I've been thinking about using rollerblades for cross-training, since I tend to get injured if I try to run. I figure rollerblades will be easier on my joints. In any case, I have a few questions for those who use them:

1. What's a typical average speed for a novice-to-intermediate skater, or how far should I expect to go in a 1-hour workout?
2. How stable are they on wet roads?
3. What is a reasonable amount to spend on a decent pair of "beginner" blades plus safety equipment?
4. About how long did it take you to get comfortable on them?

Those who respond may be "rewarded" with follow-up questions.

1. What's a typical average speed for a novice-to-intermediate skater, or how far should I expect to go in a 1-hour workout?
-- I never had a speedometer on my blades... sorry... I'm trying to recall typical rail trails I have done and want to say 10 miles is easy at a relaxed pace on blades...

2. How stable are they on wet roads?
-- This answer depends on wheels, but I have tried different hardness's and have never felt safe on wet pavement...

3. What is a reasonable amount to spend on a decent pair of "beginner" blades plus safety equipment?
-- blades - Find a pair that feel good and pay what you must to obtain this... Also, I would suggest sticking with ABEC 7 or ABEC 5 bearings... fyi: I have paid between $60 and $120 on mine depending on sales and the time of year... I know others who have paid several hundred for their blades...

-- equipment - prices depend on brand names and how "fancy" it looks... A beginner should have the following equipment: Wrist Guards (most important!), Knee Guards, Helmet, Elbow Guards (I wore them when I began, not everyone does)...

4. About how long did it take you to get comfortable on them?
-- When I first started... I was comfortable going very slow, only forward, and not turning much within an hour...
it took a few months of many miles on trails, and adult nights at the roller rink before I could go fast, turn, go backwords...

I love rollerblading, it is much easier than running to me... I have bladed trails while my friends bicycled when I knew they were slower than me on a bike...
fyi... blading uses different leg muscles, it is a great workout, and if you want to get into blading, practice makes perfect, but do not expect it to benefit your running if you are trying to train for triathlons or 5km runs...

P.S. if you have a roller rink close, go there... it is much safer for beginners... (no sticks or cracks or bumps in the trail...)

if you have more questions, just ask ;o)
Later,
Mike

Well, I can't help you with price and stuff like that. I've been playing hockey most of my life, so I tend to buy more expensive skates. You can buy cheap skates and you can buy very, very expensive skates (a friend of mine who is a world-class speed skater pays over $1500 for his skates).

Skates don't tend to grip very well on wet roads. You can get softer wheels that may grip a little better on wet roads, but they won't last long on dry surfaces.

But, skating is good cross training for cycling. You use almost the exact same muscles skating that you do riding.

As far as how long to get comfortable, well, I've probably spent as much time on skates as I have on shoes in the past 30 years, so I'm afraid I'm not much help there...

You might want to consider a Concept 2 erg for Xtraining. Seems that many rowers use cycling for Xtraining.

Gene

Someone gave me a pair last summer. I'm 57 and have been athletic all my life and have good balance. I do yoga, martial arts, (I use to surf), so my balance is pretty good. I tried them in my driveway and the guy across the street was laughing his ass off. My hands were flailing all over the place. I didn't get far at all and not much past the end of my driveway. AKA, this balancing thing is difficult, look out.

Anyone have any advice for a beginner to get going?

Rollerblade at a rollerrink. Smooth floor with no branches or rocks to worry about...

For stability practice, try standing still next to a secure object which will support your weight... (railings, car)
Attempt to stand for 30 seconds without wobbling and without holding onto the support.
Once this is mastered, attempt one foot at a time...

This ability comes in handy while blading rail trails as often there is an incline or decline to road crossings where one must wait for cars...

Take a power skaking course. They should be available anywhere hockey is played.

Thanks for your feedback! It's a little more involved than I'd hoped, so for now I think I'll stick to hiking and snow shoeing. I'm sure my sweetie won't mind if I don't start buying new equipment...