Cross-country skiing: Pippa Middleton's doing it, James Cracknell's done it and Ben Fogle joined in. Now, forgive the shameless name-plugging to get your attention, but see things from my point of view. If I said that you must try XC here - in London - and that it's a really good workout, then you'd probably not waste your time in reading any more.
"She's mad! I'm not reading such utter rubbish".
See - what did I tell you. In Richmond Park, Hyde Park and at Dorney Lake a little further out, you can learn the intricacies of this sport thanks to tiny wheels fixed to the bottom of the "skis".
They call this weird ski/rollerskate hybrid rollerskiing (who knew). I spent a good few months swerving and dodging around Richmond Park in preparation for a white winter, and it was so much fun that it didn't feel like exercise! Well, not until I got home, anyway. With ex-Olympians on hand to patiently coach me through the technical intricacies, I developed a love for this unlikely sport.
Try it yourself - as a one-off, a short course or for something quirky to list on that online dating profile.
rollerski.co.uk offer equipment hire and instruction, while londonnordic.org.uk operate more of a 'club' setup - it's up to you which you'd prefer.
Rollerski also offer their lessons as part of the Outdoor Fitness Collective, which appears to link outdoor sports clubs, camps and classes under a gym-style monthly membership programme. Interesting...
www.outdoorfitnesscollective.co.uk
