After just 8 shaves I doubt that you have really "dulled" the blade to the point of requiring a stone. It sounds like your strop technique is the trouble (that is assuming your face prep and lather are okay). Let's dispel something fairly quick. Speed is not the critical component, technique is. Don't pay much attention to the movies where the barber is flying up and down the strop. They are, after all, the movies.

You are correct with the light pressure. Don't push down on the blade. You stand the chance of rolling your edge. How many laps are you doing? I do 20 laps on the linen and 60 laps on the leather. You can practice your strop technique with a regular dinner knife (without the serrations).

It will come in time. Be patient...