Snowshoe running

I love snowshoeing. While every November I tell myself that I'm going to ski more in the upcoming winter, I always end up doing more snowshoeing than skiing. I think a big reason is because I simply love the motion of running more than the motion of skiing (skate or classic).

Some things to be aware of when you're first starting out. It is MUCH harder than road running and MUCH, MUCH slower. Depending on the snow conditions 9:30 pace on snowshoes can be roughly 6:30 road effort. So take all of your pre-conceived notions of pace relating to effort and throw them out the window

Your hip flexors will burn! The first 10 minutes or so can be tough and even though you're (hopefully) going very slow, you'll wonder if you can get through your 4 miles, or 6 miles or 1 hour... But keep slugging through, eventually that burn settles down and you lock in to a pace.

You'll probably clip the insides of your ankles a couple of times. You'll learn not to do that. Since you have some running ones they'll be a little more narrow so the adjustment will be relatively easy. Basically, you'll run a little more wide legged (or however you want to describe it) than normal.

I recommend getting some gaitors. Whether you're on groomed trails or unpacked trails you'll kick up a lot of snow and that can fill up the backs of your shoes. That can be very painful when it freezes and rubs your achilles raw!

Dress lightly. Even on an "easy" run, you'll be working really hard, it's easy to overheat. I always wear a pair of tights, a Craft base layer and a Mizuno Breath Thermo top. Add a light hat and some gloves and you should be fine.

Have fun! It's really a blast. Try going at night, too, with a headlamp, that's fun if you have some good trails in your area. Also, I don't know where in Minnesota you are, but USSSA Nationals are in Cable, Wisconsin this year. Look that up. Check out

http://www.cutemoose.net

for races.

How about the snowshoeing in Illinois? I see a lot of races in Wisconsin but none in Illinois...anyone know of anyone? I'm in the Chicago burbs and have been looking into starting snowshoeing as well!

If you live in a place like I do, the only large grassy body that is consistently covered in snow is the ski/sledding park a few towns over. If you're running in a place like this, you'll most likely learn 2 things.

1) The terrain varies! For me, I always have to start by breaking a new trail down the side of a hill until I eventually find some xcountry ski trails which are fantastic to run on, then I might find some gray area on a trail that doesn't get much use. There is a HUGE difference between running on a manicured trail and in fresh powder, or in snow that's been sitting; and depending on how wet the snow is there's even more room for variability. Personally I wouldn't trade that for the world. I like feeling fast on the trails and I like working hard in the deep snow, but I know other people who really only like one or the other, it's something to think about!

2) Going back uphill sucks! No matter how good of shape you think you're in, I guarantee that the next day you'll find your hip flexors and possibly groin muscles are wrecked. I've been running many miles and much quality since cross country and my first day of shoeing (at a whopping 4 miles) killed my left hip and groin. Partly that's just a function of the activity, partly that's because I can't contain myself when I see a nice white, open uphill. I guess my advice here would be more to take it easy your first time and don't get too crazy, you'll feel every heroic surge 10 fold the next day, and uphills only compound the effect.

That aside I hope you have fun with it! Remember that even the best have to stop and take breaks sometimes!

There are two races at the end of January. One in Barrington, the other is in Richmond IL, close to the Wisconsin Boarder. It is a qualifier for nationals. The 10k is the qualifier race and there is a 5k to the community. That is if we have snow!

http://2kadventuregearsnowstomp.blogspot.com/

Thanks, Midwest Chick! Are those the only two in Illinois this year? Bummer they are on the same weekend!

I've never tried snowshoe running before, but there's a race in a few weeks that I want to participate in (they rent out snowshoes, fortunately). This will likely be the first time I ever step foot in a snowshoe.

As a 25 year old who currently averages ~50mpw on the roads, what should I expect? I'm doing it for fun, not necessarily the competitive aspect of it... whaddya think? Will I get my ass kicked?