When “the boys” suggested we go for a little day tour in the “slack country” I said, “heck yes!” Despite being a bit out of shape and having let my ski legs mellow for a few weeks, I figured that “short” day in the “slack country” would be just what the doctor ordered… the sunshine and fresh snow did not hurt my decision making either…
There is nothing like learning lessons the hard way, as I was well reminded as the day progressed.
Problem #1 – I can’t drink tea fast enough to hydrate myself. It was sunny and beautiful, meaning that I was quickly acquiring a burn-tan and also sweating up a storm in my black thermal top. My boyfriend packed me a huge thermos full of tea, which I was trying to drink, but those little thermos cap-cups and the hot liquid was not going in fast enough. I had a splitting headache by the end of our … 6 hour… outing. Next time – I’m packing my own drinks and they’re going to be luke-warm at best… warm enough not to freeze, at least.
Problem #2 – I didn’t eat enough. There’s nothing like a little bonk to remind you about blood sugar levels. I tend to get really “hangry” so the last climb was a bit of a suffer for me, especially with my boyfriend asking if I was OK and then trying to be super-perky to make me smile. Oh, if looks could kill! Next time I’m going to pack a few more gels and energy chews so I can get a quick pick-me-up when the time is right. The granola bars and fig newtons don’t have quite the same instant effect.
Problem #3 – I was the weak link. Oh man, it’s hard to be the anchor when you’re with a bunch of shredders! I was skiing with two super fit guys and a girl who’s a sponsored pro skier. Yeah… maybe a little out of my league. I could ski all of the lines, but not with the speed, style and grace that they had. That left me feeling a little humbled and guilty for holding them back. There is not much I can put in my pack to fix that problem, but I will spend a few more days on the boards, working on specific skills, that should help me in the future.
Winter is nearly over now and I’m looking forward to getting my Wave Sayonara’s out for a rip on the roads and trails in short order. It’s been a long winter and I’ve been saving up one fresh pair especially for the spring. I’ve also started doing my “butt busters” to ensure my glutes are active and ready and my yoga to make sure that my body can handle the abuse. It’s going to be a big summer with lots of great trails to bag here in the Rockies!
Magi Scallion
MBA, B.Comm H (Queen’s University)