As a teenager especially, I just wanted to do my thing and not be noticed.

I've realized how precious life is. When I was younger, I was more adventurous. I felt invincible. I was game for everything. As a mom, I don't want to get injured because then I can't take care of my kids.

Growing up as an athlete, I started skating very young. My parents didn't know anything about the sport, so they went with the flow. I had two great coaches who gave great advice and gave guidelines for my parents. My parents let the coaches dictate what was going on on the ice.

The past couple years training with Kurt have really brought inspiration into my skating.

Being an athlete, you know how to train and prepare your body for a performance and you're able to do it under pressure.

An athlete gains so much knowledge by just participating in a sport. Focus, discipline, hard work, goal setting and, of course, the thrill of finally achieving your goals. These are all lessons in life.

I didn't want to skate for someone else or for certain marks.