

I became better - today I wright about training straight at the same day :) (not one week after :) )
Relax driving, drop Anna-Bella at Gym (today they did my check pressure - seems fine, ask some medication questions, how many times I planning visit gym (I answer - at least one, but hope 2-3). this week I already visit Gym at Tuesday - visit some Step class  - it was really hard! - get all this rhythm and move - I did a lot of breaks and drink bit of water :) Exhausting!
And they check my weight - Ta-Dam!!! I expect see surprise result after 2 month training and skating. Yes it was surprise but not pleasure - weight 71.5 kg (but before Christmas was 70!!!), I was sure I move down, but not plus. O-oh!
Maybe its different scales or another clothes, or maybe some muscles come - funny thinking! :) But not pleasure result. Hope after few month will be better.
Anyway good news - that I go down after baby born (there was 79.4 - I remember it because was afraid move to 80, my weight before first baby was 62 kg, so at least I lost half additional weight, so left just a little bit - another half - 10 kg. Hope Gym and Ica skating will help me.
Cant say that I really worry about my weight, just want looks nice and fit enough :)

So about training:
1. warm-up (cross rolls, change edge etc)
2. cross overs by 8 shape 2 circles, and then 2 cross over with change forward-back, and then 1 by 1.
I actually feel a little bit not in my legs - hard was did change direction with Mohawk, not feel good with it.
3. then lie step (how we call it in Russia) - 3turn forward outside on left leg, sit on right foot moving back, change hands, sit on left foot back, cross over back, step forward on left leg (and then again with 3 turn, or another line with different leg). Another variation of this step - Mohawk entrance and then all the same.
4. Czech step. I describe it before one time. So we again did it. This time was a little bit better, I faster remember what need to do. (cross over back, change edge, cross rolls back, 3turn back outside and then crossover and repeat)
5. new for me step - with bracket. First coach asked me did I ever did brackets. Of course! I was show some steps but she said that its not a bracket. O-key...What is it - bracket? (turn with change edge and direction).
From Wikipedia:
"A one-foot turn with a change of edge that results in a '}' shape traced on the ice".
sounds clear, or not. I tried to do it, coach showed me at least 3 times:
forward cross over, move free leg forward, shoulders (chest) looks outside the circle, bracket turn, (crossover back - not sure in this moment) 3turn outside back, forward crossover and repeat with another foot.
I get it, just did really slowly :)
6. hello again - sit spin. This time we straight start doing sit spin (without prepare). I did few attempts. The main opening for me (simple, but surprising) - when move into spin with 3turn forward need stay back inside when doing spin (but I was always change edge for outside - Oh My gosh! Did I know it before and forgot or never know - hard to say, its looks so clear and simple, have no idea why I always fix spin on outside and it was for me really hard. And it cause move on ice (from spin centre) when spinning.
So now I hope I not will do this mistake.
Another point - my body move bad way at spin entrance - I don't know why I seems to move on the side, but not stay straight or move forward. So now I really need watch with big attention what I doing with my hands, body, legs.
So at this point I just work with spin entrance- tried fix position on inside edge (and 2 times I did it) and try made good entrance with at first hand in front and then move like open door.
Coach said that after this we will work with other parts of spin like sit DOWN (needs strong legs).

Training run fast, finished and became time pick up my baby from Gym - good girl was happy to see mum. I feed her in car and we move back home. I feel really tired and a little bit sick from morning (hope not get the same cold what kids having).

And another thing - summer finished, now unexpected come March and cold - it was freezing at ice rink!!!

P.S. Hope come extra time on ice next week if everything will be fine with babies :)
Have a good day everybody who read my post!

And I will have some day rest while my kids sleeping (its not often happened - same time day sleeping!!! I need appreciate it :)

Thursday training

This Thursday was a little bit unusual because of kids.
First thing at the morning - my almost 2 years old broken my Naveman while I was putting his little sister in car seat before move to childcare. Navigation system still working but I cant fix it on the glass so put near my knee on the way.
Another news - after drop my little boy at kindy and driving on motorway I found that my friend send me massage on Facebook at morning with information that she sick and cant look after my baby. Strange but it was not surprising for me, like I expect something gonna happened. That's the life. Anyway I appreciate all those times what she look after baby.
So I during driving tried to think where I can put baby while I on the ice with coach, who can look after her. Delete lesson just 30 min before training for me looks not good because too short notice for coach.
I just remember about Gym above the ice rink and their child minding during fitness classes up to 10 am. This time was exactly when my training finished.
With this great idea I come to gym and ask membership (good bonus - first month free!, and then pay 14 dollars per week with free child minding - much cheaper than move kids in childcare :) and at the same moment have ability visit Gym and go skating few times per week). I droped baby to nice smiling lady and fast went to ice rink. Done! (problem solved :)

