When I started cross country skiing four winters ago, I figured the learning curve would be a lot like running. I expected that there would no doubt be suffering in the beginning, but that it would soon be followed moments of enjoyment. Those moments of enjoyment would eventually become more numerous and, eventually, I would come to look forward to the activity. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Here is a brief summary of my skate skiing career:
Season 1: High enthusiasm followed by pure terror and a sore knee.
Season 2: High enthusiasm followed by frustration and shin splints.
Season 3: Determination followed by controllable fear, hours of hard work and finally the reward of a fun day at the Loppet. Even though that day was really fun, I still found skate skiing daunting and, since I’m not very good at it, it was still more work than pleasure.
Season 4 has brought amazing snow and my growing son has brought me classic skis. He outgrew his classic skis and I adopted them. While classic skiing isn’t as cool as skate skiing, according to my son anyway, I decided to give them a try. I LOVE THEM! Skiing in them is a lot more like running and requires a lot less balance and side-to-side strength. I instantly felt comfortable and knew that this was a better fit for me.The best part is that I’m able to look up and enjoy the beautiful outdoors because I’m more confident and the tracks help guide the way. Here I am with some friends on Christmas Eve before getting my first classic lesson from my son:
The great thing about running friends are that they are game to try anything. I love my running friends and now we can ski together, too.
Christmas day brought our family two pairs of snow shoes under the tree. After a wonderful morning at home, we bundled up and headed out for an outdoor adventure. Mike and our daughter, Katy, both enjoy photography and Katy had some new equipment to try out. They ventured out on the snow shoes to take some nature pictures while Brady and I headed out on our classic skis. Here’s Mike and Katy:
Here I am with Brady:
We had a great day! Mike and Katy loved the snow shoes and I smiled the entire time I skied with Brady. He was very patient and gave me lots of help.
So now I am a classic skier! I know that all of the hip people are skate skiing, but I accept it. I’ll make friends with all of the old people I meet out on the classic trails… well, after I catch up to them. They are all passing me right now but I’m getting a little better and a little faster every time I get out. I’m even getting the whole ski waxing thing figured out.
I’m doing great health-wise and really enjoying getting outside to run and ski. I ran 9 miles today, felt great, and feel ready for my half marathon in only 11 more days. I’m getting really excited about it! In the meantime, I plan on getting out on the ski trails as much as possible. Happy trails!
{ 10 comments }
How awesome; love the pictures!
Wish I could be there cheering you on for your 1/2! Looking forward to hearing all about it. I knew it wouldn’t take you long to get back.
Now try classic skiing with your skate skis . . . that’s what I did for the Mora Vasaloppet last year. Oops.
Glad the whole family can get out and enjoy winter workouts together! My in-laws bought my 3-year old snow shoes for Christmas, so we have been out a couple of times together on those. So fun!
Hey Beth–I love that you figured out what you enjoy and stuck to it, regardless of what’s trendy! What great workouts you are getting through x-country.
Thanks so much for your comment on my blog…hearing it from your perspective was so good for me. I’ll be thinking about you and praying for nothing but good health in the future!
Beth, these pictures made me smile as much as you did with Brady. You look so vibrant and healthy and happy!
You are so fortunate to have such great running/skiing friends as well as such a fun and active family!
Enjoy your skiing weather,
meg
Hi Beth,
Fun pictures! You have such a gorgeous looking family:) I would love to get back into skiing again too. It has been so long….but I think I could do it without breaking a leg:)
Yes, I am running the Polar Dash on Saturday! The only way or reason I wouldn’t be there is if we had a massive snow storm. I will look for you:)
Take take! Hugs!
You are sounding quite happy! Good Luck down at the Mouse and keep up the great recovery! Skiing? Hmmm Never tried it.
hey: You are a cool girl regardless of which skiing style you use. I’m glad you are doing well. I’ll be doing Chisago 1/2 too next summer. SOOOOO looking forward to tri season!
Happy New Year!
The snow…you are showing to me an unknown world. Only sea here. Beautiful pictures.
Happy new year.
I really enjoy classic skiing too…though I do want to try skate skiing…at least give it a try
Happy New Year Beth! I wish you good health, good health and more good health. The rest, we can all work for! Happy running and skiing in 2011 with your wonderful family.
I love to cross country ski – haven’t done it in a few years. I do classic also.
We also have snow shoes and really enjoy heading out into the country with the dog and just walking through the snow. It is very peaceful and a fun way to get outside in the winter months.
Glad you are feeling well and getting ready for the 1/2 marathon!. Have FUN and ENJOY!
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