Kathy Runs

Over the last couple of days, parts of the state have experienced some epic snow storms. Not wanting to put my training on pause, but still take advantage of the Tahoe weather, I decided to cross train yesterday at Sugar Bowl. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m very aware that the benefits of a running workout exceed what I get out of a day of alpine skiing, but yesterday I brought out my telemark skis and had one of the most fun workouts I’ve had in months.

There are few exercises that will produce the same results that running does. Running challenges the body’s muscles and cardiovascular system in tandem to burn extraordinary amounts of energy in a relatively short amount of time. The way to match this level of physical exertion when you want to play in the snow is to do some form of cross country skiing, and telemark fits into this category.

What are the benefits of skiing for cross training? Besides the obvious (fun in the snow), cross country, and telemark skiing is an endurance and distance activity that works many of the same muscles groups that we use when we run. Skiing also gives tired knees a chance to rest a by decreasing the pounding our legs take when we’re on the road. Some of the more technical benefits include an increased oxygen intake (beyond what you experience on a distance training run), and it
promotes flexibility by stretching calves, hamstrings, and lower back muscles.

What do you want to think about and watch out for? To get the same workout that a 10 mile run would give you, you have to ski about twice as long as is takes you to run this distance. A day on the slopes strapped into telemark skis definitely takes care of that requirement. The day after you start skiing (cross country or telemark) look out for sore muscles that you’re not used to working when you run. Working these muscles wont effect your running negatively, but be careful not to overdue it.

Want some telemark and cross country skiing advice? These books are staples in my outdoor recreation library.

• This book is filled with wonderful illustrations and tips that are easily applied to your day on the slopes. Telemark skiing can be intimidating, but Allen and Mike make it funny, enjoyable, and possibleAllen & Mike’s Really Cool Telemark Tips
• Cross country skiing is a very traditional form of the sport, so a traditional introduction is appropriate. Check out Cross Country Skiing for Everyone for a quality guide on how to start out, and enjoy the snow on cross country skis.