Snowshoeing — more fun than using a sledge hammer


By Scott Gall


If you’ve ever run at altitude and felt your heart rate rise higher than the trail you’re climbing or pound harder than a sledge hammer breaking cement, then you know exactly what snowshoeing might feel like the first time you strap ’em on your feet and give ’em a go. Well, sort of, but it’s way more fun than using a sledge hammer.

Instead of breaking things, snowshoeing will not only help you build a huge fitness base but will also work areas like your core and hip flexors so that by the end of the spring thaw, you’ll be stronger and more durable for your summer racing schedule than you’ve been in years.

Snowshoeing has an almost immediate learning curve. You strap them on your normal running shoes or light hiking boots and go. Some people choose to use hiking poles for more stability, but many simply put one foot in front of the other while they walk or run and find that it’s quite nice in the outdoor wonderland we call winter.

Snowshoe models have come a long way. No longer are they made of wood and leather, nor are they 3 feet long and 2 feet wide. Most hiking and running models are no longer than 25 inches and no wider than 7 to 8 inches. They are made of lightweight materials with plenty of traction, and many come with a lifetime warranty.

My wife, Sarah, and I have been snowshoeing for the better of a decade, and we’ve found a few helpful hints to offer along the way. First, regular running shoes normally work fine. Yes, your feet may end up wet, but you’ll be plenty warm as you hike or run — even your feet.

Second, layer your clothing using a base layer that is not cotton and wicks moisture. You’ll probably be wet from perspiration as much as from the snow itself. I encourage the use of a backpack the first few times because it’s better to over-dress and then stow extra apparel in the pack than to under-dress and be cold and miserable.

As far as using snowshoeing as cross-training for sports like running, cycling or triathlon — just do it! I’ve had numerous spring races that I’ve run inexplicably better than I would have hoped for based on the intensity or frequency of structured workouts I’ve done. The strength and cardio that I’ve found after a winter of snowshoeing has been an enormous bonus from the fun and variety I get with snowshoeing. When snowshoeing, go for a set time — not distance — so you don’t over do it. Time spent moving with your heart rate up is what you need, not exact distance.

Many places that sell snowshoes also rent them. Try them a few times to make sure you like them. You’ll also be able to figure out what type of snowshoe you prefer before buying a pair. With the lifetime warranty that comes on most snowshoes, you’ll have years of winter fun ahead of you.

 

Scott Gall is co-owner of both The Runner’s Flat, a running specialty store, and Running Village, a video-based, running review site. He’s been on the U.S. Snowshoe National team four times and continues to train using snowshoes as long as the snow allows..