Friday, February 12, 2010

Going Downhill

So…confession time.  I did not swim on Wednesday.  I was mentally prepped to go, but then I started to feel guilty.  My folks left earlier this week and so now Finlay is on his own all day, plus I have to rush off to workouts at night.  I opted to hang out with the puppster and figure out another day that I could swim.

Thursday was one amazing day!  It was 3C and sunny out.  It felt like spring!  I hit the pathways around downtown for a run over lunch.  I have to say, I felt overdressed in capris, a short sleeve and a long sleeve tech shirt.  I should have just opted for the long sleeve shirt.  I went out for 40 minutes and the run went not too badly.  I had a little bit of discomfort in the right shin…one of the tell tale signs that my shoes are nearing retirement.  These Asics Kayano 15s have 330 miles on them and I have had them for awhile.  They took me through Great White North and Lake Stevens 70.3 so we’ve had some good memories.  So…probably time for them to retire.  One other thing…those lululemon Run Swiftly shirts that I’ve been raving about with the silver in them?  I wore my Police Half marathon shirt and another short sleeve shirt instead.  Ahem…they sure were stinky!  My apologies to everyone in my elevator as I went back upstairs to my office!

Thursday evening it was back to Canada Olympic Park for my second cross country ski lesson.  We spent A LOT of time on the bunny slope practicing getting comfortable with going downhill and learning how to turn.  Who knew there was so much downhill in XC skiing?  I thought XC skiing was supposed to be relatively flat? ;)  The good thing about practicing all of that downhill was the opportunity to keep going uphill.  One of the ways to get uphill is to jog up with your skis, which is a great workout!  My turning is still pretty awful, but I am definitely getting more comfortable with going downhill.  I only wiped out once!!  Although I did land on that same right hip again..ow!

So…I’m seriously thinking about picking up some XC ski equipment at some point if I can get a good deal on it.  For those of you who may know those sort of things…when is the best time of year to pick up XC ski equipment on sale?  If you live in Calgary do you have any suggestions on where to go?  I know MEC sells equipment, I’m just wondering where else.  Thanks!!!!

Happy Friday!!  Can you believe the Olympics in Vancouver start today? 

9 comments:

Lily on the Road said...

Right now there should be sales starting as most placing are ramping up for the cycling season. As mentioned, look into Madshus. I got ski's, boots and poles (but they were new), try to get new not used.

If you come out east we will ski the Gatineau's, you'll be VERY glad that you learned how to ski on hills...up & down! Last week I went to watch my friend take his xc ski lesson and they were playing soccer while wearing one ski, they then switched feet and then played with both ski's on. Now that was a riot!!

TNTcoach Ken said...

Good luck with that skiing thing! I'll watch the Opening ceremonies and that will probably be it for me.

kristen said...

Doesn't the U of C often host a gear sale?

And stop tormenting me with how great the run swiftly is!!! It isn't in the budget right now :(

Marlene said...

I'm so jealous of the weather. We're stuck in a cold snap and it's no fun!

Glad to hear things are going so well with you XC lessons!

teacherwoman said...

Happy Friday to you too! :)

Sure wish it would warm up around here. However, I am afraid of what the warmth will bring.

Alisa said...

It is hard to balance training, a dog and for me a husband too.

I always feel guilty if Zoey gets stuck at home alone for too long. I've definitely skipped workouts in favor of spending time with her.

Judi said...

i loved skiing. it's so hard though!

Badgergirl said...

I've always wanted to try cross country skiing. Glad to hear you're enjoying it so much!

Lindsay said...

why is it warmer in canada than kentucky? not fair!! i get excited when it's over 20* farenheit... haha.

xc skiing - with the olympics on now i'm wondering if i should take that up so i can be an olympian! you can be my coach :)