Skate Ski Workout

A gorgeous day for skate skiing up at Hatcher Pass along Archangel Valley Road.  I skied all the way to the closed gate and back, about 10 miles total.  Skate skiing is a whole lot like running and in many ways harder, but really fun on that nice downhill part from the gate to the Reed Lakes Trailhead.  It was so warm that I didn't even need my hat or gloves.  That doesn't happen very often in February.

Finally, a Good Long Run!

I did a great 15 mile run today at the Wasilla Sports Complex.  For a change, my legs didn't hurt, everything felt great.  We had an injury prevention clinic tonight with Team In Training and I learned quite a bit about stretching.  I found out some things that I didn't know and see where I could be stretching more efficiently.  I was surprised to find that the one muscle that gives me the most trouble, the inside of my lower legs, doesn't have a known stretch routine.  No wonder I was having trouble with that spot, I was not stretching those muscles at all.  The physical therapist suggested simply massaging that muscle.  I did give it some time with the ice pack after my run today too and that really seemed to help.

Skiing Again

We got a foot of new snow last night so I decided today would be another ski workout.  I went for a great cross country ski trek up Archangel Valley Road today.  It was beautiful and the groomer had just gone by.  It would be hard to beat those conditions. 

I'm still having some pain in my right leg.  Not sure what is going on there, but skiing doesn't seem to bother it.  Running sure does though.  I hope it quits soon because I really need to get in some long runs.  Maybe tomorrow on the treadmill or at the Sports Complex.  I feel like I'm getting behind in my running.  But the skiing sure has been great these last few days.  More snow is on the way they say.

How is this for gorgeous!

Ski Ski Ski

My workout today was on my downhill skis.  I can tell that I have not been using my downhill ski muscles because it was a lot of work skiing in about a foot of fresh powder.  I have been skiing for about 35 years, and still, the first day of downhill skiing of the season is always a lot of work for me, especially in deep unpacked snow.  But it was fabulous.

Running & Skiing

I did a little multi-tasking today.  Went for a 4 mile run on the treadmill when I first woke up.  Then went to Eklutna Lake for a nice cross country ski trip to the Yuditnu Cabin at about mile 3 of the lakeside trail.  I can see that I need more time on the skis.  I was moving too slow for my taste.  But at least I got out and got moving.  It was nice to do something outdoors instead of always running indoors on the indoor track or worse, indoors on my treadmill.  It was a really nice day with occasional light snow and about 10 degrees.  It got a bit cold at times, but not too bad if I kept moving.

Here is that cute little cabin.  My refuge for a nice break after the 3 mile ski in.

3 Miles

Just a short 3 mile training run today.  Trying out my new Mizuno shoes.  They seem pretty cool, but a little stiff yet.  I figure it will take a few runs before I know for sure how they feel.  It's always nice to have new shoes.  My old ones had 3 marathons and about 500 miles on them.  I guess it was time for new ones!

Awesome Run!

I woke up late this morning feeling like a complete zombie.  But after a good hit with caffeine, I managed to have a fabulous 10 mile run at the indoor track at the Wasilla Sports Complex.  I had a couple of days off of running with my driving trip to Fairbanks.  The rest must have done me some good.

I think I was also inspired by my niece, Amber who got 4 blue ribbons and won all of her events including overall first at her gymnastics meet in Fairbanks.  Thinking of her great achievement, made me run a little faster!

Go Amber!