All The Usual Suspects

My figures lesson with Lynne on the Chandler coffee club.  I had my patch blades sharpened on Wednesday but hadn't had a chance to skate in them since due to work commitments.  On the warmup I felt much more secure, so a big win there.  The only issue was the usual difficulty stopping.

Today's lesson:

• FO8s -- just a few minutes on these.  The newly-sharpened blades really flow!  Even the LFO8 wasn't too bad.  I know someday it will be easy... just not yet!
• BO8s -- again, really nice flow.  A nice experience to come in to center with some speed!... until Lynne reminded me I really should work on keeping the free foot in front.  Whoa.  I am really going to have to work on this because the second I get that foot out there (the R side, esp., L not as bad) I go flat and lose the edge.  Grrr.
• BI8s -- again with the free foot.  Actually the insides are much, much easier for me at least as far as position -- my circles are VERY small right now and I need much more push.  But the free foot is happening, more or less!
• waltz-8 -- finished up with these.  3s a little rough at first but settled in.  Step forward still a bit rough but holding the FO edge better after.

All in all I'm pretty pleased with my progress on the B8s -- I've had these free foot issues forever, so the progress I'm making is really exciting.  Lots more to do though!

After my lesson Lynne and Sacha were working on a routine they are skating for a show in LA, and I think also next week here.  So cool to see her skating 'for real' -- she's just amazing to watch.  I am off to Oregon for work this afternoon, bringing my skates so hopefully I will get to skate w/my SIA homegirls tomorrow and/or Thursday.