Back in November I decided this would be the winter I really paid attention to cross-country skiing, and got confident at it. I got friendly with the XC ski coach at the college and started doing workouts in that team's special room. I set as my goal a 25K tour on March 4th, figuring there would be plenty of time to practice up for it. And I kept planning to do lots of skiing as soon as there was snow.
But there's been no snow. I've gone skiing exactly once, a six mile solo backcountry adventure that would have been better attempted on snowshoes. It was pleasantly tiring but not impossible. Instead of skiing I've been running and walking and doing yoga and lifting weights. I'm happy with the shape I'm in, generally, although I'm not yet close to as buff as I'd like to be this summer. Still, I'm not feeling exactly prepared to ski 25K.
I need to register today if I'm going to do it. It seems absurd and inconvenient -- it's 3 hours away, on my only free day, and I'll be flying to Montana the next day. I haven't trained at all. I won't get to ski before then. I'll be doing it alone, on crappy no-wax skis and poles that are too long. I am a clumsy skiier at best, prone to falling over on flat surfaces, and without much of a clue how to climb or descend hills. It will be cold and unpleasant; I will ache. I haven't been exercising outside for long periods of time much this winter, and I won't be confident about how to dress for it. I don't even have any idea how long it will take. Conditions are pretty crappy -- they have a base of only 4" to 10". There seem to be pretty valid reasons not to do it this year. My sincere intentions were foiled by the weather. Next year can be my year for cross country skiing.
And yet, and yet. I said I was going to do it, way back in November, and I haven't let go of it as a goal. I can do it. I'm sure I can. I'm sure it won't be fun, but it won't be terrible. I'll feel like an excuse-making wuss if I don't do it. I will feel proud of myself if I do it. I think I have to do it. The cross country ski coach will razz me if I don't do it. And I'll be disappointed with myself. Sigh. I'm going to sign up right now.
I was going to ask you about this in the next "All Requests." Please keep us posted (so to speak)as to what you do.
Posted by: bill | February 28, 2006 at 12:58 PM
Don't sign up. Do something equally challenging instead. Your reasons for not doing it are sound, and I am not letting you off the hook. You may end up hurting yourself if not properly prepared. Reserve that time for a 25 mile hike instead!
D
Posted by: DM | February 28, 2006 at 02:33 PM
I completely agree with DM! Don't do it. Sometimes the timing just isn't right. I had a similar situation crop up this week, a class I want to take but would miss part of due to being out of town. Upon reflection, I realized I'm still not ready, and the travel--which I could postpone if I wanted to--will actually be wonderful for me. Maybe the snow situation is saying the same for you right now. There will still be time. Relax.
Posted by: Kelly | February 28, 2006 at 05:21 PM
My philosophy on major physical challenges like this is that you make the commitment to do the training and then actually entering in the event is your reward for fulfilling that commitment to do the training.
Sounds like you want to make it the punishment for NOT doing the training?
Posted by: Tillerman | February 28, 2006 at 10:29 PM
You know what would be really good training for this? A 15-mile hike up a mountain tomorrow. Call me before 4:30 a.m. if you're in...
Posted by: turboglacier | February 28, 2006 at 11:01 PM
It won't be fun, don't do it. Yes, you had good intentions. But, this isn't the time for this activity. Do it next year when you can get more skiing in before hand. You're only setting yourself up for disappointment, pain, and frustration.
Posted by: | March 01, 2006 at 09:22 AM
Tillerman makes a good point. Make a decision in your head and then see how you feel the next day about it. More stressed? Or less? That should be your barometer.
Posted by: Philip | March 01, 2006 at 12:34 PM
how come the last comment written here, was written by philip on march 1, 2006? i accidently found your blog...lets see if i can remember what i was researching...it was so long ago! i got lost reading your mini-diaries and was curious to find out if you ever did the marathon, got married, or dated that aerobics instructor! since i cant remember how i found your site, id just like to tell you that i found it so enjoyable. it reads like a good book that you cant put down.....but i must, as its almost 230 am!~and three years after the last post! mostly, i wish you the best of luck in whatever you set out to accomplish and a lifetime of love, happiness and good health. gina
Posted by: gina crimmins | April 28, 2009 at 02:27 AM