Hi everyone,

I'm new so I figured I would say a quick hello. My name is Tom, I'm 41
and live in West Dundee. I remember the Rainbo club from quite a few
years back when I skated a lot more (mostly hockey). So I looked you
guys up again (which was hard, because I couldn't remember the name!)

Anyway, looking to get active in skating again both for fitness and
because I really enjoy it. I've only recently skated twice, and it's
been a couple years before that since (My K2s are about 7 years old!)
I think I did about 2.5 miles this morning (unfortunately on wet
trails...argh - that cut things short.)

I started blading in college when the black rollerblades with orange
wheels came out nationally, about in 86'. We played hockey for hours
under the viaduct with those, it was awesome.

Anyway, I got excited when I thought I had an original idea about an
inline skating marathon - then I found out they actually have them!
Then I found out how soon they are coming! :( I know there is the one
in MN that is Sept. 15, 10 weeks away. I don't think that is enough
time to train.

I know a lot depends on what kind of shape you are in. I'm in ok shape
only in that I have been walking every day and doing light workouts
for almost a month. As I said, I only have skated twice in the last
week. (The first skate was probably like 4 miles).

So I'm wondering how tough it is to complete the marathon as a fitness
entry and not a competitive entry? I'm fairly sure I could do a
half-marathon skating in a reasonable amount of time. I'm talking
completing the course, and not much else.

I found a inline skating marathon training program, and I think I will
follow the beginner track and see how I do. I would say the distances
seem *slightly* short for what I feel I am capable of at this point,
but I don't want to overdo it.

So any tips along these lines would be great.

My skates - as I said old K2s - decent skates, but not racing skates
or anything. I do need new ones. They are 4-wheelers, fitness skates
with the typical wheel setup. I'm wary of the huge wheeled skates, the
5-wheeled ones too. I don't know how much of a different technique it
will be skating in them.

I've done mostly hockey skating in close quarters and fitness skating
for fun. I don't have 'speed skating' techniques. I've never drafted
or anything. I can crossover and skate backwards, and I think with
some practice I could do a double push :) (Tried this morning, a bit
too wet out and couldn't find a good stretch - but I get he concept)
but I am not as strong on my skates as real experienced skaters would be.

I noticed you skate over at the Prairie stone area - I work there
actually - in one of those office buildings. Anyway, maybe once I get
some practice in I'll come and let you all embarrass me badly for a
skate.

Any tips are appreciated!

Thanks

Tom