Lessons About Running Learned on the Slopes
| January 23, 2013 | Posted by Lauren under Running |
I know, I know…it sounds weird, but just go with me on this one.
If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, you’ll noticed that I’ve been doing a bit a lot of skiing this winter. In fact, you may get the impression that I’ve been strapping on my skis more often than I’ve been lacing up my running shoes these days (sort of true…).
My super fancy seasonal rentals
But in my defense, it’s good cross training.
Also winter in Vermont goes until like April or something…and I’ve got to find a way to keep myself from hating every single minute of it.
Anyway, I digress. I know you aren’t here at Health on the run to read about skiing. Particularly from someone who is a mediocre skier at best. But, I promise this connects to running. Because my time on the slopes (although fun) has reinforced certain lessons about running…and has given me an even greater appreciation for my one true love.
So here are 5 quick lessons about running I’ve learned on the slopes…and, ultimately, why I’m not ready to hang up my running shoes just yet.
1.) It’s never too cold.
Last week Evan turned the big 3-0. To celebrate, we spent the whole day skiing…despite the fact that the high for the day would only reach a blazing 9 degrees. The temperature at the top of the mountain, along with the windchill, was well below zero. We were cold. We had to take more breaks than usual to keep ourselves from turning into icicles. It was not the ideal day for flying down a mountain. But there was never any question about whether we’d still go. We bundled up in extra layers, purchased hand and feet warmers and just…sucked it up.
The funny thing is that I don’t always have that mentality about running through the winter. Maybe because I can’t exactly run in a winter coat and snow pants. Or maybe because it’s harder to take little breaks to warm up — and running when you’re frozen is just so uncomfortable. But last Friday I came to the obvious realization that I was being a little silly when it came to running outside in the cold. How could I not even think twice about going skiing in negative temperatures but yet balk at the thought of running when it’s in the teens?
Now I’m not advocating for running outside every day and in all conditions. Today “feels like” -8 with the windchill, which means I’ll probably be retreating to the treadmill this afternoon. But I can tell you that I’ve stopped being so much of a baby about running outside in this weather, and will think twice now before I claim that it’s simply too cold.
2.) Strength training will make you faster.
Yeah, I know you know this already. It’s not rocket science. But it’s so easy to push strength training to the side in favor of more miles. Even though it’s those strength exercises that can help improve your body’s ability to handle the extra miles.
When we first started skiing this winter, my legs could barely take it. I always thought that I have pretty strong quad muscles, but skiing engaged them in a different way than running does and a few hours on the slopes would leave them burning. However, I’ve been working hard(er than usual, anyway) at strength training lately, and as the weeks go by I can feel myself getting stronger and, as a result, faster.
I know this will translate into my running as well (especially since skiing, in a way, is excellent strength training). I don’t always see the results so quickly and clearly on runs as I do with skiing, but I’m learning to be patient and trust that the improvements will come.
3.) Running shoes are the most comfortable footwear.
Sure, sometimes I get blisters and I usually can’t wait to get my sneakers off my feet the second I cross the finish line of a marathon, but have you ever spent an entire day in ski boots? Those things are the worst.
4.) Speed is awesome, but make sure to take time to enjoy the view.
I love skiing fast (a relative term). There’s no greater thrill than flying down a mountain with the wind in your face and nothing but an open slope ahead. It’s so incredibly freeing. But if I did that every single time, I’d miss the beauty that’s around me at every turn. Standing at the top of the mountain and looking out for miles is something that often takes my breath away…especially around these parts.
The same goes for running. Running fast is hard, of course, but it also feels amazing. I crave those runs where the speed comes effortlessly. When my feet seem to be floating on air and I keep pushing forward…faster and faster. Those runs when I feel like I’m flying — those are the runs I live for.
But I’m also growing to appreciate the slow days. The easy jogs that allow me to truly take in the beauty around me. I sometimes take it for granted that I live in such a beautiful place. The runs are hard and hilly, but the views are astounding. I’d miss out if I my only goal was to run as fast as humanly possible every time I’m out.
5.) Runners are the nicest people you’ll ever meet.
This is a lesson that I’ve learned time and time again. From my early days on the cross country and track teams in high school to all the runners I’ve met at races around the country to the friends I’ve made as a result of this blog. In my experience, most runners are genuinely wonderful people. It’s one of the truly awesome things about this sport.
Skiers – well, they’re a completely different story. (Mind you, I say this as a skier myself.) Shared gondola rides up the slopes are filled with conversations about how great/expensive a person’s gear is, or their winter homes and extravagant ski vacations. Being a somewhat poor 20-something with no vacation home, living in a rental house, skiing with a discount pass on cheap rental gear — I don’t exactly have much to add to the conversation.
