K’esugi, Sastrugi, Recuperation, and Cooperation
My last true summer recovery week was the week of July 27th. Now it will start to rain more, cool down, and basically wind down in Anchorage as we are pulled inexorably into the winter season. For my recovery week, I first went to Girdwood to help a little at an FXC training camp. It was interesting to be watching technique and analyzing other people’s form rather than my own. I don’t know that I helped that much, but it was a good experience for me.
Next I went hiking with my Dad along K’esugi Ridge in Denali State Park. We actually had a pretty relaxing trip, going to bed earlier and getting started at a reasonable time. The pace of hiking is a whole different mindset than ski training, and I enjoyed the switch. The first day I was still in ‘go’ mode, so I started pretty quick, but by the third day I had the slower movements down. It seemed like a whole new paradigm to me: not thinking as much about the finish line or counting down to the end of the workout, but honestly being comfortable doing what you are doing at that moment. Not that I did not count down to meals or anything, but I felt like I was not as impatient. Pictures of the trip can be found on the Photos page or Here.
Interesting art note: I just discovered this on Facebook and I wanted to share it. Here is a link to a blog about some paintings that look like photos. The detail just blew me away! I always have wished that I had the talent, time, and determination to do work like that. Here is an example done by Bert Monroy (www.bertmonroy.com) :
Absolutely brilliant.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
