Getting back on the slopes after a joining motherhood. (Part 1)
I promise I know what I’m doing out there on the slopes, even though I really don’t look like it. I’m a snowboarder who works in the ski and snowboard industry and I have a new hurdle to tackle that I would like to call “THE FEAR!” (When saying it out loud you are required to use your best spooky voice)
After 16 years of snowboarding how did I develop this problem you may ask? Well let’s start from the beginning, I’m a Snowboarder and it used to be my obsession. I couldn’t get enough of it. I spent my teens and early adult years joining snowboard clubs trying to get out there as often as I could. I wasn’t any good or anything but I could keep up with my friends and had even tried my hand at small jumps, boxes and even a couple runs down the half pipe. I enjoyed the slopes. It was freedom, my own personal heaven on earth.
Fast forward life a tad. I had my beautiful daughter a year and a half ago and decided it was time to hit the hills again after a 2 year hiatus. I made the effort, went to ski and snowboard conditioning classes, got my board all tuned, bought a new helmet and talked my husband into having daddy and daughter nights so I could snowboard. My only problem is I have developed an irrational fear that is keeping me from finding that blissful mindset that I used to have no problem reaching.
If you see me out there I’m easy to spot. I’m slow, nervous and constantly blushing in embarrassment. I think I’m going to bail every single time I hit an icy patch and I cannot even bring myself to admit how many times I’ve fallen getting off the chairlift. Every time I get to the bottom of the run I actually have to give myself a pep talk to get myself back on the chairlift.
I have developed a number of excuses for myself including lack of sleep, blaming my new goggles, and even telling my friends who are on the chairlift with me that it’s their fault (we all know it’s not). But when I sit and think hard about it I believe it has to do with the fact that I am a new mother and my concentration and priorities have shifted, therefore making me paranoid of just about everything (don’t get me started on driving!)
So I have come up with an idea that I am going to work on to help me get my bliss back. I have my to do list and will tackle it piece by piece with some help of some of my ski and snowboard friends.
Get my equipment checked – I’m sure some things have changed since pregnancy, so I think it’s a good idea to make sure that my equipment is good shape and still suitable for me. Then I can’t blame my fear on anything but myself.
Pick brains – I’m sure I’m not alone in this situation so I’m going to find other mothers and find out what they did to conquer “THE FEAR”.
Talk to a professional – No not a psychiatrist! I’m talking about a snowboard instructor of course. I’m going to sign myself up for a refresher lesson and let the pro’s help me conquer the fear.
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Wish me luck!
Laura
If you have any suggestions, tips or if you are in the same situation let me know by commenting below this blog, I would love to hear what you’ve got to say. For more tips on learning to ski and snowboard, check out our set section for more tips, information about lessons, and what to expect.
