60 Before 60 Project: #14 - Go Cross Country Skiing

Where I live, we get a lot of cold and snowy weather during the winter.

Sure it’s pretty. There is nothing more beautiful than waking up to the quiet hush and seeing the trees wrapped in a white blanket of fresh fallen snow. Especially around Christmas time – it can seem like the perfect Christmas card photo.

But then comes January and February. During these months I typically find myself just complaining about the weather and asking out loud why we decided to live where we live. I then tend to hibernate and only go out when I absolutely have to.

In talking with some friends (okay, probably complaining), they told me that I’m not embracing the weather this time of year. I needed to find some activities that celebrated the cold and the snow rather than fight with the weather.

So I decided to go cross country skiing.

The last time I went was probably over 25 years ago. I think I even still have my cross country skis in the rafters of my garage. But for this occasion, my husband and I decided that rather than risk injury on some old skis we would rent them.

It turns out that there are 5 cross country ski trails only a 20 minute drive away from where we live. So I booked the rentals and off we went.

The day we decided to go the weather wasn’t too cold. Following the advice I found from google, I dressed in layers of clothing. A long sleeve shirt, a sweater and a jacket on top coupled with winter tights and yoga pants on the bottom. A winter hat and gloves and warm socks completed my ensemble.

When we arrived at the rental chalet, I noticed that the equipment had changed quite a bit from 25 years ago. For one thing, the ski boots were now insulated which made them much warmer to wear. The bindings on the skis were also much easier to get in and out of.

We were now dressed, had the equipment and ready to hit the trails.

First of all, I forgot what a workout cross country skiing is. I had envisioned sliding gracefully across the snow but it was not quite like that for me. I had to really work at it. Thank goodness I had started running again as I don’t think I could have gone nearly as far as I did if I hadn’t.

What I also found fun was how going down a little hill seemed like a big deal on cross country skis. Fortunately, no sprains or broken bones to report.

It was really pretty though. Being in the trails all by yourself with the snow and the trees surrounding gave me a sort of Zen like feeling. As I stopped and just listened to my breath and looked around me, I could see how you might start to appreciate the snow and cold weather.

We completed the trail and went back to the chalet to return the equipment.

The picture above was taken after I finished skiing. I found it was a workout but also gave me a sense of accomplishment in rediscovering a long lost interest.

I think I’ll try to go back a couple more times this season and if it’s something I think I’ll continue with possibly invest in some updated equipment for next year.

My 60 Before 60 Lesson: Embrace the conditions you live in rather than waiting for better days ahead

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