My name is Kati and I am 24 years old. I started taking skating lessons in the June of 2002 after deciding that I needed a hobby. I narrowed it down to leasing a horse or taking skating lessons, but since horses are so expensive, I opted for skating (little did I know!... :)

So in June, I signed up for the adult class at one of the local rinks. I figured I would surpass everybody in this class in a heartbeat...after all, I had been playing around on skates since elementary school, and could to all my crossovers, a two foot spin, and waltz jump. Boy was I in for a shock. While I had "self-taught" myself some tricks by watching other people, I neglected the technical factors like shoulder, arm, and hip position. Though i could technically do a few more "advanced" maneuvers than the people in the class, I was the one constantly reprimanded for poor position. Talk about a wakeup call!

After the 8 weeks of my class was up, I started taking private lessons with the woman who taught the class. I found this to be far more beneficial than group lessons. I prepared for my first competition that August by perfecting my three turns, mohawks, and two foot spin. Boy have I come a long way since then!

I haven't actually tested yet, but am aiming for prebronze MIF and FS, as well as bronze MIF this summer. I am currently landing through the lutz jump and am working on perfecting my technique in all combo jumps. I have a good sit spin and scratch spin, and a developing camel spin and backspin.

My goal is to take my skating as far as I can, and maybe compete at adult nationals someday. I only wish I had started skating 15 years ago, but better late than never, I suppose.

In the meantime, I have a full time job as a scientist, which keeps me pretty busy. Luckily, my work is extremely close to my rink, so I'm able to skate on my lunch hour from time to time. I also coach learn-to-skate classes at my rink, when my schedule permits.

SO anyways, you can keep track of my skating progress (or regression of progress...lets hope not) in the "Skating Notes" portion of my website. I would love to hear from any other adult skaters, as many of you have provided me inspiration with your online journals. Keep on skating!