All About Snowshoe Running

Snowshoe racing from the past

2011-02-17T12:53:00.000-08:00

Classic shot! See a few more like it at Snowshoe Magazines Facebook page.

Premiere of the Gnome race/run was a huge success. - results

2011-02-07T09:18:00.000-08:00

Peter Fain and Royal Gorge did an awesome job for this inaugural event. 36 racers/runners/contestants in all turned out for the event. 21 people participated in the grueling 10K race and 15 in the tamer and shorter 5K.

Here (link) are the results in a downloadable PDF
Here are some screenshots of the results:

I was the lucky helper that got to run the 10K from the finish to the top of the climb. If this race was a wedding and I was the photographer I would be dead right now. I took a lot of photos but honestly I am not that happy with them. I should not have been where I was. Everyone was not in such a great mood at the climb that just kept going! I think I would have had happier runners on a downhill or flat.
If you missed the pre-race posts on the course and other photos you can find it here and here.

Here I am atop "Razorback" ridge waiting for the contestants to make their way up to the highest point of the course at 7605 feet. For me it was about 1130 feet of climbing from the finish.

These were the happiest participants the were near the top. Probably cuz they were taking it easy and enjoying the gorgeous day rather than killing themselves.

To see the rest of the pictures you can view them in the slideshow below or go here to see the same slide show in 'full screen"
and this link will take you to the album.

Great job to Peter and all the volunteers. Cant wait for next year!

You want torn tendons? Snowshoe running might be the answer!

2011-02-04T17:00:00.000-08:00

Today I finally went snowshoe running with a sustained climb of any substance (~3miles up) and as of now my Achilles feel great! I wrote about how i screwed up the tendons running hills a bit to much last season. More on that here and here.

I left Max's ball at home so i could focus on running; at least till we got to the creek. Then I had to pull out the Blackberry adjust my tunes and snap a few photo's.

Disclaimer; Max is not my dog, he is a loaner. This is my dog.
My chiropractor had felt my calves last year when I was going through this injury and said they felt extremely tight and that because of that the tendons were getting worked hard and kept tight. And I guess because of this one of them became ruptured easily.

So last year I not only started stretching my calves religioulsly but I also have been doing some deep tissue work with one of these:

The Stick Travel Stick

The stick is an awesome tool and comes in many sizes but this travel size is perfect for the limbs. A larger one would maybe be great for the back and shoulders. Even after all the stretching and sticking it my calves still tightened up pretty good while running uphill today. I just stopped and stretched them lightly and it seemed to get me through the run. Another thing I thing really helps and probably is the important is to stretch after the run. I would have to day this goes for any sport not just snowshoe running.

I also use one of these to stretch out my calves.

Hugger Mugger Cork Yoga Block

Well I hope all this preaching will keep me committed to stay un-injured and maybe even help somebody else in some way or another.

Cheers,
Dan

BTW, need a contractor in the Lake Tahoe area?
I run circles around the competition. Check it out here at www.DSConstructionTahoe.com

More Details on the Gnome Snowshoe Race 2/5/2011

2011-01-25T13:46:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I went up to Royal Gorge with Peter Fain to begin marking the course. Peter is the 2009 national 10K snowshoe Champ and holds all kinds of ultra trail running titles and records. He currently is on the Redfeather Snowshoe Team and is the main promoter (along with Royal Gorge) for the "2011 Racing Gnome Snowshoe Race and Fun Run" . Me, I'm just a helper gnome.

Here (link) is more information and details on the event from an earlier post. And here is a pdf of the flyer for the event.

The first thing you need to know is that the Royal Gorge X-country resort is huge. Here is a pdf of the resort map. Here is the map with the 10K course dotted in red and the 5k in yellow.

This is the 10K on Google Earth

As you can see the course utilizes a very small part of the resort. The course goes back and forth from groomer to singletrack with awesome climbs on both. The 10k course is very challenging with 2 very steep climbs. The 5k is much much more tame. Both courses are "point to point" starting at the Royal Gorge Lodge and finishing at the Ice lakes Lodge. Not only is the terrain diverse but so are the views. You will be rewarded with awesome views of Castle Peak, Anderson Peak and the rest of the Pacific crest as well as all the incredible backcountry to the West of the crest.

