Monday, February 17, 2014

Skiing in the City and a Chin-up Video

There are a handful of bloggers out there that embrace the winter. They strap on snow shoes, skates, skis or running shoes and they get out and enjoy the short winter season that we have in Chicago. I love it too. I have found cross-country skiing to be an awesome workout in the cold air. My lungs, legs and arms get a tremendous workout while I glide through the snow. As an added bonus, it does not seem to bother my ankle. In fact, I would say that my ankle feels a lot stronger after cross-country skiing than just about any other workout. I bought all of my equipment (skis, boots, poles) at Play-It-Again sports for under $70.

Yesterday, I broke out the skis for the first time and did about a mile around Horner Park:
In Horner Park yesterday
The snow was icy, but there were some trails grooved by other skiers so it was pretty fast going. Afterwards, my legs were sore, but my ankle felt stronger. I think that the constant heel lifts must do some good.

Today, due to the snowstorm I got to work from home, so as soon as 5 pm rolled around I headed out the door to enjoy the fresh powder:
Chicago River at Montrose Ave.

My fresh ski tracks in the woods at Horner Park
Skiing down Irving Park Rd.
I even did two chin-ups at the playground with my skis on:
Video of me doing two chin-ups in Horner Park

The snow was fresh and deep, so it was much slower going than yesterday. It was also a better workout.

Based on years past, most of the skiable snow will be gone after the first week of March and temps will start to soar once again until November. So, if you have access to get out and have fun in the snow, give it a whirl. There are only three to four weeks left!

15 comments:

  1. Man! Wasn't the fresh snow fab today?! You know you can count me in that snow lover list. I need to try cross country skiing. What a deal you got!

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    1. It was fab. Of course, I thought of you when I wrote that "snow lover" line! Yes. Best time to buy is in the summer/fall (obviously)!

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  2. Only three to four weeks left?! That seems like forever! ;P Cross country skiing is such a good workout!

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    1. It will be here before you know it and we can run at the track again!

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  3. Ha! Nice video. I'm glad you didn't faceplant. Because I would have.

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    1. Thanks! Hence my victory arms (i.e. celebrating no faceplant)!

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  4. OMG this is one of the most awesome posts ever! The ski pics! The snowy river! Chin-Ups WITH SKIS!

    And skiing may even be helping you rehab your ankle? Win-win! :)

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    1. Thanks! Fingers crossed that I am actually helping my ankle by doing this. I think I had a slight PF flare this morning. Probably because I did a thousand heel lifts whilst skiing. It's always something. :)

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  5. Let's hope all the snow (and cold temps) is gone by the first week of March!

    I love cross-country skiing but all my equipment is still at my parent's place in Michigan. It's such a good workout and a nice alternative to running. I'm glad you got out there. Was your ankle okay?

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    1. I'm pretty confident that the last of the cold cold weather will be behind us after the first week of March. As for the snow, we may get a couple snowfalls after that, but it usually doesn't stick for more than a couple of days. You should get your skis! It is the closest thing to a "running type" workout for my money. I think my ankle is okay. I may not ski today to give it a break. Thanks! :)

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  6. It's great that you were able to find a cardio activity that keeps your ankle feeling happy and strong! Enjoy the rest of your skiing weather! Who knows, with the winter we're having maybe you'll be skiing through April. ;)

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    1. Thanks. I hope the snow sticks around until April, but I won't hold my breath! :)

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  7. Loved the video, give the people what they want!!! And I bet I would love cross country skiing- I've never been! I've actually only been down hill once, because the ski season was always during skating and I couldn't get injured.

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    1. Yes, I can't let down my fans. Totally understand that you could not downhill ski during skating, you see lots of injured skiers getting towed down the hill.

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  8. That video is HARD CORE. Rock on, Pete!!! And I've heard great things about the cross-training benefits that cross-country skiing provides on a full-body basis. What a fantastic way to take advantage of all the wintry weather!

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