Do you remember what it was like when you first learned to drive a car? You had to think through every step. Chances are that now you never give those steps a second thought, it’s all become second nature. That was Ira Riklis’ experience as he began taking skiing lessons from Mike Bartasuis. Mike’s style of teaching is to identify the ONE item in your technique that most interferes with your rhythmic motion and get you to understand how that piece needs to be changed. Then he has you practice, practice, practice until that movement becomes second nature to you. That movement becomes so ingrained in your muscle memory that you don’t have to think, you just do. And then it’s on to the item that’s keeping you from your ultimate goal!
Today, Ira Riklis doesn’t even notice the current turn he’s making as he glides down the slopes. He relies on muscle memory that turn. That leaves his mind free to think ahead about a half mile down the mountain choosing a path that flows with the terrain and steers him away from other people and obstacles. In other words, the path which will make for the most effortless, care-free and enjoyable run.