I'll post a few photos right in this post but to see more just check out the slideshow at the bottom. Be sure to click on the photo's to see them in full screen. Or just click here for the Slideshow.

Hope to see you out there!

Castle Peak

There are a few tough climbs!

But the views are rewarding

To see the pictures in the slide show below in full screen, just click on the slideshow and it will take you to the google web-album where you can play the large/full screen slideshow.

Bob Dion of Dion Snowshoes

2011-01-21T13:20:00.000-08:00

I really like my Atlas shoes in most conditions but My Dions have been really good to me on the hard pack stuff. The Dions "Deep" cleats provide some really great traction as well on the groomers. I would like to give a larger Dion a try in the more typical powder I run in. If you want really really great service you cannot beat Dion.

Snowshoe Maker from WGBY on Vimeo.

Run, Walk, Hike, Crawl --it's all good, be happy with what you got

2011-01-17T23:16:00.000-08:00

Growing up injuries were common as an avid skateboarder, bmx'er, creek walker, tree climber etc. ; however everything seemed to heal overnight so all was good.

Not no more! I cut my finger and it takes weeks to heal. Snap a tendon in my ankle and it takes a lifetime.

Getting back on my bike after years off was relatively simple and easy on the body when comparing it to running again after longer than I can remeber. It felt so great the Fall before last when I rediscovered running and then to experience it in the snow! For someone that watched his HR (heart rate) so closely on the mountain bike seeing my HR statistics running in the snow, uphill was astounding. I knew I had found the sport that would help my cycling come spring. I knew it was an incredible workout.

Then it all came to an abrupt halt when the pain in my heal was as bad as getting kicked in the groin repeatedly (not really though but it was bad). I ran the mountain run at squaw in the middle of the night one to many times, or maybe it was the hill repeats I did tell i puked? I don't know. I think it is just that I am no longer 20 sumptin years old and my body was TELLING ME.

Anyway, I could go on to talk about the other injuries I have dealt with since my Achilles tendon injury but the point I really want to get across to anyone that cares to read this is to not take anything for granted.

I am just so happy to be outdoors and running again. That is my friend Max the dog in the photo. I borrowed him from a friend who has been busy studying. I thought having the dog would make it something different for me, maybe easier. Not a chance, Max kept a fast pace and always stayed out in front of me. If he could talk he would have probably been heckling me.

My friend Julie has a site called 365meditation.com where she takes a word everyday and gives some real/deeper meaning to it.

Today I found the word granted. Even though i was running ( i mean jogging?) at a snails pace with a dog heckling me. I was super happy to be out there moving along. I will never take the health of my body for granted again. I will be glad it is doing what it does and if i can get a little more out of it then that is great.

Thank you to me for getting me this far.

"The Racing Gnome Snow Run" Snowshoe Race

2011-01-16T14:10:00.000-08:00

This one I am sure is gonna be a good one! 2009 national Snowshoe Champ Peter Fain has put together what looks like is gonna be a fantastic event!

All the information I have right now (and should be all you need) is from the email Peter sent me which I have re-posted below.

The Racing Gnome Snow Run

10km Snowshoe race and 5km ramble

Prizes for top 3 men and women

February 5th

9:35am start

Royal Gorge

Soda Springs, Ca.

Proceeds benefit the Donner Summit Historical Society

Limited racing demos available from Redfeather snowshoes

Early registration

register at www.ultrasignup.com

5km $30

10km $40

Competitive entry discounts: Contact Peter at runonsnow@gmail.com

Race day registration

5km $35

10km $45

Course Details

An inspiring point to point course starting at the Summit Lodge at Royal Gorge and finishing at Ice Lakes Lodge. Course highlights include a grueling climb up Nose Dive and Crows nest, a stretch through Van Norden meadow, a riddge run along Razorback,rolling trails through densely wooded terrain and a unforgettable 1.2 mile single track downhill to the finish. Expect exceptional views and exhilarating downhill sprints.

