At the end of my second day on the slopes - boarding about 5 hours each day - my knees were KILLING me. I couldn't feel the pain on the hill - was having too much fun - but, oh god, the burn when I'd slow down at the base. The thing is, even though it kept hurting, I kept saying "One more run, I can do one more run" until, finally, no, I couldn't and I knew it.

So, I hung up my board and hit the lodge for some hot chocolate. When I finished up, and tried to stand, I fell. I actually fell right over. My knees just couldn't support my own weight.

Now, obviously, part of this is due to me being out of shape. Another part is going for 5 straight hours two days in a row while out of shape. Yeah, I get all of that. But, still, is there something I can do to possibly ease the pain a little?

Should I take breaks during the day? Should I go to the gym when I'm not on the slopes? Should I drink more water than I already do? Should I adjust my binding positions? (-5,+15 on day one and 0,+20 on day two) Should I be standing differently? There's gotta be something.

And don't tell me I'm just old and my body is falling apart. I'm only 28!