Full-Circle Snowboarding

Full-Circle

I was a little self-indulgent today by attempting to re-create that snowboard photo many, many years later. It’s not in the exact same parking lot, but the idea is the same: being super-stoked about snowboarding!

Today was the first day of the 2011-2012 snowboard season for me. I packed up my car with all the necessities and hit the road at about 9:00. This was a “test day:”  I know I’m in TERRIBLE shape and have done NO conditioning for this snowboard season, so riding could have been a complete disaster. I saw the day as a barometer for how much I would ride in the next couple of weeks. If it went well, I would ride as much as possible; if it was terrible I wouldn’t make much effort.

Thankfully, it was a good day.  The sun was bright so visibility was good; even though it was a holiday, it was not overly crowded; my legs were tired but not screaming; I made it down the mountain several times without falling; I ran into some friends on the hill and made new ones at lunch.  Success!

In the gondola I had a good chuckle when a much younger snowboarder asked how my snowboard performed in the terrain park.  I replied, “I’m 42.  I don’t go in the park.” Laughter all around.  I do go in the park, but not as much as I did when I was HIS age…

Even better, however, was my realization that for the first time since 1996 I will be riding for pleasure, not for work.  All the pressures of training, certification, riding my best all the time because people are watching, riding in the snowboard park IN UNIFORM – all of those stresses that have previously taken the fun out of snowboarding for me in the past, are GONE.

The smile on my face came from my heart.  I’m back!

Check out my friend Irene’s blog for a feature about my enthusiasm for snowboarding.

Then, I’m sure she’d be thrilled if you check out her kick-ass beanie collection.