Riedell is posting a four-part series on figure skaters' training plans.
Part 1: Preventing Overtraining or Overuse Syndrome
http://www.iskateriedell.com/2011/prevent-overtraining-in-figure-skaters-with-these-tips/Symptoms of overtraining and overuse
•Mood changes
•Loss in enthusiasm for skating
•Sudden drop in performance (not making the most of your time on the ice)
•Susceptibility to illness
•Injury (stress fractures, muscle strains and tendonitis are very common for figure skaters)
Ultimately, if you are feeling ‘burnt out’ or unlike yourself, take time to allow your body and mind to relax and recover.
Solutions: Rest, Sleep, Eat Well, Stay Hydrated, Off-Ice Training, and "Don't Skate Through the Pain." (The latter means talk to a coach or doctor about the issues.)
Next week's issue will be on proper fitting techniques for boots and blades.