However, it is very inspiring and one becomes more competent if one has the proper speed gear, but that can come later. Most, if not all speeders use five wheel frames, but I have run across speeders that use a long four-wheel configuration. Some folks use their quad skates and that is okay, but it is hard to hang on in the corners unless you use special speed wheels-even then quads aren't as fast as low cut inline speed skates. If you find that running with the speed skaters is where you want to be, speed skates will be a necessary investment. Showing up with your recreational boots is the great way to get your feet wet to see if you enjoy the sport or not-a smart move I think.
Time is the enemy.
Getting to be an accomplished speed skater takes a lot of your time. The younger skaters typically have more time than most of the older skaters. For the Pros and Elites, it becomes an encompassing life style. Like so many things in life, you really get out of it what you put in. The workout is the prime objective and the speed follows.