Training:
fast warm-up before training with cross rolls, 3-turns, 3step, change of edge forward on each foot and back, waltz step, loop step and then work with coach L with her routine.
There was crossovers forward and back, moving at 8 shape forward, back, 2+2 with Mohawk change forward to back and opposite, and then 1+1 forward-back move by 8shape.
Cross rolls forward and backwards.
Next new step - 3turn back outside, chasse, chasse, Mohawk, 3turn back outside and continue (with different legs. Chasse we doing forward the borders (fence) and 3turn going in half circle along the borders.
I think there was one more step on training, but I really don't remember what it was (maybe something with Jackson step)...
Upright spin - I did it few times. was ok. nothing great but at least something :)
And then hard work with sit spin. At this moment for me hard to do right entrance and sit low.
My mistakes - I try all the time keep left hand in front, but as said my coach need work with left hand as usual in spin, and only at last moment move it infront. And then move straight free leg together to other hand and leg. I move my free leg not straight and I not leave gap between legs and as result cant sit lower.
Its looks like before break I did my sit spin just with power and fixing spin at any position just to do rotation, but now I try to do right technique and its looks really hard, I even cant sit low, or stand proper on toe (find position), and many times lay on the ice - refreshing, but not so good! :)
And I need strong legs for keep me in position.
So welcome to Gym!!! :)
hope now with accidental Gym membership for child minding I will have ability at least one more time per week go to Gym and Ice rink and practice (before I had opportunity go on ice only once per week for training - its almost nothing for having progress), all other days - sit at home with kids :). Hope everything will be fine and baby will be happy there! At least its good opportunity, another question only - how can I use it with kids, housework and busy lifestyle...Will see!
Stay positive-positive-positive :))

Thursday training

Im again writing post far after training. Always not much time during weekdays and weekends :)

Now maybe a little bit hard to remember what steps was at training.
Main success of the day - we move a little forward with coach and start work with sit spin. Never think that I will be so happy training sit spin again :)
But for me really important do not only steps but some other element what can show that I improve my skating.

So at training I did:
crossovers, 4-3-2-1 and 1-2-3-4 change forward to back move with Mohawk, with put hands up with changing foot.
step with toe around. don't remember start (I still not good with clear understanding and memorizing). main thing what I remember about this step -  that need do push like with back crossover, hold left hand in front and then move back on your toes around (one-two-three), cross, step forward, 3turn inside (+something else and then again move on toes) - something like this...
all this steps combinations I need wright straight after training otherwise its just impossible remember for me...

then forward upright spin. I show coach few times. it was not great but she was ok with it. just made comment about free hand and leg - hold behind while move to spin entrance.

and lucky moment - sit spin!!! step forward :)
I show coach L in what conditions my sit spin and received few comments:
- hold left hand infront of you
- try move body forward hand
- keep free hand and leg behind at entrance and than move together to left hand (and move body forward)
- sit lower - for this need not put legs too close to each other, leave some gap or will be just impossible to sit
- not move right leg across left (that's my mistake), try hold right leg turn toes to the right side
- what else? did I already tell about sit lower. yes I can repeat it- that's main point for me!!!

so need have right technique and strong legs what can hold your body. otherwise you will be often laying on the ice (like me!). but its not scary, so close distance to ice :)

I tried this spin few times but its looks not much impressive, hard get exactly all elements together. Only after training when I was practicing few more times I can manage to do one good enough spin. and finish at positive point :)

Funny that after all my worries and negative thinking, I just let situation go, relax, and finally get good training and positive emotions on ice. Good start (I hope :)

P.S.
Sit spin counting judges at competitions only if your free foot lower that your knee - otherwise its will be recognise like upright spin. So need be careful with choosing spins in program - safer do sit spin and not upright but change foot spin or combination or something else... of course if you can. :) at my point right now I can hardly do only upright and sit spin, but will see later :)

Even not dream about doing jumps on training...interesting how far I from this point? only my coach knows :)
But its not so matter. Just enjoying ice!

And last weekend was our 2 years anniversary marriage (2 years - 2 babies) - feels like 5 years truly :)

Thursday training

Its only 2 days to next training and I still not wright anything about last one.
I guess because its been really emotional and made me upset.

