I set a new goal for myself. This winter, I'm going to learn how to skate ski!!! I am beyond excited!

Ski Touring is my most favorite thing in the world, but I don't feel safe traversing the backcountry alone and it's hard to find good ski buddies in Seattle. I feel safe skiing classic alone, but it's not very challenging. I think skate will be a great way to challenge myself and a safe way to ski solo. It requires a distinct muscle memory, so it will take a solid commitment to actually retain what I learn. I think I have a solid plan:

I'm in a recovery phase now, but 8 weeks before my first ski, I am going to start pushing hard at the gym, specifically focusing on ski muscles.
I am registered for not one, but TWO ski camps (3 days and 4 days)
I signed up for physiology lab test
I plan to buy some new skate skis for myself for my birthday
I am planning a destination ski trip with a good ski friend for next year
Chances are low, as I typically have no say in the annual family vacation decision, but I was actually asked this year, so there's a chance we might get to go to a ski destination
I plan on getting a ski session in every week (except for a January vacation with friends)
I am working on a carpool to make the day skis easier to do