My skating has seemed to get progressively worse lately, like klutzy and unstable. I was starting to get afraid to do anything (past broken bones...). I thought it was from lack of practice (summertime = lack of ice time), but last summer, while even worse for ice time, I didn't get worse, I just didn't improve at all. But lately even with simple waltz jumps, my take offs have sometimes skidded and my landings have been really messy, so I haven't even tried to do any others. I was having an especially hard time with spins too and couldn't figure out why. I was starting to get afraid to skate, worrying about getting hurt and thinking there was something wrong with me.
Well, yesterday I discovered why I have been having this problem. I had gotten off the ice frustrated, took off my skates and was looking at my blades and thinking I needed to get the permanent screws put in them, but am still not sure I like the placement. I heard a click - the right blade was a little loose, and I thought to myself, that's why I was having trouble with waltz jump take offs and spins (I'm a CW skater). Then I checked the other blade, the landing one, which I discovered was so loose it moved just by me tilting the skate - I'm surprised I didn't break my neck landing on it!
I got a screw driver and tightened the screws - skating improved instantly. The bad thing now is that even though I'm still not sure of the placement, I am going to have to get the permanent screws put in because once screws are loose they are more likely to get loose again soon. But at least now I know I don't have to blame the skating regression all on myself - that's a big relief.