Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Holiday Technique Sessions

As the snow starts to accumulate in the Methow and surrounding areas, it's not surprising that folks are getting excited about Nordic skiing and spending their winter days cruising through beautiful forests.

Methow Endurance coach Sam Naney will again be available during the winter holidays to provide private technique sessions for aspiring skiers to hone their abilities. Whether you are an accomplished skier looking to fine-tune your form, or a never-ever beginner who just wants to have the capability to move on snow without completely thrashing yourself to exhaustion, a private lesson is the perfect way to condense Sam's extensive skiing knowledge into a beneficial dose of learning for you. Choose either an hour or two-hour session in classic or skate technique, or take on both! Either way, Sam's coaching experience is sure to get you moving down the trail with greater ease and more enjoyment.

One private session is $55, or bring a friend or two for a semi-private session for $25 per person. Contact Sam at 509-996-3222 or samuel.naney(at)gmail.com to arrange your session. Make the most of your winter!


Sunday, November 25, 2012

Winter Funning

I got back late last night from West Yellowstone, Montana, for Sam's opening races and the now family tradition of spending the Thanksgiving holiday in a little place outside of the town. This year was a contrast to last, in that there was hardly enough snow to host the race. "The Plateau," a bit higher than town, had just enough for a 9k distance race and a 1.5k prologue. Knowing that there wasn't much snow, I didn't even bring skis, but instead did a lot of relaxing and book reading.

While winter isn't my favorite season, it was hard to get into the holiday and ski racing spirit without a good cover of the white stuff. I was excited to see snow blanketing everything when I finally reached Mazama, then more excited when I awoke to perfectly clear skies: time for some fun in the snow. 

Aptly named Early Winters Creek
After all the driving yesterday, I just went up the highway to the trail that heads up to Cedar Creek, with the plan of heading up toward Mud Hole Lake. I love the trail when there isn't snow on the ground, as you get up high pretty quickly, and there are beautiful vistas along the way. For some reason I didn't think there would be enough snow to necessitate snowshoes: how silly. I didn't want to go back, though, and since I don't have any races planned until spring, it was a perfect workout: good muscular effort (especially for my hip flexors), sun, fluffy snow, and, of course, a very happy winterphilic dog. It sure feels like winter is here, and this year feels different for me. Once the trails are groomed, I just may turn into a skier...
Nikki's been waiting since April for the return of her favorite substance
Looking back toward Mazama and Goat Peak
She loves it when I make her pose with me
Looking West (Delancey Ridge I think?)

Friday, November 23, 2012

Yoga Journal Article

While reading my current issue of Yoga Journal that just arrived, I was reminded of a great article they wrote a couple of years ago about the Women's Ski and Yoga Retreat and thought I'd share. You can read the article here. While it's still a few months off (March 1-3), I'm really looking forward to a few days of skiing and yoga with a fun group of women. Each time I host a camp, I feel so lucky to get to know inspiring women while doing my favorite things.

It's snowing in the Methow, getting everything ready to go!