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Team Flanders skaters during the 2006 Metrodome Inline Marathon.
By Peter Starykowicz A time trial event like the Metrodome Inline Marathon is a race in which you are the only variable. Success or failure is measured quantitatively — by the clock. There are no shortcuts to the finish line. It's just a steady grind with few chances to rest your weary legs. With that in mind, here is some advice on how to approach this race: First and foremost, "even split" your lap times. More Dome Tips By Adam Bradley Solo Marathon Start out skating at a strong pace for about five laps. Then look for a small group of two to four skaters who are going faster than you. Jump on. They may tell you they are waiting for another teammate. If so, jump off and look for another pack. If you're in a pack, your time will be 10 to 15 minutes faster. Team Time Trial Having teammates of similar ability is better than having a few faster skaters. Remember, you're never faster than your fourth skater. Switch lead skaters every lap with the former leader peeling off to the right. If a group is passing you, let them go. No need to try to out-sprint them to the corner. Instead work to pass them later. Water Stop Plan on gliding through the water stop. But don't worry about getting more than a sip of water. Plan on doing your hyrating before the race. And watch out for spilled water. Wheels Use sticky wheels, like:
Adam Bradley is the owner of adamsinline. Most Metrodome skaters start too fast and slow down over the course of the race. The result is usually a slow time because pushing at maximum effort on tired legs doesn't work. Instead, choose a target time that you think you can handle. Then divide the time by 70.7, the number of laps for the full marathon. The result will be your target time for every lap. At first, you may feel a bit slow, but about halfway through the race you will find yourself working hard to hold the pace. Mind over matter When fatigue starts to set in, force yourself to push through the pain. If you push long enough, your body will start to release endorphins. These chemicals are the body's natural pain-killers. It will help you resist the urge to slow down. The truth is that your body can do more than it let's on. But you've got to push hard to get it to cooperate. Make the most of your water stop. All skaters in the marathon are required to take a water stop. So make the most of it. Don't just stop when you’re thirsty. Plan your stop for just after the point where you expect to hit the wall. That way you'll have a little break to look forward to just when you need it most. I usually stop late in the race. That way I only have a short distance to go when the fatigue hits and the lap times can make or break me. Give everything you've got.
In a normal skate marathon, you save some energy for chasing breakaways and for contesting the final sprint. But at the Metrodome, it's all about consistent effort: going the distance as fast as you can. If you plan your race well, you will be 100 percent drained when you cross the finish line. You can never truly beat the clock. But if you have a smart plan and prepare yourself mentally, you'll be more likely to achieve your goals.
• Peter's All Community Events web page Related reading: • Top Ten Reasons to Skate the Metrodome Inline Marathon (2008) • Skate Tip of the Week Archive
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Peter Starykowicz emerged a few years ago as one of the top outdoor skate racers in the Midwest. A former cross-country runner, he won the solo Metrodome Inline Marathon in each of its first three years and finished fourth in 2007 Saint Paul Inline Marathon. He is a member of Team Rainbo and the organizer of numerous events, including Chicagoland Inline Marathon. He is an architect and graduate of Iowa State University.