Had fun this weekend going cross country skiing for the first time since before the kids were born! (I’d probably been twice in my life before that.)
There’s a great set of trails in the next town over, and you can rent ski-sleds on harnesses that attach to your waist and pull your kids! It was much easier than I expected, because the trails were in great condition and the sleds just glided along behind us with very little effort.
The only tough part was going up a steep hill – I don’t have the technical skill to keep from sliding backwards down the hill when I have 31 pounds of toddler plus a sled strapped to my waist. No amount of advance speed or angled skis were going to make that one work. Greg and I both had to snap out of our skis and pull the boys up in our boots, then strap back in.
Other than that – it was perfect.
We took someone’s good advice and wore what we would to go running in the same weather, and it was perfect.
One of the best things about running is staying in decent enough shape to enjoy the outdoor activities ever season offers, and not be afraid to try something new. Kayaking in Maine, hiking in Massachusetts, biking through Paris, paddle-boarding in the Caribbean, cross country skiing near home… it’s all good.
The best part was being outside in the sunshine and feeling warm – it’s what I love about winter running, without worrying I was going to sprain an ankle on the icy sidewalks.
The kids had a good time too – and who wouldn’t in a wind-shielded sled with a cozy blanket gazing at the scenery and zooming down the hills!
I went cross-country skiing for the first time last weekend, and I loved it! I think it’s a great cross-over sport from running. But you’re right, those hills are hard! There’s no way I would have been able to pull the kiddo behind me in a sled going up a hill. Maybe not even on a flat…
Looks like you had a great time!
It was surprisingly easy on the flat – you’d be shocked! Very fun 🙂
Wow, gorgeous!!
Off topic, I ran a 5K this weekend and came in 2nd in my age group! I can cross that little nugget off my running bucket list (which is now empty).