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Conquer the Inline Marathon: Training Tips for Inclement Weather



When preparing for an inline marathon, adverse weather conditions can throw a wrench into your training plans. However, a little rain or snow shouldn't hinder your progress or dampen your motivation. By adjusting your training strategy and embracing the challenges, you can maintain your momentum and continue to build your endurance and skills. In this blog post, we will explore effective training techniques to help you stay on track and prepare for an inline marathon, even when the weather is less than ideal.



Embrace Indoor Training:

When the weather is bad, transitioning your training indoors is a smart move. Here are a few indoor training options to consider:

  • Treadmill: Utilize a treadmill to replicate the cardio aspects of inline skating. While it may not exactly mimic the sensation of outdoor skating, it can help maintain your cardiovascular fitness and endurance.

  • Stationary Bike: Cycling provides an excellent cross-training option. It works similarly to muscle groups and can improve your cardiovascular capacity while giving your joints a break from the impact of skating.

  • Cross-training: Engage in activities like swimming, rowing, or HIIT workouts to maintain your overall fitness level and strengthen different muscle groups.


Strength and Flexibility Training:

Take advantage of inclement weather to focus on strength and flexibility training. Building a strong foundation can help improve your performance and prevent injuries. Incorporate the following exercises into your routine:

  • Leg Strength: Perform exercises like squats, lunges, calf raises, and leg presses to strengthen your lower body, which is vital for powerful strides during inline skating.

  • Core Stability: A strong core provides stability and balance. Include planks, Russian twists, and stability ball exercises to develop your core strength.

  • Flexibility: Enhance your flexibility through stretching exercises, yoga, or Pilates. This will improve your range of motion and help prevent muscle imbalances.



Indoor Skating Drills:

To maintain and improve your inline skating technique, you can practice specific drills indoors. Set up a designated space or visit a nearby indoor roller rink for these exercises:

  • Balance and Control: Practice balancing on one foot, performing forward and backward crossovers, and executing quick direction changes. Focus on maintaining stability and control throughout each movement.

  • Stride and Speed: Use the available space to work on your stride and speed. Incorporate intervals of high-speed sprints, simulated hill climbs, and lateral movements to mimic the challenges of outdoor skating.

  • Technique Refinement: Pay attention to your body posture, arm swing, and leg extension during each drill. Use mirrors or video recordings to evaluate and refine your technique.


Mental Preparation:

While physical training is crucial, don't neglect your mental preparation. Adverse weather conditions can test your resilience, so cultivate a positive mindset and visualize yourself successfully navigating the challenges. Consider the following techniques:

  • Mental Imagery: Visualize yourself skating smoothly and confidently despite the inclement weather. Imagine overcoming obstacles and maintaining your focus throughout the race.

  • Mindfulness and Meditation: Practice mindfulness or meditation techniques to reduce stress, enhance concentration, and promote mental clarity.




Goal Setting:

Set realistic and achievable goals for your training sessions. Breaking down your long-term goals into smaller milestones will help maintain motivation and provide a sense of accomplishment.



While inclement weather may disrupt your inline marathon training routine, it doesn't have to derail your progress. By embracing indoor training, focusing on strength and flexibility, practicing indoor skating drills, and nurturing a positive mindset, you can continue to train effectively and conquer your inline marathon goals. Remember, the key is to adapt, stay motivated, and remain committed to your training plan regardless of the weather conditions.


What is the NorthShore Inline Marathon?


Join the United State's largest Inline Marathon


The NorthShore Inline Marathon is one of the most prestigious inline speed skating events in the world. Founded in 1996 by Olympian George Hovland, the NorthShore Inline Marathon (NSIM) quickly grew, becoming the world's largest skating race and has had competitors including Olympians, professional hockey players (NHL), professional speed skaters, and more. Constantly ranked in the top 5 Inline marathons in the world, the NSIM marathon is aiming to take its spot back as the world's largest. NSIM's race travels over the beautiful scenic Highway 61. The race is between Two Harbors and Duluth, Minnesota on the beautiful shores of Lake Superior.


In the pursuit of creating events for all competitors, NSIM added events for all ages and abilities. Our 2023 Race Event weekend will be September 15-17th. It includes our NorthShore Inline Marathon, the NorthShore Half Marathon Skate, a combined skate(39.3 miles), and our Tunnel 10k skate. In our Rollerski division, we have the 42k rollerski and 21k rollerski. Additionally, we have our running races including our St. Luke's Half Marathon and the Tunnel 10k run.


Join us September 15th - 17th for a full weekend of activities!


Registration is open and can be found on our website.



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