Footwork 2/3

Spirals 2/1

The Art of Falling

Half Flip

http://www.ehow.com/video_2350221_the-half-lutz-ice-skating.html

sculling and stroking 3/3

3/29 Fundamentals

4/23 Nutrition

March 25 Waltz Jump

4/16 At home tips from Complete Book of Figure Skating

4/5 Training

4/3 Strength

Harnessed 6/4

Today I got to feel like a super hero! Anna put me in a harness so that I could do my jumps and have her pull me up in the air, giving me a feel of what it's like to jump as high (or higher) as I should be. It was so cool, we worked on my bunny  hops, Half- Flip and my Waltz using the harness. I need to practice landing with soft feet, by that I mean for from toe to heel, not just land flat footed, so this was very helpful. Also, today I got my best Waltz jump ever. Anna was so proud, but then I just could not seem to emulate it. Anna says it's normal that I loose things  and get them back, that it will become more consistent, so I'm feeling optimistic about that.
I also worked on my Salchow, and with some more help from Cole, I'm finally making some progress, although at one point I thought I was going to land face first into the ice..some how flailing my arms didn't seem to help... strange

My scratch spin is also improving, I'm getting better at finding my center of balance, but I'm still not there just yet. Anna is super specific and into technique and perfection, so I know I've done really well if she says so.

5/31 Salchow

Today I guess you could say, very loosely, that I learned my Salchow. It doesn't exactly look anything like it should, but I'm sure it'll get there! you start by gliding on one foot (my left) then do a three turn, pull your free leg to your ankle and sort of spin in the air. I haven't gotten off the ice yet though.
I found this video quite helpful. I also found my Complete Book of Figure Skating book good too with the tips. Of course Anna is who taught me, and Cole has been helpful too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qI5BnNkwFnE

5/26 Another View

Steam Punk Sample 5/29

4/3 Fitness

Types of Figure Skating 1/21

Competitive Skating

• Skaters often take more private lessons than those who aren't competing.
• Ballet, Jazz, balroom dancing and gymnastics are all aspects of competitive skating to contribute to skills, grace and the routines.
• Learning choreography is essential, so being involved in dance is good because it's easier to catch onto new routines. For some skaters they're competing a few times a month and they may be learning a new routine each time, so it's important to be able to pick up on routines quickly.
• You must be a member of the figure skating Association
• Must "test" to reach higher level

Pairs Skating

• There needs to be compatibility
• Must both be strong, the male often must lift his female partner and the female must have impeccable core strength as well as arm and leg strength
• There must be trust within the pairs, if the female constantly fears being dropped by her partner, there will be little progress
• Precision and timing are key in working together and moving almost as if one skater
• Lots off off-ice time together is important for bonding and practicing

Singles/ freestyle

• shows off individuality
• self-motivates
• confidence
• Challenging
• Jumps and spins focused- less on the dancing and art, more on the skills

Ice Dancing

• Edges of skates extremely important
• Not so much jumping and spinning so much as art and grace, dancing
• Rhythm and theatrical skills are apparent

Disciplines 1/20

This information I found from The Complete Book of Figure Skating

• Must be independent to be a skater, you must think "what do I need?" I can't depend on someone to always be there to help me out. This is interesting because in hockey, you do drills and are told what to practice, in figure skating you're given ice time and are on your own except during lesson time. 
• Find a coach. Contacting The Rink in Lansing to see about coaches.
• Building off other student: try to work with them to help one another out, ask them for tips and for help. Try to copy what they're doing?

1/18 Complete Book of Figure Skating

Carole Shulman wrote the book, The Complete Book of Figure Skating
In December of 1984 Shulman became the executive director of the Professional Skaters Association in the Professional Skating Guild of America. The PS Guild has been around for 72 years.
Summary from Books.google.com
Link:
http://books.google.com/books/about/The_Complete_Book_of_Figure_Skating.html?id=jPSNCdIZkJ4C

