I’m at Squaw Valley skiing this weekend and before attempting the KT-22 run, I thought I would learn how to ski first. Hard to believe somewhere in my life I didn’t make skiing a priority. So in my tradition of learning something new, I signed up for a private 3-hour coaching session with Tim- ski instructor extraordinaire who has been teaching at Squaw for 40 years.
Tim qualified me at first - Yoga enthusiast, likes the outdoors, capable of taking directions and likes to exercise. Easy? Off to a great start, I learned how to stand and walk and fall on my skis. I learned how to slowly ski downhill, I learned how to lean my body forward and how my left toe controlled my turns, I learned to move aside if some snowboarder or skier came flying down the hill. Two hours were flying and my confidence was strong.
Now Tim said, “give me your two poles, I want to see you ski down the mountain without your two poles.”
“What are you talking about, I don’t think so, that is not going to happen” I responded with full authority.
Tim wasn’t satisfied with that response and pushed harder by grabbing my poles out of my tightly clenched hands.
I could feel myself start to panic with fear and angst as I realized convincing him to give up on the idea was worthless. This was my moment of truth. It became all about me and not about my poles. Tim believed in my abilities enough to take my poles away- now I had to convince myself. The more I thought about it and argued with him, the weaker my knees felt.
Just like any sport, the mental focus is 85% of it. Once you negotiate with your wicket gremlins, you can accomplish so much more.
See you on the mountain!
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