Back on Piste

I’m back on skis, back teaching and back into a healthier routine for my last few weeks in Queenstown. Score!

My body is still trying to grow a wing and fly (maybe it thinks unless it creates its own way of getting back home, I might never go…), but my shoulder is getting a little stronger, a little less uncomfortable and sticking out a little less. Progress! I am doing gentle exercises to wake and strengthen the muscles around the shoulder blade, under the guidance of a weekly visit to the physiotherapist and chiropractor.

Taking my sports bra off is a hideous moment in the day. The strap catches on my ‘wing’ and makes me feel a little nauseous. The nerve pain is less than ideal, and I am finding it frustrating in the gym as I can’t lift anything, nor hold myself in a plank or do any exercises involving being on my hands and arms. My legs are working fine though, and I am doing interval training on the bike and treadmill, as well as focusing on keeping my glutes, hips and core strong.

I can also ski!

A trip to Treble Cone, with my friend Lindsey, after a small snowfall was a treat. We took the Kiwi Discovery bus and had a great day skiing. Stunning views and a lot of interesting terrain to charge around on made up for the slightly warm and heavy snow. If I can get back over there, I will. I’d like to ski at Cardrona before I leave, and maybe visit Ohau. We will see!

Keeping our eyes open was a challenge…

Teaching is fine; a little achy but nothing that ice and a few painkillers doesn’t cure. School groups have provided the ski school with consistent weekly work, and I’ve also had a few beginner lessons; these test the shoulder when I have to help up my clients.

Thank you to Zemira (Hapiness Loves Company) who kindly whisked me off to Glenorchy and Moke Lake on a couple of afternoons whilst I was ‘off games’. She is from Austria and currently enjoying the mountains and what Queesntown and New Zealand has to offer.

Kiwi pies have tickled my fancy – I particularly enjoyed a gluttonous feed at Mrs Ferg’s, and Kai Pai’s Happy Hour is rather dangerous with their 2-for-1 offer. A client at the start of the season kindly gave me a voucher to the Sherwood hotel; the mushroom and walnut burger was delicious. I’ve also devoured a ‘Sweet Bambi’ at Ferg Burger – wow!

 

I am trying to extend my stay to the end of the season, which is the first weekend of October. I hope to be home not too long after this. Unless of course, my wing flies me home in the meantime!