ski like a girl- why am I smiling?

One dislocated shoulder
Three weeks of no skiing or swimming
Six weeks of rehab
but get me in front of a camera and I smile!



Why??????



Oh snowboarder why did you have to crash into me? Why did my arm go one direction and my body go another? Why did my other arm swing around and connect with your nose? (Wait I know the answer to that one!)


Still smiling and skiing in my head.
xoxo, ski girl

ski like a girl and CW-X 3/4 Insulator Stabilyx® Tights

I Like:

3/4 Insulator Stabilyx® Tights by CW-X

I haven't worn the 3/4 length yet but I just ordered them from Zappos.com and I'm very excited to try them out on the slopes. Santa gave me the longer version for Christmas and I love them.Warmth, support, and you look like a super hero when you walk around the lodge sans ski pants. Who could ask for more?

This is me in my new CW-X!

My only concern was that the ankles were so tight (supportive) that I couldn't roll them up my calves to get them out of my ski boot. I'm a firm believer in socks only in the ski boot. But I did ski all day with these in my boot and had no problems. I thought I'd try the 3/4 length for another option.

Here is the CW-X description:

Your knees take a beating when you clip into alpine or telemark skis, or when you’re out for a winter run. The CW-X Women’s Insulator Stabilyx ¾-Tight stabilizes your knees and reduces vibration.

• Support Web uses panels to mimic kineseo taping techniques, so muscles and ligaments band together to support your knee joint, lower abdominals, hip, and back
• Compression fit minimizes lactic acid build-up for long workouts and quick recovery
• Flat drawcord at waist won’t interfere with your snow or rain-shell pants

Bottom Line: Knee, hip, and back support.

I'm loving them. I'll let you know what I think of the shorter 3/4 length.

xoxo, ski girl

MLK Day $20 Rental & Lift Ticket

$10 Day Rental from Hillcrest & $10 Lift Ticket at Mt Hood Meadows   On MLK Day Jan. 18th, 2010 Only

This is the best deal of the year, and it couldn't be better timing.  Take advantage of the upcoming 3 day weekend and head up to Mt. Hood Meadows without breaking the bank! Lift Ticket & Rental Coupon Must Be Purchased at Hillcrest, Cash Only. Lift Ticket:  Valid at Mt. Hood Meadows Resort on Monday Jan. 18th, 2010 from 2:00pm-9:00pm. Rental Coupon:  Valid at Hillcrest for one 24-hour ski/snowboard rental package, and may only be used in conjunction with the 1/18/2010 promotional Meadows lift ticket.  Those who wish to pick up their rental before 10am 1/18/10 must present the promotional lift ticket. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to our local Rotary Club.  The Rotary Club is a group of community's owners, leaders, executives, managers, political leaders and professionals.  They are committed to helping our community run better and smoother, and they place a strong value on community service. Dexter Hill Hillcrest Sports 2506 SE Burnside Gresham, OR 97027 P: 503-665-4455

While Your Here Take a Look Around the Store
We Have Great Sales and Promotions!

10% off retail on all 2010 Winter Jackets, Winter Pants (select styles), Midlayers, Gloves, Beanies and much more.

Adult Ski & Binding packages starting at $299.

10% off Retail on Select 2010 Snowboards, Bindings and Boots.

All Ladies Skate Shoes are 30% off retail.

Men's Hoodie's and Tee's are 'Buy 1 Get 1 Half off'*

We still have a great selection of Clearance items discounted 30%-70% off retail!

*offer not valid on clearance items.

Make sure and check out this fabulous deal at Hillcrest!!!!!
xoxo,
ski girl- who is too busy teaching and skiing to write much lately but didn't want you to miss out on this!

Nike’s Shoe Recycling & Sustainability Program | Reuse-A-Shoe & Nike Grind

Nike’s Shoe Recycling & Sustainability Program | Reuse-A-Shoe & Nike Grind

Inappropriate footwear

We are back in PDX but our feet are still in Hawaii. It's cold here. Time to switch to our winter version of flipflops, UGGS!

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Kua Bay

Kua Bay, Big Island. Hawaii

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My morning swim

Ahhhh Hawaii! Sunrise run, circuit training, poolside yoga, & ocean swim all before 9 a.m. What a vacation!