Published by Human Kinetics, 2002 - 225 pages

Many instructional books have been written about figure skating. Some are very good. Others are outdated. None, however, has been complete. The Complete Book of Figure Skating finally fills that void. Author Carole Shulman is a former elite competitive skater, a Master PSA instructor, a professional figure skating judge, and the current executive director of the Professional Skaters Association. She provides most comprehensive, up-to-date book available on skating covering proven techniques and training methods for skills performed at all levels and in all disciplines including singles, pairs, ice dancing, and synchronized team skating. The Complete Book of Figure Skating starts at the beginningsitting on the ice and then learning to move across the frozen surface with increasing speed, style, and grace. The chapters build in difficulty, covering steps, spins, jumps, and lifts. From stopping to spinning to quad jumps, each skill builds on the previous skills as this complete manual guides you through the skill levels of figure skating. Providing straightforward advice on how to select a specialty, choose proper equipment, condition off the ice, and manage nutrition the book also describes the proper technique for more than 100 skills, presented progressively from beginning to advanced levels of expertise: - Stops and stroking skills - Freestyle moves - Turns and footwork (including ice-dancing techniques) - Spins - Jumps - Pairs For each skill you'll find a clear description with introductory or preparatory steps, followed by a detailed technical explanation to enhance your understanding and training. Special teaching exercises and tips will also help you master the most difficult components of each skill. As added bonus you'll find helpful information in The Complete Book of Figure Skating about competitions. You'll learn the ins and outs of creating and refining a programincluding music, choreography, and costumes and discover inside tips on how to perfect your skills and score high marks from the judges. The Complete Book of Figure Skating gives you an essential resource on how to perform the all the techniques and programs of the sport. Whether you're a skater looking to improve your technique or an instructor looking for innovative coaching methods, this book will help you achieve your goal.

Of all the books I researched, this seemed to be a very valuable asset that I plan to read and study. It is available at the IHS Library, so I'll take it out and just try and get through the entire thing in time!

5/20 Progress

After being frustrated for the past couple weeks, which I talked over with Ms. Affronti and she says isn't worth it because I just started, my jumps are finally making some progress.
My Waltz is better especially when I just go for it, Anna also has me practice doing a Waltz Jump then a little side hop into another Waltz Jump, which gives me some spring.
My Half- Flip is my favorite jump, I feel like it's made the most progress and I'm excited to ass a turn and make it a full flip.
Also my Half Lutz Jump is doing pretty well, I just need to get more spring into it and stop dropping my arm while I jump, because doing that is pulling me down.

I'm not going to reach my original goals I'd set for myself by the end of WISE, but before I had started they seemed reasonable..I didn't know it'd be so hard to get all my jumps! With that said, I will continue to work towards those goals and there's still more time for me to learn.

My Scratch Spin, a one footed spin from backwards crossovers, is going well, I just need to pull my right foot in across my left leg (the one I spin on) and move it down. I get somewhat freaked out by the speed and step out, but I think I'll get more comfortable with it in time.

When I think about the past few months, I definitely think I'm more of a spinner than a jumper, I guess I just love the ice too much to part with it.

5/14 Falling Down

Today I was getting really angry at practice, I fell at least six times during the ice time, which is more than I've ever fallen in one day. I know i shouldn't be getting upset, ut I can' help it, I'm not used to having so much trouble picking up on athletic activities. I'e been trying to get my one-footed spin, so that I can do bigger jumps, like my Lutz, but I can't seem to keep my balance. I have no issue with a two- footed spin anymore, which I guess I should think about in prospective to how long it's taking me to get the one-footed spin, but it's a lot harder for me.
I've never had great balance, and it's making it especially hard for what I'm doing.
I know that figure skaters, are any athlete for that matter, aren't made overnight, but sometimes I sure wish that was how it worked.
I am really happy that I have such a great support group at the rink, Marisa wouldn't let me get off the ice until I had practiced my spins more. It's great to have so many people there who are so supportive of my learning to skate. Annabelle, a great skater at the Rink from Horseheads, even offered me her butt-pads today! Cole tried to help me by showing me step by step how to do a spin, as did Marisa, it was so kind of them and they explained it to me in different ways than Anna did, which helped me to look at things in a different way.
It's so important that I have all these people showing so much support for me and who are quickly becoming great friends of mine, it's like a hockey team in that way, we work to make each other better.
I finally got my Waltz Jump higher, by pretending to jump over something on the ice, as a girl named Olivia suggested, but I fell and smashed my knee into the ice, very painful, it hurts to walk still.

I'm just trying to keep my spirits high and think about how everything takes time, I just need to be patient, which I knew from the beginning, I have trouble with. This will be a test of my own willpower.

5/6 Frustration

I'm getting kind of down because I'm trying to learn new jumps, but I'm having a lot of trouble getting any air..and when I do my ankle seems to give out. I think I need new skates, with more support, but I really don't want to ask that of my parents, they're already paying for my ice time and practice. I think I will save up for a new pair and hopefully then my jumps will start progressing again without my ankle rolling every time.
My spins are getting a lot better, I've learned how to center myself, I used to get super frustrated because I was all wobbly, but sucking in my stomach makes me steadier.
Today I also worked on my "scratch spin" which is going into a spin from backwards cross overs. I'm learning to do a one footed spin too, so I can have more interesting spins instead of the same two- footed spin every single time.

I know I shouldn't get frustrated, but it's hard not to when, I'm not used to learning something totally new at the age of 18, plus I'm usually pretty good at following direction, but for whatever reason there seems to be something in my subconscious blocking me from taking the risks that I know I want to take.