Don’t get me wrong, runners love their gear. But conversations revolve more around the function of that gear rather than the price. And most times, there’s a sense of community among runners — we talk about goals, training techniques, great races we’ve done, why we love running so very much.
Runners constantly strive to improve. To better themselves. {sometimes it seems as though} Skiers just strive to get the best stuff.
So I may love skiing. It may get me through the winter as a fun cross training activity I can share with my husband. But I’m a runner at heart. And that’s the way I like it.
I’ve always been petrified of downhill skiing, though I used to occasionally XC ski where I was just embarrassed because quite simply: I am very bad at it.
But I’ve been watching your instagram account and it all looks so pretty….
AR´s last post ..Fuck. Where do I start…? EDITED: DIAGNOSIS!
I’m the opposite…or really, I’m scared by how hard cross country skiing must be. I’ve thought trying it this winter because there are tons of trails right by my house (it’s huge around here), but then I go downhill skiing and have to skate on the flat sections and realize…that’s way too hard to be any fun.
More importantly – you are on Instagram!?
What a great post! I can totally see how skiing will help improve your running and how you can take lessons from it. Being from Texas I really don’t ski much (maybe 4 times in my whole life) but it interests me and it’s something I would like to be good at. And Vermont looks absolutely beautiful, you are so lucky to have such amazing views around you!
Lauren @ The Unlikely Runners´s last post ..The One With Some Things Worth Noting
I’ve got a love-hate relationship with skiing. I LOVE the mountains and the whole ski-thing (I learned to ski in Europe where skiing is also about eating, drinking and playing on the slope). I kind of loved skiing…until I broke my leg doing so and now I kind of hate it, but desperately want to love it again.
I laughed at your comment about ski boots and the agony of taking them off. That was the thing I was most freaked out about when I broke my leg – how would they get my ski-boot off. One word…morphine
Glad you’re enjoying it. A good day in the mountains is pretty special!!! Do you get hot/mulled wine at the end??
Cathryn´s last post ..Not as brave as I thought I was.
Yikes. I can’t even imagine skiing again if I ever broke a bone! However, skiing in Europe must have been so cool – I would love to ski over there someday.
I’ve never gotten hot/mulled wine at the end of the day…only beer, which doesn’t exactly help you warm up much.
I know it’s easy for me to say since I’ve never had such a traumatic experience skiing, but I do hope you get yourself out there again someday. Just start slow and easy.
I went the following year, determined not to let it beat me but there wasn’t much joy in it. I hope I get the joy back!
Cathryn´s last post ..Not as brave as I thought I was.
So sorry to hear that. I hope you do too!
As an avid skier and runner (I ski to get outside when it’s too cold to run, and I run more when it’s too warm to ski), I couldn’t agree with you more!
Although, I have to say, especially as someone who skis frequently and owns all my own gear, I have to disagree on the last point. None of the conversations I’ve had with other skiers and riders have focused on the cost of our gear. Most lift conversations revolve around the weather and the mountain conditions and whether we’re local or visiting for the weekend/day. I find a lot of skiers/riders to be very friendly and passionate about the sport — just like runners.
Jen´s last post ..#2013Countdown: What were your lowest points this year? Why?
You’re right…and I was a bit unfair with my last comment. Part of it is probably because I feel a little out of place with all my rental equipment and skiers ARE really proud of their gear. But unfortunately we really have come across some of the snobbiest people while skiing. I know not everyone is this way, and I was (unfairly) generalizing just for the sake of the post, but I’ve sat through more conversations about vacation homes and expensive equipment since I started skiing than I ever have before.
Your comment about the skiiers made me laugh. I’m learning to snowboard and I practically fall down every 2.5 seconds, but in order to learn how to snowboard you have to start on the blues (to get any kind of momentum). I can’t tell you how many times people have flown right by me saying “YOU SHOULDN’T BE ON THIS RUN”. I can’t imagine anyone ever saying to someone in a race “You shouldn’t be in this race”.
That’s awful!! Granted, I admit to getting annoyed by snowboarders sometimes — I know that falling is a normal part of learning, but I get frustrated when an entire group of friends on snowboards just sits down to “rest” in the middle of the hill. However — I can’t imagine ever telling anyone (snowboarder OR skier) they shouldn’t be on a run (even if it really was true ha).
