Hey all. It’s been a minute! Work has been kicking my ass! I haven’t been practicing much as I want to but today I made it a point to not only get on my skates but to record some of it. I practiced one leg balance skills, crossovers, open/closed book transitions (still struggling here) and what I THINK are backward crossovers (vide attached so you tell me). As usual I bring for your personal entertainment, my awkward and horrible skating! Don’t go too hard on the kid though. This was my first time practicing this technique. 😩

I walked the route (1.5 miles) to check for sticks, stones and other debris on the country road. Then, I adorned all protective gear, except the elbow pads (I forgot them) and hit the road. The downhill, half-mile slope made me gain way TOO much speed, even though I carved. Then, the uphill skate tested my conditioning. Happily, I'm in better shape than I thought. 😁 I did this hill twice. Would have completed it more times, but a dog decided to join me and was nipping at my skates. 😳

Yesterday I got up early, had a light breakfast, did some stretching, fed the cats (most important), made a little lunch to take with and got out to the courts early. There was only one other guy in the whole 8 acre park (who was doing well shooting hoops - best I've seen there). I kept stretching as I warmed up... and started to feel it... I was skating better and feeling better. Did some drills - went well. I took breaks when I felt tired, had lunch and still the park was empty - nice and peaceful. I got back on the court and skated very well! Like I'd been wanting to since day one. I did another hour, and as I left, then people started to trickle in. Perfect timing... I like it when it's not too "peopley" out. Later, I still felt good, great actually, not tired or achy, so I didn't over-do it. I hope you guys have these kind of days too (just keep at it - they happen). We need a few good ones to kinda reset. Upon reflection, me and that kid on the court had something in common... we practiced, alone, without help or distractions. I wish I'd told him I admired his playing. Maybe he thought the same about me, but I think we respected each other's space and time. Anyhow, it took me ten months, but I managed to have a very good skate day ...finally. Mar 20, 2026

Peace family. It’s been quite a while. Back in August, I got injured while learning manuals and minimal spins. I tore two ligaments in my knee and sprained my meniscus. I thought I’d never skate again. The doctors kept telling that skating shouldn’t be my focus. Finally, 6 months later, my doctor/PT said it’s time! She wanted my to go skate but take it truly easy. I was overly excited.. I finally got the green light. So I’ve been tryna go these last few weeks and I’m just so in motivated and discouraged. My legs are weak and everything I had learned and the strength I built seems gone. I’m literally staring from the beginning. I want to just hang the skates up. I love skating but I’m just not feeling confident and I’m so nervous!! I know that was a lot but I felt comfortable sharing here.

March 8, 2026 do-over of Feb. 25. Backwards alternating crossovers concentrating on complete weight transfer - two tries. The wheels are great, thanks again Jay. The bearings... whoever cleaned and oiled these things is trying to kill me. Wait, that was me.