Nickname: Tom
Age: 58
Marital Status: Been there, done that.
Have been skating for how long: This time, about nine months. Skated (poorly) for a couple of years on and off about ten years ago.
Equipment Brand and Type: Seba Trix 90 with an additional short frame for smaller wheels for slalom skating.
Life Philosophy: Do some of the things you really want to do so you won�t regret having not tried.
Favorite Time of Day to Skate: Since I get off at 3:30 in the afternoon and I�m at the Veloway by 4, that is my current favorite. Once the summer heats up, that may change.
Favorite Skating Event: Weekly social (Thursdays)
Most Memorable Incident: Falling and breaking the only bone I�ve ever broken � in my hand. More recently, skating Great Northern Blvd as my first attempt at �urban� skating. And then falling down while wearing all my protective gear and getting back up without a scratch. Funny how falling makes an impression � to the beginners, it�s part of the sport so pad up!
What do you get from Skating: 45 pounds already lost, and counting, was the major goal. Now, general fitness and a chance to just be in my own head, while living just a moment away from total disaster.
Would Like to Do This Year in Skating: I�m very interested in slalom skating, so I�m working on foot control. I�d like to be able to criss-cross my feet through a slalom course, backwards, by the end of the year.
Coolest Accomplishment: I was able to submit a spec screenplay to Jerry Bruckheimer Productions.
Other Sports/Hobbies you Enjoy: Competitive speechifying � Toastmasters.
Favorite Skating Gadget/Tool: Anything that will prevent blisters.
Mentors: Gotta be Neil MacPherson, without your help I�d still be clunking along � Thanks Neil! Also, thanks to Steve Rogers for the encouragement and helpful tips, and also to everybody who has volunteered some guidance at different times. This is what makes the club so great.
Helpful Advice to Beginners: You can start with the cheap equipment just to see if skating is for you, but then go ahead and make the investment in a good pair of skates. Don�t be afraid to come into the covered seating area at the Veloway and sit with the speed skaters, they�re a lot friendlier than they look.
Favorite Quotes: �Consistency is not a human trait.� � Maude
