My first fall was just after we got
started, which was followed by many more (at least TWELVE to be more precise)!
We also missed a turn at the bottom of a hill (it was poorly marked). We would
have had really fast times if it weren’t for all those delays! The course was
really icy and scary even. In fact, when
I saw a caution sign at the top of one hill, a lady, who was an experienced
skier, suggested taking off our skis and carrying them down the hill – and
that’s exactly what I did! I had no advantage (except that I didn’t die at the
bottom) so I hope that wasn’t breaking any rules. Prior to that hill, I had a
couple really bad wipeouts, one in which I think I left some skin behind on the
icy trail. I was hurting so bad at that
point, that I was terrified of the downhills!
All of my
training had been on waxless skis on non-groomed trails, which was pretty slow
going and much more controlled. This was
nothing like that! We borrowed wax skis. The course was groomed with big hills,
and it was warm the previous day, which iced everything over. It was a completely different ball game. We did really well though and ended up 5th
and 6th overall (I was 3rd in my age group and Rachael
was 1st in hers)! There were a lot of laughs, bruises, and
exhaustion, but it was a worthwhile experience.
As Rachael put it, “It’s great to do something with the goal of just
finishing!” My body is in a great deal of pain but the memories and laughs will
outlast that.