Team Summer Adventures: Tulie Budiselich
Catch up with PSIA-AASI National Team members as they share their summer adventures and how it keeps them on their game for winter. Here’s how PSIA Cross Country Team member Tulie Budiselich spent her summer.
What’s been your go-to summer activity or big summer adventure?
My summer has been full of a smattering of activities – a bit of stand up paddling to get my dog out on hot days, some early summer backcountry skiing in the Cascades, and a few backpacking trips too.
My mainstay summer activity this year, however, has been trail running. Running has always been a great way to cross train for cross country skiing, and one of my favorite ways to get into the high alpine in the summer.
Why is this one of your favorite activities in the offseason?
After recovering from a couple injuries at the end of winter, I had to re-strategize my running plan which led to a slow and methodical start to the season, but now, I’m back in the mountains running longer miles!
How does this keep you physically and mentally engaged in the offseason?
Trail running is one of my favorite ways to build endurance for skiing, but the piece that is often more meaningful is the mental training that accompanies it.
Every moment and every mile is a little different and the discomfort and challenges often transform within the next few steps down the trail. There’s a lot to be said for putting one foot in front of the other and remaining hopeful and curious about what is around the next bend, and how it might feel when you get there. Running has become even more of a meditation for me this summer and the views aren’t half bad either!
Some of my favorite trail runs have been high in the North Cascades of Washington state, and on the steep, rocky trails of the White Mountains in New Hampshire.