Learning to Skate - Again

I have been hearing how great the skate lessons at our favorite roller rink are, and I finally got there last night. I had also seen the results from Ms. Payne D. Spencer's rapid improvement over the last 6 months. I can see why.

When I started skating almost one year ago, I just skated the way I did in high school. I have no idea how or why I do what I do. I was thrilled to be able to skate without falling (and I did and do fall, by the way). But when I try to learn new skills I struggle. I think part of that struggle might be because of technique problems with the way I skate (mostly where my weight is balanced, and what part of my foot I'm using). When the instructor says put the weight on the inside of your foot and crossovers feel different, I know I need to pay more attention. Now, don't get me wrong, the part of my brain that says you can't do that (jump, skate backwards, mohawk turns, whatever) is also a huge hindrance, and I'll save dealing with my "no way brain" for another post. But it's really interesting to dissect what you do without thinking and try to re-learn it with thinking. And then you have to integrate it and do it without thinking. Who me, think too much?

In any case it was great to skate and practice really valuable skills (not to mention seeing some of my pals). I hope that I will be able to work some lessons in to my skating schedule. And I look forward to improving my technique, and still be able to skate without falling. It's all progress.