Ice Capades

Dr. M as she appeared in More Magazine's Dec-Jan issue-"The Gift I Gave Myself"

I can remember the first pair of Rollerblades, (the real brand) I strapped on.  So comfortable!  I was immediately able to skate backwards, something I never quite mastered in quad skates.  My memories then darted back to the old pair of men's ice skates we had hanging in my childhood home's back hall.  It also made me think of the skating rink in the park under the beautiful moonlight.  We would go sleigh riding at night but I always wanted to try ice skating on that pond.

I knew these inline skates could lead to something.  Ice skating!  A skill I had longed to master, even day dreamed about.  I finally decided to make it happen by taking skating classes with my youngest daughter at a local roller rink.  After about a year of classes, I enrolled us in ice skating classes.  My daughter went on to also take ballet class and compete under the USFSA.  I performed with her in skating shows and went to her competitions.  
More Magazine in New York City later contacted me about being featured in a story.  The lead photo was shot at Westchester Skating Academy not too far from Sleepy Hollow, NY and I appeared on national television skating on the CBS Early Show linked here:

CBS Early Show Video with co-host Rene Syler and Dr. M skating at Chelsea Piers, NYC

Skating Safe Spine Protectors

Skating, both inline and ice skating has opened up a world of joy, fitness and new acquaintances over the years.  I can count friends from The Ice Theatre of New York and readers of my column - Suite 101's Figure Skating Guide.  I have even taught Artistic Inline Skating classes through my local county park system as a certified instructor.  If you have always wanted to learn how to skate, check out classes at your local rink and sign up.  It tones you like crazy as your endurance and speed increase.  There many types of padding to protect you in case of falls such as Skating Safe's Crash Pads Spine Protectors that go under your leggings.
  
There are also new comfortably padded heat moldable boots that give you and instant perfect fit thus lessening your break in time.  No excuses!  If I can do it, anyone can.  See you out there this winter!  Be sure to enter to win the Holiday Polar Bottle Giveaway before MIDNIGHT December 19th, 2011

My freestyle ice skating boots- Graf Edmonton Specials

Kahtoola MICROspikes Video Review

How do Kahtoola MICROspikes perform on real ice and snow?  Dr M is wearing a Smartwool Baselayer Turtleneck & socks, Scott Motives goggles and Merrell Sheepskin Boots. Goose Down Jacket by Moonstone, Nordic Merino Wool hat by Turtlefur & softshell snowpants by Athleta.

Kahtoola MICROspikes

I was watching a film called North Face (Nordwand) last night which is set in 1936 and follows the exploits of four German-Austrian mountain climbers attempting to summit Der Eiger, (The Ogre).  One thing I noticed among the pitons, ice axes and boots was how stiff and inflexible the footwear was.  That was state of the art for the 1930's but crampons have pretty much stayed the same.  Lots of buckles and straps, certainly not very "foot-friendly" then and still are today until I checked out Kahtoola MICROspikes.

Now while I wouldn't necessarily use these for doing an ascent up the Eiger's North Face, they are very practical for getting a grip on mountain slopes, icy terrains and snow covered trails.  More than that, due to being attached to a very tough elastomer harness, these can be folded up, put in a pouch and stored in your backpack or car's glove box.  MICROspikes also boast 3/8 inch hardened stainless steel spikes. The elastomer stays flexible down to -76 degrees to move with your footwear for a snug, secure fit and grip.

A video is worth 1000 words so here you can see jumping and kicking on a sheet of ice in MICROspikes.  Snowshoes can only get you so far as they are best suited for flat, wide fields and paths. Flexible crampons open up a whole new world of backpacking in less than ideal conditions as you can slip on your MICROspikes and portage your snowshoes on uneven, tight trails.  You also don't have to wait for the spring thaw to get out there and jog or hike. Kahtoola MICROspikes can take you there and get you back without unnecessary slips and falls.  I can see these working well on water resistant athletic shoes too!