skaternum
04-08-2004, 07:35 PM
Originally posted 4/18/2000. As we all get ready to head off to AN, I thought this would be a good time to resurrect this post. Maybe another first-timer will follow it up when they get back ...
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I just got back from my first trip to Adult Nationals, and I was so
impressed with Lake Placid and my fellow skaters. Overall, it was a
wonderful experience: supportive spectators, lots of ice time, and
friendly competitors. On the plane coming home, I jotted down a few
thoughts to share. All are written in the spirit of the event, so don't
try to read TOO much into them.
What I Learned At My First Adult Nationals
1. People who place ahead of you in your group are clearly sandbagging. :-)
2. People who place behind you in your group skate at the appropriate level.
3. Average looking skaters rarely get into the "highlights" video.
4. Skaters who train full time and hire choreograhers almost always place better than those who don't.
5. If you wear a really glitzy costume, you'd better have the skating skills to match it.
6. Club jackets are cool!
7. Doctors should NEVER attend adult pairs events as spectators unless they've recently increased malpractice insurance. The events are as scary as you might think.
8. Interpretive events are either REALLY good or REALLY bad.
9. Adult skaters really do move on the ice differently from people who skated as kids.
10. A good, professional cut of music is worth paying a few extra dollars for.
11. Don't put complicated spins or footwork in your program unless you've seen a video of yourself doing them and they look okay. Don't trust your friends - see for yourself.
12. Adults look silly with hair and body glitter.
13. There are an almost infinite number of ways to "put up" long hair.
14. "Presentation" is actually easier in an arena than in a practice rink.
15. There are very few prima donnas in adult skating.
16. Twelve pairs of ice dancers are too many on one warm-up session.
17. Ten hours under fluorescent arena lights will give you a splitting headache.
18. Don't drastically increase the amount of time you spend on the ice prior to your events. Weak points (e.g., knees or back) will start to complain.
19. Crowds watching competitions are most supportive at lower level events. Support is directly proportional to the skater's need for encouragement.
20. God is saving a special place in Heaven for judges who endure hour after hour of Bronze level freeskates. It is right next to the place in Heaven for the coaches who coach the Bronze level freeskaters.
21. Men should not skate with change in their pockets.
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I just got back from my first trip to Adult Nationals, and I was so
impressed with Lake Placid and my fellow skaters. Overall, it was a
wonderful experience: supportive spectators, lots of ice time, and
friendly competitors. On the plane coming home, I jotted down a few
thoughts to share. All are written in the spirit of the event, so don't
try to read TOO much into them.
What I Learned At My First Adult Nationals
1. People who place ahead of you in your group are clearly sandbagging. :-)
2. People who place behind you in your group skate at the appropriate level.
3. Average looking skaters rarely get into the "highlights" video.
4. Skaters who train full time and hire choreograhers almost always place better than those who don't.
5. If you wear a really glitzy costume, you'd better have the skating skills to match it.
6. Club jackets are cool!
7. Doctors should NEVER attend adult pairs events as spectators unless they've recently increased malpractice insurance. The events are as scary as you might think.
8. Interpretive events are either REALLY good or REALLY bad.
9. Adult skaters really do move on the ice differently from people who skated as kids.
10. A good, professional cut of music is worth paying a few extra dollars for.
11. Don't put complicated spins or footwork in your program unless you've seen a video of yourself doing them and they look okay. Don't trust your friends - see for yourself.
12. Adults look silly with hair and body glitter.
13. There are an almost infinite number of ways to "put up" long hair.
14. "Presentation" is actually easier in an arena than in a practice rink.
15. There are very few prima donnas in adult skating.
16. Twelve pairs of ice dancers are too many on one warm-up session.
17. Ten hours under fluorescent arena lights will give you a splitting headache.
18. Don't drastically increase the amount of time you spend on the ice prior to your events. Weak points (e.g., knees or back) will start to complain.
19. Crowds watching competitions are most supportive at lower level events. Support is directly proportional to the skater's need for encouragement.
20. God is saving a special place in Heaven for judges who endure hour after hour of Bronze level freeskates. It is right next to the place in Heaven for the coaches who coach the Bronze level freeskaters.
21. Men should not skate with change in their pockets.