Have you ever stumbled into an unexpected journey? That’s exactly where my figure skating adventure began, not on the ice but from the comfort of my couch. While most folks turned on the TV and tuned in for football, I found myself captivated by the sport of skating and of course, the Olympics.

Legendary battles like “The Battle of the Brians,” the Tonya & Nancy saga, and the historic podium sweep by American women at Worlds drew me in. Interestingly, my first winter sports escapade didn’t involve a rink but the slopes, thanks to a crew of downhill skiing buddies.

As work demands grew, the allure of skiing on winter weekends waned, thanks to slope-side calls and emails. I began to look for a new activity to get me through the New England winters. So, living in downtown Boston, I took the plunge and enrolled in skating classes at the Frog Pond in Boston Common. There I was amidst a sea of little helmeted kids in snowsuits, alongside the rare adult or hockey parent. Welcome to the world of Learn to Skate!

The first season breezed by, and I happily collected my teddy bear-adorned certificates for completing the required elements. (If you know, you know). But then came a literal crash in my second season. A broken elbow put a pause on my Frog Pond lessons. After healing, I didn’t want to end on a bad note, so I headed across town to an indoor training facility for my next skating adventure.

Hey Toto, I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore…

Walking into a real skating club dedicated to training felt like sneaking backstage at a major international event. Kids practicing program run-throughs, and coaches teaching multi-rotational jumps with pole harnesses. The sport I avidly followed on TV was now playing out live before my eyes.

That spring session marked a turning point. I realized I had fallen in love with the sport. As my commitment deepened, and I decided to skate through all four seasons. I then added a second day of Learn to Skate classes and even a 30-minute private lesson, I felt like I was on the Nathan Chen training program – an absolute beginner with oh so much to learn!

The Learn to Skate program, with its systematic approach, resonated with my goal-oriented nature. It felt like a game of checking boxes, collecting teddy bear diplomas, and progressing to the next level. Until jumps and spins entered the mix, introducing a whole new level of learning (and overcoming fear).

The adventure continues…

Though my adventure kicked off by chance, my love for this sport continues to grow. I’m excited about sharing more stories in upcoming posts, recounting everything from those initial cautious strides on the testing track to the thrill of stepping into the competitive arena. Stay tuned for more.