Fall Seven Times

I grew up skiing downhill and then took up classic cross-country skiing as an adult because I couldn’t stand waiting in lift lineups anymore. Just after Christmas, I got talked into trying skate-skiing. I’ll admit, I was nervous. It turns out you can teach an old dog new tricks, though that old dog might fall down a few times (a few, ha) before they catch on.

Skate-skiing is fun. It’s also hard work. But it’s great cross-training for triathletes (because why be only okay at three sports, when you can be truly crappy at four?). Not only do you get a good cardiovascular workout, but you’re also forced to use your core, as well as working on your balance and challenging muscles that might otherwise get ignored. All of that translates into injury prevention and greater overall fitness.

Cross-country skiing also gives you a break from the impact of running which can be hard on the body.

I’ve been struggling with an Achilles issue for months, and cross-country skiing might be the ideal way for me to strengthen those weakling muscles that are causing so much trouble down the chain.

The Japanese proverb is, “Fall seven times, stand up eight.” I stood up on the eighth time because I wanted the hot chocolate at the lodge. What can I say? Given the right motivation, anyone can do anything.