5/3 moving forward

Wow! I cannot believe it's already the five week making us that much closer to graduation!
At practice last night I worked on my inner and outer edge forward lobes, these are something I must get tested I I want o moe up in he figure skating world. At first I had a hard time because I was being impatient and just wanted to do them, but once I slowed Down and took them step by step they went really well.
Last night I also learned how to 'scratch' which is going into a spin from backwards crossovers which looks super pretty, I just need to work on maintaining my balance.
I also learned a half lutz jump, it reminds me of a backwards half flip jump, it doesn't look too great yet, but nothing a little practice can't fix.

Today I had my mentor meeting with ms Affronti because she had a track meet yesterday and couldn't meet at our usual time. We worked on our check in together and she helped me brainstorm some ideas for my final presentation... An iMovie seems like my best bet this far, which I can definitely work with.

Picture Updates 4/30

Anna and I at my practice prior to competition

In the 

locker room

Just before getting on the ice

My Spiral

Spin (note my cute skirt)

Second Place

Competition Reflection 4/30

Yesterday I didn't get to elaborate on my competition, I've been dealing with recovering from a surgery so I've been somewhat out of it for the past week.
At the competition I first got there an hour ahead of time, it was in Skaneateles so we, my Mum, Dad and I, left at 7:30. I got up at 6:45ish to do my hair and make up- half the fun is getting all dolled up!
We then headed for the Rec Center in Skaneateles, I signed in and they gave me a drawstring bag along with some gloves, pencils and candy.
Before getting on the ice I had kept my legs moving and stretched. I also put on my dress then in the locker room, which was super weird for me because I had gotten dressed in my hockey gear in that very locker room a few years back!
Next I waited, I was in the third group of skaters to head out on the ice, at 9:15 the four of us went out to warm up for five minutes. I focused on practicing my jumps a couple times and my spin and spiral, but mostly just getting a feel for the ice.
The thing about ice, which I notice in both hockey and figure skating, is that you get used to a certain hardness which varies from rink to rink and affects your skating.
Then they called my name and I took my spot on the ice and the judge said "you may begin". I started with a stride forward and then a half flip jump followed by backwards cross overs, a waltz jump, cross overs, a spiral into some strokes(strides) and I finished with a spin, three strokes and a T-Stop. After my spin, though, I did sort of fall, not all the way, but my hands were on the ice, I shook it off and continued anyways.
The hardest part was that I was shaking because I was nervous and cold! Plus smiling hurt because I had a lip full of stitches.
I was on the ice doing my routine for all of two minutes then I got off, changed into my sweats and waited for the results.
I watched other skaters perform and noted how they acted before and after getting off the ice, for some of them this competition was such a big deal, I imagine it's much like me before a hockey game. I had a blast being out there and then at 10:30 awards were given to our groups in the lobby.
I stood up on the podium and received my second place medal and My parents got me a rose. I didn't mind being beat out for first place by a girl who looks like she's ten, she's probably been figure skating longer!
My event was a Limited Beginner Compulsory Event
It was a blast and definatly something I look forward to doing again, but next time I'd like to do more events..driving two hours to be on the ice for two minutes is a long way, although I was there for about three hours waiting, watching and participating.

4/29 Competition

I just competed in my first competition!! I took second place in my group. It was super fun and a great experience even if I was only on the ice for like two minutes for a hour drive each way. They gave me a medal which I will cherish forever! :)

4/22 Practice Excitement and a Dress

Just came from figure skating!! So fun we worked On my routine and my competition is just a week away!!!!!!
I bought a super pretty red dress with a bit of gold. The fabric is velvet so it keeps my body warm, but it is short sleeved so I will still get very cold. It has a skirt and the skirt is like a tulip so when I spin it flows around me, I think it'll be very pretty on the ice.
My parents and I have an agreement, they pay for practice and ice time (which I am so grateful for) and I buy the extras, like my dress. I bought it used from the rink, but that doesn't bother me because I think it's perfect.
Can't wait for Sunday!

4/19 Chit Chat Mentor

I'm at my meeting with ms Affronti
We haven't talked much since break, so it'll be nice to catch her up on my project and how it's going. I told her that. I continued to research and practice over break and about the new jump I've learned. We also note that my knees aren't currently black and blue for a change! (knock on wood)
I have practice tonight, so I'll get to practice my routine more for the competition that is just around the corner (a week from Friday!!) I'm so pumped, and as I told the class, I'm going to kick the little three year olds, that I'm up againsts, butts.

