long time work example  if your work
I learned to ski from my brother at Lake Tahoe. I sure fell down a lot, in the beginning. It took me awhile to gain my balance.
took me awhile to gain my balance
Every winter, when I was younger, I practiced a lot, and when I was in college, I tried out for the ski team, and I managed to make the team.
one  event long time good time
I had to put in long hours, but it was a lot of fun, and I managed to win some events, which was awesome.
but hours other time long work 
In order to be a good skier, you have to develop really strong leg muscles. Also, you have to have some skill, in order to get on the ski lift safely. That always made me feel nervous.