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This is the forecast for the weekend at Meadows!  Tomorrow is our ski school rehire day.  Once I'm done with the meeting, the paperwork and the running around  (getting a locker, new uniform, season pass picture...)  I get to ski!!!!!!!!


I did take a few runs at Timberline this week.  Didn't want to end up in a ski school clinic on my first day back on the slopes.   The first run was painfully bad but after I remembered "I do know how to ski" it got a whole lot better.

November Powder!

Here's a video of me going down Thunder.  I'll post another one at the end of the season so you can see my improvement.  I'm working on my PSIA Level 2 exams this year.  Any ski instructors out there with any tips or MA of my skiing please comment!

xoxo,
ski girl

p.s. Only 4 more days until Hawaii!  The forecast is 85 degrees on Thanksgiving. Not enough snow on Mauna Kea to take skis.  Maybe next time?!

Mary and Bill

A 90 year old triathlete
an 83 year old high jumper
This is their story


And they can ski too!!


For the Mary and Bill film teaser click here. A documentary by Andrew Napier.
'Mary and Bill' has been officially submitted to 17 festivals. These include Sundance, Slamdance, True/False, Full Frame, Atlanta, and Cinequest.

Age is just a number. Warren Miller says, Do it now, because if you don't, you'll be another year older when you do. Live your life like Mary and Bill and just keep on doing what you love.

xoxo,
ski girl

Project X: Shaun White's Secret Halfpipe

Obviously I'm no Shaun White.  The last time I was on my snowboard I broke my arm and I wasn't doing anything special.  My goal in the pipe this year is to air out by freestyle camp in April.  I'll be on my skis, no snowboard in sight. If I manage to do it with some sort of style and flair all the better.  That said, I want a secret halfpipe with a foam pit to land new tricks! Shaun has one.  Project X.

Shaun has teamed up with Red Bull and created a custom half pipe in the backwoods of Colorado.  Check out the new tricks he's working on.

Last season I had my very own box in the backyard at my cabin.  I don't think there's room for a halfpipe. Given the density of houses in Government Camp it wouldn't be much of a secret.

Shaun White you're awesome! Thanks for letting us in on your secret. 

xoxo,
ski girl

Opening day at Mt. Hood Meadows!!!!

Meadow's Park Crew is Shapin' up Shipyard

This is the official word from Dave Tragethon, Marketing Director, at Mt. Hood Meadows, "The Crew is On It!"

Dave says, "Shipyard is shaping up to be a major rail park on opening day. The crew has been KILLIN' IT, putting in four different lines with 11 different features. Take your pick":

Flat down box top into a Down rail
Plastic culvert jib
Log spine
Booter rail
Kink mailbox
Picnic table
Fun box
C rail
Dance floor box into ledge into a mail box

Four lifts including two high speed quads are scheduled for Wednesday's opening of the 2009/10 season. Mt. Hood Express, Shooting Star Express, Easy Rider, Buttercup and the Ballroom Carpet in the Fun Zone will run from 9 AM - 4 PM. Read the Blog to find out more about opening day operations. Only twice in the past 14 seasons has there been an earlier opening day at Mt. Hood Meadows.

Lift Ticket Pricing for Opening Day
$52 for adults
$30 for juniors age 7 to 14
$30 for seniors age 65+.
Kids 6 and under get a season pass for just $9.

We're stuck in PDX with the flu but I'll be thinking of all of you getting your ski fix!

xoxo,
ski girl

p.s. Call the Snow Phones for more info
503.227.7669 (227.SNOW) Portland
541.386.7547 (386.SKIS) Hood River

Winter running gear

Check out this great winter running gear from Fit Right NW.  I'm still waiting for snow but lots of rainy runs in Portland have lead me to want to gear up for winter.
xoxo,
ski girl


180s Convertible Running Glove, $25

This is our best selling glove from October - February for the past 2 years, and is a staff favorite.  The nearly waterproof cover on the glove easily covers the fingers and to act as a rain deterrent and also an insulator when it's dry and cold out.  If it's a mild fall day, roll up the "hood" of the glove and you've got a lightweight glove.  Perfect!






