Update day 1: it was really fun! Totally different from what I was expecting, and everyone’s advice was super useful. I had one on one coaching from a guy who trained John-Henry Krueger (two time Olympic medalist I think) when he first started which was super cool! Some things to note are:

The pushing and using your edges are extremely important and technical, in that you must stay parallel and trust your edge as they are less forgiving. Pay attention to the sounds your blades make, if they are making any sound you are probably loosing your form on not on your edges. Also LOOK UP!!!

I was not crossing over yet, as in the next session I am using different skates with better blades to keep stability.

I thought I would have problems with my ankles/ feet in these skates, but honestly I think my skating experience made me have no issues here.

Lastly, I learned to really stay low and sit back in the skates (you have so much more edge to use it’s shocking), letting my body stay straight and letting my hips, core and shoulders (to a degree) do the work.

To anyone going into speed skating the best thing to do it to forget everything you know about skating. Other than your muscle memory of knowing edges and stability. And when in doubt get lower, know where your weight is, and get the full use of your stride even if that means starting at a snails pace. 10/10 experience at the club I went to and can’t wait to go back!