5 Tips to Start Snowshoe Running and Racing this Winter

Last year I took the leap into snowshoe racing. Prior to 2013 I’d run a handful of times in my LL Bean Winter Walker snowshoes (a recreational snowshoe designed for exactly what the name implies: winter walking) mostly when it was too icy or the shoulder had become obsolete piled high with snow. Snowshoeing on the trails around my house seemed a safer option and why not run? But last winter I became aware of a snowshoe race series in New Hampshire called the Granite State Snowshoe Series. It turns out snowshoe running is a real thing and the more I looked into it the more I realized some speedy road racers were using snowshoe running and racing as a way to stay fit during the winter.

Although road races during the winter months are becoming more popular in the North East (there’s a local Freeze Your Buns Off road series) you can never count on race day: icy conditions or a snowstorm could cancel a road race very easily. But with snowshoe racing the snow is welcome and considering the crowd is a hardy bunch, many races persist even in snowy weather (like the race I ran last year in during a snowstorm).

Crossing the finish of my first snowshoe race in February 2014.

Last year I greatly benefited from my experience snowshoe running and racing: I gained fitness quickly, found a renewed passion for running and had more fun racing than I ever have before. Here are a few tips if you’re looking to give snowshoe running and racing a try this winter:

1. It’s Hard Work. You can throw your road paces out the window. Running with snowshoes is an incredibly taxing workout, much more so than running on the road. You’ll find your heart rate skyrocket in the first few steps as you put in the effort to lift your leg and the snowshoe up out of the snow. The amount of effort you exert definitely depends on the type of trail you’re running on: a groomed trail or snowmobile path may be considerably easier than fresh powder. Soft and Melting snow can also provide a particular challenge, even on a groomed trail (picture running through mashed potatoes). And because it’s such hard work, it can be easy to over dress. Your body temp will most likely rise quite quickly, over dressing means you’ll be a sweaty, hot mess when you’re done. Select light layers that are breathable and dress as if it is 10-15 degrees warmer than the outside temperature. So if it is 25 degrees out, think of what would be comfortable at 35-40 and wear that.

Dress as if it’s 10-15 degrees warmer than it actually is.

2. Invest in good snowshoes. While I don’t think you need running specific snowshoes for training and every day runs (in fact I think it was perhaps helpful that I trained in my LL Bean Winter Walkers, almost like wearing a weight vest) I do think it is essential to wear running specific snowshoes for racing. Especially if you want to make the most of your experience. The snowshoe races I participated in, put on my Acidotic Racing provided DION Snowshoes for a $5 rental fee for the race. All I had to do was reserve them prior to the race. If you can’t rent running shoes, try and borrow a pair and find out if it something you’re going to want to keep doing. If you fall in love with it like I did, then invest in a pair of DION Snowshoes, they are the best running and racing snowshoes out there.

Dion snowshoes, the lightest racing snowshoes on the market.

3. Footwear. Wear trail shoes or regular running shoes. There’s no need for special boots, in fact the extra weight will be a real drag. If you’re working hard and moving fast enough your feet should warm up and if not, most races are shorter than a 10K. Wearing a good pair of wool or wicking socks is a good idea because your feet will get wet. My favorites are Swiftwick and Darn Tough. Swiftwick dry quickly and Darn Tough socks always keep my feet warm. Gaiters will minimize how wet your feet and ankles get, Altra Running sells a nice pair of gaiters geared towards trail running but would be applicable to snowshoe running as well. The velcro on the back is only compatible with Altra trail shoes, so if you don’t wear Altras you can easily find gaiters from Altlas Snowshoes like these ones. I like the Altra gaiters because of the velcro, you’re movements are so vigorous in snowshoe running it’s hard to get gaiters to stay put, especially on the heel of a sneaker. However gaiters aren’t necessary. I didn’t wear them last year and simply wore compression knee high socks under my tights, you’re going to get wet all over, so sometimes a gaiter isn’t really going to help.

Racing snowshoes aren’t necessary for everyday training.

4. You’re Gonna Get Wet. Depending on the conditions you will most likely get soaking wet either during the race or shortly after. Bring a change of clothes to the race: at least dry pants, socks and shoes. You won’t want to sit around in cold, wet running clothing after the race or during the drive home. I found that I fell frequently during my first snowshoe race and kicked up a lot of snow; I was completely soaked afterwards.

I may be smiling, but I am soaking wet and quite cold. This was my first race and I didn’t bring a chance of clothes. I wish I had those warm fuzzy dogs boots on my feet.

5. Know the Trail Etiquette. It seems to me that there’s a bit of trail etiquette in snowshoe racing, especially along single track trails that twist through the woods. If there’s someone behind you, dogging your ever step and they are clearly faster than you the courteous thing to do is step aside and let them pass. If there’s double lane track or if you’re in a field then by all means duke it out for your position. And if you’re really competitive and looking to place, be aware of where you seed yourself at the beginning of the race. There’s a bit of strategy that comes with snowshoe running. Position yourself well and you won’t have too many issues.

A great resource for all things snowshoe running and racing: the United States Snowshoe Association (USSSA) you can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

Looking for an event near you? Check out this interactive map.

Want to know how to train for your first snowshoe race? Check out this post HERE.

Have you ever participated in a snowshoe race? What did you learn and how did it change your running? What tips do you have? 

Sarah is a certified running coach with the RRCA and USATF. She and her husband Mark Canney, CPT CSCS collaborate in coaching clients of all ages and abilities to help them reach their running goals. You can learn more about their coaching services HERE.

Sarah

I love connecting with readers! You can find me here:

Email: RunFarGirl [at] gmail [dot] com

Twitter: @RunFarGirl

Instagram: instagram.com/runfargirl

Facebook: Facebook.com/runfargirl262

Pinterest: pinterest.com/runfargirl

Daily Mile: dailymile.com/people/scanney

You May Also Like:

How to Train for your First Snowshoe Race My First Snowshoe Race and Tips for Newbies Whitaker Woods 4 Miler Snowshoe Race Recap A New Look, Snow Fun and The First Food Prep