What possesses people to do out of the ordinary things? What possesses people to do insane things? I asked myself these two questions as Mike and I were cross country skiing this afternoon at 20 below zero. The only conclusion that came to mind was this. Mike and I are extremely unordinary and most likely very much out of our minds.
Nevertheless, Mike and I rented cross country (XC) skis with the intention of two things. First, we wanted to try something new. And, second, we wanted to attempt to get some form of exercise. Well, folks, we achieved both!
While wanting to try something new may seem like a simple intention, the art or skill of XC skiing is not simple. Just ask Mike. First let me preface with this. When Mike tries something new, he goes at it with gusto! There’s none of this, “Let’s ease into it and take it slow and easy.” No, sireee! Mike gives it 110% and jumps in with both feet hoping that the water is not too shallow. However, he will tell you that after his sixth fall, it is much harder than it looks.
With me, I tend to take a much more cautious approach. After popping my boots into the bindings, I said to myself, “Okay. Don’t expect much out of yourself. If you fall, you fall. Just one baby stride after another. Don’t go too fast. If you can keep a turtle’s pace, then you’re doing good.”
Well, my little conversation with myself worked just fine for me. I was not the fastest person on the trail, nor did I have the best form. In fact, I think my form was pretty lousy. However, I did not fall. I kept both skis firmly planted on the ground and my rear end off the ground.
While Mike did fall six times, (hey, who’s counting?), he was much faster than me. His form looked good as he took long strides. He was able to get around pretty good.
Overall, XC skiing was a blast and we got a very good workout! Even at 20 below zero, you’re heart rate gets going, your hair freezes and as I found out, even your sweat freezes. We will definitely be doing this sport again. If we decide to try out for the U.S. Olympic XC Team, I will let you know.
Nevertheless, Mike and I rented cross country (XC) skis with the intention of two things. First, we wanted to try something new. And, second, we wanted to attempt to get some form of exercise. Well, folks, we achieved both!
While wanting to try something new may seem like a simple intention, the art or skill of XC skiing is not simple. Just ask Mike. First let me preface with this. When Mike tries something new, he goes at it with gusto! There’s none of this, “Let’s ease into it and take it slow and easy.” No, sireee! Mike gives it 110% and jumps in with both feet hoping that the water is not too shallow. However, he will tell you that after his sixth fall, it is much harder than it looks.
With me, I tend to take a much more cautious approach. After popping my boots into the bindings, I said to myself, “Okay. Don’t expect much out of yourself. If you fall, you fall. Just one baby stride after another. Don’t go too fast. If you can keep a turtle’s pace, then you’re doing good.”
Well, my little conversation with myself worked just fine for me. I was not the fastest person on the trail, nor did I have the best form. In fact, I think my form was pretty lousy. However, I did not fall. I kept both skis firmly planted on the ground and my rear end off the ground.
While Mike did fall six times, (hey, who’s counting?), he was much faster than me. His form looked good as he took long strides. He was able to get around pretty good.
Overall, XC skiing was a blast and we got a very good workout! Even at 20 below zero, you’re heart rate gets going, your hair freezes and as I found out, even your sweat freezes. We will definitely be doing this sport again. If we decide to try out for the U.S. Olympic XC Team, I will let you know.
Kristie skis though the deep snow.
Even at 2:00 p.m., the moon is already shining.
Kristie skis across Smith Lake, which is obviously frozen solid.
At 2:30 p.m., the sun is dipping below the horizon.
Kristie takes baby steps or strides.
Alaska is one of the most beautiful places in the world!
At 20 below zero, everything freezes, even sweat!
See, I told you it was 20 below zero.
Taken from UAF, where we were skiing,the Alaska Range is looking great.
The sun filters through the clouds over the Alaska Range.
Two mountain peaks from the Alaska Range.
This bull moose was not too far from our house
The sun filters through the clouds over the Alaska Range.
Two mountain peaks from the Alaska Range.
This bull moose was not too far from our houseas we were heading out to go skiing.
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