70% single track and 30% groomed trails

"in the 12 years I've been snowshoe racing, this is by far the coolest course I've ever run" Peter Fain

Additional details:

GU generously provided your energy to to power throw the deep snow, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company is providiing the after race recovery liquid; Ice Lakes Lodge is providing some food, Sierra Pacific Coffee Company is sending you home with some of their organic coffee to boost your next morning, we are sending you home with a coffee mug to put the java in, plus some other cool schwag.

There will be a shuttle from the finish back to the start, there are only 3 spots at the finish so plan on using the shuttle.

Where have I been !?

2011-01-16T13:55:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note.

No doubt about it, trail running is tough on the body and snowshoe running is even tougher.
Last winter I damaged my Achilles tendon pretty good from getting a little crazy on the frequency, duration and intensity of my hill workouts. I never was able to really bet back to running last winter. Come along spring and I was happy to be-able to ride my mountain bike. Well...about 4 rides into the season I went down, did the major splits and tore my hamstring and groin as well as busted up my thumb pretty good. This really took the wind out of my sails.

Anyhow, I have been running again but I will never race again (never say never?, ...I never say that) I have not bothered bringing my gps or heart rate monitor with me as I am just trying to enjoy it and not push myself into injury and out of the fun completely. I will try to start writing and posting some photos of my excursions though. And I am planning on making the gap from Deep creek to Squaw valley soon (see "Bluebird Snowshoe running) and will fully document that one with gps and photos.

I look forward to it.

Happy trails,
Dan

The Perfect Storm: Mt. Seymour World Snowshoe Invitational & The 2010 Olympics

2010-01-10T12:48:00.000-08:00

Torchbearer Allan Benjamin carries the Olympic Flame while running in snowshoes in Old Crow, Yukon, on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009, during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics torch relay. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press,Jonathan Hayward)

The winter Olympics are back in North America for 2010. Vancouver is hosting the games and it looks to be a great venue. What is really special is that on the day before the closing ceremonies on February 27th, the Yeti Snowshoe Series is hosting "The World Snowshoe Invitational" (details here & here ) at Mt Seymour in the Mt Seymour Provincial Park. This race will also serve as the Canadian Snowshoe Nationals. It looks like this will be the biggest snowshoe running event ever in N. America thus far!?

I think what snowshoe running (as a sport) has forming here is "The Perfect Storm". Snowshoeing is the fastest growing winter sport in America (here & here) and if there is a sport that should be in the Olympics that is not, it is snowshoe running. Put this fact that snowshoe running is an undeniably fast growing winter sport along with a huge venue coinciding with the Olympics, then throw in the very enthusiastic snowshoe running promoters the Yetis and what we have is "The Perfect Storm".

How can you not get motivated for such an event after watching this video with Yeti MC Dave Norona and Series Director Dave Howells

Without these Yetis the Sport of Snowshoe Running would probably be asleep during the Olympics. The Yetis hold the largest snowshoe Running series in Canada (here) and what looks to be the funnest anywhere in the world. I mean com-on, they have a guy in a big furry Yeti costume running around!

This year their series is cut short to only 2 events because of the Olympics. Of course everyone else that is involved in the sport of Snowshoe Racing is taking part to make sure that all the International media that will be on hand for the 2010 Olympics will be exposed to just how fun and demanding snowshoe running is and validating it as a legitimate sport. The International Amateur Snowshoe Racing Federation (IASSRF) has come alive from the USSSA to represent the sport on the International level and hopefully after this years Olympic games they will have a lot more support from the international snowshoe running community and their website will reflect the new interest on the international front.

These Yeti guys sure know how to have a good time. After seeing the you tube videos and checking out their website I became more optimistic for the sport and the possibility of some real exposure that the Olympic presence will give it. I love the enthusiasm these Yetis have for snowshoe running and once I saw that they do night runs (from here) I knew they were some very passionate snowshoers.

