Life-changing events don't happen very often, but when they do, they're usually unexpected. This is what occurred for me while learning to ski in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
Ski for Light was not my first experience of the great outdoors, but it was my first time skiing, and the first time in quite a while that I have pushed myself to the edges of my own capacity. First, I actually owe much of my inspiration to the commitment and efforts made by Richard Epstein, the instructor/guide assigned to me for the week.
As you can imagine the first day was a wake-up call that set up my challenges for the week. I had to learn everything from managing to stay upright with these long flat things on my feet, then go up a slippery hill? Oh yeah, and these poles are used how, and for what? It was quite a day.
Proper use of the ski poles was a big hurdle for me, and I believe this to be a common challenge among other Vip participants. I don't usually walk while swinging my arms as the diagonal stride requires. But fortunately for both Richard and me, I do have good mobility and good balance; this gave me a good head start in getting over that hurdle.
To tell the truth my biggest challenge was not lack of fitness. It was lack of trust, and a tendency to be impatient when learning new skills--especially on slippery snow. This is where Richard's commitment and style of teaching became so critical.
When I tried to complain about the numerous new skills I had to learn, he would ask me to find the strength within and just do it! Even if the technique seemed foreign. I had to re-educate everything; body, mind, spirit etc. I spent a lot of time overcoming preconceived notions about learning to ski, concerns about what I thought were physical limitations and of course fear. It's safe to say that in facing a very steep learning curve, I had to face myself as well.
By Wednesday we both knew we were finally on the same page. A deep mutual respect grew between us after I began to trust Richard and commit to spending the week learning to ski and trying to ski with great technique. Anyone can manage to move along haphazardly on their skis, however, Richard insisted upon using proper technique and I am glad because now I have a firm foundation on which to base more and more skiing experience.
Well, I finally did it! I competed in the rally on Saturday and for the first time Richard and I skied the whole 5K course. You have to understand that I spent much of the week trying to get my act together and so distance was not an immediate goal during most of the week.
Turns out skiing the 5K was a piece of cake. During the rally Richard and I were rewarded by the compliments I received on good technique. We surpassed our predicted time by 24 minutes!
Actually, my ultimate reward is my memories of the wonderful people I met and with whom I still maintain contact. When all is said and done, Ski for Light is a really good fit for me.
Now that I am back home, I have renewed my commitment to fitness, and to being a stronger person. I especially want to strengthen my ability to persevere when things get tough. In skiing, I learned that just when you think you can't get up that hill, you need to focus your mind and push on; otherwise, all your prior efforts are for not--a good lesson for the rest of my life. And oh yes, I'm practicing swinging my arms when I walk.
I'm interested in supporting the SFL organization so that others can find this kind of experience and opportunity through fitness. However, be prepared because it has to be a crash course crammed in to one of the most wonderful weeks of your life.
See you in Alaska!