Training Log Archive: iansmith

For day two of our intrepid ski expedition, we descended upon Trapp's Family Lodge in Stowe. Conditions were frigid - in the single fahrenheit digits and breezy, but the snow quality was superior in Stowe compared with the more southern Blueberry Lake.

After renting skis, I set out with Keith, who was classic skiing. With the varying capabilities of our group, it was often impractical to ski with others or to coordinate trips, so we set rendezvous times and generally skied independently. I warmed up, ran into Brendan, Becky, Rob, Magnus, Sarah, Sarah (CT), and Madde, then set out to ascend the 40 year trail (renamed to Chris's or something). It was tricky; I am a skate novice. I ran into Brendan at the cabin at the top of the trail, and we stopped to warm up for a few minutes. We then descended the Haul trail, where we highly improbably skied past Ali at the short section of the trail where that was possible.

At lunch, I met up with Keith and wolfed down part of my sandwich before going to a skate skiing clinic. Apparently no other patrons had signed up, so I got a de facto private lesson with Robyn Anderson, whom I later learned has skied competitively against Alex and Ali as recently as January. The clinic was my first formal skate instruction - apparently, I have been getting around on a bastardized hybrid of V1 and V2-alt. Robyn was fantastic - she explained each of the styles and corrected flaws in my posture and technique. By the end of the session, I had improved much, and while I'm still a miserable skier, I have sufficient knowledge to know what to work on and what to practice. Evidently I have learned something from the company I keep (though it hasn't substantively impacted my execution); based on the questions I was asking and what knowledge I had, Robyn asked me if I was friends with some very good skiers. I find V2 to be the most challenging technique - my balance is rough enough that gliding long enough to have smooth arm motion is challenging. I better understand the rhythms of each of the styles and the mechanics. Apart from timing and placement of the various parts of the stroke, I need to work on balance on the skis, bringing my feet together before changing skis to maximize glide and power, centering my weight over each ski, and keeping my upperbody squared forward. Robyn though it odd that I lead V1 with my left arm even though I'm right handed; I suspect marching band experience may be contributing.

After Robyn departed, I skied several stretches of the trail, practicing what she had taught me, and thoroughly exhausted myself.

C • *very* good skiers? 2

I stopped for a tea break, then went out for a final loop before Keith and I departed (~ 3:15). Somehow, I misunderstood the map's depiction of the race courses - the 5 km or 7.5 km courses would have been fun. Despite my enthusiasm, however, I found a few hours of skiing exhausting. With better technique will likely come better endurance; I tend to burn myself out in the first hour of skate skiing flailing about. As we left, I ran into Daddy-O, who I was unaware was present. I left a tip for Robyn when I dropped off the skis; I should partake in formal instruction more often.

As part of Ali's Vermont Ski weekend, we went skiing at Blueberry Lake, a small facility near Warren, VT. Snow conditions were poor - even in northern Vermont, the snowfall has been sparing this winter. The trails were icy, and skiing with control was a struggle for me at times. The facility had a few skate skis, but they only had short skis available when I rented. Giovanni and Katia graciously let me use much longer extra skis that they had which were compatible with the rental boots.

After warming up on the trails east of the road, our group migrated to trails traversing a large, open field on the west side which was bigger and of generally superior snow quality. I stuck with Magnus for most of the day, though he is a better skier and I had difficulty keeping up.

We broke for lunch at around noon and rendezvoused with elements of the Connecticut contingent. After lunch, Magnus, Giovanni, Katia and I attacked the infamous "Trail 11" to the southwest, which, despite a tough climb, turned out to be mild. The climb was arduous enough (HR ~ 170) to discourage a repeat trip, so we returned to the field and made circuits until we were sated.

I had an impressive fall while descending a hill towards Rob and Becky. As I picked up speed, my parallel skis separated, and despite my efforts to bring them together, I did the splits, then rotated forward on the axis through my legs, resulting in a spectacular belly flop + faceplant and a turbulent, bouncy, graceless tumble into the snow. The pain was trivial compared to the magnificence of the visual spectacle. I fell several times on ice, though more often while walking in boots than while wearing skis. My elbows and backside took some punishment, but I was otherwise unhurt.

After skiing, we all retired to Chez Aligator for a scrumptuous dinner of lasagna, chili, and salad, a delicious dessert from Ali's Mom and the Italians, good camaraderie, and Taboo. Ross's and my relationship was used to successfully clue "bromance." Woo? Lacking Sam's other half, there were no renditions of Disney songs.

It turns out that it is unwise to take nyquil (acetominophen, dextromethorphan, doxylamine succinate) at 8 AM, unless you plan to immediately take a nap.

I felt a bit weak yesterday, so I eschewed training for thirty-six hours. Yesterday, there was moderate pain on the front medial lower surface of my right knee - a sensitivity to pressure, e.g. if I pushed on it with my fingers. That has subsided as of today; perhaps it was from box jumps? Odd that such a small number would have any discernible side effects, though perhaps my musculoskeletal system is noobtastic.

I have taken pseudoephedrine during the day and nyquil at night for about seven days, and my symptoms seem to be gradually abating. If I relapse, I'll consider seeing a doctor. I am filled with disappointment about my involuntary training break.

Log entry of the week

C • Get a Lyme test! 4

While I felt well enough to go to intervals today, I decided to skip it because I felt it prudent to get in some easy runs before resuming intensity after my little training break. After answering a question for Andrew, I departed in haste to grab a burrito from Felipe's; it turns out that it was unnecessary, as they are open until 2 AM on Thu-Sat.

My plan was to go on a gentle, easy cruise around Cambridge, with a target time of about 50 minutes. I ran somewhat faster than I planned. I think that the type of running with the highest marginal benefit for me right now is easy base. Conditions were pleasant: 4 C and clear; I ran comfortably in SSL top, tights, and gloves. My GPS track took a fun hiccough on km 3; I ran southwest on Landsdowne St before turning southeast on Pacific.

Legs felt good, and my throat felt ok. I stuck to 3/3 breathing for most of my excursion.

Core Strength minisession. One minute each of:
Tuckups; kayakers (ow); plank; oblique crunches (elbow-to-knee); leg lifts.

Sluggish, sick, and cold. My illness hasn't completely passed - I awoke with congestion and an irritated throat. The temperature was -5 C, and I ran in SSL top, tights, and gloves.

C • Stop running! 1

Today's strength minisession was aided by the discovery of a ~50 cm concrete step in front of my apartment building. I have found a place to do box jumps.
- 25 box jumps
2 sets of {10 lunges, each side; 10 one-legged calf raises, each side; 10 squats, body weight}

I seem to be healthy again - apart from infrequent coughing and some minor congestion. Most importantly, the general malaise and head pain have dissipated, and I shall resume training conditioned on my symptoms not worsening.