This weekend I went snowboarding for the first time this season. I always plan for this to be a frustrating and somewhat painful experience. I crank my boots as tight as possible to minimize foot movement (read: the board moves more with less muscle use) and still my calves and quads start burning on the first or second run. As the day progresses my feet and ankles grow numb and sore from lack of circulation, my feet start cramping and I get frustrated (read: whiny). I take lots of breaks and adjust my equipment constantly (Read: it must be an equipment malfunction and can't possibly relate to my being out of shape). Usually the second or third day out of the season I finally start to find my stamina and am able to go without getting too whiny. Don't get me wrong despite all of that I LOVE snowboarding I just usually have to get through the first week or so before I begin to board at my normal level and can work on improving.
This year was completely different. I strapped in and prepared myself for a long whiny day and found none of my normal problems. By the third run I was doing pretty well and feeling really comfortable on my board. Additionally going slowly and stopping for slower members of our group would usually wear my legs out even faster but my legs were fine. ALL DAY. I loosed my boots and my legs were still ok (read: I could feel my toes). About halfway through the day it struck me why it was so different this year. MIKE! It was my training. It's the only explaination. My legs are in better shape then they have been in years! All those squats, swings, bulgarians, turks, and other nationalities are paying off big time.
In addition to keeping me from being a whiny baby I was boarding with better form than normal. Usually I get lazy and tend to glide with my legs straight whenever possible and choose easy terrain that doesn't require a lot of work. With my newfound leg strength and stamina I was able to lower my center of gravity and board with great form. This meant I was able to go on harder terrain, faster and with more control (read: falling less). I was on black diamonds my second day back. Usually I won't go on them for at least a week (read: if at all). Not only was I going on them but I was really boarding them (read: making turns not just getting to the bottom without dying).
I have a feeling our next day out I might start doing tricks (read: go in half pipe without dying and/or go in kids trick park without dying). I may even get a trick lesson (read: probably a good idea).
So this is a big thanks to Mike! I have clear evidence that my legs are in better shape than they have been in years and its due to the banging training we do each week. Kick ass!
~Biz
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