3/26 4-I's

4/15

Today I had a practice, 2.5 hours, where I had a fifteen minute lesson with Anna, She and I worked on my routine for my competition coming up! We have been really working on my technical work with my jumps and skating so that it will be perfect to showcase. My half flip jump is coming along very well, My waltz jump I'm still having a lot of trouble with for some reason, I kick out to the side too much. Anna told me that I can probably fix this by being tighter and also focusing on it so it becomes muscle memory to go through, not out.
I'v been conditioning too to gain strength and muscle stamina.
Not excited to head back to school tomorrow..I'd rather skate all day :)

4/5 The Half- Flip

Today I learned. Half flip jump, which, by he way, is far less impressive than it sounds and I'm not so sure how to explain it other than that it starts in one foot, I kick my foot in the ice to push off, do a half turn and then a jump.
I am hoping to learn a full half flip jump, but it's hard to do a half jump, let alone a full spin in the air! I'll keep my hopes up though.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxanJQvrZN4

4/4 Training

So Yesterday I went for about a 3 mile run around my neighborhood, and then came home and did about 30 minutes of ab training to make my spirals and jumps better, because it will help my balance. My running will help  my endurance so that I don't get winded suring my program at the end of the month too!
Today I went to "Zumba toning" which worked on strength in my arms, legs and core.

Also today I had my mentor meeting wit Ms. Affronti who was excited to hear about my showcase and also questioned me about my latest ailments..just muscle fatigue, not to worry!
Tomorrow I have 2 1/2 hours of practice so it'll be Wednesday and 41/2 hours of physical work on my project already! Plus 2 1/2 on Sunday.

4/2 Disrupting my comfort zone

Disrupting my comfort zone
Wise
Ic
4/2
Taking on a challenge to keep growing
Like me learning to skate I'm growing as a person and learning of myself about my live of skating
I think his advice is valid, it's just like how I feel I was afraid to learn to figure skate and had no idea whether I'd like it or not but I do love it and I would have never known


In class today I presented, as did Haley, Ryan, Michael and Atzin together, and Isaac.
Isaac is going to costa rica in may do he talked to us about his photography- I'm going to being him information on sloth sanctuaries!
Haley is learning to 'throat sing' and showed us a video of legit throat singers
And Ryan is learning to sign and she performed a song for us which was really cool because she gets really into it, making it exciting to watch
Michael and Atzin talked about school grades and equity within the system

Seeing everyone else in class and hearing about their projects and how they're doing keeps me motivated, we hav a support system in that class and I love that we always get the opportunity to chat about projects.

Kaitlin Hawayek and Michael Bramante 3/31

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojPkv2qeec8
This is a video of the two ice dancers who came and performed and worked with us!
Both so kind, I didn't ask either for an interview, but Kaitlin and I just talked in the locker room and she is so kind.

3/31 Showcase

Today I had my showcase!! It was so fun and I had so much support I couldn't be happier. I didn't mess up too much, but a perfect routine seems impossible with the amount of butterflies I had!
There were 2 team USA Members who also came, they were so nice and down to earth it was kind of surprising and they were both so talented!
I was going to ask them for interviews, but I didn't get the chance and I also knew that this would be the first relaxing weekend for them in a while and I didn't want to ruin it for them.

3/30

Tuesday I had practice for two hours
Thursday practice two hours
Tonight I have practice for two hours

Goal of tonight: perfect my routine

In Class Entry 3/26

2/6 In Class Entry

3/27 Honored

Last night after attending an awards ceremony at the high school, I was honored with recieving Student Athlete of the Quarter for this past quarter because of my dedication to hockey and my good grades. Anywho, I went to The Rink after and practiced the group number.. it still needs a lot of work and not much time..I had a nightmare about totally forgetting and messing it all up!! I also finished my solo routine and got a dress for it. I hope all goes well (knock on wood!!)

The group number is hard because we have to choreograph it ourselves and me and another girl just started skating, while the other four are really good and have been skating for a long time.

My Third time on the ice

I was getting off the ice after 2 hours of practice..crossovers looking good, HAHA Just kidding, but they're better now  (3/27) I promise

When I think about my hockey crossovers versus when I figure skate, it's really weird. In hockey we didn't focus so much on the technique, but more on going as fast as possible. In figure skating Anna has me do them over and over so that they look good and are useful. It gets super tiring, mostly my arms just start to ache though because I'm not used to having to keep my arms out to the sides forever. 

Mentor meeting3/1

I'm in my third mentor meeting with ms. Affronti and she and I are discussing the progress I've made on my project. She's supportive, but also thinks I'm insane for doing this!

