Improving speed

Question
Hi Rob and Happy New Year!
I am 55. I just got a pair of adult recreational skates that are very comfy, so I plan on getting out more often. My grand daughter is thinking about figure skating, and hockey is on the mind of my grandson.
I didnt skate much or play hockey as a kid, but I can do all the basic moves required.
Problem is I have always been very slow. Unlike my children who have long legs and can get up a lot of speed, I have short, fat legs that are noticeably out of proportion to the rest of my body. (My waist is 40" my inseam is 30").
It takes me at at least 20 strides to go from end to end on a large outdoor school rink we hang out at, but my son and most other kids can cover that distance in ten strides or less.
Being 'top heavy' with a good sized belly, I also tend to tilt forward.
These are my physical limitations. Other than losing weight, which is probably number one (I am 5'7" @ 240 pounds-seems obese but I carry a lot of muscle) can you give me a few suggestions, either regarding technique, or exercises, that I can do to get me up to speed?
I got myself an elliptical for Xmas which I plan to use to improve my cardio.Thanks!

Answer
Barry,

Wow, your description sounds like me looking in the mirror...well last year.  However, not that I am a doctor, but I went to my doctor and he prescribed me a pill called Bupropion.  I took it for one year and I lost 45 pounds.  It is designed for people that want to quit smoking, to help then get over the addiction from smoking (although I don't smoke) it also allows the user to lose weight...which I did.

I went from a 42 waist to a 36 waist and down to about 187.  But now I am back to about 200 which I don't mind being at.  I can't tell you how better I feel, plus the wife didn't mind because the Libido is better than it use to be.

As for your stride...buddy you are 55 years old.  My left knee is going out, but I still power skate with the kids because I have to show them, but 2 Ibuprofen works really good...LOL.

When I was first prescribed this pill, it took me about 5 months to start taking it because I felt that it wouldn't work (without trying it, how would I know)  pills are not always the solution, but I was at a point where I was having problems lacing my skates.

I hope this helps and don't be afraid to go as your doctor about this....good luck.

Rob Lopez - Commissioner
University Ice Hockey League - Mexico