J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by EmmaEvs

ParalyticSkiCrazie wrote:Can I just say how brave I think you all are.

I'll echo that.

I can only offer a small amount in terms of personal experience. Two of my grandparents (on different sides of the family) have had strokes. Their after effects could not have been more different. From what little I know, the impact of a stroke can vary so much that it's almost as unique as the individual themselves, and science is still trying to understand a lot of what goes on. I agree to a certain extent with some of the other posters, that determination can play a big role in how much of your previous health you can gain afterwards. However, determination alone may not be enough to regain everything, and if that's the case you shouldn't feel as though it's somehow down to not putting enough effort in. My grandmother never recovered from her stroke which affected her mentally, and continues to have TIAs. She gets incredibly frustrated when she can't get words out for example, and this is not linked to any lack of determination on her part. She is one tough lady and if she could do something to heal herself she would.

On a more practical note, if I were experiencing an area of weaker muscle as a result of stroke (or MS) I would be tempted to try the ski mojo (as suggested by Scapula) which is designed to offer (I think) about 30% more effectiveness to muscles (not convinced it'll help your glute though as it straps on underneath your bum). Other than this, and potentially identifying exercises that may help to strengthen the muscles I'm not sure what else to suggest. I suspect you've all already thought of and tried strength work though, so my apologies for suggesting the obvious.

Martin took my bruv and his GF on their beginners course this year. Nice guy, even when he had to untangle me from my sis-in-law who was in his lesson at the time. Thank god he found it all highly amusing, although I don't suppose it's very often an unidentified person crashes into one of his group, then starts smacking the student's backside, as both intruder and student are in fits of laughter and completely immobilised (apart from my arm obviously).

Nah not me on the gluwhein, although a few the evening before apparently improves my skiing considerably :wink: I stick to the coffee and hot choc during the day. Got the attention span of a gnat at the best of times so supping and skiing would definitely end in tears :lol:

Dave Mac wrote: Fortunately, I ski in a working class resort, one that has a socialist outlook. Most of the oldies are local, and the lift company does not dare to do away with it's favourable pass ts & cs!

Ha they're awesome. Love seeing them skiing down after a few gluwhein. You'd never guess their age :thumbup:

bandit wrote:I have also been lucky enough to ride on a bike at 95 mph* sans lid, and can report that it's not good to open your mouth at that sort of speed

Agreed. As a passenger you also have the luxury of choosing to close your eyes. A fly will render you temporarily blind (and particularly uncomfortable) when they explode on impact with your eyeball. An unpleasant experience I hope not to repeat too often.

Con - Brasso is expensive, plus you could get overcome by the residual fumes whilst skiing.

Reconsidered - On the other hand the fumes could enhance your experience...

Pro - You'd probably not come across much resistance if trying to get to the front of the queue for lifts. Everybody standing slack jawed. Would be like the parting of the waves. Carrying some kind of historical spear might be a good idea, to reinvigorate stunnation of other people once the initial shock wore off.

Reconsidered - helmet and spear would take up all baggae allowance meaning you'd have to wear ALL toher stuff you want to take.

I can see where you're coming from. Gaining confidence was my first priority this year. If it works, maybe next year she'll feel have a different priority. I am curious though, because I never viewed blades as confidence building tools. It's an eye opener for me.

Trencher, what are the limitations of blades? I thought that blades were harder to use than full size skis. Mind you that's only based on a throwaway comment made by our very first instructor who said you can build up a hell of a speed on them.