Well, I believe Spring has finally arrived.  I can tell because the fruit trees are in blossom, two pairs of bluebirds have taken up residence in the nesting boxes near my garden AND!!!! There are masses of BLACK FLIES insistent of dining on my limited blood supply every time I try to start my yard work.

As much as we all love the Spring , Summer and Fall seasons with all they have to offer, let’s keep Winter and the upcoming ski season in our sights.

Through my activities as Northern Section Chief and as an S&T Instructor and Evaluator I have had the opportunity to meet many great individuals and work with them throughout several seasons.  One common theme I hear while working with these patrollers is “Wow, I’m beat, my body hurts in places where I never even knew I had muscles.”   Well, surprisingly there is some truth to this statement.

When we get out on the hill and on our skis for the first few days of the a new ski season we do ask certain muscle groups to perform that probably have not been whipped into shape for 5-6 long months before we ski.  Of course we get sore.

What do we do about it??   I’ll throw out my idea and discuss what I try to make work for me. Let’s think in term of CONDITIONING teams, like baseball players,  don’t just jump out of the box on opening day and play their hearts out.  They participate in “Spring Training.”

If we want to perform better and enjoy better endurance with our on-hill patrolling, then we have to prepare ahead of time.  The earlier we start the smaller and more gradual increased exercise activities we can employ.  Doing a late “Out of the Gate” intense work out could prove counterproductive and possibly cause injury.

Suggestions for success include:

  1. Make a conscientious and realistic plan; keep a log book of your efforts.  Commit to it.
  2. Walk briskly several times a week over a measured distance, keep track of your time.  See if it seems easier and if recovery time is decreases the more you walk.
  3. Walk the dog longer than you usually would.  It’s also better for your pet.
  4. If you’re a runner, increase your mileage gradually.  Include some hills and register for a race or two.   Registering for a race may help to keep you motivated — to help you stick with it.
  5. Do some hikes with your family or friends or join a local AMC group hike.
  6. Get on the bike, ride some trails or light traffic roads.  Repeat the same course and record your times.
  7. You could even consider joining a Square Dancing Club.  Don’t Laugh! This actually takes endurance, full body limberness, and strength dancing 6-7 minute song durations.
  8. We all need to STRETCH!  Think of blowing up a balloon.  Did you ever wonder why blowing up a balloon is easier after you stretch it a few good times?  Because it’s warmed up and ready.  It is far better to gradually (within a controlled program) work and condition the muscles, adjoining tendons and ligaments to prepare them for athletic  activity, than to leave to the chance an abrupt and forceful trauma where the body discovers that TEARING, TWISTISTING or DETATCHMENT is the only alternative.
  9. Think of our bodies with whatever analogy works for you — a balloon, a car not warmed up enough during sub-zero temperatures — before taking off. Or even potatoes that are not cooked enough before you try to mash them.
  10. When summer is here try eating more fresh vegetable and fruits while they are at their best.  They become habit forming and you will want to continue even when winter comes which is a good thing.

With good eating, good exercising and routine-based conditioning practices you’re rewards will prove well worth the effort.  You will present yourself as a LEAN, MEAN, PATROLLING MACHINE for the upcoming season and it may be you this season not complaining about aching muscles.

I look forward to seeing you on the slopes this year.
Lisa Kling. Northern Section Chief