Here is a Video On the Yeti Series. I sure hope to see more of this kind (the fired up kind) of event promotion here in the states and hopefully right here in Lake Tahoe in the years to come.

It is to bad that all the East Coast snowshoers are , well , on the East coast. After all Corinth NY. is the Snowshoe Capital of the world. (here) and there are a lot of very enthusiastic snowshoers out East. The US Nationals will be held at Highland Forest Park in Fabius march 5-7. This is just SE of Syracuse NY. Hopefully the exposure from the Yeti Invitational will carry over to the Nationals and help to make it a huge success and give the National Snowshoe Running scene a boost.

So class, to recap:
2010 Olympics + Beautiful Mt. Seymour + The Yetis + a fast growing sport = "The Perfect Storm"

I am not sure if I will be able to make it to Vancouver to witness this "Perfect Storm" but i will no doubt be thinking of that Yeti running around jump starting everyone's smiles. Good job Team Yeti and everyone else involved to help expose the very legitimate sport of snowshoe running and racing to the world.

Happy snowshoeing,
Dan

also;
Be sure to check out the below articles from Vancouver local and Snowshoe Magazine writer Debbie McKeown and Ryan Alford of Snowshoe magazine. And I am sure that more updates can be found at Snowshoe Magazine as they occur.

Preparing to Welcome the World: Countdown to the 2010 Winter Olympics

by: Debbie McKeown
Anticipating the World Snowshoe Invitational on Mt. Seymour, Feb. 27

by: Debbie McKeown
The Rise of the Snowshoe Racing Regime - From the First Edition of Snowshoe Magazine

by Ryan Alford

The World Snowshoe Invitational to Coincide with the 2010 Winter Olympics
by Ryan Alford , Snowshoe Magazine

Snowshoeing Near Prosser Hill Truckee

2010-01-06T16:39:00.000-08:00

The other day I tried out a great spot to run near Truckee; the "Prosser Sagehen Summit Area". There were snowmobile trails everywhere and plenty of options to make fresh tracks. This is near the area that the famous Donner Party "camped" out for the winter. I think they did all their camping on the East side of Hwy89. I will report back after exploring that area.

From Highway 80 in Truckee you travel 3.7 miles North on Highway 89 till you see this sign (map here). Right after you see this sign you take a left into the parking area. You will see a bathroom and a map/information board here.

I am still getting use to my new Garmin GPS watch and I was pressing to many buttons and did not get all the data from this excursion.

Here is a picture of our trail that did get recorded.

The point that it stopped recording is near the photo below of me "trying out the Redfeather shoes"
From this point we headed due East over the peak. This is where we had the views of Prosser Meadows (in the photos below) and made our own trail back to another well traveled trail that took us back to the parking lot.

Here is the Google Earth image. I added (in blue) what I think our route back was

Heading out on the well beaten path trying to catch my friend Holly

Me trying out some Redfeather shoes

The 2009 National Snowshoe Champion Peter Fain showing how it is done

Slink and Sonny laughing at their dad who fell in the snow

Slink and his dad wallowing in the snow

Slink and his mom Heidi enjoying the views of Prosser Meadows to the East

Me and Slink breaking trail through some clearcut area that had logging roads dissecting it all the way down. You can see the clearcut area in this photo here.

Sonny and Slink following their mom

This is a great area to explore and has many options for running. It is pretty hard to get lost if you just remeber which direction the highway is you should always be able to get back to it. I will try to add more GPS data after I go back next time.

Happy trails
TD

Snowshoe review : Trying out different running snowshoes

2010-01-06T07:54:00.000-08:00

disclaimer: As I have said in prior posts, these are my opinions and my opinions only that I have made from my experiences concerning product reviews. I am no expert nor claim to be one when it comes to snowshoes and snowshoe running. I do however get out there 6 days a week day or night and will tell you what I think. Keep in mind that everyone is different in terms of size and running style and what is not good for me may be great for you.