Wigwam Wool Socks, $12

This year Fit Right NW is going wool crazy with it's socks.  Why?  Because it is hands down the most versatile fabric out there for running and walking.  We will have wool sock options from 4 different companies, including Wigwam.  This sock is in stock now, and will be an additional style on the wall for Wigwam.  Wigwam has been making socks out of Sheboygan, Wisconsin since 1905...that's over 100 years of creating quality socks here in the US!  We are excited to bring in the Trail Trax Pro, which is their premier Merino Wool sock for running and walking in the fall and winter.  They source almost 100% of their wool from the states, and so by purchasing their socks here at Fit Right NW you really are supporting local!
 

Why I run....

	We train through the winter in deep snow and ice. Our slogan is "Pain is good, more pain is even better." Matt Carpenter, Mountain Runner

Warren Miller Giveaway!

To celebrate Warren Miller's 60 years of making ski movies, Warren Miller Entertainment, Ski & Skiing Magazines have teamed up to present the BIGGEST SKI GIVEAWAY IN HISTORY.

Here's what you need to do:
Each day during the 60 days from October 1 to December 1, we're giving away one valuable prize to one lucky winner. You could win one of sixty prizes, including skis, free lift tickets, resort accommodations, and our grand prize, a four-day trip to Snowbird, Utah! All you have to do is check out this page and accept the daily "challenge" by answering a trivia question or performing a Facebook task. Good luck, and have fun!

As part of this huge celebration, Ski & Skiing Magazines are bringing skiers and boarders 60 Days of AMAZING prizes including:

• Squaw Valley vacation packages
• Line Skis Prophet 90(179cm) skis
• Full Tilt Boots
• Merrell Jackets
• Spy Goggles
• Snowbird Four nights at Cliff Lodge, Four days of lift tickets for two, guided skiing and early tram.
• Dakine Packs
• Day of cat skiing for 2 at Keystone
• Two nights at the Village at Squaw, plus a two-day lift ticket 
• AND SO MUCH MORE!

Enter Here!
Visit HERE and answer one (easy) ski trivia question - once you've completed the entry you're eligible to win a prize on that day. Visit the site each day to participate and don't forget to enter into the GRAND PRIZE giveaway!

I've been entering everyday.  I'd love to win the trip to Snowbird and the stay at The Cliff Lodge so I can ski with my ski buddy Carolyn.  She just moved there this weekend.

We're gonna miss you at Mt. Hood!  Good luck!

xoxo,
-ski girl

Kona 2011

A 17 year-old Lance at the Jeep Triathlon Gran Prix, May 1988

Yet another reason to do the Hawaiian Ironman. Lance is going to do it in 2011!!! Armstrong began his professional sports career competing in triathlons and now he's going back to his roots. Hmmm, 2011, that's just about the time I'll be ready! Next summer I'm doing an Ironman 70.3. Then I'll enter the Ironman lottery for 2011 and cross my fingers. Then another 70.3 or even better a full Ironman in 2011 and I'm on my way!

Or I could always win my age group. That would get me to Kona.

Lance's coach, Chris Carmichael, speaking in Hawaii before the 2010 World Championships begin on October 10, dropped hints that the 38-year-old seven-time Tour de France winner wouldn't just be entering as an age grouper. "2011, [Lance Armstrong] will be here. He's super psyched and I think he wants to do more than win his age group," Carmichael said.

I'll be there too Lance! We have so much in common. I just need to get a tri bike! I'm dreaming about the official Ironman bike the Ceepo or a maybe Cervelo.

For more on Lance's plan click HERE!

For more on my plan just keep reading my blog. It will be about skiing soon. Promise. It just needs to snow a little more.

xoxo,
-ski girl aka tri girl

Another reason to love Colorado

Get Married, Ski Free

"In an attempt to boost the state of marriage in America—or just get some media attention—Vail Resorts is offering soon-to-be-wedded couples the opportunity to celebrate with a ceremony on Keystone Mountain in exchange for a 2010-2011 season pass. The wedding can go off anytime between Nov. 30 2009 and Nov. 30 2010, and the his-and-her season passes are good at Keystone, as well as at Breckenridge and Arapahoe Basin. You gotta admit: A season pass puts your china settings to shame." Skinet.com

What would you do for a free ski pass? Does the marriage have to last through out the ski season? Does epic skiing = eternal marital bliss? What if you combined the green card marriage and the free ski pass marriage? If you could marry someone from another country, say Chile. And they were offering the same ski free promotion there, you could potentially ski all year-round for free. A never ending winter. Although I wholly advocate the free pass concept I can't be held responsible for the state of your impending marriage.

xoxo,
-ski girl

Opening day at Loveland!!

