Sunday, April 8, 2007

Skiing the Summit

You would think this an easy theme to start out posting on, being a Colorado Boomer. Skiing is what we do here. If you are fortunate enough to be born here you learn early to play in the snow. Many non-natives consider skiing one of the best reasons to move here and transplant themselves for this great winter sport.

But let's face it. Some of us have lived harder and played harder than others. Our bodies are not the resilient, well lubed, muscle machines that they used to be. We have been weekend warriors, a surge and splurge physicality that doesn't lend itself to getting in great shape. Whether you cross country, downhill, board (oouch) our snowshoe, part of the thrill of it all is getting out into the great Colorado mountains. But at the end of the day and sometimes well before the end of the day your knees are aching, your back muscles are burning and that old sports injury has reasserted itself to remind you of your boomer body. Do we give it up?

Well not if you are a BolderBoomer. You can try some of the following tricks and body treats that will help you reach that golden passport of skiing well into the free pass stage. ( Sorry to tell you that ski areas are upping the ante on the age as more and more of us boomers approach it.) Here they are:

1) Extra doses of glucosamine on days that you ski lubes the joints and especially the knees.
2) Prophalactically take Aleve or Advil for the aches and pains. Yep, prophalactically means before you get on the boards.
3) Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. That doesn't mean beer and alcohol at lunch. Water keeps the energy flowing best during the day and at altitude will give you your best shot at not getting injured.
4.) Eat a solid protein power source. For breakfast I start with oatmeal and then take a protein source with me. Whether it is a great turkey and cheese sandwich on sunflower whole wheat bread, a PB&J or your protein bars, make sure you have the breakfast and lunch that gives you the stamina for a more physical day.
5.) Hot tub with sea salts. Hmmmmm just typing it makes me more relaxed. Yes, the treat at the end of the day is a warm bath with sea salts. My favorite is Plantlife sea salts for sore muscles. Now guys you will think that is too she-she....but gotta tell you, my brother-in law who is in construction turned me on to these. Yes the brand does make a difference and you can order www.plantfile.com online.

So with these 5 tips you too can continue to shush and play in the powder having a true Summit experience. After all the snow capped peaks cascading in all directions as you get off the chair lift and the wind in your face as you sail down the slopes makes it worth the challenge. You won't be the only one out there whose knees are talking to you....and most importantly you will be out there redefining the summit experience.