Start was good - I been intime. A little disappointing that my friends - another adults skater not been on ice. Its always enjoyable to see other adults and have nice conversation about ice skating and life :)
So on ice I did warm-up - some cross-overs and other simple steps. And then with coach start work on steps at 8 shape.
During the process we find out that after almost 5 years skating before brake I could did some steps (even hard) but I don't have BASE (I never work with 8 shape and never done some steps) - I guess because it was training in groups and never enough ice and space for do anything like this. But for my new coach its sounds ridiculous.
- How you can do jumps or spins without base, without steps?
She was so emotional so its made me feel really bad. Of course I understand and agree with what she said, but I could do some steps and jumps and spins before (maybe not perfect, but good enough, even for be with medals in bronze category). But now I feel that I cant do anything proper.
I just cant straight put together steps what new for me (I not mean totally new step, I mean new way put them together - combination).
And after pregnancies its looks like I really hard understand what exactly I need to do on ice, just cant get it when coach saying, not quit get it when coach showing, maybe a little closer to it when try myself work out with my body (then coach saying and show again, I tryid, and again and again and again).
I guess my coach often thinking that I just stupid and not good in skating. But I just need time for get new order of steps and then if I understand I perfectly doing it, just coach not seen it :(
So what new and hard for me I did at training?
don't remember start, but then I work with 8 in 3 stage (3 circles):
1. waltz step in both direction
2. waltz step, 3 turn outside, crossover 3double back-turn inside
3.waltz step, 3 turn outside, crossover, loop step, crossover, 3double back-turn inside
actually I think I don't remember right order, how continue after this - all steps need go after each other.
Oh, its so annoying - what with my memory!!!

And another step:
crossover, Jackson step (another name - Mohawk or 4step), cross leg, run on toes around, cross, step to another leg and repeat the same.
Cant even describe how long I try understand this step. I just cant get that leg need put on Jackson outside (back to circle).
My coach then asked me what exactly I don't understand, and then we work only with Jackson step on the circle. and afterwards I did this step, and practice myself after training.
But I been really upset with all training that I cant get all steps and coach words, and its made for me training not enjoyable at all. And I realised that when I feel not good its really hard did any element. All happening with bad quality and not happy feelings.
So I was skating just another 10-15 min and then leave the ice.

Half day I was thinking is it really worth it. For what I doing it with all stressful environment around (drop kids, drive through traffic, pay big money for training from family budget etc)
Its really hard realised that something what you really want still far away, and your abilities not quit the same like your wishes. I live in past where I was good enough skater with good skating, some jumps and spins, and training few times per week. But now I busy mum with 3 kids, I don't have much time for skating, don't have much money, and don't have good body shape (not fit after 2 my pregnancies).
But if I want same good result, took part at competitions I need more skating, be in good body shape (off-ice exercise), and have more money for hobby.
So decided gave to me 2 more month with slowly step by step trainings, and see what results gonna be.
Then like plan move baby in childcare for 2 days (morning sessions) - at this moment she with my kind friend what pregnant and expecting baby in May (so I really cant ask her about second time per week look after baby, and soon she anyway cant help ne with it.) and baby will be nearly 9-10 month.
Next step - have membership in gym.

And another main step - just enjoy skating. Without it impossible any progress. WHy I need training doing so stressful for me. Better just relax, be ok with what I have at this moment and look forward changes, even if they slowly.
And one more point - looking for part-time job (at weekend). What looks at this moment like complicated task (without NZ education and work experience, references).
But I not lost my hope :)

P.S.

About Jackson step:
will try explain how to do it
1.step outside edge forward left leg, 2.Mohawk with right foot (outside edge back).
3.move left leg across right (skating backwards), 4.step forward right foot
and continue
because of 4 stages some coaches call this step - 4step.
Good luck everybody!

sorry for my not always positive thinking. But life often move us up and down. Only at our hands keep positive and have hope. And sometimes its hard to do...

