Status Updates From How to skate a 10k

“have never skated a 10k without questioning why I chose to become a speed skater.”

nils van der poel 🤝 susan

“To me speedskating was just a one legged squat, repeated over and over during maximum heart rate. It was all just very simple and I kept it that way.”

“I wasn’t mentaly strong as a kid, I hated
to compete…But today it’s a walk in the park…This development was mainly acquired through continuous voluntary confrontation with the challenge (read that sentence again and emphasis voluntary). It was first when I understood that I volunteered that I was able to compete with a free mind.”

“I held myself to a high standard and I rewarded myself properly and often. When I failed I
forgave myself and tried my best not to fail again. I never felt sorry for myself, no matter the
hour, wind, rain or temperature. I volunteered to do this. I wanted it because it was hard”

This book allows the reader a window in the great mind of a great athlete. I loved everything about his vision of high level training. One key message that I’m going to take home, apart from the training method itself, is his ability and willingness to have 100% open and honest communication with his coach, with the media and with himself. No BS.