Testing time - in more ways than one

Well, after the fun I have had today, not being able to turn my head to the right and wincing whenever I have to write, speak on the telephone or laugh, it was time for testing at Ally Pally. I have also had a couple of doses of co-codamol (mixture of paracetamol and codeine), which made skating very interesting!

As we have only had a few lessons so far this year, we just did what we could to pass what we could. I just about passed what I expected to, ie. everything but the 3-turns. But it was harder than normal on some things, as the co-codamol made me feel veeeerrry relaxed, which was slightly detrimental for some things. I did take it very carefully though, just before anybody gets concerned!

Things I have passed today are:

• Backward Chasses - these weren't too bad, although I was a little unsteady. Not sure if this was because of painkillers, or the fact it was difficult for me to turn my head to watch where I was going! I did find that I am doing these faster now - just need to make sure I am lifting the "chasse" foot up more.
• Two Foot Slalom - as before, these are just fun really. No problem with them!
• Backward Skating, Stepping Forward - like the backward chasses, these were harder today, as you have to both look behind you into the circle whilst skating backward, and then turn and look behind you out of the circle to do the turn to forward skating which was difficult with my locked up neck. I was doing these with better technique last week, but faster today.

What I didn't pass was the forward outside 3-turns. But to be honest, I wasn't expecting to. However, the good news is that I can feel myself getting closer all the time. After doing the turn, my skating foot actually wants to go backwards now, rather than grinding to a halt. The only problem is that my weight is too far forward, so still falling towards my free leg. I am also now remembering to pull my stomach muscles right in, and to lift my free hip up more after turning, which I can feel helping, so I really do feel that these are slowly, slowly getting there!

Hopefully when I start the next round of lessons (in two weeks), I will be in a mixed class, so I can start working on Level 7 stuff, while still doing the Level 6 3-turns. Either that, or I will just suddenly become wonderful at them in the next fortnight, and go up a complete level!! On with the repetitive practicing . . .

One more dose of my co-codamol tonight (should get a good nights sleep - seriously, these things make you feel reeeeally relaxed) and off to bed to rest my neck and back. It is feeling better now, but not sure if this is because of time or painkillers. Guess I will find out in the morning, but I don't want to take any more pills tomorrow if I can help it.

By the way, Happy Valentines Day! And no, I didn't get one . . . .