Thursday training

Usually I have Thursday ice skating training. But this time because of Waitangi day its gonna be at Friday. not a problem!
I drop one kid at kindy, another at friend (hoping she still feel ok with look after my 6-month old baby). No traffic at all - move through motorway like knife through butter! And been at ice rink at 9.20 (training time 10.00).
Great! 40 min for warm-up and be ready for action :) That's how I think, but reality more cruel: at ice rink hockey training meet me. HOCKEY!!!! no chance for skating and warm-up at all!
That's disappointing, especially because straight after skating I need fast drive to pick up my toddler from pre-school (he there only at 4 morning hours, and over 2 hours for me - its just driving, and 30 min skating in between).
But its life - enjoy the moment. Each of them just wonderful! Need use any ability.
So at this waiting time I did some exercise-stretching at car park near my car. Maybe looks funny, but who bother :) Anyway not much people around.
Then at ice rink I meet few adults skaters - interesting to talk and see people who live with the same passion and ready spend at ice all free time. At this moment I realised that my time what I spend at ice really NOTHING! Just one or two time per week, when others go there every day. And of course if you more time on ice your progress go really fast and skating skills improve better.
(I remember how I was skating in Russia 2 times per week training and 1-2 times additional go to public sessions, and even this was not enough, before competitions I was skating almost every day)
Its make me feel a little bit sad and even think that I never go back to what I had before (my skating skills and elements) or it will need much longer time (not half year how I think before but maybe 1-2 years. sad thinking.
but I still not lost hope. Just start thinking - is it worth it, if I cant get what I want. But then remember how good I feel on the ice and after training and even this feeling worth it. Just pity that its cant be more often...
So - TRAINING:
Steps
crossovers forward and back (don't forget move hands! I again tried fix them :)
3turns forward - outside and inside. just need control body, move on half circle, and skate longer and deeper
another step with Mohawk. not too bad.
and at the end 3step with double 3turn back outside. cant say anything good or bad - need just practice :)
Good point - at least I understand how to do this steps - not work out for long time like before. so its already progress! :)
and another positive point - feel that I can skate on edge longer and it give you nice flow feeling. Can be great if I always can feel it.

At the end of training we try my terrible upright spin. It was not good and coach explain to me some points what sounds really clever.
so what I knew about upright spin, what make it work.
first trick - move into spin like you move around the tree (and when you start spinning you actually hug this tree - really nice hug! just joking :)
another example - like open door (how another coach said me. but imagine tree work for me better then door :)
try first be in open position and then slowly move hands to each other (far from body in front) and free leg cross another near the knee.
try stretch all body up - move chest up, shoulders down!, hands slowly together close to body and free leg slowly move down from knee along another leg. that's made good spinning moment and good central position.
my bad point - that I not spinning in one point but move really far from centre.
So need work at this point.
I carefully listen all coach explanations, tried few times and I did it!!! I have no idea how but I feel really good spinning, and on ice I can see central position (circle marks).
So good, I hope I could repeat it again.
Want go and practice this tricks again and again for good result.

Maybe its sounds funny that I doing just upright spin and have problem with it after almost 5 years skating. But I never been good at spins and never understand how actually do it correct way.
(just fast tried move into it, anyway fix position and did few rotations, and fast exit. never feel that I can spinning long time or over 5 rotations-turns).
So now feel really exciting when knew some details and open for me this spin again :) hope we will be good friends!
And I guess - upright spin - key to al other spins (not exactly of course but at least I will get entrance :)

Cant wait next time on ice!

Another day. Another training.

Thursday. Was waiting all the week this day. Because of training.
Funny exciting feeling :) adult skaters can understand me.
But it was first time for me at morning, and need work out where to put all kids (before I was waiting husband from work and go to evening session).
So drop 1 kid - in childcare for morning session, pick up older daughter from sleep over at holidays, drive to friend to drop baby and old daughter (in terrible morning traffic).
Leave house at 7.20 am, arrived to ice skating 9.10. and start training at 9.30. (complicated task :)
but main thing - I did it! :)
Training:
warn-up with crossovers and simple steps. Find out that even crossovers I doing wrong. And my coach keep saying me not hurry (its looks like my problem now :)
and try work out hard for me at this stage Czech step. My head still cant get how put steps together. tried few times till understand what need to do:
cross step back, change edge, crossover,3-turn back outside, mohawk, cross step and then same with other foot). really complicated :)
and then try work with my upright spin. its really bad point for me, I understand how body need work to move into spin, but my body just not listen (too short entrance, cant find position and fix spinning, and body not straight but move to the side - that's some of my bad points). But at the end of training I did one good spin. just need remember this feeling.
30 min goes fast (and I even had power for do everything, just legs was a little bit stiff and not enough breath, need training body). Next training at next Friday. waiting unpatiantly.
But still work need be done - planning go to public sessions this weekend and try do home work :) Time at training not enough! Need at least double or triple :)

So nothing exciting happened - just work to back on ice to figure skating. Struggle with steps, spins (far way to jumps yet). But we keep going on! (is it words from song? might be :)
Back on ice!

