Winter Cross Training: Snowshoe Running

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Snowshoe running is a perfect form of winter cross training for athletes in colder climates. Here’s what you need to know to get started.

Snowshoe Running

Whether you are still in the “offseason” mode or in full-time training mode, athletes in colder climates should welcome the winter weather and change things up a bit. Get off the treadmill, remove yourself from the icy roads & trails, and strap on some snowshoes!

The benefits of snowshoe running

Snowshoe running is sure to give you a solid workout and will definitely strengthen the hamstrings, hip flexors, calves and other stabilizer muscles you never knew you had. Since the snowy surface is fairly soft your body will take less of a beating (compared to running on pavement). It is an excellent form of cross-training and will greatly help build your aerobic engine.

One of the best things about snowshoe running is that it is inexpensive and requires little experience. If you can walk or run you can snowshoe. It may feel a little weird at first, but without much practice you’ll be a pro. And unlike a pair of running shoes, snowshoes will last for a few years.

In addition, running with snowshoes will help correct inefficient running form and force you to run straight forward with your toes pointing straight ahead. If you don’t run this way with snowshoes on, you will end up stepping on your shoes and clink and clank as your run.

Waterproofing your feet

I recommend running on packed or groomed trails. Cross country centers, golf courses and snowmobile trails are great places to unleash yourself. Also, when you go snowshoe running you should wear running sneakers and not boots on your feet. I suggest wearing water proof running shoes and you may also want to consider wearing gaiters to help keep your feet dry. (Tip: skip both of the suggestions above and use cycling shoe covers; neoprene works best)

Ease into training with snowshoes

Another thing to keep in mind as you head out on a pair of snowshoes is that it is best to track time and not distance. Do not get frustrated if you run for an hour and only find that you have covered three or four miles. In order to keep things in perspective and prove to yourself you are getting in a serious workout, it is a good idea to use a heart rate monitor. Also, you can expect your pace per mile to increase by 3-5 minutes compared to running on the road. Because snowshoe running can be very challenging, it is smart to limit the time running in your shoes to 20 minutes a clip at first.  You can slowly start to add time on to your runs once you start to build up your muscle and endurance required to run through the snow.

Equipment needed

Finally, before you run off to buy some fancy new shoes make sure you buy run specific snowshoes.  These are generally shorter, smaller, and lighter than your normal trekking shoe.  I recommend the “Atlas Run Snowshoe” and they can be bought on Amazon.com or at a place like Eastern Mountain Sports or REI.  In addition, I also recommend picking a pair of poles (similar to ski poles) that will help with balance, form, and making it up more challenging terrain. These can be purchased at the same place you buy your snowshoes.

Snowshoe races

For all those competitors among us or for those who want to try a new kind of race…yup you guessed it…there are snowshoe races. Unbeknownst to me until recently, these kinds of events do exist and can actually be a ton of fun. Check out www.snowshoeracing.com for events in your area. This is a great way to test your early season fitness and try something new.

My video on YouTube.com