If you have ever wanted to take up speed skating & wondered where to begin this volume will show you how to choose the right club & how to test your developing skills in grassroots competition. This guide takes you step-by-step from skating fundamentals to more advanced training tips. Special features include: Long track & short track skating; In-depth profiles of the top international speed skating stars; Great names in speed skating history; Standard skates or clap skates -- which blades are right for you?; Skating opportunities for beginning advanced experienced & challenged athletes.