VO2Connection

So for me in the four season state of Utah, it typically goes like this. Somehow survive the dark, cold, inversion laden winter. Climb slowly out of my depressive hibernation mode in spring. Enjoy a glorious summer running my favorite road routes, trails, and races. Spend a wonderful fall full of long runs in the colorful painted mountains…until that first big winter storm. Every year I dread it, every year it comes. When you are busy with work, life, and kids in general, and an overcrowded meat market gym doesn’t appeal, what is one to do when there is not enough time to go for a ski and not enough motivation to run on mucky, salty city roads? One word. Snowshoes!

Often when we think of snowshoeing, heavy bulky old trapper style shoes come to mind. Luckily we live in the amazing technologically advanced world full of modern conveniences, including small lightweight snowshoes perfect for running off-road! When you get a pair of these babies, you can go out on any trail at any time for as much time as you have! If you find a fairly snow packed road or trail, you can typically go further and enjoy the fresh air, solitude, and a chance to initiate the body’s ability to build those lovely endorphins. For those with a more adventurous spirit or perhaps the need to get a killer workout, deeper snow works you harder. You will find that you have to generate a lot more energy to go similar distances than on packed trails. What a great answer to an intensive core workout. Guaranteed you will feel your abs, butt, and hamstrings and perhaps a few muscles you didn’t know, or forgot you had!

One other thought for the type A personality that just can’t get enough racing. Yes my friend, there is such a sport as snowshoe racing! So it is one thing to run with your snowshoes; it’s a whole new ball game when you add the intensity of racing in the mix. Even a 5k race in cold, thin, dry air at altitude will leave you gasping for air and ready for a hot soak and a nap afterwards. So check out www.snowshoeracing.com and you’ll find the answer to a series of races clear across the country sanctioned by the USSSA! Best of all it culminates with a National Championship at the beautiful Snowbasin Mountain Resort in northern Utah. Just in time to start thinking about a spring running season for which you are already in great shape with a great attitude….and perhaps a wish for a little longer snow season?