Short Post, Sore Arm
As we left for skiing yesterday I told Gerry, "I'm scared, but not nervous - I know I'll be okay, but I'm also aware of what might go wrong..."
So I have one more day of skiing lessons next Sunday. I'm not loving it. I'm not hating, it, either - and I feel as if I'd REALLY be into it without the dual worries of Gerry falling and me hurting myself so badly I can't do my work.
This past week was a slow work week, I got less than half as much done as I wanted because of the pain in my shoulder. So yesterday when I did a few runs down the bunny hill (stopping each time - bravo me!) but then lost control and fell, I knew in my heart that the most prudent route would be to walk away from the lesson 20 minutes early and live to knit on Monday.
The instructor was great about it, "You've worked VERY hard today..." so with that sanction I returned to the picnic tables and enjoyed the sun while Gerry and Max skiied.
Gerry's still on the bunny hill, but he's got a lot more control than I do. He said that he never really felt the frightening 'out of control' feeling he's felt in the past when he stood on a skateboard.
I think his reduced height (6" in 2 years) and his lighter weight both helped his mass not outperform his muscle. And I also think the Wii's been helping his strength and balance.
But my problem seems to be that my height + weight together give me so much mass that I just don't have the muscle to control my trajectory.
So although I'm not saying "Goodbye, forever!" to skiing (next year I am DEFINITELY going to attempt cross country at Como), I think I've come to terms with the fact that I'm more of a snow-tuber than a downhill-skiier.
Or, as I like to think of it, I'm a "Snow Potato"
Downhill Farewell
Skiing may not be for me
(at least I didn't hit a tree...)
Controlling speed is hard to master,
I speak from personal disaster.
The longer skiis made the challenge easier,
but with each run I got much queasier.
And yet my shoulder aches and creaks,
But not as much as it did last week!
In the end I chose to walk away
so I could knit another day.
(at least I didn't hit a tree...)
Controlling speed is hard to master,
I speak from personal disaster.
The longer skiis made the challenge easier,
but with each run I got much queasier.
And yet my shoulder aches and creaks,
But not as much as it did last week!
In the end I chose to walk away
so I could knit another day.
So I have one more day of skiing lessons next Sunday. I'm not loving it. I'm not hating, it, either - and I feel as if I'd REALLY be into it without the dual worries of Gerry falling and me hurting myself so badly I can't do my work.
This past week was a slow work week, I got less than half as much done as I wanted because of the pain in my shoulder. So yesterday when I did a few runs down the bunny hill (stopping each time - bravo me!) but then lost control and fell, I knew in my heart that the most prudent route would be to walk away from the lesson 20 minutes early and live to knit on Monday.
The instructor was great about it, "You've worked VERY hard today..." so with that sanction I returned to the picnic tables and enjoyed the sun while Gerry and Max skiied.
Gerry's still on the bunny hill, but he's got a lot more control than I do. He said that he never really felt the frightening 'out of control' feeling he's felt in the past when he stood on a skateboard.
I think his reduced height (6" in 2 years) and his lighter weight both helped his mass not outperform his muscle. And I also think the Wii's been helping his strength and balance.
But my problem seems to be that my height + weight together give me so much mass that I just don't have the muscle to control my trajectory.
So although I'm not saying "Goodbye, forever!" to skiing (next year I am DEFINITELY going to attempt cross country at Como), I think I've come to terms with the fact that I'm more of a snow-tuber than a downhill-skiier.
Or, as I like to think of it, I'm a "Snow Potato"
Labels: downhill skiing
Feed me, baby!
8 Comments:
You are just rich! Snow potato! I laughed out loud when I read that phrase.
I think you are very enjoyable. If you ever have auditions for new friends, let me know. I'd love to apply.
Yes, try cross country! It's not without its challenges, but I find it a wonderful way to be outdoors in the winter, get excellent exercise, and not be utterly terrified every second I'm doing it. Glad your knitting arms/shoulders haven't been too done in by the downhill!
Hmmm... I hadn't thought of that mass versus inertia concept before. And it would explain my own difficulties with skiing as well... lots of mass + not much muscle = sit down a lot. Sit down HARD a lot.
Eh... sometimes it's better to admit an unsuitable fit you know? Cross country... now that's a ski of a different color!
I like cross country better than downhill, and it's a great workout. But there is still the control issue any time you are going downhill on xc skis too. And I don't know about the newer style skis but my xc skis are MUCH longer than downhill ones.
Try the LLB Winter Walker snowshoes. I can't say enough wonderful things about them. I use my old ski poles, and haven't fallen down ONCE. Speed was always my fear with skiing (falling too). Thanks for the Snow Potato image!
I admire your spirit! Try snowshoes....you get to look around, enjoy the woods, and if you can walk, you can snowshoe!
I'm impressed with you even giving skiing a try! I live very close to a major ski hill and I just admire it from afar. I don't even qualify as a snow potato!
Gee whiz, take care of your shoulder, I hope whatever is inflamed gets better soon. You are like a violinist or pianist - knitting is a sport unto itself. Snow shoes or cross country (with no hills) is like a walk to look at things and talk and laugh out in the snow. Take care.
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