Hill training

So today I went to Mt. Rigaud to work my stride and my poling. They've been making snow, which is encouraging, it was about 0 degress C, and their snow is sticking.

I have a heart rate monitor and have realized that my max effective rate is about 160 beats per minute. Any more and I'm gasping, any less and I'm not going fast enough. I wish I could find someone I trust to coach me through this.

So the training consists of trying to emulate cross country skiing, with poles and long strides.

It's fine on the uphills but the downhills I have found are hard on my knees if I jog down, and walking takes too long.

So with any luck it'll snow and I can start skiing soon!