I got cross-country skis for my birthday. For those who know me well, you know I am an avid cyclist. During season, I ride about 300 miles a week. I love my bike. But during the winters, which are really long here in Chicago, I’m stuck on a trainer. In the basement. Not moving for an hour or more. Watching sitcom after sitcom on DVR, hoping to keep my mind from the mundane exercise that keeps me in shape for next season. Last year, my friend Jeff Lipschultz jokingly referred to my bike as Kennedy (after the Kennedy freeway in Chicago) – you get on, but you don’t move.

So being able to be outside, in Chicago, in the wintertime is huge for me. I don’t care if it’s 20 below and gray. If I’m outside, bundled up, and exercising, I’m pretty happy. And cross-country skiing is excellent training for the bike (and downhill skiing when I get the chance to go home). (more…)