Sometimes to get out of the slump of running seven days a week, it makes sense to do a little cross training. Yesterday I found myself at the top of the Laurel Mountains skiing with some of my good friends. We skied at a moderate pace and my heart rate averaged close to 135. At times my heart rate would climb to 160 on some of the uphills which made me think, yes you can use Cross Country skiing as a good alternative to running. Marking my third season of XC skiing, I've really gotten to love being out in the middle of nowhere, where cell phones don't work, and where you can scream at the top of your lungs without anyone hearing you.

Well I leave for Los Angeles tomorrow where the temp is in the upper 60's. Big difference than what we've been experiencing in Western PA.