activities which can be performed anywhere, but
low walking is usually performed going up a hill
(Fig. 50.5). Physiologically and biomechanically,
a skater responds differently to low walking and
dry skating, therefore activities more similar to
speed skating such as slide board exercise (Fig.
50.6) or in-line skating should also be performed
(de Boer et al. 1987a, 1987b, 1987c; de Groot et al.
1987; Kandou et al. 1987). Because maximal speed
between speed skating and in-line skating is
different, heart rate may be a better indicator
of exercise intensity than speed (de Boer et al.
1987c). However, since trained individuals may
648 sport-specific nutrition
require high speeds to obtain cardiovascular
benefits from in-line skating, skating up hill may
be required (Hoffman et al. 1992; Snyder et al.
1993).
Technique and skating endurance become the
goals once the skater gets on the ice. To facilitate
the skating endurance, goal measurement of
lactate ice-profiles may be important. From the
lactate ice-profiles we have observed that when
skaters use correct skating posture, with low
pre-extension angles of the knee and hip joints,
no matter how slow the skater is skating, blood
lactate concentrations of at least 5–7 mMoccur
(Foster & Thompson 1990). We have also
observed a right shifting of the lactate ice-profile
(i.e. a lower blood lactate concentration at any
given skating speed) when an athlete is training
and/or muscle glycogen depleted (Foster et al.
1988).Energy contribution (%)1000
Event (m)5000 10000
020408010060500 1500Fig. 50.1The aerobic ( ) and anaerobic () energy
contributions in long-track speed-skating events
energy contributions. Adapted from van Ingen
Schenauet al. (1990).
Fig. 50.2Long-track speed skater performing heavy
weight resistance training. From Foster and Thompson
(1990), with permission.