After Boulder Peak this year, I had a conversation with my coach, Simon, that went something like this:

LT: I think my body needs a break, I am not doing well, I need some rest. Have you ever felt like that?
SL: Yes, sometimes you just have to get away from the sport for a little bit and take a break. What do you do when you arent training and racing?
LT: I unload trucks at work
SL: ooookay, anything else? When I need a break, I have a yacht that I like to sail. Do you have anything like that?
LT: Noooo, oh wait! Yes!!! I have a skateboard!!!

I dont think that is what he was implying. However, now that I have retired for the 2008 season, I decided it was time to check out other (legal) recreational activities. Denny bought me a longboard at the beginning of the summer that I practiced on for two weeks. But only in the dark. Because I suck. While riding my board in the dark I ate a curb. As I was laying half in the street and half on the sidewalk, I tried to picture telling said coach/Timex people/fellow Boulderinians that I got hurt while barefoot longboarding in the middle of the night…so I hung up the board for a few months.

Yesterday was my first day of longboarding practice. I was dragging my feet since I am still sick, and threatening to die at any minute. I dont think Denny cared, so longboarding it was. We rode in the daylight, and I was wearing shoes which put me way ahead of the last time I rolled. I am happy to report I didnt eat any curbs…mainly because I was riding in the middle of the street, but still…