2024 Keystone State Games - Adult Gold Women - 2nd Place (25.70)

Here’s my skate from last weekend! I’m pretty happy considering the odds that were stacked against me here. I have rheumatoid arthritis and my body takes a long time to wake up, so it’s always challenging when I have to compete a free skate in the morning. Additionally, this may have been the coldest rink I’ve ever competed in - it was a trigger for my Raynaud’s disease, which has a significant impact on my blood circulation. You can indeed see my breath throughout the duration of this performance. 🥶
I was thrilled to get my level 1 camel called (check out my new arm position... Gloria says it makes the spin more aesthetically pleasing). These were not my greatest jumps (I blame the early morning and the tundra-like temperatures), but I did get through all of them, which is a good confidence boost. I’m bummed that my crossfoot spin position wasn’t called, as it was called at all 3 of my competitions in 2023, but hey… there’s always next time.
For those wondering about my hands: I’m now competing with braces on both hands. Arthritis is a degenerative condition. Over time, my hands and wrists continue to become incredibly sensitive. These braces are here to protect me in the event of a fall. In an effort to keep skating for a lifetime, I need to take every opportunity to reduce the risk of injury, so here we are. I’ve actually gotten a lot of compliments on the fact that they’re pink… ha!

[@Heather89Anne]

I really enjoyed watching this!

[@annawhiteley3128]

I was thinking your jumps are so delicate and you make it look so easy! 🎉

[@cathytussing4718]

Fun program!!🎉❤

[@MrsEJV]

I’m 77. Competed out of the Skating Club of Boston. Hard place to be after the plane clash. I spun counter clockwise. About five years ago I developed godawful pain in my right big toe. Saw a foot and ankle specialist. First thing he asked “so, were you a skater or a dancer”. ? Not a question you expect at this age. “….and you used your right foot to toe in for a jump. “Yup. Turns out he was the doctor for the Wilmington DE skating club, home of Johnny Weir. Little fun fact - I just don’t picture him in Wilmington. He lives here full time now and bought enough property to build a home for his parents. Sorry…you didn’t ask all that. I’ll let myself out…….👋👋 3:32

[@nightreader1264]

Good for her!

[@kimhartleywellywood]

Is it me or do you spin/jump clockwise like I do? (Ok, like I try to). How did you find out you went clockwise instead of AC?

[@vivskates]

Hi! I've skated since I was 4 years old. I used to rotate both ways and couldn't really decide. My coach pushed me to focus on rotating clockwise when I was about 5. As I have aged, I have had many coaches tell me that they actually think I should have been rotating counter-clockwise. But, it's too late to change. So, I keep skating clockwise, but there are certain skills that I tend to prefer to do in the other direction.

[@fsc4823]

what skates and blades do you use? my favorite convo to have with other adult skaters 😁 im thinking of updating my blades soon

[@vivskates]

For over a decade I have worn custom Riedell Aria boots and John Wilson Pattern 99 blades. I will always wear these boots, but I am changing blades this summer and getting John Wilson Pattern 99 Revolution. Allegedly they will provide more spring in my jumps.