In the following article, ATRA social media director Andy Wacker, shares his foray into snowshoe running as well as some tips for newbies to the sport.
What better way to indulge the frigid Minnesota winter, than to face the cold and try out a new sport with old friends? That’s just what I did on a recent trip to the Midwest.
In mid-January, I went for a run with Steve Kasica and Shalaya Kipp on the snow covered trails of Quarry Hill Nature Center in Rochester, Minnesota. The trails were covered after a recent snowfall, the sun was shining on a sub-zero – “feels like -27 F” – day. We bundled up and decided to tackle the terrain in snowshoes.
Steve Kasica and Shalaya Kipp on the snowy trails in Minnesota.
Steve and Shalaya, whom I met while running for the University of Colorado, recently moved to the land of 10,000 lakes. Kipp, a 2012 Steeplechase Olympian and Kasica, an All-Conference 800m runner, run most days but are new to snowshoe running.
First impression, snowshoes are easy to use.
Tighten the straps and off we go!
We tightened the straps to affix our running shoes to the snowshoes and started off down the trail. “I think I overdressed,” Kipp admitted after climbing the first hill.
Kasica seems to take to snowshoeing naturally, as we climb steps and descend fresh, powdery slopes around the park. I felt like I was working hard, so I asked if anything was difficult. Kasica shared, “Breaking trail in fresh snow was the biggest challenge, but worth it.”
We look out over cliff edges on the former quarry, and test the ungroomed and snow packed singletrack terrain. It shouldn’t be surprising, but snowshoes really helped me stay upright. The claw and bigger surface area made me feel as if I were floating over the snow.
Efficient workout
After rounding the corner back toward the parking lot, we decided to test the limits of how snowshoes can really perform. We sprinted along a frozen pond 50 meters to a flagpole and back, out of breath. What a great run!
Kipp commented, “Snowshoe running is awesome, because if you are looking for an efficient workout, you can go for 30 minutes on snowshoes, and it feels like the equivalent of an hour run!” I couldn’t agree more!
This run provided a chance to try out Yukon Ultra Lite race snowshoes and Crescent Moon, Blue Luna.
Catch Kipp and Kasica at the US National Snowshoe Championships next month. They will both compete in the 10k championship race to be held in Eau Claire, Wisconsin on February 10, 2024.
Wear water resistant pants snowshoeing.
Top tips for snowshoe running
Below are five things I learned on my first snowshoe run.
1 – Wear what you would wear running in the same temperature. It’s hotter than you think, especially running up hills.
2 – Wear water resistant pants (a lot of snow kicks up on your legs, and my running tights, while warm enough, just didn’t cut it)
3 – Snowshoeing is more accessible than you think. The trails were free to use. I wore winter running clothes I already owned. There isn’t pressure like skiing to know what you are doing. I didn’t even fall. It’s just fun!
4 – Running shoes are ideal, but your toes might get cold and wet. I think gaiters, waterproof running shoes or waterproof socks might be a perfect addition.
5 – Snowshoes really work to make snow running better. I was skeptical that trail shoes would suffice, but after a run through mixed depths of snow in each, I found snowshoes outperform running shoes most of the time.
Luna Running Snowshoes Blue.
Snowshoes tested on the trails
Luna Running Snowshoes Blue: 2lb, 10oz (595g/shoe)
Crescent moon: 48.6oz (689g/ shoe)
Yukon: 41.6oz (590g/ shoe)