 
 

Up and down

Our life often looks like up and down move.
Everybody having sometimes there down moments.
That happened with me at last training.
I was harry, come just 5 min before training start, then news that my coach sick and I will be with other one. that's put me a little bit down. But I tried my best, been really hurry to do all elements fast and good - BIG mistake! That's my problem - I hurry, not control my body, and cant do element correct.
This time we start from simple crossovers, move at 8. and after few loops I cant control my body.
Next walz step. Looks good for me.
And oh-oh... outside 3-turns (one leg forward, another - backwards)at 8. That was ok, but not so good.
Next step - outside 3 turns like before, but keep free leg infront when you skating back, turn around and cross leg and do inside 3 turns (backwards and forward on another leg).
sounds not too hard? not for me! I tried work out what exactly I need to do, how put them together. its all looks for me like Chinese letters what I cant read, of course :) )
Coach at first tell me, then look at my notunderstanding eyes and try show. But I cant get it, really want try work it out with my body. And cant do it at all.
For me the same when I coming to dance class and at start really hard get there combinations because you not familiar with separated moving and don't know how get them together. But after few lessons you feel more confident and easily doing everything what teacher show. (and understand new pupils at class, what they feel like).
The same I guess for me at ice skating - at this stage its only third training after my big break. And if I even have some skating skills, I not did all this steps for a long time. So its really hard for me, how for new student.
And I really hope after few more lessons it will be much easier for me :)
So how lesson finished? Coach became almost aggressive, push on me, his words made me concentrate, focus, slowly try do it. and I work out how put steps together. But feel terrible.
After training I try continue do this steps, but feel really tired and psychologically destroyed, so cant do proper any element. and finished with it.
Go take off ice skates and cry...

Its really hard realise that something what you really want and trying do hard (to move back your skating skills, doing floor exercise at home when kids sleeping) its still far from you. And all your practice and trainings not make it successful at this moment.
Yes I know, you can say that I need wait, only with time its all happened.
But I want be back faster, and really want enjoy my skating but not crying after all.
That the life - UP and DOWN. And then (I hope)  UP again :)

P.S.
before last training I even start think about choose music for my new program, had few variants. But now its looks like Im too hurry. Needs a lot training time and hard job for make its happened.
So just wait and see :)

Back to Basic

Yesterday training was like back to basic.
Not did anything hard (just moving forward and back with changing edge on one foot, and forward 3 turns - outside and inside). Base.
Did few openings for me:

1. hands work. hands (arms) need move up and down with each turn along the body (not around or be just fix like I doing. its just not allow you doing all proper and its happened against you move - not helping). sounds simple, but really hard do for me - because I not use to it.
when I start think about hands - my legs move just without any control, and I lost it.

2. knee work. up and down. sit - get up. that's how its might be. (not just fix in one position). actually knee really helping do right. and if they works proper - you will have beautiful edge, deep and strong move with speed (often you lost your speed because not work with your knee and body not helping at all - you move became slower and slower and then you cant do anything - just stop)...

top sportsmen have health problems with knee often (especially those who lift their partners). I found with my weight grow I often feel pain in right knee (remember how few years ago really terrible fall down on ice. so pain still with me.

3. rhythm. need control body and doing steps in rhythm (not one too long, another too short - how I doing. I guess its looks funny :)

4. not hurry, control body. I found that I try do steps fast, because its easier for me - I not lost balance. but right way - do it slow (at first - when you just start learn element. then when you feel confident its faster), try control body and feel how exactly need work you body. I try do fast and its a lot dirty lines, not finished moves, rush and bad quality work.

5. circles. Yes, its all about circles! Funny enough I often try do step how I can, but forgot about right line on the ice - about go on half circle direction and imagine line what cut it in the middle circle.
when you doing it and try follow this imagination line all became easier :)

Its top of the list basic things what I need keep in my head. Of course there much more....

Did I heard about this details before? I think yes... But funny how you fast forget basic things what actually need be your gold rules every time when you on the ice.

P.S.
So for me this training was really useful with ability again know and remember basic things.
(basic or old school really important I think. A lot sportsmen in old times did basic steps at competitions (we call it "school"). Without school steps impossible right way doing jumps or spins.

From history - figure skating start from trying paint on the ice with your skates different figures and sometimes this shapes looks complicated - almost impossible to do.
here example special figures by Panin Kolomenkin (Russian figure skater)

Mistakes

I just this weekend visited public session. At start - fresh ice, great skating on the edge, not much kids with frames :)
And even seen one adult couple who was practicing their pair skating routine. Looks good! And think its much harder job (of course partner support you, but its more responsibility I think). Good luck guys!
so about my skating - its feels better. looks like I start feel ice. steps goes better but not great :) Spins like disaster, try repeat but nothing help and been more and more mistakes.
Jumps jump away from me. Speed now a little bit better and jump seems for me higher and I scared and landing on two feet (not good at all. so strange mistakes...)
So I keep practicing and keep doing mistakes.
And at one point I realise that its bad. I no need remember my mistakes, because with so many times trying  my body will remember all this wrong moments and I keep doing it in future.
So I decided do element just few times, and stop at moment when this jump good enough.
So I did it with all my jumps, and sometimes when it was not good I tried at least visualised in my head how I doing its good. I really think its helping (often before competitions I visualised my program on the ice, all elements one after another and feel more confident).
At point when all jumps been done and still looks not good I decided go back to my terrible spins. I did upright spin and... what a miracle! its been done just perfect (with good speed). That was great! So sometimes really better do some break and leave element but not  keep trying doing it when you tired.
And at this good point I stop doing elements and decide finish on positive moment and leave ice with good emotions.

positive-positive-positive :)

P.S.
Today my second training. Really excided, waiting this moment. hope everything will be good :)

Jumps

Just start thinking about jumps. what factors needs to make them good and stable.

