Elizaveta Tuktamysheva: “In moments of doubt, it’s very important to have someone around who can help. An athlete can’t always handle everything on their own.”
Elizaveta Tuktamysheva about preparation for the season and coming back after a break.
original source: sports.ru
On her blog on sports.ru, Elizaveta Tuktamysheva shared her experience in preparation for the season, discussed what to do if the last season didn’t go as planned as well as how to come back after a break. Here’s a translation.
“Hello everyone!
Summer is coming to an end, and that means the upcoming test skates of the Russian national team are ahead. There, we will see new programs from the skaters, their outfits, and possibly complex elements. But how is the preparation for the season going? What if the last season didn’t go as planned? And how do you come back after a break? Let me tell you now.
Stages of preparation: from creating programs to test skates
In our group, the season usually ends in May. After that – a 10-14 day vacation. Usually, by the time we went on vacation, we already knew the music for the new season. We even worked on the programs at the end of the season, so we already had an understanding of what to do in the new one, but this not always turned like that.
Our summer usually started with a training camp in Kislovodsk, where the conditions are excellent for getting into shape. The first few days were dedicated to physical training, then we gradually moved onto the ice. In Kislovodsk, it was not always possible to choreograph the programs. We usually invited choreographers, and it wasn’t always convenient for them to come there. Then we went to training camps in France or Italy, where we would choreograph or finalize the programs. By mid-July, we were getting into decent shape, restoring all the elements and slowly starting to practice the programs. In August, the test skates in St. Petersburg approach, and by then, we should all be in acceptable shape. Perhaps without the most difficult elements, but the programs have been polished and learned.
A couple of weeks later, the test skates of the Russian team usually follow and after such preparation, you feel more or less confident. Of course, this is not the peak form, because it is necessary to be ready by November-December, and it is very difficult to be in good form constantly.
Why should you not reach your peak form already in September?
Naturally, everything is individual. Some people might take a long time to ramp up, to get into shape, but once they do, they hold it for a long time. It wasn’t difficult for me to gain good form; I looked pretty good in the last few seasons at test skates, restoring triple axel. But if you peak at the beginning of the season, it is fraught with a slight decline by December. Honestly, I felt it: I felt great at the very beginning of the season, on the Grand Prix stages, but by the Finals, I realized that there was not the same freshness in the movements that I would like.
When you have that freshness, you have to control the movements less, complex elements become easier. But when fatigue and nerves accumulate – it becomes harder. Therefore, it’s better to gradually get into shape. The main thing is to have endurance. This is the most important thing because techniques can be developed. We see that some skaters do not show their maximum at test skates because it doesn’t always make sense. In the off-season, the focus should be more on endurance, programs, choreography. Of course, you need to train ultra-c jumps too, but everything needs to come together at the main competitions of the season.
Test skates have now reached a new level and this is a plus for everyone
In recent seasons, the attitude towards the September test skates has changed. I think this is related to the increased popularity of figure skating and sponsor support. I watched the junior test skates and Channel One did a beautiful job filming from various angles. Few countries can boast of such quality of junior test skates.
This approach seems correct to me: we immediately prepare ourselves for what will be at the competitions. Open test skates are a good practice before the start of the season. You step in front of the public, into a big arena, in a competitive dress, with a ready program. The picture before your eyes is exactly the same as what you will see at the competitions in a month. And for the viewers, it’s more interesting. I think all figure skating fans are looking forward to the new season, and open test skates are like a beautiful preview. Not everyone talks about their programs or only shows parts and pieces. But here, viewers can satisfy their desire to see their favorite skater in action.
What should you do if the last season was unsuccessful?
I wouldn’t say that the preparation changes significantly after an unsuccessful season. Most often, there are reasons behind poor results. Therefore, the difference is that the athlete is given more time for recovery, to heal injuries and damages. When I had a leg fracture, I did not skate for a month and it turned out to be a very good reset. What’s the point in rushing if the skater is uncomfortable, if something is hindering them? It’s better to spend more time on recovery.
Speaking of motivation, I never felt like questioning why I do figure skating because all my friends were at the rink, I always wanted to come there, I was comfortable. I never even considered quitting the sport after failures. Besides, there’s an inner desire not to end everything on a bad note. I think many athletes feel this way. You want to prove that it was an accident, that it wasn’t your peak. Keep pushing forward, don’t give up – motivation comes on its own.
When injuries interfere, you want to heal them and show what you’re capable of when fully healthy. Then there will be energy, strength, and desire. Speaking of psychology, sometimes, perhaps, a reset is needed. Sometimes it’s worth taking a short break from figure skating, working with a psychologist. In moments of doubt, it’s very important to have someone around who can help. An athlete can’t always handle everything on their own.
Is it really possible to return to the top after a career break?
As practice shows, it is possible to return to the top level after a break. We have one skater who returned after a break and went on to compete in the Olympics, winning medals – Evgeni Plushenko. The main thing is to have the desire and have an answer to the question of why you are doing this.
Women get back in shape after childbirth. For example, Miki Ando returned after a break and skated. Yes, the content wasn’t quite the same as before the break. So it’s hard but possible – I’m sure of that. If there’s a desire, then anything is possible, I know that for sure.
We all saw Alexandra Trusova’s quadruple lutz. It went well; I know Sasha is comfortable jumping it, it’s important to gain good physical shape. If she fully restores the quadruple lutz and consistently performs triple-triple combinations, it will be a strong statement. And if she seriously considers returning to the sport, she might be successful. The main thing is that she truly wants it and approaches the process professionally.
Maybe Sasha will inspire someone else to return. We could gather the old guard – Anna Shcherbakova, Sasha Trusova, me, Alina Zagitova, Evgenia Medvedeva – and organize an amateur figure skating competition. That would be cool.
If I had decided to return this season, I wouldn’t have spent nearly two months preparing for shows. They would still be there, but much less. I would simply delve into work, training. I’d train more myself, instead of training others. I would go to training camps. I definitely know what needs to be done to return to the sport. There is a plan. Perhaps, it will come in handy.
Related topics: Elizaveta Tuktamysheva
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