Figure Skating-- Pain and Exhaustion

kerosin91

Hey. Well, since I haven't really introduced myself yet, I guess I will now.

I'm a 16 year old female and have been figure skating for 9 or 10 years now. I specialize in ice dancing and by next year I hope to be at a junior olympic level. I skate 2-3 days a week, sometimes more, depending on how close a test or competition is.

This year's schedule is:
2 hours of skating on Tuesday + 1 hour of coaching
2 hours of skating on Thursday
3 hours of skating on No-School Fridays (about every 2 weeks) + 30 minutes off-ice cardio/stretching

A week before a competition starts I add 1 hour of skating in the morning, and sometimes weekends, up to 2 times a week. I compete and test 2-3 times per year; depending on the location of the event.

Buuut.. this year I've really taken a shine to bodybuilding. I like going to the gym 45 minutes to an hour at least 3 times a week. I also take pilates classes on Wednesday evenings sometimes; which also last for an hour.

The problem is that I'm getting physically exhausted and I don't know what to do. I also have a bit of SAD/mild depression to amplify the problem (have had it for 4 years, been on anti-depressants for 2 years, and decided to quit them this summer, as I wanted to be drug-free).

I'm confused about my diet as well. I don't want to eat too many carbs as I'm extremely weight conscious but I also don't want to be exhausted in the middle of figure skating. I love protein shakes but I realise they aren't the best thing for you.. I also love to eat meat (lean chicken, pork, beef), soy (tofu, fake meat, and edamame), yogurt, cheese, cereal (oatmeal, 9 or 10 grains, and Fibre 1), and nuts. I like Squirrely and very coarse grain bread as well .. but I HATE most veggies!! The only veggies I like are potatoes, spinach, and zucchini in moderation. I don't really care for fruit either .. only apples, pears, and raspberries.

For supplements right now I'm taking Stacker2 (for energy), Calcium, Vitamin D, Apple Cider, Green Tea, Ginkgo (because I get cold often), and Vitamin C. I'm thinking of adding Glucosamine as well.

I'm 5'6 1/4" Razz

(always wanted to be 5'7" when I grew up but haven't quite made it!) and currently weigh 130lbs. I'd like to slim down to around 120lbs. In mid-May I weighed 153lbs, my all-time high, after being in figure skating off season for 2 years. I'm happy that I slimmed down this much but I believe there's still progress to be made.

I don't have time to pack myself extensive meals since I'm still in school. My schedule basically goes.. school, skating, coaching, homework, free time, bed. Pretty monotonous if you ask me. Wink

Nah but I love it. For this reason though I basically only have time to steam a bit of Edamame, pick up a bit of crackers or nuts, or grab a protein bar (I LOVE protein bars [and shakes] but I'm always convincing myself they taste too good to be true!!).

Umm I usually get a bit lazy in winter because I get cold really easily, which is why I'm taking Ginkgo. When I have off-time too I usually have my heater on full blast in my room. Sad

I like to ski and mountain bike too but right now it's kind of in between season. Not quite snowing but much too cold for biking.

Anyway from my sports I've been quite sore but I don't want to cut back on anything. I love them all (and even want to add another session or two in figure skating, Monday and Wednesday, but not sure if I have time). Sorry if this is way too long! I like being thorough! Haha I don't mean to write an essay Crying or Very sad

I just want a little help here!

mecalder · Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2007 9:18 pm Post subject:

Sounds like you do alot. Skating that many hours a day? I can't skate for a few minutes lol. But maybe the reason you are getting tired is because you are doing alot at once? I suppose Emma or Newfiechick might be better for advice than me though.

kerosin91 · Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2007 9:26 pm Post subject:

mecalder · Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2007 11:00 pm Post subject:

A multi vitamin would probably help well. And it would replace all the other supplements you are taking.

Emma · Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2007 8:05 pm Post subject:

Welcome to the forum! So nice to have another woman on here!!! Very Happy

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Love many, trust few, do harm to none - Yau man

Emma · Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2007 8:08 pm Post subject:

As for what to do about being sore, I don't know what to say about that. Sad

It sucks when we want to do more than our bodies want to do. Have you tried resting more to see if that helps? I would try more rest and if that helps, then you know that's your problem. Do you get enough sleep at night?
_________________
Love many, trust few, do harm to none - Yau man