The True Russian Sport

Cross-country skiing is in every Russian's blood. It became a part of them the first time they stood on skis and clumsily attempted the classical skiing style. It solidified as a core element within them a few years into their childhoods when they finally took to the forests and gracefully glided through. In the winter, cross-country skiing here is nearly the only accepted sport; ice skating is for professionals and down-hill skiing doesn't exist. So every Russian, from a very young age, can and does cross-country ski.

That is, every Russian from Russia…

As a Russian from America, I did not grow up in a society where cross-country skiing every winter was a mandatory, normal thing. In fact, in America, downhill skiing is much more prevalent. Though my parents both grew up cross-country skiing, enjoy it a lot, and introduced it to me and my sister at a young age; we succumbed to the American way of life quite quickly, and my most vibrant memories are ones of Ski School at the downhill ski resort Alpine Meadows.

Downhill skiing is much easier than cross-country skiing, which involves technique, power, stamina, and drive. On the other hand, downhill skiing relies a lot on the basic force of gravity, which pulls you down the hill - you just have to attempt to control it so that you don't go flying down…

I'm a pretty decent downhill skier: black diamonds are right up my alley (after I warm up on some blues). But since I've gotten older, thinking back to my Russian roots and seeing how passionate my dad is about cross-country skiing, I've tried many times to improve my xc skills. It's always the same routine:
I decide to go cross-country skiing instead of downhill skiing, very proud of my choice to widen my horizons and actually try to get better. We get to the lodge, rent the skis, get all geared up, mentality set to a good aerobic work out, and go out to the snow. Aaaaaand then it begins. Every step I take, I slip backwards. Gliding isn't a thing that actually happens - it's more of a push and stop. Don't even get me started on the hills: up is tedious and down is frightening. Falling actually hurts more than on down-hill skis. After a few minutes, my feet start to freeze. Did the shoes get tighter? Now my shoulders start to ache because using the poles is the only way I can actually move from place. The whole 'enjoy your surroundings' advise doesn't work. And though the nature is beautiful and the air is fresh, I barely notice it when all I can focus on is my failing technique and lack of movement whatsoever. An hour later (which actually feels like five) I give up and return to the lodge to sulk in my failure and misery. Why did I want to do this again? Oh to get better. Well, that didn't work…
But the next year, the same thing happens again.

Being in Russia, I thought that something Russian would awaken in me and finally after years and years of torture I would get the hang of this thing called cross-country skiing.

I thought… but unfortunately, that didn't happen.

I think the problem is me. There's something in my mental, physical, and/or emotional state that prevents me from overcoming that 'beginner' barrier. Something has to 'click', but I don't know what. I do know that I need to be less critical of myself, but when I am quite literally the worst person in any group of people I go with, it's really frustrating. People aren't perfect, and I excel in other things that others don't. I know that this is the way the world works, but in that moment of utter incompetence, it's nearly impossible to stop and enjoy the little that I can do. But this is a skill we all have to learn if it isn't a core part of us, isn't it?

So that's why next year I'll be back out there on the cross-country roads attempting yet again to evoke the Russian-ness in me, and to finally be able to enjoy this activity called cross-country skiing.
Please, please, please wish me luck….I'll need it. :)


Here are some photos from the last trip - my first time cross-country skiing in Russia!
My skiing may not have been at par, but the company was well above! :)

Is this how you do it? No….

Thanks Женя for putting up with me and not leaving me behind, even though I definitely held you back. It was a very fun trip, and the snow was amazing! Until next year :)