Really often at first training after break coach not allow you doing jumps and more concentrate on steps, skating. why?
I think because your body not ready yet for this and really high risk get some injury (but of course its never stops adult sportsmen, we really want try all elements and check how its goes for be sure that we not forget anything :)
1.So I guess first factor for good jumps - good skating skills.
That's why need a lot work at your steps. and skate and skating and skate. A lot work with simple steps even.

2. another factor I think - be fit, in good shape. if you lighter, its easier to jump and do it high. so need say good buy to a lot of sweets and bad not healthy food (funny enough - when I start training I stop wanting anything what not allow to eat :)
actually I see practice when real sportsmen before competitions trying drop their weight down. and its helps them with jumps.

3. and work on the floor. that connecting with previous factor :) need do good job on the floor (just at home or in gym) for make all your body strong enough for skating (main I think - legs, arms, and back. hmmm...that actually all body :)

4. of course don't forget about right technique. Sometimes need change just few details (like arm positions or do long skating back before jump, or wait a little bit, or stop yourself with shoulders, or keep back straight, or good work with hands - and everything became possible :)
maybe I forget something else....

ahhh yeap - last for me factor -
5. head or psychology - clear your head before jump and not think about anything (especially about you hands or legs - its can destroy everything!!! that's true :) better think before and even use visualising jump (how you move into it, how jump, how work all your body and how you landing...)

Why I wright all this words? Just because I check my jumps after break. Said that they terrible - nothing say.
What the problems - bad preparing, move into jump, not enough power for do it high, even sometime not enough turn, bad work with shoulders and hands (I even forget about move my hands with turn body), bad landing, drop back forward and other small mistakes.
So I can see - at this moment I not ready for good quality jumps.
What my plans - work at skating, do a lot of steps and improve it. Trying move back in good shape and do some exercise at home (for press, legs, back), do some jumps on the floor - at first just jump on one place doing turn with landing on two legs (with good hands work and shoulders), then with landing on one leg. And then copy all jumps on the floor (with attentions to details - and good landing). And stretching.
Its can be good go to gym. But I cant at this point. So only hope for my responsibility and good time management with kids at home. Funny - sometimes I doing some exercise when my baby laying on the mat with toys (in front of her). So I show to her how need hard work with your body (maybe she will be inspired for doing turn from back to tummy and back :) hopefully :)) But at this moment she just look unhappy and screaming. Lazy girl!!!

So hope everything step by step goes in good direction and all come back. I think another factor - time!!!

P.S.
At this moment after practice some jumps at public session better looks my flip and loop, toe ok, but I think my technique not so good, and salhow really bad - never can get this jump. And I not tried lutz. Don't feel me ready for this jump yet. and its almost impossible to do with kids with metals frames around (really scary move backwards :)

First Step - first training.