The waltz jump 3/26

Waltz jump I an edge jump. I start with my left foot forward and push off with my right foot. It's a half rotation in the air.when you push off you swing both arms back with my right leg, as I swing my arms and leg forward you step forward. The toe pick is the last part to leave the ice and at the peak I bring my arms into a bent across my chest position and land toe pick first into the ice and put my arms out and you must land on the outside edge

My problem: I over extend my right leg when doing the jump, I swing it around instead of going straight which is making it harder to jump and I'm turning too soon

Note to self 3/25

Talk to joe AGAIN about helping me it my music

3/24

I just got home from practice and I'm bushed, absolutely exhausted. I think Anna had me do fifteen Waltz jumps
in a row. I don't understand why, but my body doesn't seem to want to let me jump, something is holding me back and it's not even like I'm afrai to fall.. I mean once you see my knees it's like 'wow, she must be pretty use to eating ice'
When I reflect on my issues with jumping I cannot for the life of me figure out why I'm having so much trouble, I visualize and practice and I don't feel like anything is specifically holding me back, but there must be something there..I hope I can figure it out!
I have been practicing the jump on land too, but I'm really trying to perfect it for the showcase!!
I'm starting to get nervous, but I know as long as I do my best, that's all that matters right?
I also learned a 'falling leaf' jump or step, it's like a bunny hop, but from a backwards crossover.
I goof around on the ice a lot and my coach LOVES it so in my routine I get to dance and it really shows my personality.
I am loving skating, bruised knees in all

3/22 journal Entry

I went for a run today, I am still trying to work on my endurance considering that I'll be doing two routines in the showcase, which can get pretty tiring, even for a rookie like myself. I was going to come home and work on some core strengthening too, but I wasn't feeling too hot after my run, so I just took a shower and curled into bed.

I also had my mentor meeting today with Ms. Affronti, it was pretty short because she wasn't feeling well either, something must be going around.
My knees are probably the most hideous things most people have seen in a long time, but it's worth the pain. Without pain we wouldn't know joy.
I realize that in order to do this sport, I will have to deal with injuries, but what I know is most important, is that I don't push myself too hard, like I usually do, so as not to make my injuries permanent.

Too pumped 3/20

So today I had my practice and we worked on my routine, I decided on Girls Just Want To Have Fun by Cindy Lauper. It's a super cute routine and is coming along well, plus it really shows off my personality
I'm planning to look totally retro-80s for it, hot pink dress, leg warmers, high pony, the hole she-bang!
Also I'm in a group number for Don't Worry, Be Happy..The peple I'm skating with are much better skaters so I'm kind of in the middle being grumpy and just doing my basic skills.
today a woman also suggested I COMPETE next month in Skaneateles and my coach thinks it's a great idea!! I'm so excited I might pee my pants...kidding
Anyway it's been an amazing night between working on my routine and deciding to compete I just cannot wait for Sunday

Entry- 3/16

Today I went for a run for my dog, Cherie, in order to strengthen my legs and gain endurance. We ran a couple miles/ about a half hour. My legs have been aching after practices because I'm not used to holding them so straight or so bent- there's rarely an in between. I am preforming a routine at the end of the month, which isn't very long to learn, perfect and have enough endurance for. My stamina will increase with my skating 4 hours a week and dedicating time to running and conditioning through the week. I also came home and did Pilates because in figure skating you have to work from your core a lot and have good balance. The 30 minute Pilates tape I did should help me become more toned and aware of my body, I am going to continue to do that as well as yoga and other conditioning exercises so I can reach my fitness potential.
I'm so excited for my routin, but right now my legs feel like jello and the ice is the last place I want to visit right now...I think I'll climb into bed :)

Taking Shame

Dear Readers,

I would like you to notice, in this photo of me and fellow hockey teammate, Shaina, our horrible posture. We have our blacks entirely flattened! It's practically a sin! To do a proper spiral, we should have our backs arched up WHILE bringing our legs up trying to maintain balance without leaning on our toes too much.

This was before my practice as a figure skater, but now that I am practically a professional.. I am ashamed..

2 journal entries- 3/9. 3/15

Progress City! 3/18

So yesterday I had practice again and I am really improving. I worked on my Waltz Jump more- it was super scary today because I got my skates sharpened and I felt like I was going to fall. I also worked on my spin which is coming along well, and I learned how to properly exit it- as opposed to stepping out of it, which is what I was doing before. I also learned how to "bunny hop" which is basically how you learn to use your toe-pick, I felt incredibly dumb doing it and I'm sure I looked like a moron as well. Anna also taught me a two toe step thing which is pretty easy and a spiral which is an arabesque, but higher. I'm already super flexible so I just need to work at being strong enough to keep my leg held up high. Shooting the duck is another thing I sort of learned, but I can't do it without falling on my butt..ow.
On March 31st I am going to be in a showcase!
I get to have my own routine and pick out music and everything, on top of that I'm going to be in a group number with some of my figure skating friends.. I couldn't be more excited!

