berryblondeboys
Certified Ski Diva
Hey all. I just found this site and I'm already reading away. It's a bit overwhelming as a new 'ish' skier to soak it all in.
So, my intro. I'm 52 years old and I learned to ski at 48 years old. My partner from Europe learned to ski as a kid, but I, who grew up poor from the midwest, didn't learn as a kid and then I was too scared and unfit as an adult.
My older son (now 25) learned to ski when he was a kid and he's proficient and a decent hobby skier. We have a younger son who is 16 and has autism. He first tried snowboarding at 9 and 10 years old (heavily influenced by Shaun White), but switched to skiing 3 years ago when I decided to give it a try. I was tired of being the pack mule or being left behind while the others skied. Plus, I had a fluke stroke (two of them) caused by a medication when I was 48 years old and after having the strokes, I decided life is too short to live in fear. So, with some moderately good fitness, I decided to try skiing and I picked it up right away.
Now, I'm no superstar, but I'm doing it and I'm enjoying it. So far my teen and I had progressed at the same pace (he is doing GREAT). The first year I used rental skis and boots to make sure I would like it. We went 5 times here in the DC area.
The next year I got used skis and boots and went 5 times and I progressed quite a bit, but I'm having significant pain in my shins, to the point that it stops me from being able to do more than 5-6 runs.
The problems are three-fold that I'm aware of.
1. I have been diagnosed in the past with having compartment syndrome. I've worked past that in the past with more exercise. I walk 2-3 miles every day at or sub 15-minute miles on moderately hilly terrain near me. I haven't had issues with compartment syndrome for more than a decade, but I recognized it immediately as the pain is excruciating, but it subsides when blood flow to the shin resumes normally.
2. I have large calves. I'm 5'6 and I'm largely built with big bones - not an excuse, but some people are built largely! I weigh 190. My "ideal" weight according to docs and scans is around 160. That isn't happening - I got to about that weight a decade ago with exercising 6 days a week with weight training and aerobic exercise and I got several overuse injuries trying to be "perfect". My "sweet spot" for my weight (where I can maintain and not feel like I'm starving is 175-185, so I'm not much above that now. My top weight was 275. So, being able to be and maintain where I am is GOOD.
But that means I'm a larger skier by bone structure and excess weight. I don't have a wide foot. It's actually normal, with a high arch and possibly on the slightly narrow size foot.
3. Because I had these strokes (which should not happen again) I learned that the blood flow through my brain is atypical and because of that I am on an anticoagulant. (a blood thinner). I am NOT desiring to become some top skier. I'm older. I'm wanting to be careful. I always wear a helmet. I ski on off days when it's less crowded (and cheaper), and I'm not a daredevil. I just want to be able to ski with my partner and kid(s) and to do so NOT IN PAIN. Because of being on a blood thinner, the boots that I have (used from a local ski shop) give me not only that shin pain while skiing, but bruising that takes a week to heal. But, these were the ONLY boots that fit me and they don't fit well. I am sure of that.
I realize that very few people can help me with all of this stuff, but maybe you can give me suggestions as I try to learn more about this sport and how to make it more enjoyable for me. I'm going to a boot fitter that is highly recommended (Leesburg, VA) tomorrow to ask for their help. I know it's mid-season, so does it even make sense to go now? Do you have any other recommendations for helping with boots? Ordering some? or going with what the recommend? Etc.
So, that's my story, and hello. I look forward to learning from all of you.
So, my intro. I'm 52 years old and I learned to ski at 48 years old. My partner from Europe learned to ski as a kid, but I, who grew up poor from the midwest, didn't learn as a kid and then I was too scared and unfit as an adult.
My older son (now 25) learned to ski when he was a kid and he's proficient and a decent hobby skier. We have a younger son who is 16 and has autism. He first tried snowboarding at 9 and 10 years old (heavily influenced by Shaun White), but switched to skiing 3 years ago when I decided to give it a try. I was tired of being the pack mule or being left behind while the others skied. Plus, I had a fluke stroke (two of them) caused by a medication when I was 48 years old and after having the strokes, I decided life is too short to live in fear. So, with some moderately good fitness, I decided to try skiing and I picked it up right away.
Now, I'm no superstar, but I'm doing it and I'm enjoying it. So far my teen and I had progressed at the same pace (he is doing GREAT). The first year I used rental skis and boots to make sure I would like it. We went 5 times here in the DC area.
The next year I got used skis and boots and went 5 times and I progressed quite a bit, but I'm having significant pain in my shins, to the point that it stops me from being able to do more than 5-6 runs.
The problems are three-fold that I'm aware of.
1. I have been diagnosed in the past with having compartment syndrome. I've worked past that in the past with more exercise. I walk 2-3 miles every day at or sub 15-minute miles on moderately hilly terrain near me. I haven't had issues with compartment syndrome for more than a decade, but I recognized it immediately as the pain is excruciating, but it subsides when blood flow to the shin resumes normally.
2. I have large calves. I'm 5'6 and I'm largely built with big bones - not an excuse, but some people are built largely! I weigh 190. My "ideal" weight according to docs and scans is around 160. That isn't happening - I got to about that weight a decade ago with exercising 6 days a week with weight training and aerobic exercise and I got several overuse injuries trying to be "perfect". My "sweet spot" for my weight (where I can maintain and not feel like I'm starving is 175-185, so I'm not much above that now. My top weight was 275. So, being able to be and maintain where I am is GOOD.
But that means I'm a larger skier by bone structure and excess weight. I don't have a wide foot. It's actually normal, with a high arch and possibly on the slightly narrow size foot.
3. Because I had these strokes (which should not happen again) I learned that the blood flow through my brain is atypical and because of that I am on an anticoagulant. (a blood thinner). I am NOT desiring to become some top skier. I'm older. I'm wanting to be careful. I always wear a helmet. I ski on off days when it's less crowded (and cheaper), and I'm not a daredevil. I just want to be able to ski with my partner and kid(s) and to do so NOT IN PAIN. Because of being on a blood thinner, the boots that I have (used from a local ski shop) give me not only that shin pain while skiing, but bruising that takes a week to heal. But, these were the ONLY boots that fit me and they don't fit well. I am sure of that.
I realize that very few people can help me with all of this stuff, but maybe you can give me suggestions as I try to learn more about this sport and how to make it more enjoyable for me. I'm going to a boot fitter that is highly recommended (Leesburg, VA) tomorrow to ask for their help. I know it's mid-season, so does it even make sense to go now? Do you have any other recommendations for helping with boots? Ordering some? or going with what the recommend? Etc.
So, that's my story, and hello. I look forward to learning from all of you.