Fall foliage and snow. You've got to love Colorado!

Opening day at Arapahoe Basin

 

Oh to live in Colorado!  I'm a little jealous.  Our time will come soon enough here in the Pacific Northwest!  For now I'm enjoying the beautiful October weather.

xoxo,

ski girl

2009 Ford Ironman World Championship

New snow in Colorado and Utah. Loveland opened today in Colorado and what am I thinking about? Snow? No, not snow. Skiing? No not skiing. It's my other obsession. Triathlons. Yeah, it's finally here!!!! This weekend is "The Big Weekend", it's the Ford Ironman World Championship on the Big Island. I wish I was there to race or volunteer or watch or... but I have to wait until December 19 to watch the coverage.

Save the date and check your local listings. Seriously, don't miss it! It's always an inspirational and emotional event even if you aren't obsessed like me.

2009 Ford Ironman World Championship NBC coverage:
Dec. 19, 2009 from 4:30 - 6:00 PM (check local listings)

I just watched the 2008 Ironman coverage from Kona yesterday. I have to admit I've watched it a few times. It's one of my favorites. Lots of drama.

The race, as you may know, consisted of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and 26.2 mile run. Conditions in 2008 were harsh in Kona as usual with hot weather, gusty winds and a full roster of the world’s best triathletes. Chrissie Wellington was leading the women's race, when she encountered a 10-minute flat tire delay. She blew out her two CO2 canisters and was stranded on the side of Queen K Highway. It seemed like the race was over for her.

"Watching the world champion on the side of the highway begging, "Have you got a pump???" as other competitors sped by was heartbreaking. Finally, Rebekah Keat tossed Chrissie a CO2 canister, and after losing ten minutes she re-mounted. What happened next would set the triathlon world in a tizzy all over again. Despite her setback, Chrissie Wellington won the race by fifteen minutes, breaking the marathon course record in the process." -Boston Triathlon Examiner

I cried! Seriously, it was incredably emotional. I can't wait to see what happens this year. Chrissie Wellington is my favorite triathlete. She's always got a smile on her face, she cheers on the pro guys during the race, and she hangs out and cheers on the age-groupers coming in hours after her finish. Maybe Chrissie will be cheering for me someday. This year I'll be cheering for her!


Here is a breakdown of this year's participants from the official Ironman website.

By Gender:

Female: 508, which will be 27.4% of the field.

Men: 1345, which, for those who hate subtraction, is 72.6% of the field.

Number of records in total (in case you don't like addition, either): 1853

By Category:

CATEGORY = MPRO 101 5.5%

CATEGORY = WPRO 53 2.9%

CATEGORY = MHCYCLE 5 0.3%

CATEGORY = WHCYCLE 1 0.1%

CATEGORY = M18-24 36 1.9%

CATEGORY = M25-29 95 5.1%

CATEGORY = M30-34 152 8.2%

CATEGORY = M35-39 217 11.7%

CATEGORY = M40-44 256 13.8%

CATEGORY = M45-49 190 10.3%

CATEGORY = M50-54 112 6.0%

CATEGORY = M55-59 59 3.2%

CATEGORY = M60-64 50 2.7%

CATEGORY = M65-69 35 1.9%

CATEGORY = M70-74 26 1.4%

CATEGORY = M75-79 10 0.5%

CATEGORY = M80+ 1 0.1%

CATEGORY = W18-24 26 1.4%

CATEGORY = W25-29 53 2.9%

CATEGORY = W30-34 68 3.7%

CATEGORY = W35-39 72 3.9%

CATEGORY = W40-44 80 4.3%

CATEGORY = W45-49 57 3.1%

CATEGORY = W50-54 41 2.2%

CATEGORY = W55-59 31 1.7%

CATEGORY = W60-64 17 0.9%

CATEGORY = W65-69 5 0.3%

CATEGORY = W70-74 3 0.2%

CATEGORY = W75-79 1 0.1%

Check out the women's age group info. The older I get the smaller the field. I just need to keep at it. Triathons are the fastest growing sport for women right now. I have this vision of a bunch of 40 year old moms like me plotting their age group take over of the Kona Ironman in their 50's, 60's and 70's. So girls if you're out there and live in the Pacific NW I need a training partner.

