A speed skater discusses the challenges and goals of balancing marathon skating with long track speed skating, emphasizing steady improvement and personal ambitions for the upcoming season.
Schaatsen.nl, Netherlands
The athlete expressed enthusiasm about the idea of shifting focus more toward long track speed skating but noted that this would require more specific training. Currently, their training program is largely uniform across the team, with notable peers like Jorrit Bergsma focusing solely on the long track and achieving faster times there. The skater acknowledged a strong commitment to daily hard work to become better, aiming to significantly reduce times on distances such as the five kilometer, where athletes like Sander Eitrem have remarkable benchmarks.
While ambitious about improving speed this season, the skater intends to continue prioritizing marathon victories and grabbing available opportunities in long track competitions, without fixating on mid-level placements at national championships. They want to contend for wins but recognize the substantial steps required to reach that level.
Performance trends show steady progress in both marathon and long track disciplines, with improved times on key distances. The skater highlighted satisfaction with recent times, such as decreasing the ten-kilometer run from 13 minutes 30 seconds to 13 minutes 4 seconds at the Olympic qualifying tournament. They believe further improvements are possible but are cautious about expecting top national rankings within a year, pointing to examples of other skaters who have made rapid advances under favorable conditions.
The skater explained that while training rides can indicate potential, races are unpredictable with different dynamics each time. They described a mental shift over the years, feeling less pressure entering long track events and more comfort with both marathon and long track races. The ability to lean on marathon opportunities helps reduce anxiety in long track competitions.
When asked about the balance of training and racing schedules, the skater noted that conflicting events, such as the National Championships coinciding with the Weissensee marathon on natural ice, influence priorities. The natural ice event is considered a highlight of the year, and skipping it for long track competitions is not currently contemplated unless a highly successful preseason suggests otherwise.
The athlete appreciates having a supportive team for marathon events and values the individual nature of long track skating, which is enjoyable when performances are strong but can be challenging otherwise. Shifting focus between the two disciplines offers both challenges and motivation.
Reflecting on Jorrit Bergsma’s achievement of a bronze medal in the Olympic ten-kilometer event at age 40, the skater expressed pride and admiration. They acknowledged Bergsma’s unique capabilities and recognized that while they might aspire to similar success, it remains a benchmark set by another athlete’s quality and determination.
