2015 Exercise Log/Challenge

[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.

[Crankin]

The trails at the other end of the valley are more challenging, but the conditions were crazy icy. The hotel is awesome, though. We got out right at 9 and skied until 11 or so. Lots of climbing and descending, most of it the skating lane as the tracks were just trashed by pine needles, ice, or slush. It was a great workout.
Just came back from a massage, where she unlocked my SI joint and worked on my shoulders, as well as all of my other issues. It was great.

[Catrin]

Had a good group session last night, more conditioning work. I've found a used 16kg KB to add to my home KB herd for half the cost of a new one, so my herd is growing. This is for fitness/conditioning exercises, NOT for sport lifting. With my shoulders as they are I am not even slightly tempted to attempt to put it over my head. I like having arms and shoulders that actually work...

Sounds like fun Cranking, glad you found a good sports massage!