?

Okay, so last Friday I fell really hard on a jump and ended up bruising my tailbone. My coaches want me to get butt pads, at least one for my tailbone until it's stopped hurting. I know that they're bulky and can get in the way, but I don't want to injure my tailbone further. I know that butt pads don't stop you from getting hurt, but it would take the initial shock off the fall.

So I have 2 options: compression shorts and waxel pads. The pro shop in my area sells these shorts that go under pants and dresses and they're padded all around, but they are a little pricey. So I was thinking of just getting a tailbone waxel pad for when I jump. What do you all think?

BQ: What was your worst injury from a fall so far?

So it's that time. Needing to get new boots.

I've decided to move up in boot strength considering that I'm going to start work on my axel and doubles soon (and also because my Jackson Competitors are starting to break down after 6 months).

I'm planning on getting customs, but I don't know which brand. I've tried on a couple Klingbeils at the store where I work and they just felt right on my foot (even though they were way too narrow). But Klingbeil is going out of business at the end of the month and I have until next Saturday to order them. Since they're going out of business, if there's anything wrong with my skates, I can't get them fixed or changed.

Everyone who I've talked to who's had custom Klingbeils absolutely love them (same with people who have stock boots).

So, any experiences from anyone with any of these boot manufacturers and opinions on my dilemma?

My splits has been pretty inconsistent lately. Some days I can get down all the way, but other days not matter what I do I just cannot get all the way down. And the times when I can get all the way down, I am gritting my teeth, just waiting to get out of it. I know that if it hurts, I shouldn't push it, but I want that Sasha spiral and better split jumps.

Are there any specific muscle groups I can stretch further individually so it won't hurt as bad?