Many instructors say cross-country skiing is just like
walking. Not for me! At first it was more like sliding and
falling. But the great thing was that
everything was relaxed, even falling was kind of fun. When I
stopped trying to go fast, and relaxed, it DID become like walking on
the snow. I love the quiet schussing
sound through the woods. And when the
snow is fresh and the trail freshly groomed, even I feel like an athlete! I’m still a real chicken on hills, preferring
to go up in a herring bone than to go down a steep hill. But I’m getting better about remembering to
crouch low to the ground on the down hills to keep my center of gravity
low.
I finally took a lesson last year after years of flailing
about on my skis. It was amazing what a
little instruction can do for confidence, not to mention technique! I’ve tried skate skiing and that was
ridiculous. For now I am sticking with
the classic diagonal style, telling myself that it is a better all-body workout
anyway.
Be sure to layer when you go out, you’ll more often find
yourself shedding layers than adding them.
Wicking base layer, fleece inner layer, windproof but breathable outer layer. Wear warm mittens for hands and keep those
ears protected. You’ll burn lots of
calories but won’t be sore the next day because the motion is so easy on the
body.
Ski with someone close to your level so you can enjoy
yourself. My favorite skiing companion
in my sister’s dog Jack. He’s a lovely
personality, a mastiff/lab mix who enjoys a brief run once in a while. She’s trained him to pull in a skijoring
harness, and he’s my ski dog! We toddle
along quite nicely without too much rush.
And on the hills he chugs on up, making any hill a joy for me. It’s really fun. You’ll earn your dinner and a soak in the hot
tub, and be ready to do it again the next day.
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