Things I learned today.

Short post, am knackered.

1. Having a low-energy, stuff-this kind of day can be cured by derby. And powernapping.
2. I can do two sets of the 25 in one session, and improve my time (4:24 to 4:22. Not as good as last time, but different surface and other excuses)
3. Trail mix does not make for the best dinner. No, really.
4. Be ready for the Big Whip. That way I won't be surprised at sudden turbo-chargedness and fall on my arse.
5. I'm not skating to exhaustion. This means I can go harder.

The last one interests me. I was having a quick chat to one of the refs this evening (the giver of The Big Whip incidentally), and we were talking about lap times and fitness etc. and he said something that got me thinking. He asked me if, with working at it and getting fitter, if I no longer felt the need to stop after 25 laps. He was absolutely right! I'm always happy when I hit 25 and can stop, but I don't feel like I have to. I'll be out of breath for a little bit afterwards, but I'm hardly reaching for the oxygen mask. so, what gives?

I like to think that this means I can skate faster, and that it is a matter of technique (I still need to do a lot of work on my pacing and crossovers. They're passable but not great) and practice. the power is there, I just need to make it work for me.

On the other hand, it bodes well in terms of endurance. Next time I find a quiet public skate, I might time myself doing 30, 40 laps or whatever. I kinda like the idea of going to the stop, pushing my limits in another direction. hmmmmm