That was important moment for me - go back to ice, start training with coach. I waiting this day long time. Imaging all variants - from been great on the ice and easily remember all elements (like riding bike) to terrible skating with a lot mistakes, fall down and other not pleasure things.
How it was in reality?
Not too bad :) I not been princess on the ice, but at the same moment not elephant either.
It was really exciting feeling - driving to ice rink (by the way its 50 min for me), waiting first step to the ice.
Reality was - I come to the ice and been feel first moment uncomfortable and strange (especially when around been double jumps, axels, beautiful spins and...me, trying do some simple steps and recover some skating skills. Funny and shy.
But its gave me opportunity trying do everything as better as I can at this moment, a little bit plus speed in skating, for not looks to terrible :) You can say - who bother about some adult skater, everybody concentrate on own elements, jumps...just no need be on their way. Yes it was pretty hard - move far from their trajectory for jumps.
And actually skating  with so experienced skaters around maybe the same bad like at public sessions with not experienced kids with frames. It only because I don't have enough confident in skating at this moment and cant skate properly backwards ( I guess if I had more practice for me it was easier, I hope).
So I a little bit practice on ice before training and at moment when I lost my directions (what else to do, what steps repeat) my coach call me for start.
First element - double 3turns. its seems easy to do. I start with big energy and some speed, feels good. but its wrong feeling!!! Coach L stop me straight and show that actually my hands position totally wrong. I even never think about hands, just automatically doing turns, but of course its really important - change hands with each turn, and when I turning back - need keep leg behind. and with turn forward move free leg in front (before I did free leg close to other leg all the time).
I cant get it. Especially when I try think about hands I forget about legs and nothing can do with this.
I think another moment - I before had different technic and each coach give you different variant - how to do elements, so if you move from one to another you need be really ready for hard work with changing all elements. But at the end its give you good result (from each coach you can take the best and even if at start its looks like you stop progress then its goes incredibly fast).
So I little practice new variant with hands and legs and then coach said me move to next step (after she see that I at least understand what need to do with my body:)
Other steps was not to bad. Coach just keep asking me move head back, and look above shoulder when I move back. I keep forgetting doing it proper (my head move in all direction instead keep watch in one side :)
And my steps feels not so good and nice skating. It was not long skate but short step :)
Then coach L ask me show my upright spin (oh-oh....I start be shaky because remember how my spin been bad at public sessions).
I tried and its even feels worth - not proper steps before, not long enough move into it, not keep position before close hands (I been really hurry - its big mistake). As result - no central position, not enough resolutions (maybe only one or two). so as I expect it was no good at all. but good reason for more practice :)
So it was my 15 min fame :) anyway positive - feel tired, pain in all body, feel all muscles - its really good feeling (move me back in memories about my skating before).
I see now how much job need be done. And I want it.
In my dreams about go back on ice was a lot exciting feelings, I imaging all this moments. And reality became even more excited because now its real - I did first step, I start my training (I hope my big way in ice skating).
Need just stay positive-positive-positive :) and be ready work!


P.S.
Go back on ice its not like riding bike - its need at least few lessons for remember some elements and get back this feeling of ice

Good luck everybody who trying go back in ice after some holidays and breaks! Im sure everything will be fine :)

Russia vs New Zealand

Russia and New Zealand - beautiful countries having really different lifestyles, traditions, mentality. and situated really far from each other.
For me was really surprising find ice skating rinks here in Auckland and even know that here some adult skaters what love this sport so much like me and even more :)
What the difference I find:
1.ice rinks - not much in Auckland and a lot in Saint-Petersburg. similar price for public sessions. a lot of people on ice at weekends and public holidays (the same in Russia) but really empty ice during the day - its impossible in Russia.
And really bad thing here - a lot children with frames - crazy and impossible learn to skate. no in Russia (lucky).
2. adult skating -
in Russia its now really popular go to group for learn skating - a lot people on ice. almost no space. hardly trying do elements. nor enough coach attention.
New Zealand - adult ice skating as I see only start grow. here some coffee-groups and mostly individual trainings with coaches.
3. mentality - New Zealand - more skating for fun - more relax and enjoyable way.
Russia - different mentality - work for results. discipline. go on ice even if you sick or almost death :) and doesn't matter how you tired - skate, jump. if you full down - fast get up, and continue skating - doesn't matter how you heart yourself.
So for me really surprising was to see training where people a little bit skating and then go drink cup of coffee and relax talking :)
4. training. in Russia usually 30-45 min warm up on the floor before ice with stretching, jumping, doing all elements on the floor first and then 45-1 hour skating (depends from schools).
usually training 1-2-3 times per week. and additional for better results visit public sessions 1-3 times per week (depends from wishes and ability).
Individual training possible only for rich people or at time when you doing program for competitions.
Mostly practicing in groups (where not much space). But you have ability see how practicing another people, try get how to do elements what you cant do, and improve yourself follow others :)
In New Zealand groups usually coffee-groups with more relax way training and for enjoy. No warm-up on the floor, only at start on the ice a little bit.
And adults who want more results take individual training with coach (because its expensive usually its 30 min.)

Common thing - main thing that everywhere around the world you can find people with passion to ice skating - hard job learning elements, go on ice at any conditions, make their dreams true, and enjoy this hobby, sport (for somebody its hole life!!!).
And sometimes hard to see anything around. only ice, skating and dreams...



