My First Pre-Season Ski Workout
Obviously, my personal requirements are not the same as a professional skier. I’m not hoping to stand on a podium, I simply want to get through my first day of skiing without my legs feeling like they’re on fire.
Hiking Etiquette – The Basics
Martha Stewart, an American icon, teaches us a lot about etiquette for hosting a dinner party, but she doesn’t talk about what to do in the mountains.
My Illinois River Canoeing Catastrophe
The idea was to go down the Illinois River in the great state of Oklahoma. This river is a tributary of the Arkansas River and is 145 miles (233 km) long. Its name was a term a French explorer used to describe several Native American Indian tribes that had similar languages and cultures found in the Illinois area (thank you, Wikipedia).
Loca for Hoka!
I’m long past the age of buying something because it’s “in” and all of the “cool kids” have it. If I buy something, I had better love it. No more buying on a whim and then never wearing or using it. And sometimes, I admit, I will sacrifice style for comfort. (Gasp!) But! It does happen from time to time, that a product IS worth all of the hype and I become a walking/talking advertisement for my new love. The latest example? My running shoes!
A New Climbing Season: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
I’m long past the age of buying something because it’s “in” and all of the “cool kids” have it. If I buy something, I had better love it. No more buying on a whim and then never wearing or using it. And sometimes, I admit, I will sacrifice style for comfort. (Gasp!) But! It does happen from time to time, that a product IS worth all of the hype and I become a walking/talking advertisement for my new love. The latest example? My running shoes!
Stop and Smell the Roses
I love to go running on trails where I live, although it’s not easy to find places that aren’t covered in snow or ice during the winter and early springtime. Most of my favorite trails aren’t in good enough condition to run yet, but each day the level of the snow recedes a little bit more. Luckily, I found a fantastic new loop to run.
Why Snow in Spring is a Good Thing!
It can be a real shock to our body when we are enjoying warm weather one day and then we have snow the next day. We are looking for sunshine. We are looking for warmer temperatures AND we are excited about seeing flowers coming up.
The Trials and Tribulations of a Wannabe Snowboarder
I decided to try snowboarding because that’s what the cool kids were doing. I say “kids”, but my friends were mostly in their upper 20s. They had embraced snowboarding, whereas I was still trying to get used to skiing again. I gave in to peer pressure and decided I would at least try it.
Nature Versus Nurture
What shapes our personality, our behavior, and who we are? Psychologists have been asking these questions for many years and the debate is far from over.
The Platter Lift: Mission Impossible?
Bottom line, I had never experienced a platter lift before. Do you know what I’m talking about? It’s also called a button lift.
I Had Snow Up My Nose!
I grew up in the great state of Oklahoma, which is known for many things. Unfortunately, it isn’t known for snowshoeing. There is never enough snow to justify wearing snowshoes. Ever.
Cabin Fever!
I have cabin fever! It’s been snowing for days here in Briançon. We have between 50 and 60 centimeters of snow on the ground. I can’t run on my regular trails because there is just too much snow!
Is this difficult to understand? Go to the adapted version!
Today I decided that I’d run at a Nordic ski area not too far from here. Usually there are walking paths that have been groomed so it’s easier to run.
The skies were still a bit grey, but there was no wind. The temperature was perfect!
I forget how much harder it is to run in the snow. Even though the path was groomed, I often sank into the snow about 20-30 cm. A great workout!!!
Even though I ran 5+ km, I have to admit I spent a good amount of time taking pictures. 🙂 Today it was more important to enjoy being out in nature than breaking any personal records.
I’m glad I was able to get out today. I’m not sure what the weather will be like this week, hopefully I’ll be able to get out for another run. Happy trails!
Adapted Version
Cabin Fever!
In parenthesis () there are explanations of words and phrases. These explanations are in italics.
I have cabin fever! (I can’t stay inside. I need to go outdoors!) It’s been snowing for days here in Briançon. We have between 50 and 60 centimeters of snow on the ground (land). I can’t run on my regular trails because there is just too much snow!
Today I decided that I’d (I would) run at a Nordic ski area not too far from here. Usually there are walking paths that have been groomed (equipment was used to make the snow was flat and even) so it’s easier to run.
The skies were still a bit grey, but there was no wind. The temperature was perfect!
I forget how much harder it is to run in the snow. Even though the path was groomed, I often sank (fell down) into the snow about 20-30 cm. A great workout!!!
Even though (even if) I ran 5+ km, I have to admit (say) I spent (used) a good amount of time taking pictures. 🙂 Today it was more important to enjoy being out in nature than breaking (creating) any personal records.
I’m glad (happy) I was able to get out today. I’m not sure what the weather will be like this week, hopefully I’ll be able to get out for another run. Happy trails! (Be well!)
This blog was updated October 11, 2019 to include an adapted version of the text and an audio version.
