Like the rest of the US, Boston saw more snow this week. Lots of people working from home, but I went in to the office, as this is the sight that greets me on leaving! But a brief overview of the other activities: I have been running a bit as my training programme for the Two Oceans half marathon starts on 1 February (the day of my stairclimb). I only managed 3 stair climbs this week, but will fit 2 in over the weekend. Yep, next week is the last week before the ESB...yikes!
Since this is Friday, today was a skipping day. And what a blast! Our teacher, Fen, is terrific. She is really good at transmitting information - it is not just the clarity, but the message arrives straight to your core. I practised a bit during the week, but not much, yet it is quite amazing how much we get done in half an hour.
Today we learned how to skip doing 'basic' and then doing a crossover. Believe it or not, after a few tries, I got it right, and boy does it look good! It is rare that anything physical 'clicks' immediately with me, but if this course had an 'exam', I would get a first class pass. Mind you, I would have to practise a bit first.
The bit I am struggling with is running whilst skipping. Naturally doing a double hop on each leg is also another move I am not quite getting yet. I need to practise this week, as next Friday is our last lesson. That is such a pity, as this course is phenomenal! Maybe Fen can organize some informal lessons, as it is just a fun thing to skip together with other people.
I had a stroke of luck this evening, as I ran into Jane, a woman who held a beginner triathlon course 2 years ago which I also took at MIT. You may remember that I could not swim in the 'big' pool which has the shallow end starting at 7 feet. I will probably start some lessons with Jane, as I am determined to overhaul that entire area.
Ok, there are still a few people who need to email me their addresses and height, so that I can get their jump ropes out to them. Fen will give me her expert opinion on the correct length for you. So please get them to me asap as Friday is the last class.
Hi Natalia, Thanks for your wonderful comments about my jump rope class (or skipping, as you call it). It's really helpful for me as an instructor to hear your point of view. I am so excited you are as enthusiastic about skipping as I am. Next Friday doesn't have to be your last class. Since this class maxed out, my manager is offering another one for 6 weeks Feb 11 - Mar 18, Fridays at 5 pm. Keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteGreat to just read that your skipping class can be extended for another 6 weeks!! Keep up with the running - it would be great if you did the 2 oceans half :-). (i have mailed you my address for the rope - so excited to try it out.)
ReplyDeleteè una mia impressione o la neve rende tutto più bello....? :)
ReplyDeleteIf you guys have too much snow in Boston, could you send some over to the Sierras? Gosh, it has not snowed in ages here.
ReplyDeleteAs soon as we get back from the mountains I am trying jump rope here in the hotel there does not seem to be enough room to do so.
I think I need swimming lessons. I my freestyle technique is rather awful.
I'll just leave the skipping to you experts. I'm running the Easter 100 during Easter weekend. This is 100km over three days. Fri 48, Sat 33, Sun 19km. So no Oceans for me. Will have to see you at Ottosdal next January.
ReplyDeleteYou make jumping rope sound so fun, and while I'm not sure I've ever heard of an actual class offered to learn how to do this, if one were offered I just might sign up.
ReplyDeleteYou are doing so great on the jump rope and have so much fun at it, which is the most important thing!
ReplyDeleteExciting that your half marathon starts soon!
What a beautiful picture! I can't wait for your big stair climb and hearing about your 1/2 training as it starts up.
ReplyDeleteThe weather in Boston sounds like what we have had in most of Europe for the last couple of months. For now it's all melting and we have time to dó some serious running!
ReplyDeleteBello quello squarcio di città innevato.
ReplyDeletePerchè non inizi a pensare ad una bella mezza maratona in Italia? Magari la Roma-Ostia che è veloce e divertente.