March 4th

This video was taken on my phone- Risa tried to teach me a Waltz jump, so this was before I learned to use my toe-pick and before Anna showed me how to properly do it.

TummyAche 3/11

I just got back from another 2 hour practice with a 25 minute lesson.. We worked on my crossovers more, but my skates seemed dull so it was hard for me to get my grip.
We also worked on my Waltz jump more to help me get some more air and control my left leg (it bucks out). I realize I need to work on my butt strength more it seems so that I can keep that darn leg under control!
ANNDDD Today I learned how to spin!! So to start off she had be try spinning left, which was pretty good from what I had fooled around with on my own. Then she had me try to spin on my right leg..it didn't go so well, I ended up more or less going in a mildly curved line.
The spinning was fun and I'm really coming along, but it made my stomach hurt because I'm not used to turning so quickly over and over, but I'm sure I'll get used to it.
the other girls I skate with who've been very nice and welcoming said I could even join them in the showcase on March 31st if I wanted, I might just stand in the middle with Jazz Hands, but it's a start! We'll see.

2/6 In Class Entry

Feb 27 in class notes the barn song

Barn song
Double project - two boys
The builder of the barn sees what it will be, not what it is prior to building.
Took him longer than expected- relatable I thought I'd pick up on figure skating quicker.
He talks about disagreementS with his dad which is like how my mom and I had trouble figuring out lessons, we have the same goal but different ideas of how to reach the goal.

I thought his project was amazing!! So ambitious and admirable. It was great seeing all of his support systems from friends and family and I don't know if I could ever build a barn!!! It's really inspirational to see his dedication and hard work as a teenager.

Did he get it done in time?
This really helps me see the relationship between being independent and how you can also use others help.

The Waltz 3/7

Last night I had another lesson for 20 minutes during my two hour ice time. We worked on my crossovers and Anna is super happy with my stroking (skating). I need to do wall sits at home, so I'll add those to my daily core training exercises that way I can get more power in my crossovers.
I told her I had worked some on my Waltz jump so she and I worked on that, she actually taught me how to jump though which I didn't know before. There are specific arm movements- arms swing behind you as you go up, at the peak they are horizontal at your chest and when you land they're out to the side.
Also I had to learn to come down and go up on my toes, which is scary because I've been avoiding those toe picks!!
I'm getting more comfortable with it and I can't wait to keep practicing until it looks perfect.
Also I found out about a showcase in April that The Rink hosts and I'm very tempted to try that out, so I'll ask Anna if she thinks I could be ready in time.

Nutrition research from 2/16

(Printed and Highlighted on 2/16)
This is a blog/ interview I printed out and took notes upon to base my nutrition care on, the interview is with Rachael Flatt- the 2010 Olympic champion

This is Racheal Flatt's basic diet

Figure skating blogger suggestions 

Practice 3/4

So yesterday I had 3 hours of ice time, but there were no coaches on the ice. I practice my cross-overs, front and back, as well as my three turn and my friend Risa helped me with my Waltz which is coming along. On Tuesday I want to work with Anna on it and she can give me some pointers, I think I mostly need to push back any fear I may have and just go for it. I would have not been terribly afraid to fall yesterday, so it could have been better, but I just got surgery on my lip and didn't want to split it open.
Today I am going to continue reading my Complete Book of Figure Skating Book and get information from that..I need to remember to get that renewed..it's late, oopsy.

Work out 3/1

Today I hit up Planet fitness to get some conditioning in; what I did was ride the bike for about 30 minutes in intervals, I would do really high levels of gear and switch to low levels in 2 minute increments. My hockey coach had told me that this was one of the best ways to gain leg strength for skating so I thought it would be good for figure skating leg strength.
I also worked out my abs some to get that core strength.
Also today- I met with Ms. Affronti for out weekly mentor-student meeting. I told her about my hard work and she thinks the bruise on my leg is disgusting and that I'm mildly insane, not that I can blame her! I probably am.
I've decided to buy some knee pads to avoid any more nasty bruises (it hurts to walk!)
 That was my day today!

Nutrition- 2/16

I made this up a while back, I gathered information from online bloggers, nutritionists and nutrition websites to come up with a general diet plan. (Note: this is not limited to only items on the plan, it is a basis for me to guide my diet off of)
If I were a serious figure skater it would be extremely different and I would be skating 3-4 times perday so it isn't what Michelle Kwan would have eaten.

