2015 Exercise Log/Challenge

[Crankin]

Ha, ha, very funny. The walls of snow look a bit less daunting out here in the "country," as compared to the city, but still. My street is down to one lane and I cannot see to turn out of my driveway. Hoping some will melt down over the time I am away.
It is 45-50 degrees in the Methow Valley, WA, high 20s at night. It was hard to pack for this trip, as far as skiing goes. Around here, when it gets to those temperatures, you can't cross country ski, unless you get out at 6 AM! The snow is just too mushy. But, I packed short sleeve and sleeveless base layers and my 2 light weight jackets. Probably will forgo the long underwear, too, but I brought a light silk pair in case. My mid layer tops are either light fleece or running tops with a thermal inside. I'm going to be a ball of sweat.
Going to sleep. Will report in Sunday, after I do my first ski.

[Catrin]

Great workout this morning, even for us. My specific workout turned out to be 120 heavy cleans, 120 push presses, 4 minutes per hand longcycle, then 100 hand-2-hand grip work with the 20kg kb. This got my attention more than recent comp related workouts for some reason. He does something different with all of us as we have different needs. Bad weather here, so only 3 came to class, and if our coach had realized how bad the roads were he wouldn't have come as he lives over 20 miles away. He was late, but he made it. This meant that we got to work longer than usual and really focus.

[Crankin]

After we arrived in Seattle, we took the train into the city. We walked about 4 miles, up big hills I know some of the TE members ride up!
Had wine, coffee, and Italian food. Getting ready to eat breakfast and the. Meet our trip leader for the 5 hour drive to the Methow Valley.

[Catrin]

Looking forward to hearing about it Crankin!

I did an hours workout, including mobility work, at home with my kettlebell herd - mixed swings with pushups and goblet squats. Nothing too intense since we had our session yesterday. Often I will hit the gym for cardio work on Sundays but didn't feel like the 30 minute drive to get there.

[Crankin]

We got to our destination around 1:30 and were out skiing by 3. Since it was later than usual, and warmer, we experienced slick trails, near the inn. DH convinced me to go on a trail we shouldn't have... icy and full of pine needles. After some yelling and screaming and falls by each of us, I convinced him to turn back as it was 3:45. Our guide, who was giving a lesson to one of the other people, was worried about us, but she was gracious. We got "spunkier" skies and it was fast. Today we are getting a skate skiing lesson from a guy who is a friend of the leader. Hopefully, if I do ok in the lesson, I will use them for a flat 12k ski today, if not I'll just get the classic skis back.
This trip is laid back and perfect for me.

[Crankin]

Well, despite some very good instruction, I do not believe there will be skate skiing in my future. It's all technique and when done badly, exhausting! I think if I had not been classic skiing for almost 25 years, it might be easier. We got our classic skis back and did a 10k ski, along a river, with beautiful scenery. Ate lunch outside, no long underwear, short sleeved base layer, and a vest instead of a jacket. The bad side of this is the condition of the snow is pretty bad. But, I am enjoying it.

[Crankin]

Today we skied 13K in a different direction. Very pretty, slightly more rolling, surrounded by big mountains. Ate lunch at a shelter on the trail, but by this time, it had to have been 55 degrees out. I was skiing without a jacket or headband, just glove liners.
We drove to our new location after, at the other end of the valley. Much more upscale lodge and amenities here and near a funky small town. Obviously, the snow conditions are getting icy or slushy at these temps, so we may snow shoe tomorrow.