P.S.
im not so sure what other difference in adult figure skating between Russia and New Zealand because I don't have much experience here. In Russia I was skating nearly 4 years (with all breaks close to 5). In New Zealand I been skating a little bit (2 month) in second trimester of pregnancy in coffee group - much fun, easy steps for me. enough for enjoy and safety skating (for baby).
After first baby born I was back on ice just for few months (started training with Russian coach L) and know news about my second pregnancy - unexpected (I already had a lot plans for moving more into ice skating). so then - big holidays for me (don't had ability go on ice even at second trimester - my mother in law stop helping with baby - go back to work).
And then (surprizing - first thing after baby born - big wish go back on ice - I even contact with message to my coach from hospital room - with news about baby girl and information that I really want go back on ice when she will be a little bit bigger. crazy person!!! :)
and now my baby 5 month and I ready go back on ice.
let you know later how will be my training.
I don't want straight jump into it. just slowly remember all elements - step by step. and for start - 15 min training (sounds like not enough? enough for me at this point with not strong body and a lot additional weight! (that's a problem. so need be really fit and be in good shape for nice elements.
but at this moment I like elephant on ice :))
(scary to say + 14 kg from my weight before babies. after first one it was + 7 kg.
hopefully its goes down soon!

but enough talk about weight and problems. ice waiting me!!!

Back to ice

Today very exciting day for me - back to my ice skating practice.
After big break. it was much more big then I think at first time - instead one baby, its became two. and now im busy mum.
My lovely son 20 month and my baby girl turn 5 month.
I think its good time go back on ice (after 2 years break) :)

About me - My name Olga. originally im from Russia, beautiful city Saint-Petersburg. I was doing ice skating nearly 2 years on small peace of ice (for little kids) with my first coach O in group of the same crazy adults and few kids). we did training 2-3 times per week. it was hard job (especially 30 min training on the floor before ice) and a lot fun. we became real friends who live with the same passion.
(it was dream from childhood - do ice skating when I been on open ice and seen how other kids practicing with coach some elements. for me its looks almost impossible.
In Russia if you not start at 4 you lost a moment for do it ever. And I was 6 at this moment - so lost forever :) Now really funny think about this - how all changes.
When I was middle 20-th my colleague said that she doing ice skating training with group of adults. I been really surprised. I have no idea that its really possible, that your dreams can became true.
From childhood I been watching all figure skating championships (it was my favourite sport!).
so I come to the ice. and then after two years realise that I want more - not just skating but took part at adult competitions.
I changed my coach - move to group with bigger ice (almost normal size - this ice rink was in shopping center and sometimes there been really hot - on the ice was a lot of water or really cold - at winter. but it was nothing. the most important thing - skating!!!
with new coach V I start better improving and only at this moment feel that I doing progress and to me comes more elements what I cant do at previous group. there I feel that I stop on one place and cant do anything good.
so that's come time for skating, competitions and fun. In Russia at this time was a lot adults who took part at competitions (I remember at Bronze category been nearly 15 participants and I come 2. I cant believe it. so happy. but actually result was no so important for me. The main thing - did program good, enjoy it, and do everything with music (not opposite :). And I really love be at this atmosphere, talk with other adult skaters, know how they learning elements, see there relationships with coaches. support each other. that's great feelings!
Than I was happy enough to find ability go to my first international competition to France in Dunquerk 2010. it was the best memories in my life. we did 2 program with my coach - free skating and artistic. I decided that no reason why I cant do it - more chances be on the ice, perform and have more fun. I been 2 in free skating Bronze and 5 in Artistic (bronze with silver category). nice enough and bring cup to home :)
cant describe how cool it was. its great memories. and then I went to Tallinn (Estonia) to another competitions 2011.
and then I feel really tired and even finish skating for few months. lost motivation (broke up with boyfriend). and start doing photography courses.
I decide go back on ice, practice one month and took part in competitions what feels like my last competitions. finished not too bad, even took 2 place but was not so happy how I done my program.
And then .... European holidays (Paris, Venice, Rome, Brussels, Milano, Florence...) and meeting My Man - inlove, happy, harmony.
Move to New Zealand, where he originally from. 2012 - born William Ivan and 2013 born Anna-Bella. Great goals in my life.
(feeding, changing nappies, playing, have fun with kids, but feel really tired and under stress all the time.)
So Sunday contact my coach (lucky - Russian coach in New Zealand)and now sitting excited - waiting first training. really hope everything goes fine and I not will looks terrible on ice (did few public sessions during holidays) so hope a little bit better skating but really far from my last level before babies :)
So list what I can did before my break (4 years hard job):

toeloop
loop
flip
lutz
salhow (badly - cant get this jump at all :)

upright spin
sit spin
start learn camel and back spin upright

did some steps and spirals

So my goal in New 2014 year:
repair my elements - do better steps, jumps and spins (that's not my best side :)
hopefully be in good form for took part in some school competitions - just for fun and faster progress and of course made a program.

Will see how its gonna work (with few kids and husband at home, not much abilities to go skating and just 15 min training per week just for start :)
But I not lost my hope. Sure "everything gonna be all right"! (song in the head :)