Breakfast

Egg Sandwich

1 full egg, 1 egg white, Monterey jack cheese, one piece of bread and hot sauce and 8oz Glass of OJ

Or

Yogurt and toast and 8oz glass OJ

Or

Oatmeal with chopped banana

Lunch:

Salad

Power bar

Turkey sandwich

Dinner:

Lean meat, veggies,

 pasta sometimes

Snacks:

Fruit

Veggies

Peanut butter and crackers

Caramel cakes

Practice 2/28/2012

Two hours
I had practice today at 6 and the ice time went until 8. I had a twenty minute with my coach, Anna but we broke it up so that we did fifteen in the beginning which is when she taught me a 3- turn which is when I start on both feet, push to one foot and flip turn around while staying on one foot.. at the bottom I'll put a picture :)
I also worked on my cross-overs and they're coming along really well. Anna is super particular about posture so its definitely going to make me sore, but it will look so much better!
We also worked on some backwards skating and Paige came out for a little bit and I did a couple spins for fun (Nothing to exciting.. or pretty for that matter) but it was fun.
There's a whole figure skating community there and it's been so nice to really get to know the people there and a lot of them said they're very impressed that it's only my second time on the ice in figure skates, that I'm looking really good!! That's really nice to hear, it makes it worth it and makes me want to keep pushing.
When I compare this lesson to my first lesson I see a difference, this time I only fell once and I'm getting more used to the toe pick on the skates so I find it easier to go faster and be more daring... Go hard or go home right?

This is sort of a sketch picture of a 3 point turn.. I just liked it because it's kind of funny looking. It will help me move into a Salchow eventually when I add a jump and a spin. I can't wait for Sunday already!!

PS When I get my journal back I'll put a bunch of information I took notes on, onto the blog.

Barn song- 2/27

Barn song
Double project - two boys
The builder of the barn sees what it will be, not what it is prior to building.
Took him longer than expected- relatable I thought I'd pick up on figure skating quicker.
He talks about disagreementS with his dad which is like how my mom and I had trouble figuring out lessons, we have the same goal but different ideas of how to reach the goal.

I thought his project was amazing!! So ambitious and admirable. It was great seeing all of his support systems from friends and family and I don't know if I could ever build a barn!!! It's really inspirational to see his dedication and hard work as a teenager.

Did he get it done in time?
This really helps me see the relationship between being independent and how you can also use others help.

So this is the basic brochure, this one is for April but it will give you a sense of what I am doing in the way of a program.

Every Sunday and Tuesday I have two hours of figure skating ice time and during that time I meet with a private instructor, Anna, for 15-20 minutes. during this time she will teach me new techniques and skills which I can practice for the rest of the time!

Yesterday I had my first practice and today my arms are super sore because you have to keep them up the whole time, I also learned to 'swizzle' which is a C-Cut, basically you are gliding then you bend your knees and push out with both legs at the same time. She and I worked on basics and she's super particular with technique and perfection so that will be really great for me to truly learn how to skate.
I went out onto the ice expecting to feel pretty comfortable, but it was so hard transitioning into figure skates. With my hockey skates i am on my toes, with these I have to lean on my heels, but I only fell twice..yayy!

Zumba

Yesterday I went to Zumba which is an amazing dance workout. Figure skating requires an element of dance an rhythm whichzumba can help with!!
Off to practice

Goose egg leg 2/26

I landed on my knee twice at my first practice... Two falls my first time isn't so bad!! It hurts though

My first practice was super fun, for about forty five minutes I skated by myself and got the hang of the skates.. It's really hard because with hockey skates you skate on your toes, but in figure skates you can't and have to skate on the ball of your feet, but for now I'm focusing on staying closer to my heels. Then I had a fifteen minute lesson with Anna who thought me how to 'swizzle' glide and do proper cross overs. After that I practiced on my own for another hour.
It was so fun and I met new people, I can't wait for Tuesday!!

Skates 2/19

I'm a really small skate size I feel like I have munchkin feet!! Size 6, but I had to make sure they were snug fitting so that I don't hurt my ankles!! Normally I won't be wearing bright pink socks like those, I'll mostly wear nylons under my skates or thin socks.
It's important that they're snug enough around my feet also so that I can jump without twisting my ankle on the landing. Too loose and I could roll it and really injure myself. I should, however, be able to bend my knees wearing these, so it's okay to keep the skates looser at the top and tighter at the bottom.

Skates

I went to instant replay downtown and got my first ever pair of figure skates!!!
It was weird putting them on, they're much snugger and more structured than hockey skates
I ended up getting the thinnest pair, which they said will be fine for now, but problematic later. They're white and new and I dropped them off at Cass Park to have the blades sharpened.
It's scary to think I'll be stepping out of my comfort zone and trying something new, when I'm so used o being on the ice for hockey, but I think it'll be worth it.

