Indoor Speed Skating 101
2016/7/25 8:39:05
Indoor Speed Skating 101
An introduction to indoor speed skating for skaters who have never tried it before, by Jim Fink (part 1 of 8).
INDOOR SPEED SKATING 101
First, a disclaimer: I am not a speed skater per se. I know and have seen real, competing speed skaters and I know, solidly, I am not one of them - yet! I should also point out that the date of this article marks exactly my second year on inline skates, so the wheeled world is still in front of me. However, by this time I find that my skills are somewhere between the recreational skaters and the speed demons, so I guess I can feel a bit proud of myself.
Between ski trips, I spent most of the past winter skating indoors and I found myself getting involved with an indoor speedskating group. And what a world it is. The first word that came to my mind was "humbling." The second word I came to respect was "workout." Competition racing is not a real-life goal for me at this time, and I must agree with master skater Sam Weaver when he says, "For me, the fun is derived from the competition with myself. If I can do one more interval, or one more anything, it's a blast!" I came to open my mind to a different type of skating exercise, a genuine workout in a regimented and specialized setting.
For many outdoor skaters, skating around in a circle (turning left all the time) can be perceived as quite tedious and roughly pointless. I can understand that viewpoint, because I was an outdoor skater who felt the same way. But if the indoor skater is well coached, that circle turns into a ring of truth and growth. There are several characteristics of indoor speed skating that any intermediate skeeler can take advantage of.
What Indoor Speed Practice is Like
The Drills
Other Skaters
The Workout
Falling
Pack Skating
The Equipment
It Takes Time
I enjoyed my experience with indoor skating, and I will continue to make it part of my overall skating experience in the years ahead. At least that's my intention. This Winter, I discovered many of my limitations and I conquered some of my fears. I can see that indoor speed skating will be a very nice compliment to my developing outdoor skills. The indoor world is different than the outdoor world, but a good number of the skaters I know are skilled at both and I'm glad I can now be counted among them.
See you at the rink!
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