This morning, I took a break from work and drove over to Grantham at about 0930 so I could take a cross country skiing lesson at the Eastman Cross Country Center. Over the previous weekend, I'd bought a season pass and the weather seemed good to try out my new equipment. At 1000, I met with my instructor, Maureen, and we quickly figured out that I had the wrong kind of poles - she let me borrow some from the pro shop. Maureen then took me around on some trails near the Clubhouse - the Practice Loop and Pond Loop - and showed me how to recover from a fall and how to move by body properly while skiing. Temps were in the 30s but I built up a sweat (I was overdressed). It had been almost 30 years since I strapped on a pair of skis so I definitely felt rusty. Most of the actions and muscle requirements were foreign to me but Maureen said I seemed like I was comfortable - that felt good! She said she had been skiing at Eastman for 32 years and worked as an instructure for most of that time. We spent an hour on my technique and comfort. Just after 1100, we were done and I then drove over to South Cove Clubhouse to get my Season Pass. Because I still had work to do at home, I left immediately after getting the card - I was home before noon and immediately ordered a set of ski poles online. Looking forward to getting some good use out of the Pass!
