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Presented by
This week's column:
How To Train on Stop-and-Go Trails
Nov. 23, 2011
Hi, Bill: I skate on a nice linear bike trail that is 17 km long. Unfortunately, it has cross-streets and blind turns about every 0.5 km. At each of these, I have to come to a complete stop or slowdown significantly. What is the best way to use this trail for both endurance and speed training? I skate half marathons and am planning to skate a full. Thanks for all your great advice. - Joe from the USA.
Hi, Joe: Your 17-km trail sounds like it has potential. Up and back would make good training for a marathon. Of course, it would be better if you didn’t have to stop so often. But you can make the most of it by doing interval and fartlek training.
On the short 500-meter sections, sprint full out for the first 200 or 300 meters. Then relax and recover the rest of the way.
On the longer sections of 1 km or more, skate at a steady hard pace from start to finish.
If you have a bike, use it to supplement your skate training. Go for long rides of an hour or more. This will help you build your overall conditioning.
The combination of distance work of a bike and speed work on skates is an excellent way to prepare for inline marathons.
If you train diligently for a few months, skating a marathon will be a breeze. Just keep in mind to float on your skates and let your skates do the work for you. It’s all about roll.
Cheers, Bill
World renowned coach Bill Begg shares his vast knowledge of skating in his weekly advice column, "Ask Bill Begg!" ... Every Wednesday on the Inline Planet.
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