The 3 minute mile.

[pavedwave]

If I find a road that is flat and straight for 1 mile long I will attempt.

Better find that road.

Awesome! If attempting on a straight course, be sure to average the times from 2 separate mile attempts.

Other than wind (as Jack mentioned earlier) there is an additional potential for bias on a straight course, if the pre-start is sloped at all, offering a slight gravitational advantage.

The best way to offset pre-start bias is to determine how many feet you require to reach your maximum velocity before you hit the first timing strip. Then mark this distance before the start line, and mark that same distance from the Finish line as well. In essence a full straight course should be 5,280 feet PLUS the distance you determine it takes to reach max velocity.

i.e.,

[Moddos]

both pushing and pumping are way inefficient compared to inline...

Obviously, you need to divide your times by 2/2.5 because inlines have 8/10 wheels so they should be 2/2.5 times as fast! Just imagine how fast you'd be if your skateboard had 8 wheels!
And, uh, kickscooters should be twice as fast because they have half as many wheels. Just because you don't understand doesn't mean I'm wrong!

Incidentally, I received my Mermaid today, and seeing the cyber mile times really makes me eager to learn pumping quickly to see how I'd hold up.

Props to everyone doing this, it's really motivating and interesting to follow!

[crawdad62]

You know I still haven't done this. I'm afraid to since I've been battling plantar fasciitis but after reading these post that have occurred in the last month I'm kind of perplexed. Just like was mentioned by a few in this thread back in my youth in high school I could run a mile in the high 4:40's. And that's when it was a mile and not 1600M. I'd be lucky to break 6:00 now so I'm not bragging but I would assume you (I) could easily get that on a board? But looking at the times there's quite a spread and nothing that really blows away actual "running" times. For those that are completing it what's the hardest part? Is it the distance (ie just being out of shape), the pumping/pushing, etc.?

[kraffft]

Just curious about the theoretical limits of different methods and devices.. Seems like with these speed attempts being relatively new, and relatively few people taking part, that there'd be a lot of room for improvement in equipment and technique.

Also curious to better understand how things work, what exactly is happening during different intuitive motions. As with any pro version of a sport, knowledge and equipment trickle down quickly and beneficially to the amateur level.

Pumping seems to have a higher theoretical top speed than pushing on flat ground, partly because of that reality that it isn't limited by stationary foot to ground contact.

Pumping also seems like it would have the most room for equipment improvement, though I'm not going to claim any authority there (I can pump well enough to maintain speed in a concrete rink, but small uphills stop me).

Maybe using skyhooks to trace more of a zig-zag line instead of a wavy line!? (Just throwing out a random example, pretty sure that would be less efficient)

[pavedwave]

Just curious about the theoretical limits of different methods and devices.. Seems like with these speed attempts being relatively new, and relatively few people taking part, that there'd be a lot of room for improvement in equipment and technique. ...

Maybe using skyhooks to trace more of a zig-zag line instead of a wavy line!? (Just throwing out a random example, pretty sure that would be less efficient)

It's great seeing a small focused contingency working on their times and setups and starting to pare down efficiencies specific to the Mile attempt. My main focus years ago was just to take the fundamentals of the best flatland slalom boards and jack up the perspective to longboard length (based around the wheelbase) which is where the design of boards like the Mermaid and the Pulse actually evolved from -- though mainly centered on cross-country distances.

What seems to be different with the "sprint" of the mile setups is to sacrifice some of the cruising ease of narrower hangars and instead go for something 150mm+, aiming for creating a bigger cruising arc combining the 30+" wheelbase -- and giving up some comfort with harder duro wheels and relatively stiff flex.

As for skyhooks, I think they actually have a lot of potential, depending if a guy is using a "locked in" stance as opposed to weighting and unweighting so much that he wants to bounce off the board a bit. I think the leverage could really add up. In fact, after all the six-wheeler debates in slalom a couple years back, I even asked if racers would be opposed to using skyhooks in slalom and initially (I think it was Chaput!!) response was that skyhooks, or any kind of toestop that's got an overhang -- anything beyond a perpendicular angle to the board, might constitute an unfair advantage in terms of additional pumping leverage. I don't know how far to go with the "rules" - but my initial take is not to rule out the 'hooks... which could evolve into something like hard snowboard bindings?


Edit : this is what Chaput posted in response to bringing up skyhooks

"BTW, I think that the issue of "Binding vs Toe Stops" can be pretty easily addressed. You can state that features on the standing platform of the deck cannot extend or protrude at an angle past 90 degrees - it cannot overhang or cover any part of the foot or shoe. A sky-hook would be prohibited because it overhangs the foot, but a block or stop that allows the foot to be positioned against (but not "under") it would be allowed."
ISSA - International Slalom Skateboarding Association :: View topic - SHOULD 6-WHEELERS BE ALLOWED AT A GS RACE???

[pavedwave]

[pavedwave]

New Cyber Mile of 3:36:77 - Ian Tilp.

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New Cyber Mile of 4:04 - Prikelpit.

[jeffvyain]

Topped out at 22mph by a friend with a bike a week ago on my Loaded board. Wonder what sort of setup would be fastest for an all-out flatland push race.

[assumeivan]

I heard Dalua has a ridiculous push. Make him do it.

