Inline
Skating Newsletter Article Inline
Skating Newsletter Article Ex-runners make a break for inline
For years, many Americans who are now in their 40 and 50s have used running to stay in shape. To the ones most committed to their fitness lifestyle, the thought of gliding over the pavement rather than pounding it is becoming more appealing with each newly aching joint. The great news is that runner converts are stimulating exciting and positive change in the outlook for inline skating!
The number of people using skating for fitness training has grown quietly but steadily over the last decade. The early surge in inline hockey and aggressive skating peaked and leveled off. At the same time, recreational participation has slowly but steadily grown by attracting older beginners from more diverse backgrounds. With their greater spending power, adult skaters are now upgrading to better, faster skates and are eager to gain the stroke efficiency that leads to long and enjoyable low-impact workouts. The influx of already-fit runners has only increased the demand for inline fitness training advice, because these are the folks most eager to participate in skating events that challenge their skill and fitness level.
The skate industry steps in
“Inline marathons are picking up momentum,” says Jeremy Stonier, President of the International Inline Skating Association (IISA) and Director of Sales and Product Marketing for Rollerblade. “In September 2002, 4500 people—a record number— came out to skate a marathon in Duluth, MN. The field included elite racers, but most of the participants were weekend skaters and people skating for fun and fitness.”
Clearly, the number of fitness skaters in the US has finally reached critical mass. In response, inline movers and shakers have joined forces to help promote the emerging marathon phenomenon. Skaters now have more opportunities than ever to pursue new friendships, personal best records, and fitness and competitive goals across the USA. Check it out:
In Spring, the IISA launched the information site, InlineMarathons.com
The Winter 03 edition of FaSST magazine (Fitness and SpeedSkating Times) was devoted almost exclusively to marathons
Besides listing US events, Kathy Fry’s Skatelog.com directs visitors to a long list of inline marathons held around the world
The ICP (the IISA’s Inline Certification Program) now offers a new Fitness Inline Training (FIT) program to certify marathon coaches qualified to organize local fitness skating and marathon training programs
Zephyr Adventures just launched MarathonSkating.com, the IISA’s official marathon training site offering a variety of programs to choose from.
I am proud to announce two ways in which I am currently contributing directly to the Marathon Phenomenon:
Writer for MarathonSkating.com
Skating many miles in preparation for an inline marathon is obviously terrific exercise. But excelling at distance skating involves so much more. My latest cooperative effort with Zephyr Adventures is writing the stretching and strength training program for MarathonSkating.com.
Zephyr’s six-week programs provide participants with well-rounded weekly plans that include loads of expert advice in Training, Technique, Nutrition and Hydration, Stretching and Yoga, and Marathon Secrets. Enrollees also get access to a 24-hour discussion bulletin board and a weekly chat session with MarathonSkating.com’s Experts. In 2003, the programs are scheduled to coincide with the Northshore Marathon and the Cactus Classic Marathon in Tucson. For both of these events, you can sign up for an associated 3-day race weekend package that includes the 6-week training program plus accommodations, meals, instruction, race entry, local transportation, and professional guides and instructors.
FIT-Certified in Philly
In late June I earned my FIT certification at a weekend course in Philadelphia. Now I am really excited about implementing my new Get Rolling - Get FIT course here in California. And applying my new perspectives to Zephyr’s MarathonSkating.com programs means I will reach people everywhere with not just skate-related advice, but also tips reflecting my own two decades of consistent strength and flexibility training to support a very active lifestyle.
It’s all about you
Should you—could you skate a 26-mile marathon? While the pros sometimes complete it in less than an hour, most fitness participants are happy to finish in less than two. But anybody who has watched the faces of the last skaters crossing a marathon finish line 3+ hours after the starting gun can tell you that these folks are just as thrilled at finishing as the faster skaters, if not more so.
I strongly believe that you can and should join the marathon phenomenon. Regardless of your finish time on race day, the training effort and effects will do wonders for both your confidence and fitness level, and might even leave you hungry for more. And the frequency of that happy result across the states is exactly what's behind this whole marathon phenomenon.
Comments or questions? Ask Liz