Skiing!

This afternoon/evening I'm going to chaperoning a ski trip, and I've been looking forward to the experience.

Yes, in these frigid, frigid temps, I will be VOLUNTARILY outside. In the cold. Having fun.

Although I'm questioning my sanity just a bit, but not because of the temps; because of my equipment.

As you recall, I got my gym membership after I realized I can't fit into my snowpants. So I'm substituting windbreaker pants with more layers underneath, which I still suspect will be inadequate.

Back in November, I took my skis and boots to the ski shop to have my skis tuned (they needed more than just wax), and got a boot check done. This tests the bindings to ensure they release when they are SUPPOSED to release, hopefully preventing an injury. And ever since my time as a Ski Patroller, having had to treat injuries such as boot-top fractures resulting from binding release failure, well, I'm not wiling to undergo that kind of agony if I can prevent it through equipment maintenance.

But there is one thing I overlooked...I have not been wearing my boots around. This may not seem like a huge deal to you, however, keep in mind; my boots haven't been used in a couple years. That means they aren't "packed down". They do "pack" a bit in usage even the first time out, but in this cold it's going to take longer. The plastic is not going to be as flexible as I need it to be, and my ankles and shins are no longer conditioned to the pain that goes with proper skiing. I just put my boots on a few minutes ago....oh, the agony! I can barely put any pressure on the front of the boot before pain shoots up my leg! And my knees....oy, I'm going to pay for this!

But I'm going, I'm going to have a blast, even if I'm crying every moment.

And I'm really hoping that my boots pack down better than it seems. Besides, I'll be wearing proper socks (thin wool ones) which should make a difference.

I'm not looking forward to the pain...and praying that I can ski well in spite of it!