Title Change... Figure Skating over 60

It’s official - tomorrow I turn 60.  It marks 10 years since returning to figure skating.  And really 3 years since I stopped working toward a test or competition.  Tomorrow I’ll wake up as a 60 year old with a pair of ice skates - out of shape again and out of touch with everything surrounding the rules and requirements for my age/skill classification.  There have been some big changes in adult figure skating since I stopped skating regularly.

I have a few obligations and travel plans between now and mid November, which is when I hope to return to the ice to see how forgiving it is.  Free skating, dance, pairs, testing ??? Who knows.  Till then good bye from me in my 50’s.  It was fun.

Felt Like Old Times

I had a chance to skate a public session with Hank last week.  We had fun trying to do a few things we could do together.  Not sure when or if we will ever get serious about it again.

Home Again Coffee Club

It’s been two months since I skated at my home rink in Spokane.  I showed up this morning at Adult Drop In Coffee Club.  Our regular coach Kim was away so she had one of our figure skating club’s alumni skaters stand in for her.  I didn’t get on the ice till the last few minutes so all I had time for was a little stroking lesson.

I’m skating pretty slow and cautiously right now.  I spent about 30 minutes working on the Hickory Hoedown Bronze Ice Dance - off camera before capturing a few of my last minutes.

My weight is really making it hard for me to do freestyle.  I need to shed 20lbs - perhaps getting on the ice more regularly will help hand in hand with that.

Making Skating Friends in Arizona

In my quest to try out the nearby rinks closest to my new house in Arizona; this week I skated at Gilbert Ice.  They offer adult sessions several times per week in the middle of the day.  Hurrah !!  No early mornings or skating on busy freestyle sessions.
I skated both Wed and Fri this week at Gilbert Ice.  Met some new friends and ran into some skating friends I know from previous competitions ~ What a great place to skate.  There are lots of adults here... I’m going to really enjoy skating my winters in Arizona.

Saguaros, Ocatillos and Sunshine Oh My!

We have finally moved into our new house in Arizona and I got a chance to start trying out the rinks that are closest to me.  Gilbert Ice is probably closer, but I decided to to Ice Den Chandler first. It’s about a 45 minute drive.  I can live with that.

They have what’s called “Ice Cafe” for adults several days a weeks from 11:50 to 12:20.  Just $10 and as you can see in the background there are several other adult skaters - well beyond the learn to skate phase.

I tried to introduce myself to most of them.  They seem like a great group of skaters.

Winter GO AWAY

Seriously .. it's mid March and we still have snow everywhere.  They are still ice fishing on the lake near my house.

I have not been motivated to get out there and drive in cold temperatures to have a frustrating day on the ice.

Today I showed up late for Coffee Club but skated about 30 minutes (pant pant) and tried some ice dance practice with a few simple jumps and spins at the end.

It wasn't pretty, but I am glad I went.

I Made it to Coffee Club

We are having the snowiest February on record except for back in 1893.  The wind has been howling and my tan from all my traveling is fading fast!   I forced myself to show up for Coffee Club last Friday, but I couldn't squeak much out.  Just sayin' ... if you don't use it.. you really lose it.

Next month we begin our new adventure of snowbirding between Spokane and Arizona (greater Phoenix area).  We'll spend a month moving in and getting to know the area a bit before returning for the spring and summer here in Spokane.  My plan is to get on the ice down in AZ - figure out what rink works best for me and maybe find a coach.

It's time.

Hello Ice

It’s been a while and it took no less than 20 minutes for me to go backwards!

Auld Lang Syne

I skated.

By definition that means I put on my skates and took to the ice.

I have not been around much lately but alas I am still here.  I really hope to get more ice time in 2019.

Borrowed Ice ... in Fairfax VA

I’m here in Virginia visiting my son and grandson  for Thanksgiving.  Had some free time today so I signed up online for a 45 minute freestyle session at 10:15 am at the Fairfax Ice Arena.

I was fortunate there were only 2 other skaters on the ice.  Nice rink.  Soft ice and with a little overhead heat too.  Wish I had skated better.  I’m working on ice dance a lot but I don’t usually record that ... it’s so far away and the corners get missed. (Plus I am not looking too good!)