I was going to title this post "New Year Resolution" but really my skating year begins in October. I already mapped out my goals for the 2010 race season a few months ago and my training program reflects that. However, it's always nice to remind myself why I do what I do so here are some of my resolutions. Here they are in no particular order:
Develop More Power
Lacking the physiological advantage of long legs or body mass, I look to training and technique to give me more power in my skating. Weight training and plyos take care of the training part of the equation. Over the holidays, I re-watched some skating videos. I was reminded of the importance on pushing with all wheels on the ground and applying pressure on every push. I have a tendency to just float on my wheels when I skate without really loading them with weight. In the video, they discussed the mental image of keeping the third wheel on the ground as an effective way to achieve pushing with all wheels. I made a point of applying that imagery during indoor practice last night as well as loading my leg with my body weight. I saw positive results instantly. I will repeat them like a mantra before every skate practice before my body does them automatically.
Skate More Efficiently
Lately I notice that my push direction is getting worse. It was a strange moment of awareness when I found myself pushing back and something just didn't feel right. Mental note taken. Another obvious shortcoming is I am not skating low enough. However, willing my legs to achieve more knee and ankle bend is not working for me. When the muscles are burning from lactic acid, the motivation is just not there. I'm going to try from another angle instead: I want a longer stride. The feeling of stretching out my leg and seeing how much distance it covers is a more positive one that I hope to reinforce better habit. Besides, I want photogenic skating action shots this summer!
Stop The Yo Yo Weight Change
Despite the fact that my weight fluctuation is typically within a 5lb range, I discovered in 2009 how much it affected my performance. My weight and fat ratio peaked in May and November and I had a significant drop in July. The fluctuation affected my ability to train effectively and it is something that I can do without. I aim to maintain my ideal race weight throughout the race season by continuing with my food journal. Food consumption by approximation is apparently not working well enough.
Stay Healthy
I had a few minor falls in 2009 but what stood out from the rest was an injury in November which left me with pinched nerves in several locations. After weeks of rigorous treatment and a break from my usual routines, I am finally back to 100%. That tingly feeling in my right hand is now completely gone and my arm is no longer weak when I engage in full arm swings. I cannot express how relieve I feel. Obviously things can be out of my control but I will try hard to stay healthy and injury-free in 2010.
Improve Agility
This is an item on my list for the last few years. Last year I made a point to practice agility drills on my rest days. I also did more street skating than ever before including rolling around on the streets of Pune, India. The improvement may be subtle but I definitely benefit from these practices. Weening myself from my dependency on a heel brake is one. Getting enough nerve to train on my neighbourhood streets is another. A few more technical race courses immediately come to mind too. Whereas I consistently got dropped by the pack at every turn and change of terrain in 2008, I somehow hung on in 2009. Not comfortably, but I hung on more often than not. The confidence will come as I devote more effort on improving my agility.
Learn To Be A Team Player
I joined Team Asphalt Beach late in 2009 and had my first taste of skating as part of a team. Team strategy and racing coorperatively with my teammates will play a large part in my 2010 season. I'm especially excited to work with JLW and NCJ.
As for my goals and expectations for 2010? That's discussion for another day. :)
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