Arch pain in new skates (beginner)

[transmissionoftheflame]

Hard to find good outside spaces and the weather is a factor.  Outdoors I mainly skate at Emirates stadium - it's big, pretty flat, no traffic, no hassle from security, there are other skaters, the surface is fairly smooth and free of debris, dries well, there are toilets.  You just need to avoid match days.  People have told me that Victoria Park is good, also Dulwich Park, and Stratford around the Olympic Park.  If you do a lot of outdoors then your confidence goes through the roof when you get indoors, and vice-versa!

[stvrgirl]

I've skated around the Olympic Park but it was my first time skating since I sprained my ankle so I was very hesitant. I've been told that skating on different surfaces will increase my confidence, I just struggle to actually bring myself to do it. I'm quite a fearful person and skating both roller and ice are such big achievements for me, even if I can't do much right now.

Also a little update on the arch pain, I tried not lacing my skates as tight and I managed to skate for 2 hours with no pain, although my heels didn't feel as secure so I'll have to continue to experiment with that.

[transmissionoftheflame]

Glad to hear that you're making some progress with the pain - some people advocate making them a bit looser around the fore and mid foot and tighter around the part of the instep nearest the leg, which should hold the ankle in place.


I'm quite cautious too - I think it's a question of gradually relaxing and getting that little bit out of your comfort zone, realising you're OK and finding a new, expanded comfort zone.  I think it's perfectly possible to get quite good at skating if you're cautious, just requires patience.  Having good physical condition - strength, mobility, endurance - also helps confidence.