*Barriers to progress*

(Dated: 20th September 2012)

My coach has this way of asking the question "Why?" which makes you feel like anything you say next is just an excuse of epic proportions. Usually he's right, to be fair.

The exchange usually goes something like this:
"Why?"
"Because I have a broken leg."
"....And?"

Ok, I jest. He might let you off for a broken leg, if you ask nicely.

More often than not, my "Why?" comes alongside "And we're over here at the barrier because...?"

Why DO I gravitate towards the barrier, even when I'm practising things I know I can do? Do other people do this? My "excuse" last time was "I'm just keeping out of the way."

"Out of whose way?"
"Erm...the 10 other skaters on the ice".

Hmmmm.

He makes a good point that if you do fall while near the barrier, you're more likely to hit your head - a good enough reason to stay away.

In reality I think it's because
I feel marginally less conspicuous at the side, especially when I'm making mistakes. I hate the idea of being watched, judged. I guess that's competitions or testing out of the window for me then!

In asking other adult skaters what their biggest challenges have been, most have said something akin to "overcoming fear".

When quizzed on WHY they think adults feel The Fear more than children, one said that adults know the potential consequences, where children don't. For an adult, breaking a bone isn't simply a little bit of pain followed by the fun of providing a cast for your mates to sign, it comes along with not being able to look after your family properly, or do your job properly, drive, and potentially leading to longer-term damage since adults don't always heal as quickly or easily.

But can we let that get in the way of progress? That's up to the individual I suppose. It depends what you want out of your sport. The sad thing for adults is there's nothing great that being a fantastic skater can lead to - you can do the odd "adult" competition, yes, but it will never lead to a career, or glory on the world stage. So as much as I WANT to be a fantastic skater, what's the point except in personal achievement terms? Wouldn't it be nice if there was more out there for skaters who didn't begin aged 5?

Regardless, the competitor in me (or maybe the masochist?) does want to be the best skater I can be, so I'm putting the effort in.

I've heard a lot of adults request an "easier time" than the kids when going through skating tests (even as low down the ladder as SkateUK - the most basic in the testing programme). I recall one saying "The kids are more flexible, braver, find it easier - we shouldn't have to do the same as them to pass". Really? Do other people agree with this?

I think adults - and I include myself in this - are excellent at making excuses and giving in too easily.

How many times have you heard an overweight adult complain about being overweight, and yet the closest they get to exercise is a brisk walk to the fridge? I'm not saying everyone who's overweight is just a fatty who overeats, so don't get all PC on me, I'm just saying it's not always the "natural ageing process" - it's often down to lifestyle.

I've been one of the worst. While I might be a skinny minnie, I've long been incredibly unfit - untoned and with no stamina or strength. I've complained about it enough - now skating's provided the motivation to do something about it. I've started exercising more - even going to a thoroughly punishing high-intensity circuit training class - something I never thought I could be bothered to do. Ok, I still eat way too much chocolate, but that's something else I need to address.

The fact is, if I don't do this, my skating progress is going to sharply come to a halt, and I don't want that to happen. No pain, no gain, as they say. You get out what you put in. PMA, as Chico would say. Hang on. Wasn't that actually Mr Motivator?