It must be a weekend for cross training, because that is all I have been doing. I went to spin class yesterday morning and had an amazing workout. Then I ended up having to shuffle my 11 miler till tomorrow, so I took advantage of the beautiful day and went for a ride on my new paddle board. Paddle boarding has a rightful reputation as being a great all-around workout, but is especially good for your core and arms, which I can definitely afford to work on.

Another day in paradise.

I landed on Wai SUP a couple of weeks ago and absolutely love it. Because of all the rain we have been getting, today was the first time I was finally able to get out on the water. The board is great. It is light weight, has a comfortable grip, is pretty (#1 priority, duh), AND to top it off, is locally made in Tahoe, which I love supporting.

Since I am new at all of this, I have to tell you that it is a little harder than it looks. Having been a snowboarder for the last 20 years, I thought that it would be a little easier. The first time I tried to stand up, I landed in the water. I am definitely no expert on the subject, in fact, I am a straight up amateur, but here are some of the things that I have found help keep me out of the water:

• When you first get on your board, kneel and get some speed going before you stand up. The board is much more stable when it is in motion.
• When you are transitioning from kneeling to standing, make sure to plant your feet wide and have them where you want them. It is difficult to move around on the paddle board after you are standing.
• Engage you core and take long, full strokes to get the most stability and efficiency (and to work those abs).
• Don’t look behind you. No matter what. If you are paddling with someone and they say something, don’t look behind you or you will end up in the water.
• Keep your knees bent to absorb any waves and maintain balance.
• Don’t lean backward or forward. Just don’t do it.

I have been wanting to buy a paddle board for a while and am so looking forward to a fun summer on the lake! It is great to work the parts of the body that runners can sometimes ignore, and to do it in a really fun way that doesn’t even seem like working out. There is just something so peaceful about being on the lake. Do you paddle? Any tips you have found for me?

As a side note, there are only three weeks left till my first big race of the season, the Lake Tahoe Relay. Eeeek! Do you have any first-of-the-season races creeping up on you?