Sunday 10 January 2010

Feel the fear and do it anyway...

or

When did I become such a candy-ass?

Saturday dawned VERY COLD (-28C with the wind chill) and fairly windy, I had made arrangements to meet with a friend to cross country ski over in the Gatineau's, but is was just way too cold...or so I thought from looking out my front hall window.





After exchanging several emails back and forth it was decided that we wouldn't go over to Quebec, I figured I'd stay close to home and if I decided to go out at all, it would be cross country skiing in the Park.

Well, I bundled up and headed out, I won't even begin to tell you how many layers I had on...but as you can see by my silhouette, LOTS!!




When I got to the park and signed in there were only four other skiers out there.  This would be great, I'd have the trails to myself and chug along at my own slow pace.  A few years ago I had a really nasty fall, well two falls actually on the same ski, during one fall I injured my ribs quite badly and the second fall happened while trying to ski back to my car.  I fell backwards down a hill hitting my head and was actually unconscious for a little while.  It was at that time I figured I'd retire from skiing altogether.

So this ski would be really about facing my fears in the park...and that I did....I trucked along the trails really enjoying the sights and sounds....until I came to 'the hill'...I actually stood and looked down and I started to shake...crazy huh?  Well, I decided I was actually going to take my ski's off and walk down....I waited over 10 minutes...and I finally said to myself  "you candy ass", just do it...who's going to win this?  You or a stupid hill....so I mustered up all my courage and headed down the hill....and yup, I fell....but with dignity and as much control as possible....but I went down the hill....on my candy ass!!!

Once I got back up I didn't even bother to dust myself off, the snow on my pants was the badge of merit I needed to continue my ski with pride....with that fall out of the way I could finally take some pictures.

Enjoy





skiing through the marshes



heading back into the forest



new Madshus ski's

I was out for over an hour and half and I have to admit that even though I only skied 6K it was tiring, especially since when I started out I was so tense in anticipation of a fall, once I got that out of the way I really did enjoy the day...cold weather and all!!!

When I got home flipped on the fireplace, relaxed and enjoyed an adult BEvERage....


home is where the hearth is





What's in your front hall ??




This morning I met up with some friends at the Running Room and enjoyed my first real run of the new year and decade...a brisk 5K run....and you know what?

It felt GREAT!

Life's fun if you don't weaken,

Lily

30 comments:

Keith said...

Well, you totally earned your beer. -28 C is certainly worthy of respect, and give you lots of bragging points. And good for you about facing your fear!

C said...

You are a total badass! I think I should make your post title my mantra for the year.

You're my hero, coach. :)

teacherwoman said...

Wow! What a great view and area for cross country skiing. Love the pictures. And the beer was well deserved!

Way to go on the brisk 5K too! :)

Anonymous said...

Way to get out there and just do it. Sometimes you just need to get the first fall out of the way (hopefully without injury). Love the wall the fireplace is on:)

Bandobras said...

Good for you life is so much more fun when you chase the fears away.

Jess said...

Sounds like fun and the pics are beautiful!

Unknown said...

Well done! (Thanks for the pix.)

Anonymous said...

Dignity is important...even if it's on your candy ass. Well done

Georgia Snail said...

awesome! I am so jealous that you get to go cross country skiing....so much fun!

Marci said...

Awesome!! I am a little afraid on X-crossing skiing too. Going straight down those hills can be scary! Good for you for getting out there and doing it, especially in those cold temps!

Nat said...

God, I am so proud of you for going out there. I have never had a good expereince Xcountry skiing. I end hurt, wet and cold...

good on you for doing it. Me, I got rid of my skis for good.

Anonymous said...

wow.... good for you. There are a few things I still hyperventilate over. Good on you!

tword ver - hottor LOL

Laurel said...

I love that you called yourself a candy-ass.

Good for you in facing your fears! I have never been cross country skiing, but it sounds like a great time and a tough workout.

And what beautiful snow too!

E said...

You are much braver than me as I would have just stayed in. :)

Aka Alice said...

Falling with dignity is always key ;-)

I swear, your pix today made me miss the snow and the cold. (well, not enough to live in it, but certainly enough to visit).

Alexandra said...

Good on you for facing your fears! Now you have opened the door wide for some great adventures! Thank you for sharing your photos! It looks like a wonderful winter wonderland!

Anne said...

I love the name of this post and that you got out there despite the obvious obstacles, from tough weather to disturbing past experiences. And, see, it was worth it!

bluecolnago said...

good on ya, lily!

Unknown said...

nicely done! and a well deserved sit in front of the fire. :-)

Runner Leana said...

Congratulations on facing your fear! It looks beautiful out there despite the cold. At the end of the month I have a rest day on my schedule...but with a note that I should try and get out to play in the snow. This may be a good day to take my first XC ski lesson!

TNTcoach Ken said...

I'm jealous, you get all of the good weather!!!! I can't keep my running stuff in the front hall. I relegated to the basement... Sounds like 2010 will be the year of the Lily.

Sunshine said...

Congratulations for just being outdoors in winter!
Happy New Year; Happy skiing.
Blessings, too.

Vava said...

Awesome! Way to get out there for some skiing. This was our first weekend of x-country skiing as well, and we lucked out with the weather.

And I'm jealous of your new skiis...

Giorgio said...

You skied through that beautiful park covered with snow although it was very cold -28C.
Thanks for reading my Christmas post.
I'll run as soon as there is dry climat, the doctor said alst week. So I haven't begun the training yet because now the weather is still rainy.
The Neapolitan Christmas dessert, which you saw on my blog, consist of very small balls of sweet fried pastry with honey, candied fruit, cinnamon and other things. If I eat it after I have to run and burn off a lot of calories :-)
Happy New Year!

Amy said...

You are brave. I have been so scared about running on the icy sidewalks, with the snow, plus not wanting to drive to the gym, I have been a slug since our race in December. But seeing that you did it and overcame your fears gives me the kick in the pants I need to get back on track - thanks!

Vickie said...

I find you to be totally adventurous and not all that fearful!

Marlene said...

Laurel, YOU ROCK! Facing that BITTER cold on the lonely trails and being brave to face your fears. I am so traumatized by my cross-country ski accident last year that I get a nervous feeling in my stomach just reading about this..... maybe one day I too will be able to face my fears.

Gorgeous photos - looks like it was worth it!

ShirleyPerly said...

Way to conquer those fears!

I have skied only a handful of times in my life and must admit that I am quite scared of hills and falling too. The photos are lovely, though. I just wish snow was not so cold :-P

Judi said...

that is some serious cx training lady!! nice job!!!

Groover said...

I don't even know how -28C feels. The coldest I ever experienced was -16C one New Year's holiday in Vienna. Believe me, I know every single coffee shop and every type of coffee, hot chocolate and other hot beverages in Vienna. LOL

Well done for getting out and conquering your fears.

Reading your post I thought you might quite enjoy reading about the journey to psychological recovery from a fall (this one was a bike crash though) of a friend of mine.

His name is Colin and his post is All about the mind