Thursday, January 28, 2010

To Ski or Not to Ski

When I started running a couple years ago part of me was seduced by my friend's description of bliss. You know... runner's high... when your running settles into it's perfect steady rhythm and you feel like you could run forever...you know? Not me. Running is never bliss for me, I enjoy it and even like it some days but I never seem to be pounding down the trail because I can't think of a place I would rather be. So two years ago I got a road bike and THAT has been fun, then this winter I did the craziest thing and bought a Sundance Ski pass. I've been skiing a total of maybe 5 or 6 times in my life, but with Brin in first grade this year I decided it was time to ski. My first day, I remember sitting on the lift as we started up for the second time and thinking what have I done? I have to come back here again and this is hard and embarrassing and I'm not sure I can or want to do it again. But I went back the next week and the next and the next. Then came Tuesday this week, I woke up again with that knot of anxiety in my stomach. As we turned out of the main part of Provo Canyon to head up to Sundance the police were checking for 4-wheel drive or chains because the roads were barely cleared and I thought to myself that I was in for a record short day of skiing because of bad weather. I announced to my friend on the lift that I was ready for the back side of the mountain today, one run down the front and then we'd tackle the back because I might as well face this unrational fear. The powder was deep as we started down and suddenly I was having fun, not just a good time but a grinning good time as I made my way down the hill. It was hard, and still just as steep but suddenly I was having fun! The feeling lasted all day, we skiied until I could hardly stand and I still just felt elated. It's going to be hard to get going again next week, but I've had skiing bliss and I can't wait to feel that again.

To ski or not to ski with Grandma at Solitude...Sadie:to ski, Em:still deciding...

6 comments:

Becki said...

that is awesome. i'm glad you had one of those great days! i've only been skiing a few times too, and i still dread it everytime!

bebe said...

I wish I could go with you! I've had a few of those amazing days on by snowboard... I'm afraid I'm getting to old to feel it anymore... I should try anyway! :)

Anonymous said...

The last time that Neil and I went skiing with you I thought you had a natural knack for it. You mean you've only been 5-6 times since then? Wow! You've obviously been enjoying the water skiing far more.

It does sound fun...I don't make it skiing too much anymore here in the Eng-Land.

Kati said...

i def still dread it too. todd is a snow skier and he has vowed to take me...(against my will) but it is hard and scary for me...

Jenn said...

Okay, Jenn...I'm getting a road bike this year and going with you - then maybe I'll dare take up the skiing thing too. You are inspiring to me! (However, I don't think I'll ever jump on board with the running - just NOT me!)

Megan said...

How fun! Living in UT all my life I never got good at skiing. Only went probably a handful of times. Our family did more water sports. I know it would be fun and get back on those slopes and have fun with it. How fun you get to do it with your daughter too. Hope you are doing great. sure loved seeing you at New Years. Thanks for everything. Oh, and I'm pregnant! :)