Biking With Kids

Cross Training with Cross Country Skiing

Ride | January 18, 2009

Biking in Maine in the winter can be a little challenging. Luckily there are a lot of other great outdoor activities that will keep you in shape so that when the time comes you will be ready to ride.

Graceful

Last year I re-discovered cross country skiing. We had been getting a lot of snow and I was looking for a way to get outside and get some exercise. I dusted off my 20 year old L.L. Bean skis and headed into the woods. I had completely forgotten what a blast it is to get out into the forest in the winter time. Everything is muted and still, fresh and clean. I had also forgotten what a work out it is (of course last time I back country skied I was much younger and in much better shape)!

Today I went out for my 3rd cross country ski of 2009. We’re having another great snow year and i have been finding some time early in the morning to get out and ski. I have been bringing my heart rate monitor with me and I’m amazed how easy it is to get my heart rate in the 150-170 zone. Just cruising along at a smooth gliding pace in 3-4 inches of snow keeps my heart rate at 150. Of course I’m sure it will go down as I ski more, but I really am in decent shape at the moment, far better than I was last year at this time.