Elyse's Laces

 Every time I go skating, there really is such an adjustment period for me, and I wonder if other people experience this, too.  Each time I get on the rink for the first time that day, I feel out of my depth, as if I've never skated before.  My feet cramp up along my arches and ache so much.  My shins fatigue almost immediately, and my thighs shake from effort.  It doesn't last beyond the group lessons--once I'm skating laps, it feels totally normal again.  I think it's because I have to stand still for so long while hearing the instructions, and it's harder to balance when I'm not moving, so I'm using my muscles in a way they're not used to. I don't know how to fix the foot and leg pain--I now have Dr. Scholl's insoles in my skates, IN ADDITION to my podiatrist-recommended insoles that I wear in my sneakers.  I tried a different arch support from Amazon, but that was so ridiculously uncomfortable, I had to take my skates off before I could even ...

 I realize I haven't posted since writing about my big fall, but don't worry, I'm still skating!  I didn't get to do most of my usual things all October long because, here in Florida, we had Hurricane Milton.  Then I got Covid, followed by Hurricane Helene, and finally, I stubbed my pinky toe pretty hard on furniture while, ironically, getting ready to skate in the backyard.  All of my family and friends and their properties survived the storms, thank goodness!  We were very lucky, as many people are still recovering. When I returned to the rink, I took part in the "intermediate" class, which happens on the other side of the rink from the beginner class, simultaneously.  Though it feels WAY more advanced and beyond my abilities, there isn't anything new for me to learn in the beginner class.  I'm proud of myself for all the progress I've made since my start--I can skate forwards with MUCH more confidence, like it's the easiest thing in the worl...