Chair lifts – who likes them? Not me! I cannot tell you how many times I’ve sworn I’ll never ride a chair lift … EVER!!!! But, alas, here I am on a lift with Coach Charly at Mt. Hood Meadows – working on some cross-training. After spending the first part of the ski season learning to cross country ski, I’ve started coming over to the Alpine side of the mountain to try my hand at downhill skiing. Coach Charly’s been gracious enough to give me a couple lessons when traffic’s been backed up and I’ve arrived on the mountain too late for my scheduled lesson. My initial focus was on overcoming my fear of the lift. My current focus is on mastering the fundamentals and perfecting my turns. My dear friend Shannon – who has been such an inspiration to me as I’ve embarked upon my running adventures – has some challenges waiting for me over Spring Break – like get down the runs, with some speed! So, stay tuned, there may be some entertaining video coming soon!