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Ready to begin the season
Updated: Thursday September 06, 2001 10:54 AM
Figure skater Michael Weiss is a two-time U.S. national champion. In 1999, he became the first skater to land a quadruple toe loop in world championship competition. Now, the 24-year-old Fairfax, Va., native is training for the 2002 Olympic Games. Check out Weiss' diary on CNNSI.com as he prepares for Salt Lake.
September 6, 2001
I skated the short program at the Goodwill Games last night, and got the Olympic season underway. It is the first event of this competitive year, and I'm happy to be sitting in second place. All of the athletes seem to be in early season form showing flashes of brilliance, mixed with elements of inconsistency. I was unusually nervous for this event. My injury plagued season last year did not give me a chance to compete at this level. I am definitely excited to be back and competing again. I'm anxious to perform my new long program on Friday. September 4, 2001 Wow, the last few weeks have been hectic for us. My wife, our two children and I just moved into our new home -- as if training five days a week/five hours a day and entertaining two children under the age of 3 isn't enough! My focus all summer has been leading up to the Goodwill Games in Brisbane and now I'm ready. My training regimen has been very comfortable these last few months. I get up at around 7:30 every morning and I'm at Fairfax Ice Arena by 9:00. I skate for one hour, working on my spins, choreography, and speed. At 10:30, I begin stretching. I work on increasing flexibility of my hip flexors, quadriceps, hamstrings and torso. After stretching, I will grab a quick lunch and proceed to Body Dynamics in Arlington, Va. This is where I take a one-hour Pilates private lesson. Pilates is an exercise that develops the balance of muscle strength with muscle flexibility. I have found it very beneficial and specific for my skating. At 2:30 p.m., I'm back on the ice for my afternoon session. This is the time of day that I work on all of my triple and quadruple jumps. I find this is the time of day I get the most tired. It is usually a strenuous run-through of my competitive programs. The afternoon practice is always my "gut check" after a morning full of working out. After skating, I go to visit my doctor/trainer. Dr. Bernabue is the guy who keeps me healthy. From massage to stretching to chiropractic adjustments, he does it all. He helped me tremendously through my stress fracture last year. Finally, it's time for me to go home and spend the rest of my evening with the family. I'm in bed around midnight and ready for another day. This schedule has gotten me in great shape and ready to begin the season. I am really looking forward to the Goodwill Games, and a chance to show that my hard work will pay off. -- Michael
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