Also – I didn’t know that about snowboarding…
My dad put us all on skis as soon as we could walk. That and swimming he was adamant about us learning before we could be fearful to try! That being said I haven’t been on my skis in a few years now and they are collecting dust.
I kind of miss it…but, I kind of don’t miss the cold – or the boots. Oof remembering the pain when trying to get used to them at the beginning of the season!
And I agree – there is just something about runners. Such a happy, welcoming community! Enjoy the slopes!
Gianna´s last post ..Miami Marathon Plans & Goals
Running shoes are really the most comfortable footwear! I don’t know how I ever used to spend hours every day (way more hours than I run..) in figure skates. Those things are awful. I am reminded of it the one time I now skate each winter. Except this winter I might just skip it altogether. I guess I must have gotten used to it, but it makes me shudder whenever people complain about the comfort of running shoes.
When I would ski more I don’t remember all the conversations revolving around money but may I was just oblivious. It happens. I can also see how they might…ick.
Thanks for this! I LOVE to ski and skiing is a lot easier in Maine in the winter than running. But I always feel a little guilty when I log 0 running miles in a weekend because I was away skiing.
Kiersten´s last post ..Just not feeling it
I still feel a little guilty (I’ve done this for the past couple of weekends now), but at least it is good cross training! Also makes me feel better that I’m not the only one!
I figure in the long run I end up with a better workout skiing for 7 hours than running for 1 hour. And I am not frigid, risking injury slipping on snow and ice, and getting angry to drivers who spray me with cold slush.
Kiersten´s last post ..Just not feeling it
You are in Vermont where people pay $80 for a ski day. It isn’t surprising that you would see people bragging about money/stuff. We don’t see much of that at our small/cheap mountain. Nice people, crappy equipment, lots of fun!
Ski boots aren’t great, but they shouldn’t be horrible to wear. I found a brand I like by trying on at stores, and I shopped online until I found a pair of that brand on clearance for cheap. They aren’t like running shoes, but I wear them 3-4 times per week and am happy.
HAHA! Good point… I think it’s $90 at Stratton (where we go most often). We can only afford it because they had an incredible deal on season’s passes for people under 30…they must realize that their prices make it well above the price-range of many people in the younger generation.
And my ski boots are less comfortable because I’m wearing a pair of seasonal rentals. They aren’t the worst things in the world, but I’m sure I could buy a pair that would work much better. My goal for next year is to at least have my own boots. I’m sure it’ll make a huge difference!
Ahaha, I’m glad to hear someone else agrees with my assessment of skiers (I usually find myself raging at cross country skiers, but downhill-ers can be even worse!). And you’re right, ski boots ARE extremely uncomfortable!
Jean´s last post ..Oranges, Fresh Off an Alaskan Tree
My entire outlook on life can change drastically with those hand warmer things. I go from “OMG I hate the world and everyone in it” to an almost drugged state of happiness. I haven’t been skiing in years, since I broke my wrist snowboarding a couple years ago. I’m not exactly scared (I don’t think) I just sadly haven’t had the opportunity. Runners are also nicer than 6 am lap swimmers, in my humble opinion. BUT I am THAT swimmer that has to stop and cough a lot and can’t do the cool flippy things.
Emily´s last post ..Two books to read: The Power of One and Mornings in Jenin
i always love your pictures- I’ve never been skiing. EVER. i can imagine that it’s a great leg workout. enjoy the cross training
pretty sure i would be a smart ass about all the fabulous homes/gear.
elizabeth´s last post ..I’m Having a Needle!
I grew up in a place that skiing was HUGE and I never took advantage of it, didn’t want to really. But now that it’s not even an option, I really want to ski. Life is silly that way.
Steph @ Steph Runs On´s last post ..I Will Stop Comparing Myself to Others
I will still maintain that I am extremely jealous of how often you are on the slopes! It is an amazing workout and I was shocked at just how worn out my body was after 3 days in a row of boarding. I’ll add another lesson: like running, I felt like I could eat everything in sight after a day on the slopes! I had such a big appetite while we were in Colorado! Of course it probably had more to do with the fact that there were just so many good snacks around than anything
And I will agree with you that skiiers/boarders definitely like to brag about their gear. I heard a few, but not all, talking about the price…but mostly just talking about how much they love their xxx(brand)helmet, goggles, board, etc.
Corey´s last post ..Cold & A Little Bit Crazy
I’ve been skiing a lot this winter, so I can definitely relate to these! (Especially the one about running shoes being the most comfortable footwear….Taking off my ski boots at the end of the day is one of my favorite parts of skiing.)
Angela @ SF Road Warrior´s last post ..Back on the Strength Work Wagon…