[crawdad62]

Topped out at 22mph by a friend with a bike a week ago on my Loaded board. Wonder what sort of setup would be fastest for an all-out flatland push race.

That's what I've got and I'm wondering that too. I'm wondering if the Loaded is to flexy? Too much energy being absorbed. I know that was the case with full suspension MTB's. Most of your pedal power was being transmitted to the frame and absorbed into the suspension. However they've kind of got that worked out now. I'm thinking this maybe the case with the Loaded.

I'm using a Vanguard with Holey's and Big Zigs and it's great to push around but I'm guessing stiffer would be faster in this case.

[jeffvyain]

I'm really glad I stumbled onto this thread. It's going to serve as some inspiration in the months to come. I am going to have to attempt this soon. I'm going to make a run for it on the Monon trail on the north side of Indianapolis. I live in the city and ride the Monon on occassion and found a good spot where there's a little over a mile with no road crossings.

I finally got the time to read this entire thread today and thought it was funny how many of you are ex-runners. I ran cross country and track through high school and college and ended up topping out at a 3:53 1500 (4:10 mile equiv.). I gave up running because of chronic injuries. This seems like a tough but potentially realistic goal given the right conditions, setup, and training. I will make sure it's on video when/if it happens.

I'm riding a Dervish right now with 180s and 83a Durians. I think the 22mph was hit on 80a InHeats, but I ended up sending those back the next day when the core blew out (thanks go out to Loaded for their awesome customer service).

What do you all think would be an ideal setup for speed pushing? Stiff vs flexible board? Wide vs. thin wheel contact? Large wheel with plastic core? I definitely think drop-through is a must. The added leverage of a higher deck is not worth the fatigue and less stability (which will also lend itself to more fatigue on the balance leg). I'm riding on 180s right now. I would think downsizing to 150s would be ideal, but for now, given my limited funds, I'll probably just flip my wheels inward to keep from hitting my foot while pushing.

I'm probably getting ahead of myself. Gonna go skate...

[jeffvyain]

Pulled out a 3:17 yesterday on the Monon trail in Indianapolis. The mile was ever so slightly downhill. Mile markers were marked along the trail for runners/bikers. I didn't anticipate making a run at it while I was out...was essentially doing burnouts and seeing how fast I could push and pump my board for about 7 miles on the way up to that spot on the trail (was the only straight mile with no road crossings). I grabbed a smoothie and waited for about an hour and a half before I road back up to the trail and made a run at it the opposite direction. Crossed the half mile mark at 1:40 and shortly thereafter bit it HARD and called it a day. I could hardly stand on my left leg by the time I was done, and if I'd have kept going I would've probably not made my goal due to crumbling down on my face. I'm working on procuring a rolling measuring tape to measure out a mile in the downtown city streets. The roads are much smoother and everything just feels better out there than on the trail where I'm dodging runners and bikers. I would think hitting up parallel one-ways should suffice for an out and back.

I truly believe the 3 minute mile is doable, but I'd like some competition. The only thing keeping us from it is the lack of effort, and it's FUN TO RIDE FAST so let's.

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New Cyber Mile time of 3:57 - John Galac.

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New Cyber Mile of 4:50 - Marco Cattan.

[Dr_ugmonet]

im not gonna go through all 10 pages, but has anyone considered doing something on a long boardwalk like Venice Beach?

if a couple of companies want to work together, i bet something could be worked out. i know i've skated from the Venice Pier to Ocean Park (almost exactly a mile) in under 5 minutes. ive never timed myself besides keeping an eye on my clock. ill find myself a stopwatch and see what i can do

[pavedwave]

New Top Half-Marathon of 55:49 - Greg Fiess

Details: 13.1 miles
Clearwater FL, asphalt quarter-mile track
Splits: 4:04; 4:13; 4:14; 4:12; 4:16; 4:21; 4:18; 4:17; 4:17; 4:17; 4:17; 4:18; 4:15; :30 (last 0.1 mile)
Slippery Skates LDP; Bennett 6.0 front/Seismic 155 rear dark blue extra heavy springs; coned square- lipped Otang Durians 86a/83a

[BloodBros.Skates]

New Top Half-Marathon of 55:49 - Greg Fiess

Details: 13.1 miles
Clearwater FL, asphalt quarter-mile track
Splits: 4:04; 4:13; 4:14; 4:12; 4:16; 4:21; 4:18; 4:17; 4:17; 4:17; 4:17; 4:18; 4:15; :30 (last 0.1 mile)
Slippery Skates LDP; Bennett 6.0 front/Seismic 155 rear dark blue extra heavy springs; coned square- lipped Otang Durians 86a/83a

Amazing consistency!

[cawlin]

I can run a 4:19 mile. I run for my university's cross country and track teams. Without a doubt, once the weather is nicer in the spring I am breaking 3:00 on my board. Zero questions.

[kraffft]

I can run a 4:19 mile. I run for my university's cross country and track teams. Without a doubt, once the weather is nicer in the spring I am breaking 3:00 on my board. Zero questions.

I've been doing a lot of mile trials to compare the efficiency of various boards.. Just wondering how badly you think temperature/humidity effects your times.. And possibly even whether it's bad for your health..

It sounds like you have what it takes though! I wonder what some of the fastest skaters thus far can run a mile in? I think I remember reading that Mr. Munson is a cross country runner as well..