Takeru Ratatouille

Takeruille

Skating position

Form is very important in speedskating. We spend a lot of time in the beginning of the season doing slow and low skating position practice to improve our form and enhance the muscle memory at those forms, and we practice to build power at those forms. Only when you seem to skate effortlessly you can go fast, and to do it you must maintain your form. This photo shows Ruri in a good form coming out of the corner. Good arm swing, nose-knee-toe lined up, good knee bend and chest is up. Good job!

New season and new boots

Ruri has grown out of her first pair of speed skates, and they are a bit too narrow (it was changeable between 1-4 for length but not for width). The only company that seem to be interested in the kids market is Luigino (they also own powerslides, which is Ruri's first pair of skates). There are a few Luiginos: Attitude, Sting, Victory and Challenge, I don't really know what are the differences, but I guess the more expensive the better? Anyway, just got the Pink Challenge, and had Ruri try it on. What I noticed is that they have put a lot of effort on making them adjustable. Obviously all boots are heat modable these days, but for challenge, the length of the front strap can be adjusted, and the end point of the buckle/strap can also be adjusted. This allows me to tighten the boot a lot more than otherwise possible. First practice tomorrow so we shall see.

It's probably about time for me to get a new pair too. Now thinking about it, Ruri and I started speedskating almost two years ago. Ruri has progressed a lot and to a less extend I did too. This is such a good sport to do together with your daughter and I'm so blessed to have the opportunity to keep myself healthy, spend time with my daughter, keep her healthy, and anything else is just bonus.

Rohnert park meet 2

Ruri took first at freshmen and below open. The race last twenty laps (2k) and she was with the front pack until about 4 laps to go when she and her teammate broke away, then 1 and half lap to go she made the pass to the front. This type of race is more interesting because it requires both endurance and strategy.

Rohnert park meet 1

Ruri took first in her first Freshman race! This is updated from the meet via my Treo!

Ruri and Takeruu at home

Just a test to use my Treo and go@blogger.com to directly send photos and blog. New season has already started, time to upload some photos and stories.