LondonSkaters Speed Team - Speed Skating & Rollerblading Club in London

Rick · Joined: 25 Feb 2004 Posts: 5914

Inspired by the teamwork thread in the Members forum I am offering this.

I'm not the fastest but I am quite tenacious and have completed more then 20 marathons, finishing generally in the top 10-20% these days. I can't tell you what it is like in the front pack, but then seeing as most of us aren't going to be skating there at first and many never will, I would like to share my experiences and what I have learned so perhaps some of you won't have to find out during a race or will at least recognise the situation and be armed with a suitable response. Other experienced racers are welcome to come and share their experiences too.

Bring a notebook and pen as there is quite a lot, eg.
preparation - eating/dinking/things some of us take on the race.
warm-up - how long what to do and why
picking your start position and how to get the best line for your ability
maintaining your performance during the race
what to do if you find yourself taking a turn at the front
repositioning yourself in a line
what to look out for to avoid wasting effort on a line
changing lines in a race (can I go at their pace, can I sustain my current level)
The mental and physical battles
looking out for points where a line is likely to split or when a break away might happen that could leave you in the slow bit. What happens if a break away does happen (should I chase should I stay?)
Finishing

Just an offer. If people are interested then post here and we'll sort out a date or two. If you have anything specific you'ld like to have covered then I'd be happy to tailor it, if I know a bit about it. Was thinking of having it as an open session with a few Q&A points in the pub I doubt it would take more than 90mins with bio/refuelling breaks.

This is not aimed at people serious about getting optimum performance more the recreational racer who doesn't want to take training too seriously but would like to do the best they can when they are in a race. You might be able to relate to it a bit more if you have already done one or more marathon type mass participation races but first timers can get some tips too. Some bits will be relevant to serious people who are not yet good enough to be at the front.

tanya g · Posted: Wed Feb 07, 2007 4:09 pm Subject: Re: Mid-pack Marathon "Masterclass"

Rick · Joined: 25 Feb 2004 Posts: 5914

beeaatch

Glenn · Joined: 05 Feb 2005 Posts: 1109 Location: ST Pauls

front of what?

Good idea though - actually to make it more beneficial for a wider audience, it would be good to get the perspectives of the more advanced skaters, Gav, Cesar, Hans and his partner ... not sure whether this is possible.

G

Alan · Joined: 19 Sep 2005 Posts: 642 Location: Hackney, London

I'd be interested; as long as its held somewhere central

fzurro · Joined: 09 Sep 2005 Posts: 796 Location: Middlesex

Thanks a lot, Souns like a good thing to do.

Rick · Joined: 25 Feb 2004 Posts: 5914

I stayed up last night fleshing it out into a sort of lecture. Done about 1/3 so far.

Barrie · Joined: 21 May 2006 Posts: 1380 Location: Putney

Sounds useful to me...

assuming I ever get to do enough training to put anything to good use...

dry sunday, dry sunday dry sunday...

ed! · Posted: Thu Feb 08, 2007 5:47 pm Subject:

I'm interested too...Vic sounds like a good venue Smile

Ray · Joined: 30 Mar 2004 Posts: 806 Location: Dagenham

Sounds useful Rick and fun.

lemming · Joined: 05 Jan 2005 Posts: 693 Location: Reading, UK

I'd be interested but the chances of me actually making it are small. I certainly felt I suffered in my last race 'cos of inexperience, so this can only help. Perhaps you'd be willing to share your notes for those of us too far away to make the trip?

_gj3000_ · Posted: Thu Feb 08, 2007 10:44 pm Subject:

Rick I'd definitely be interested in this

Rick · Joined: 25 Feb 2004 Posts: 5914

Rick · Joined: 25 Feb 2004 Posts: 5914

I have now written 7 pages of notes. I'll give them out as handouts then read through them and take questions after each section.

Since this doesn't concentrate on anything but the few hours before the race and the race itself, I am thinking that the best time to do it is before the races start and not too far in front so it can stay relatively fresh. That would mean end of March or beginning of April. Happy to do it sooner if anyone is extra keen.

JamesM · Posted: Sun Feb 11, 2007 7:55 pm Subject:

I'd be very interested in this. Thanks rick