Snowed in? ... Maybe It's Time for an Ice Marathon

Ice Skating

Snowed in? ... Maybe it's time for an ice marathon

Racing begins this weekend for Marathon Skating International

Ice skating may not provide the same sense of freedom as inline skating ... unless perhaps you happen upon Joni Mitchell's proverbial "river I can skate away on."

But it may be the next best thing ... especially outdoors with snow falling.

If you are ready to give it a try, take a look at this year's Marathon Skating International schedule.

It includes 17 events in the northeastern United States and Canada with something for everyone.

Among the offerings are:

two training events, including the inline-to-ice transition camp (Dec. 2-4, Lake Placid, N.Y.)
fun events, including winterfests, kids races and tours of frozen lakes
and 10 marathons ranging in distance from 25 to 200 kilometers

The marathons make up a point series, which opens Saturday with the 25-kilometer Quebec City Marathon.

The series makes stops in upstate New York, Vermont, Ontario and New Hampshire before finally concluding with what may become a North American classic: the 200 K Sylvan Lake Marathon (Feb. 25).

Last year, Canadian skate coach and author Barry Publow finished on top in the point series. Publow is expected to defend his title this year.

Many of the events are packaged into skate weekends. Skaters often stay at the same lodge and eat meals together. Weekend rates tend to be very reasonable.

If you've never skated on ice before, never fear. It's almost identical to skating on pavement. And your fellow skaters will be happy to help you get started.

Just remember: If you fall, slide.

Ice, unlike pavement, makes a great landing surface ... unless you hit it with a thump! (If you're thinking you might do that, wear crash pads or padded hockey shorts.)

And another thing: Don't skate on thin ice!

(posted on Nov. 21, 2005)