Well, after a considerable absence, I thought it was time to update my blog!
I've continued with the LTS lessons over the past few weeks, and am finding my coach, Peter, to be superbly helpful and a fun personality. Laid back, technical, and good humoured, he's a great chap, and has also stepped 'off topic' once or twice to teach some skills not on the LTS syllabus, which has been greatly appreciated and a lot of fun. Unfortunately, my heart just hasn't been in it on the public skates, and I've just kind of ambled around, not really 'feeling it'.
Having worked away the last few weeks I hadn't been able to get onto quiet ice to practice, and nor had I been able to attend the adult LTP hockey session until last night. There were 12 of us, and it was a blast. I actually felt involved in the game (4 on 4, with 2 rotating on the bench), and the pre-game drills were also a lot of fun. I felt a lot more confident than I have done for weeks. Sounds silly, but I tightened my laces whilst standing up, instead of sitting down, and seemed to achieve a much better heel lock, and my skates felt very positive as a result.
I went for a lunchtime skate today, and tried the same thing, and it had exactly the same result. My feet felt more 'locked in', and I was close to achieving my backwards edges after a little practice. The fun has started to return!
Onwards, and hopefully, upwards!