Meeting Time

Currently with my mentor Ms. Affronti discussing my progress.
I'm Going to try and get skates again today, when I went before they didn't have my size. Maybe there's an open skate I can attend tonight...I'll look into it

Note: I couldn't go to an open skate

Visits!

So after school, at about 5:45, I headed to The Rink in Lansing to inquire about figure skating..
What I will do is get specific figure skating ice time which is blocked off in two-hour segments usually, in later months it will change to three hours, and likely have a personal coach come and teach me for about a half hour or so. I talked to Anna Goehner and she seems super nice and I can't wait to start working with her!
I also tried on some skates at the store in The Rink, but I have to go to another store to find my size unfortunately.
I stayed and watched the skaters for a while and I'm getting more and more excited!
My wrist isn't better, but I did about a half hour of leg and core strengthening exercises.

The ice time is expensive, over 100$ a month, and lessons are a little under a dollar a minute, I am so grateful that my parents are doing this for me. It's even more expensive than hockey, which is already a lot. They are so kind and want to make me happy.

Sad Day..

Well, I can't order that boot camp workout, because it's only a class...which I'd need to go to Toronto to do.
I got cortisone this morning so no working out today for me considering it's throbbing.
To be a figure skater it requires strength flexibility and balance..I have great flexibility from years of Cheer and Gymnastics, strong legs from hockey, but I have terrible balance!
Tomorrow if I feel better I shall:
Go to school
Swim in gym
Come home and do a ten-minute power Pilates work out as well as leg workouts (Lunges, squats, wall-sits)
WORK ON BALANCING EXERCISES ..AKA: Core workouts (pilates) The core strength in a person stems from his or her back and ab strength, so I will work on that.
And I will stretch!
Can't waiit

http://figureskating.about.com/od/officetraining/a/officedownes.htm

Bootcamp 2/12

This will help me train off-ice, I'm looking into ordering a disc!

Note: I am not ordering a disc, they don't sell them

Neil Being and Nothingness (HW 2/6)

I read my classmate, Neil's blog! He's going to read L'etre at la Neante  the English translation be Hazel E. Barnes. He is going to also have someone read the original French version by Sartre. His project sounds very cool and very hard. I find it interesting how everyone's plans are so different and it makes everything super exciting!
Goodluck Neil!!

Richie in The Pajama Games! (HW 2/6)

I read Richie, a fellow classmate of mines, blog. He is doing research in the performing arts for his WISE Project which I think is really cool for a few reasons;
One: IT's something he's never done before and said it was basically crazy to think about
Two: I think it's a great choice because he's such an outgoing and lively person
Three: I, personally, love acting so it's cool to see someone else enjoy it too and be a lot braver than me!

I loved when he wrote "I believe that life is about experiences, learning new skills, improving old skills, and finding new people to form connections.."
I agree 100% ... it's harder to start new things later in life and I feel like that's a huge componant of WISE, to step out of your comfor zone and have new expereinces, meeting community members and connecting to others in a new way.
I know he'll do great and I'll be there to support him the whole way!

Figure Skates have to Wait..

Hockey is still going, we're headed to The Final 4!!
This means that I can't start figure skating for another week, but I've been doing my research and I will get you all some facts later :)

The Beginning

Dear Reader,
I'm Catherine, a senior at IHS taking WISE for my senior year English class. I want to learn the basic skills of figure skating. By the end of the sixteen weeks I’ll be spending on this project I want to learn the “six basic jumps” The Waltz Jump, The Salchow, The Toe Loop, The Loop, The Flip and The Lutz.  This is going to take a lot of patience for me, which is something I need to work on in my life in general. 

MY learning to figure skate has been a big shock to many people. I'm a hockey player and I've been a hockey player for the past 12 years of my life. A lot of the time my teammates and I would make fun of figure skaters and now I want to skate in their boots for a change..who knows..maybe i'll be a natural!
What I'm most excited for is tryong something new, when I was younger, even though I made fun of figure skating, I always thought it was such a beautiful sport. I admired the skaters and wished I could do what they did. While I'm excited, I'm also scared, it's hard to start a sport at such a late age, aprtically because people tend to be more afraid of falling at this point and also because there's a sense of pride. I will probably be practicing with younger kids, I'm most likely going to fall, and knowing me, get hurt. While I'm afraid of being injured or looking ridiculous out there amongst the younger kids, I'm also phyched that I can start now and I'm proud and confident that I will suceed as long as I try my best.

My first two weeks:

First I will research.

I will learn about the different types of figure skating.

The second week will depend on whether or not my hockey team makes it to final four. If we do I cannot physically start skating, if we don't I will start lessons as soon as my coach says it's okay.

During my first two weeks I will also begin my strengthening, starting with every other day ab workouts because balance is a key aspect of figure skating.
I'm ready to begin!