Ok, why snowshoe running? Why this blog?

For me snowshoe running is the simplest way to retain (and hopefully improve) my fitness throughout the winter that I gained from mountain biking this past spring and summer here in Lake Tahoe California.
Snowshoe-running is also simple in that it takes minimal gear as compared to my other option of skate/x-country skiing or moving to a place with no snow. As it is, the gear is already piling up from: mountain biking, snowboarding, split-boarding etc. I can also go out my door and start running, no need for cross country trails or groomers. Here is a succinct article that speaks for me on “Why Snowshoeing”

I started running trails this summer when I could not ride my bike due to a shoulder injury. I had not run in years and it felt awesome; so free and natural. The snowshoes will let me keep my running fix fueled. I think that running and x-country skiing are both great tools for mountain bike cross training but personally think that running is more complementary to mountain biking. (When I figure out why I think this I will blog about it)

Another thing I like about snowshoe running is that like mountain biking, I can get away from people and roads. I have an adventurous side to me and the thought of blazing my own trails and navigating wilderness is also appealing. My biggest problem is that I enjoy the sites and have a hard time not stopping to take them in and take some photo’s. (More gear) I also enjoy mapping my forays with a GPS unit and need to get one for my wrist rather than using my heavy bike one.

After my shoulder healed the days were shorter and I was working so I got into riding my mountain bike at night with a couple of 900 lumen lights, now I have a headband to allow the use of one of these lights for running at night. I have run up the mountain run at Squaw Valley a few times and it is amazing to be on that mountain at night looking down at the village. The other night was a full moon and with the reflection off the snow I never turned the light on at all.

Why this blog about snowshoe running and trail running; because I have nothing better to do. Or actually this is the best use of my down time until I either need to get out and run again or go to work. But mainly it is a place for me to use as a home base for learning and documenting my passion for running and the wilderness and hopefully share with and encourage others to get out there too. So.. Hopefully I do not get too caught up in the workout and I can find a way to take a few pictures and share my passion here with others. Feel free to email me with any questions or suggestions or if you want to get lost in Tahoe with me someday.

Now if it would just snow already.

Happy trails,
Dan