Unlike runners and triathletes, skaters have the luxury of deciding last-minute whether or not to participate in an event. Even without any training, it's still possible to finish a marathon and never hit the proverbial "wall." That's because with wheeled-wonders under your feet, 26.2 miles is a totally do-able distance.

In-line marathons are enjoying growing participation for this very reason. Over 2,200 skaters completed the Northshore Marathon in Duluth, Minnesota last September, and even more are expected this year.

Some marathon skaters race the clock and try to break the tape in under an hour. Others simply wish to challenge themselves by completing the event in one piece and having fun while they're at it. No matter what the motivation, everybody finishes with their own story and their own sense of accomplishment. Even though anybody can go the distance on a whim, there are still some events that warrant advance planning.
One is the "Chase the Sun" Western Hemisphere Marathon in Culver City on December 12, 1999. Here you can test the waters and warm yourself up for another biggie: the "Fire in the Sky" Tahiti Marathon on February 20, 2000, in Tahiti, French Polynesia.

A little preparation can go a long way towards making for a good time, so put these two events on your calendar now. Both marathons promise to reward you with abundant sunshine in the middle of winter, rich cultural flavor, and palm tree-lined courses.

Forget the Winter!
Leave the snow behind and prepare to meet 500 other leisure-lovers at the 5th Annual "Chase the Sun" Marathon & Half marathon on December 12, 1999, in Culver City, CA. You'll encounter a multitude of other skaters, from weekend cruisers to concrete speed addicts.

Drool over a world-class course of dreams: a closed course featuring long, wide expanses of baby-bottom-smooth pavement. Palm-lined boulevards draw you into downtown Culver City and channel you swiftly towards the Pacific Ocean, where cool maritime breezes and sweeping coastal views invigorate your spirit.

The Doctor Is In
Even if you don't feel ready, don't worry. This author will be out there prior to the race hosting a free workshop for all at the Helms Building Fitness Expo on Saturday, December 11, from noon to 4 p.m. Skating tips and technique shortcuts will be dispensed liberally in order to speed up the learning process and increase your pleasure during the main event.

Free Wheels!!!
You don't have to finish first to win big! Every skater who signs up for the marathon receives a set of high-performance in-line skate wheels. Pass it on. Your participation will make the "Chase The Sun" WHM the largest skating event in California. For more information, consult www.skatecentral.com, and click on WHM Chase Info.

Want To Go To Tahiti?
As if that's not enough, get this: You could skate in paradise, too! Every registrant of the "Chase the Sun" Western Hemisphere Marathon is automatically entered in a raffle to win an incredible travel package including entry to the "Fire in the Sky" Tahiti Marathon on February 20, 2000.

Skate Tahiti: Yes You Can!
Dare to uncover the legendary beauty of Tahiti and her islands. Blaze your path beginning with the Fire In the Sky Tahiti Marathon & Half-Marathon, Sunday, February 20, 2000. Roll on the smooth roads of an earthly paradise on Presqu'Ile, far from the bustle of capital city Papeete. Take in sheltered lagoons and sheer mountains penetrated by lush, beckoning valleys. Inhale the sweet fragrance of rare tropical blossoms on balmy breezes. Alongside azure water at the base of steep forested slopes, restore your body on succulent fruits like mango, papaya and rambutan.

Pro and master skaters will be vying for $10,000 in cash at the Tahiti In-line Marathon. Advanced skaters will receive age division awards, while fitness skaters can find treasure in great prizes. Perks include lavish flower finisher garlands and hand-decorated commemorative shell "medals."

Roll With Team Tahiti
This year, a dozen skaters of Polynesian descent skated the marathon and stole the show in their colorful pareos and vegetable g-strings. This year, between 70 and 80 locals will be rolling with you during the marathon, thanks to a special program sponsored by Salomon skates. The Comité des Sport Mécaniques (Committee of Mechanical Sports) has been working closely with independent coaches and local skate organizations to hold tryouts and twice-weekly practices.

A Garden Of Delights
Linger - but beware. One taste of Tahiti and you may end up like so many before you - a willing captive of an earthly Eden. It's not just a skater's paradise. Explorers, writers and artists have heeded Tahiti's siren call for centuries. Now it could be your turn to discover her world-class swimming, sunning, hiking and stargazing. And, even though Tahiti's attractions are out of this world, this exotic isle is less than eight hours from Los Angeles International airport.

For more information on the Fire in the Sky Tahiti Marathon, consult www.skatecentral.com, and click on Tahiti 2000.

Preparation Advice
Put in some hours. From start to finish of the actual event, count on wearing your skates for anywhere up to three hours. The best training you can do beforehand, then, is to get your body accustomed to using them for an extended period of time. Long skates at low heart rates will fire up the fat burners and get you in good cardiovascular shape. If your goal is to possess speed on top of excellent fitness, however, then interval training is for you.

2-in-1 punctuation marks.
Speed grows with dedicated work. The oyster of interval training yields two ravishing pearls in just a few months: a higher top speed and an increased average speed. To get your speed fix, try six, minute-long bursts interspersed with plenty of recovery. Emphasize quality over quantity. Since your body will be plenty traumatized by these quick bouts of intense work, be sure not to practice intervals more than twice a week. Otherwise overtraining, burn-out and injury could result.

Carry necessities.
Never rely on your event alone for all your hydration and caloric needs. Get accustomed to carrying a water bottle, food and other indispensable items while you skate. A fanny pack works well, as does a jersey with built-in pockets. If you can rub your tummy and pat your head at the same time, don't forget your cell phone. That way, you can call all your freezing friends as you cruise triumphantly across the finish - whether you're in sunny California or sultry Tahiti.

In between trips to French Polynesia in preparation for the upcoming Tahiti Marathon, Eddy finds time to conduct skating workshops and race nationally and internationally. Before the year is up, Eddy will have held 20 workshops and skated in over 20 races, thanks to sponsors like TWINCAM bearings, Explore wheels, Salomon skates, PowerBar, Transpack, and Wigwam.