An outstretched and level road doesn't attract crowds from the skateboard or longboard community. Its a skating discipline thats essentially breed out of necessity, which is a willingness to skate notwithstanding an absence of elevation, ranges, or valleys. There is sufficient logic and worthiness in skating distances if its a commute between A and B, of course, but its labour of love when its an act of recreation.
At an early morning hour, the skater inside me is lobbying for an outing - if conditions are clear, that is: dry pavement, then the camel backpack is refilled and a pace is set for my own personal marathon. With the accompaniment of music I am stoked to get into a stride, alternate pushing left-left-left-right-right-right, each as a glide and not a strike against the turf - emulating as well as I can a speed ice skater's motion and swing while retaining a consciousness of yoga-like breathing. At times its a challenge and sluggish to endure the first span. 'What am I doing?' I doubtfully inquire of myself during the first stretch. Its at those times I suspect my endorphins have yet to be awakened. Its usually by around ten kilometres that I feel overcome by something - upon the awakening, I feel like I am being towed with an effortless momentum by a lifeline of sheer pleasure. Its a runner's high, some say. Still, there is nothing speedy about distance skating. Its about discovering the pleasure of the road vibration and pushing oneself to achieve a personal goal. There is virtue and reward in being tortoise like, driven yet slow.
There is solace in solitude distance skating, I have learned. Whether in a terrific pumping groove or pushing against a wall of wind, its precious time alone to either escape from pressing issues of demanding realities or embrace such - a newfound energy, nevertheless, subsides from a wonderful skate outing that promotes health and wellness.
Happy Pushing and Distance to All,
Gregory R. von Schiller