Upgrading equipment

Question
Greetings,
I recently signed up for an inline race to get back into shape after having a baby and am looking for some advice on equipment.  I bought some cheap rollerblades a few years ago just to see if I would like it and am now ready to upgrade.  I don't know anything about good rollerblades or what makes a good rollerblade. Brands? Accessories? What should I look for specificly?Could you please offer some advice or somewhere to find out more information.  I'll also be needing a helmet. Anything in particular to look for when purchasing that as well? I'd appreciate any information you have to offer.
Thanks in advance,
Holly  

Answer
Holly, Since you are signing up for a race, are you looking to buy speed skates or regular rec skates? I really dont have much info on speed skates but I can give you a good website resource that may be able to answer some of your questions. There is a lot of info on buying skates but www.IISA.org has an area that covers your questions in a nice package. It has all kinds of useful info for skating in general. Under trade & industry, it also lists some manufactures that you may want to look for when buying skates but those are not the only good ones. I hope this helps you and if you have any more questions especially if they involve rec skates or general skating techniques, I would be more then willing to help.
Keep the questions rollin,
Kim