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SNOWSHOEING:
Take the "Oh, No!" Out of Snow
By Laura Clark
Picture the following scenario: it's cold, it's January, and it's still snowing. The gym has closed early and today was your day for a long workout, so you:
- Lace on your running shoes and join the cars skidding and sliding on the road
- Run up and down your basement stairs
- Drive to the mall and run on their super-hard floors
- Move to Florida
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| Huffin n' puffin at the Moody Springs 9-Mile Snowshoe Race on March 3, 2000. The author, Laura Clark (in yellow), is smiling! |
If this sounds familiar, you are ready to discover the fun of snowshoeing. Your trend setting will not only impress your friends, but also give you a competitive advantage. As Bob Arnot, author of Dr. Bob Arnot's Guide to Turning Back the Clock points out, being on the cutting edge of a new sport is one way to tilt the youth vs. experience curve in your direction.
While snowshoes have been around since the Asian migration across Siberia, it was only in the 1800's that they were used recreationally. And only in the last few years, thanks to modern technology, has the concept of running in snowshoes taken hold. As a die-hard runner, I used to dread winter when icy roads threaten to take the joy and speed out of training. Other cross-training activities never seemed to provide quite the same high. Treadmill workouts failed to duplicate the macho "in all types of weather" bragging rights I craved. But then I discovered snowshoeing. Not only did it get me back outdoors, but also the soft snow allowed my muscles a chance to recover. This sport is as close as you can get to running and still be cross training.
Yet many people hesitate to take the plunge. While it can be physically demanding, snowshoeing takes no special skill. Only the elite feel that they must run every step of the way. For us mere mortals, walking breaks are the norm, if not a sheer necessity. My friend, Gust Svenson, has discovered that walking on unpacked trails frequently brings his heart rate monitor up to his road running pace. And if you choose to enter a race, remember that your clock time will have meaning only in relation to that day's standings. Because of varied snow conditions, it is meaningless to compare one year's race with the next. So ignore your stopwatch and enjoy the experience!
And now, ASK LAURA... or, everything you wanted to know about snowshoeing but were afraid to ask:
- what to wear on your body: wear whatever you'd normally wear for running on a cold day, but less of it. Expect to get really warm after only a few minutes, so despite the higher price, you'll need some moisture wicking clothes. I normally wear fleece tights, a long-sleeved turtleneck and a lightweight windbreaker. Only once, at -40 degrees on top of Mt. Greylock did I add a neck warmer and an outer layer of tights. Do pay particular attention to what you put on your hands. You will fall, and soggy mittens can lead to frostbitten hands. Since the standard waterproof ski gloves are simply too hot, I recommend thin liners topped by waterproof over mitt shells.
- what to wear on your feet (besides snowshoes): runners usually wear sturdy trail sneakers; however, on the coldest days, some have been known to opt for hiking boots. Your shoes will get wet, but as long as you keep moving, your feet should stay warm. Shoe manufacturers are now advertising waterproof trail models, which might work providing you don't encounter an unfrozen stream. Neoprene over-booties initially seem like a good idea, but they tend to get torn up from close encounters with rocks and logs. On an unbroken trail, knee-length gaiters will prevent snow from working its way into your shoe. If cold feet are a problem for you, experiment instead with what you put inside your shoes (besides your feet). Gore-Tex liners are a good option, but you might need to go a size larger on your footgear.
- how to train: train for total time spent rather than distance. Bear in mind that a 7:30 minute mile pace on snowshoes is pretty close to world class, and that's if the course is packed and not too hilly. Each workout is so physically demanding that you should plan on training every other day at first. You can also adapt interval workouts to snowshoeing. One of my favorites involves jumping off a packed trail into deep snow, and then back again onto the trail when I need a rest.
- what to take to a race: bring a complete set of dry clothes and change immediately after you finish. Your shoelaces will be frozen and by the time you get your snowshoes off, you will be chilled. You will burn plenty of calories, so you might want to bring a high-tech energy bar or some low-tech gummy bears. Just remember to unwrap everything before you start out—trying to do so with gloves on is clumsy at best. Whatever snack you bring has a good chance of ending up frozen, so choose wisely. While tootsie rolls taste delicious, just try chewing a whole frozen one in your mouth!
- what to do at a race: at least half of the people will not know what to do either, so just relax and have fun. Unlike road races, snowshoe races have a way of evening out the odds in your favor. If you opt to go with the first pack of serious competitors, you might find yourself struggling along at a snail's pace, helping to break trail, while middle-of-the-packers enjoy an easier run on a cleared trail. Don't assume that since you are new you should start at the very back, unless you plan on walking the entire course. Passing on a narrow trail involves plowing into knee-deep snow and overtaking the person ahead who is on a cleared trail. Not easy!
Equipment: A good running snowshoe will cost around $200-250, so before making this investment borrow or rent a few different types so you'll know what matches your running style. Because I have a tendency to bang the insides of my feet, I prefer the asymmetrical models. But I only discovered this after using a loaner pair. Don't agonize endlessly, however. With snowshoeing's rapid growth; this year's choice may not be the definitive answer a few years down the road.
Snowshoe Race Info:
Empire Snowshoe Racing Association: www.snowshoeracing.com
Trail Runner Magazine: www.trailrunnermag.com
Tubbs Snowshoes: www.tubbssnowshoes.com
Western Massachusetts Athletic Club: www.runwmac.com
Further Reading:
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| The Essential Snowshoer: A Step-By-Step Guide by Marianne Zwosta | Snowshoeing by Steven Griffin | Snowshoeing by Gene Prater | Snowshoeing: A Trailside Guide by Larry Olmsted |
Laura Clark is
an avid trail runner, snowshoer and cross-country skier, and a Children's
and Young Adult Librarian at the Saratoga Springs Public Library.
Copyright© 2000 Adirondack Sports & Fitness. All Rights Reserved.