Why Speed Skating?

Why speed skating?  Speed skating to me is a very interesting and exciting sport.  I have watched in amazement as Apolo Anton Ohno has dominated the Olympics over the years.  Short track speed skating is certainly the most exciting of all speed skating, but as a competitive cyclist I have always had an interest in long track speed skating.  I think because it looks to require more endurance than the short track.

As I was watching the long track speed skating in the Olympics last year, I decided that I was going to look into it as a possible training supplement during the winter months.  I did some research and found a couple clubs in the area.  I emailed one of them and explained my intentions, but unfortunately I found out that the closest long track was in Lake Placid, NY!  A little too far of a commute for me.  I had broken a couple ribs anyway, so I didn’t really pursue it much after that.

Bicycle racing really takes its toll on me mentally.  In the later months of the race season I am pretty burned out with the frequency and volume of training.  Once the season is over, I lack the motivation to keep training.  The last two winters I didn’t really train that well and it was quite noticeable when spring came around.

After a fairly good end to my season this year, I really wanted to stay motivated and keep my fitness up through the winter.  The winter is the time to rebuild strength and power, so I looked into speed skating again to help me do that.  I did some searching online and came across the Washington Speed Skating Club.  There was some information on their website that encouraged new skaters to go to a practice and see what it’s all about.  So, that’s what I did.

After meeting and talking with them one night I was really glad I found them.  They were all really nice and happy to help me get started.  The coach is awesome!  She was the 2005 3000m Short Track World Champion.  At my first practice she brought some skates for me to use and I started the learning process.