Winter storm Jonas gave us a little more snow than we were expecting this past weekend, so I decided to break out my new snowshoes! The forecast said we were going to get about 3-5 inches, but it ended being more like a foot–perfect for a little snowshoeing around town (in preparation for our trip to Vermont next week, when I’ll be going on a back country snowshoe tour!).
Snowshoeing as Cross-training for Running
Runners often grumble when it snows, since it can interfere with your regular training schedule if it’s a significant snow fall and roads/sidewalks aren’t cleared. What’s a runner to do? Snowshoe of course! It’s a great cross-training workout, and with the newer model of snowshoes, the motion is more like running than ever! Here are some tips to get your started:
Choosing Your Snow Shoes
There are many different models of snowshoes now, not just the tennis racket snowshoes you see in older pictures! There are a wide variety of snowshoes that differ in length, bindings, traction, and more. Most snow shoes fall into three different categories: flat terrain, rolling terrain and mountain terrain, with some additional variations. They differ based on their length, bindings, crampons and traction systems.
Atlas Snowshoe Company Fitness Snowshoe, 22
Atlas Snowshoe Company Snow Race Snowshoe, Acid Green, 22-InchSaucony Women’s Ride 7 GTX Running Shoe,Black/Purple/Citron,7.5 M US
If you are interested in trail running or fitness, there are also shoes that are geared more towards those activities. I have the Run snowshoes from Atlas. If you want to see and test out a variety of snow shoes, try visiting a retailer like REI (you can rent snowshoes at some locations). You can also demo and rent snowshoes at many ski mountains and nordic center.
Choose the Right Footwear
The type of footwear you use will depend on the type of snowshoe you are using and what type of snowshoeing you will be doing. If you are looking to go back country snowshoeing, you might opt for a taller, water-proof boot. If you are sticking to packed powder or pretty groomed trails, you may be able to get away with waterproof, trail shoes.
When there’s a lot of snow, I wear my Sorel Joan of Arc Boots, but if I’m doing a running workout on a path, I would opt for my waterproof Saucony rides with gaiters. 🙂
Plan a Safe Route
While the temptation is to head right out the door after a significant snowfall, make sure that the weather conditions are amenable to a trip outside. Even if there is no traffic on the roads, avoid snowshoeing there– you don’t want to get hit by a plow that doesn’t see you!
Look for nice trails and paths and nearby nordic centers for great snowshoeing routes. Bike paths can also be a good option if they have enough snow cover.
Dress for the Elements
While you will work up quite a sweat snowshoeing, make sure you are dressed appropriately for snowshoeing. Keep in mind that, like running, you will likely get much warmer while snowshoeing. This is especially true if you are running type of workout, i.e. moving continuously and at a higher effort level for a longer period of time. Layering is always the way to go.
You can check out some calculators that will help you determine what to wear based on the temperature, wind chill, and other conditions.
Bring Water and/or Food Depending on How Long You will Be Out
Like running, you should consider fueling and hydration when you’re out snowshoeing. The temperatures may not feel warm, but you will undoubtedly be sweating–meaning you will need to rehydrate. Take along a water bottle or hydration pack. You should also stash a snack or two (depending on how long you plan to snowshoe), so you don’t get hungry.
It’s always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared, so stash water and snacks. Weather conditions or getting lost may make your snowshoe expedition longer than you thought it would be!
Have fun!
After being safe out in the snow, this is always my #1 tip! It’s a lot of fun to get out and enjoy the beauty of new fallen snow, especially if it’s the only way you can get some exercise!
30 Something Mother Runner received a pair of Atlas Run snowshoes (which are pictured in this post). A full review will be published in the coming weeks!
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