Skiing. Cross-Training. Can They Be One and The Same?

With the weather getting warmer and ski season winding down to a close, I have started thinking a lot more about running and biking. Maybe you have too.

As you may have read, in mid-March, I attended a media event at Carmichael Training Systems in Colorado Springs. While I was there, I met Bill, the owner of coloradobikeaholics.com. Bill is a stay-at-home dad, triathlete (who does crazy things in the winter like indoor Ironman triathlons) and (you guessed it!) a bikeaholic. He also skis. Unlike me, his primary focus is on his bike, whereas mine is on my skis. While I’m running and biking all fall to get in shape for ski season, he is skiing in the winter to stay in shape for biking.

I think he has an interesting perspective and he shared this post from his blog with me. I am sharing it with you. Let me know what you think. How do you cross-train? Do you spend your “off-season” trying to stay in shape for your primary sport? Or do you completely switch gears and focus totally on the sport of the season?

Here’s what Bill has to say from January 9, 2011.

Skiing Intervals

Is there really a better interval than bump skiing? Pick a line and hang in there for as long as possible definitely raises my heart rate to anaerobic levels. Then, add in the concentration and agility needed to keep that line and I’m pretty certain that a good long bump run is top-tier interval effort-especially with the forced recovery of the chair ride up.  I have a hard time not pushing myself skiing as I view it as a workout which might seem strange to many skiers. Don’t get me wrong, it’s all about having fun and some days involve a beer or two at lunch or hanging with my daughter.

Today, with the new snow, was a workout ski day. Great cross-training right!

And, here is the link to the full post at coloradobikeaholics.com.

There is still snow in the mountains and many resorts are still open through Easter and beyond. If you’ve already hung up your skis, maybe you should rethink. Today might be a perfect day for cross-training.

Enjoy!

 

 

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