With the weather that much of North America is getting today, writing about snowshoeing seems appropriate. When the temperatures plunge and the roads get covered in snow, a lot of runners retreat to their treadmills and pray for an early spring so they can get back out on the roads. However, if you live in an area that regularly gets a lot of snow, snowshoe running can be a great option.
For people unfamiliar with running snowshoes, the first image that might come to their mind is the great big wooden snowshoes with a long tail and webbing made of animal sinew. Those snowshoes have their place, but you certainly can't run in them. The snowshoes that are made specifically for running are much smaller and lighter, and you can maintain pretty much your normal running stride when you wear them.
For people unfamiliar with running snowshoes, the first image that might come to their mind is the great big wooden snowshoes with a long tail and webbing made of animal sinew. Those snowshoes have their place, but you certainly can't run in them. The snowshoes that are made specifically for running are much smaller and lighter, and you can maintain pretty much your normal running stride when you wear them.
There is definitely some trade-off with having the smaller snowshoes- you can't strike out into deeper snow without sinking, but when you're running on trails that have been at all compacted, they give you enough float to keep you from punching holes with every step like you would if you were wearing shoes or boots.
Another advantage of running on snowshoes is the grip- most running or hiking snowshoes have metal cleats under the ball of your foot and your heel, which allows you to run safely across slippery surfaces that would be treacherous in even the most aggressive trail shoes.
Another advantage of running on snowshoes is the grip- most running or hiking snowshoes have metal cleats under the ball of your foot and your heel, which allows you to run safely across slippery surfaces that would be treacherous in even the most aggressive trail shoes.
There certainly aren't as many snowshoe races as there are road or trail running races, but it seems to be a growing sport. In my area this a great series which has races every few weeks through the winter (http://healthandadventure.com/2012/11/2013-dion-eastern-ontario-snowshoe-running-series/). If you do some google searching you may be able to find something not too far from where you are. It's amazing how challenging a snowshoe race can be. It's much lower impact than a road race, but requires an extremely high level of exertion- perfect for getting your racing fix in a time of year when races can be hard to come by.
Don't let winter chase you away from getting outside and enjoying nature. Snowshoe running and racing can be a great compliment to your regular training, and it's a lot of fun.
Don't let winter chase you away from getting outside and enjoying nature. Snowshoe running and racing can be a great compliment to your regular training, and it's a lot of fun.