Fitness Conversion in St Foy

Luke Boxall - Snowology skier

I am 41 years old, 6'2' and weighed in at 101kg at the time of booking our 2006 ski trip in April 2006, needless to say over weight and unfit.

My preparation for skiing this year was very similar to the previous 20 years………a slight reduction in beer consumption and a mental eagerness to go!

After two days skiing, my initial adrenaline was fast fading and I was feeling under pressure to keep up, neither my mind nor my body were willing despite the best snow conditions ever!

Wednesday arrived and I was determined to enjoy our skiing, conditions had never been so good!

By 2.30 pm that day decided I decided return to the Chalet to rest, all be it the perfect surroundings to recuperate, I felt I was really missing out, plus I needed to be in good shape for my trip to Italy on Thursday.

Thursday arrived and everyone headed off to the slopes except for me. My body ached and my heart felt heavy, I did not have the energy to go skiing.

It was Mike's day off and he had suggested that the two of us could ski to Italy for the day. I was too tired and I suggested that we go for a water based activity in St Foy instead. Mike was more than happy to accommodate and we duly arrived at the St Foy pool, sauna and jacuzzi facility.

As I lay in the Jacuzzi, I was able to reflect on how my family and friends were enjoying their holiday. All the adults were older than me and it dawned on me that they were also a lot fitter! Their fitness was something I had scorned previously and was now actually allowing them to have more fun than myself.

Later that evening, looking across the mountains with the sun reflecting red on the sky, I sat with Ben and Steve (the two dads with us) sipping a cool beer and talking about their experience of the day. Clearly they were enjoying themselves and their families.

Something had to be done!

I returned to the UK with a resolve to become fit!!

I began by cycling 5 miles 5 mornings a week, I found it hard at first but established a routine using a fitness spreadsheet with reward targets for distances being covered. I enjoy targets and this suits me well.

Luke in his first week cycling after returning from hols

I now cycle 9 miles every weekday morning and last Saturday I rode 36 miles before breakfast! Although I set out to gain fitness rather than lose weight I have lost 6 kgs in the last 3 months. In September I will be taking part in Le Ronde bike ride where I will ride 80 miles.

I have recently bought a new bike, tight shorts (very attractive) and all the gear!

Already I feel so much better and I am genuinely looking forward to our next trip to Snowology in 2007 when I will be able to ski everyday!

Luke, July 2006

read Martyn's story

Read Luke's follow up June 2007

return to Snowology Home Page

Note from Mike: Luke is my best friend. I asked him to write this partly to encourage others to do the same to get the most out of their holiday and partly because I am proud of what he has achieved and I know Ruth (his wife) and the kids are too.

Luke has now (9 Sep 2006) completed the Le Ronde bike ride, covering 86 miles in under 5.5 hours. Well done to other Snowology cyclists Steve and Ben for their impressive times and for the incredible support that the they have given to Luke over the past few months of training.