When I was a kid, Jeane-Claude Killy was the icon of alpine skiing. I’m not sure if it was his handsome physic, the allure of his French accent or the 3 Olympic gold medals he won at the 1968 Winter Olympics that made women around the world swoon and made his name synonymous with skiing.

As I scheduled my first cross country ski lesson, I remembered the Jeane-Claude of my childhood and joked with coworkers that he would be my private instructor. It didn’t matter that the Frenchman was not known for XC skiing. I remembered Jeane-Claude Killy from the grainy black and white pictures on our family’s first TV and in my mind that qualified him for the job of teaching me. What I didn’t realize was that I would find an instructor more qualified than Jeane-Claude to teach me my new winter sport. He wasn’t a dashing 20 something Frenchman but rather a retired school teacher and Nordic ski coach named Thomas.

Thomas was the perfect instructor.  He was patient, he was motivating and most important he was inspiring. Thomas and I spent our first hour of the lesson covering the basics. He taught me how to fall. Then he taught me how to turn, how to glide and then how to stop. I even learned how to use my poles.  Just when I thought I would make it through the session without hugging any of the local trees Thomas taught me two techniques for climbing hills.

The first technique involved running up an icy hill using short choppy strides and your poles to prevent you from sliding backwards. Then we went over something called “the herringbone which uses the edges of your skis pointed outward to scale the hill. Both methods are grueling and I thought for sure Thomas would need to call 911 to get me oxygen before we finished. Then I realized something. Thomas was about the same age as 61 year old Jeane-Claude Killy and Thomas wasn’t breathing heavy Thomas wasn’t perspiring … Thomas was inspiring. He made me realize that I can stay fit well into my 60’s. Thomas also made me realize that before I can maintain that  fitness level I have to get there and begin to condition  my body.

That day I went home and signed up for 2 additional XC ski lessons. I also went back to the trail last night after work and practiced for an hour. I was proud of my improvement and even more proud that my friend noticed how far I’d come. My next lesson is Sat. I can hardly wait to see what I learn then! Â

CindyLou

Tree hugging took on a new meaning when I tried XC Skiing for the first time.  I was thankful for the tree-lined ridge that separated me from the icy waters of Hyland Lake.  And when I read the sign saying “Caution: Thin Ice” …. I clung to those trees a little tighter. 

 

The book I read on XC skiing didn’t cover what to do when you’re climbing a hill and you start sliding backwards….out of control.  I always thought that herringbone was a classic pattern mostly used on merino wool.  By the end of the day I learned a new kind of herringbone to stay out of the trees.  I had to for survival.

 

At the end of my hour and a half outing I was still smiling.  According to the map I had survived 2 miles of what was classified as a “more difficult” trail.  Sure it was “more difficult” than I wished it were when I was clinging to the trees. That difficulty enhanced the thrill of going down the hills where I could test my snow plow talents. Yesterday I learned how to traverse a hill. My form wasn’t pretty but I sure had fun.    It’s a great workout and a great way to spend a Sat afternoon.

 

CindyLou