My ski training has been on the slow track this year because my husband and I are expecting a baby in June! I had signed up for the American Birkebeiner, however as soon as I discovered that I was pregnant, I knew it wouldn’t be in the cards this year.
I still had plans for a very active pregnancy. I continued lifting at the gym and kept riding my bike for the first 8 weeks, but morning (all day) sickness, fatigue and family situations put me on the bench for most of my first trimester. Today, we are 20 weeks — halfway — through our pregnancy and I am feeling so much better, so today I pulled out the boots, skis and poles and hit the local trails.
I went to Odana Hills on Madison’s West side. Odana is a pretty flat and well maintained course. The city provides ski rentals here so there were many families and groups of recreational skiers out there today to enjoy the fresh snowfall.
Madison has experienced a low snow year until just last week when we were hit with a couple of good, powdery snowfalls. Even though there were some grassy patches, it felt like the trail was really well maintained considering the lack of base.
I took two laps around Odana and got a pretty good workout. In the past, this was an easy lunchtime ski, but these days it’s about all I had in the tank.
This was only my third time on skis this year and I’ve been keeping everything slow and flat. I’m terrified of falling, which was the top reason for not competing in even the Korte this year or racing in the MadNorSki Race Series. But after time on skis, I feel pretty great and I hope I’m able to get out there for a few more weeks.
My only other exercise routine has been prenatal yoga and walks when it has been warm enough. There are some great prenatal classes nearby that I plan to check out in the coming months.
Our baby is due on June 27th and we don’t know whether they are a boy or a girl. I’m looking forward to this next adventure and to cheering on everyone who is participating in the Birkie and Korte in a couple of weeks.
Andrea Roenning – February 10, 2018 – Category: Wisconsin Skis