Oldest:

Washington's Sister Madonna Buder is back to add to her Kona legend at the age of 79.

First time Kona competitors: 395

Someday it will be me!!

xoxo,
ski girl aka tri girl

Get ready for winter!

Click here for more ski specific workouts to get you in shape for the slopes. There's new snow on Mt. Hood!!! How's your mountain?
xoxo,
ski girl


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Get ready for ski season

Strengthen your small stabilizing muscles

We know you train the big guns: quads,  hamstrings, abs, lower back. But while those large muscle groups do the bulk of the work on the hill, they don’t operate alone. They need support from smaller stabilizing muscles to do their jobs right.

http://www.skinet.com/ski/fitness/workouts/2009/09/fitness-supporting-cast?page=0%2C0

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What's Your Ideal Weight? Find out at Runner's World.com

What's Your Ideal Weight? Find out at Runner's World.com

Shared via AddThis

ski girl hits the trail

Run more, walk less.  That is my plan for tomorrow's Timberline 1/2 Marathon.  Somehow in my last 1/2 marathon, Haulin' Aspen, I became a walker.  I was stunned. I don't even walk on my training runs.  I may run slow, really slow, but I keep running.  A combination of mountain town elevation, improper nutrition, and the flu lead to a lot of walking.  It was one tough run! 

Today I'm well rested, eating great, and most importantly feeling good.  I'm watching the Ironman China for inspiration.  And also to remind myself that however tough the run feels tomorrow at least I didn't swim and bike first.  I'll let you know how it goes.

xoxo,
ski girl
p.s.  It may not be skiing but at least I'll be on the mountain!!!

ski kitties

Loveland, Breckenridge, and my little ski princess.

I'm sure you've heard of ski bunnies, ski bums, ski girl... well here's something new the ski kitty. We have two new additions to our skiing family, Loveland and Breckenridge. Notice anything interesting about their names? I swear I didn't name them. They came pre-named and the ski princess opted not to change their names.

We adopted them from Cat Adoption Team. They were lovingly raised by a foster mom with the rest of their litter Aspen, Arapahoe, and Telluride. Someone has spent a little time skiing Colorado.

This winter when I'm using my Epic Pass to ski Colorado I can pick up logo gear for my little ski kitties. They will be the coolest cats in town with their very own Breckenridge stickers and Loveland t-shirts. How about a personalized shot glass? What other kitty has that?

xoxo,
ski girl

trail running Hawaiian Style

I'm having some serious post Hawaiian vacation withdrawals so I thought a photo retrospective of my favorite beach run would help. Hope it makes you as happy as it made me. I woke up each morning at 6, that's 9 in Portland (I was on vacation!). I'd head outside and eat my Mother's Peanut Butter Bumpers with Vanilla Soy Milk while watching the waves roll in and the sky light up as the sun made it's way over Mauna Kea. A little morning stretch and then off I'd go on my favorite part of my day, my run. I'm running the Timberline 1/2 Marathon this weekend so I had to keep the miles up vacation or no vacation.

End of Puako Road, Paniau Bay

Holoholokai Beach Park & Puako Petroglyph Preserve

Beach at the The Fairmont Orchid

Trail to the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows

Beach at the Mauna Lani.

Kalahuipua'a Fish Ponds

Eva Parker Woods Cottage

Mauna Lani Beach Club

Rough trails!

Watch out for the golfers!

The King's Trail

Near The Fairmont Orchid entrance. The bellmen graciously hand out bottled water

and a towel under the assumption that you are a guest. I stopped there daily.

The road to the Puako Petroglyphs

Back at the Beach Park

The path back to Puako!

Home again for a little oceanside circuit training in the backyard.

I will dream about this run as Portland rains begin to fall. I can't wait to go back! Spring break? Wait shouldn't I be making ski vacation plans?!

xoxo,

ski girl

p.s. Running on sand, lava, and other varied terrain is a great way to get those ski muscles working! Just watch your step and enjoy the gorgeous view.