I finally got my new Dion Running/Racing snowshoes ~~last night~~ a few weeks ago.
I have used them doing solid groomer hill repeats, on powder runs , on snowmobile tracks and 1 race that was a mix of loose single track and groomers. They seem to be some solidly built shoes utilizing some good materials.

I purchased them from ORS Direct who had the best price I could find. I got the: 121 frames, "quick fit" bindings and "deep Cleats"

I have been using the Atlas Runs which are Atlas heavier running shoe and is also heavier than the Dions. The Atlas Race is very similar to the Atlas Run and is lighter than both. The runs have been great for me. Their size has allowed me to run with a natural gait and they have performed surprisingly well in many conditions.

The 121 Dions, Atlas Runs & Atlas Race/Superlights

Right off the bat I did not like how the Dion heel strap was set to ride high on the heel. With the Atlas I am able to set it low and the rubbery strap stays low on the shoe. This is especially important to me as I have been having problems with an aggravated Achilles tendon at the insertion. The Dions did not help this. I am sure a lot of thought went into the orientation of the strap and it is the most widely used spot, however it is does not allow for options like the Atlas shoe does and if my heel was not a mess i would not care. but again, options are nice.

Atlas Run heel strap pivots

Dion heel strap does not pivot

What is nice about the Dions binding "quick fit" system is that once you determine the length/setting of the heel strap you never touch it again. You only need to open the toe and ankle strap and leave the heel strap alone. The velcro seems to hold tightly and the shoes came with extra: small medium and large straps for each position so you are able to get the perfect fit. The velcro straps were also comfortable on the foot where the Atlas has some discomfort spots.Overall the shoes feel good on the feet as well.

Having the front of the snowshoe frame bending up I suppose lessens the likelihood of the frame-toe catching in the snow. The atlas have a less drastic bend than the Dion and I have never had an issue with the toe catching. Atlas's "spring loaded suspension" seems to snap the tail of the shoe back down as soon as you lift your foot so that the nose is far less likely to catch in the snow. It just makes sense that for flotation you want to utilize as much of the shoe as possible and when the toe is bent so far up it basically is a large part of the shoe that is not being used. Same theory with the nose shape. it is pointy and pointy things penetrate/slice into things easier. The nose is nice in that it enables a more natural gait. However, The design of the Atlas shoes have never hindered my running gate. The nose of the Dions are very ineffective unless you are running on packed snow. However if you run on packed snow then these shoes will do nicely.

The cleats; my shoes did not sit flat on the cleats, the shoe seemed to teeter on the pivot strap. After running down hill my Salomons kept creeping forward. I kept tightening the toe and ankle straps which helped but the design would be better if the ankle strap was higher on the tongue of the shoe so it can hold the foot better from sliding forward. I will mount a stomp pad/griptape on each cleat to see if that helps the shoe from sliding. Also, the cleats have very little surface for a shoe to make contact with. My Salomons barely made contact on the rear of the binding only catching parts of sole tread. The binding are so wide the shoes do not contact much of the sides only the front center and rear. The Atlas (Runs and Races) however are a solid platform for the foot and not as wide. Having this skeleton of a frame makes mounting a shoe directly to the binding with fewer options.
I was told the teflon is impregnated in the metal so I have no clue what the stuff is that is peeling off as seen in the photo. Also, Bob Dion advised me to go with the "Deep Cleats" and this was a mistake (for me anyways). I was catching the cleats anytime I was on a groomer. The traction was nice but I would rather not be tripping from cleat drag. I am sure the standard cleats would be fine unless I was in a hill climbing race then maybe I would try the deep cleats. If I was on anything but hardpacked snow then I would use another shoe altogether.

It is nice in some respects (1 binding:multiple frames) that the Dions are modular in that the binding and the cleat are separate components. However there is a downside to this. I was easily able to move my foot with the binding back and forth and side to side a small amount over the cleat. The binding is just girdled over the cleat and is not very attached to it.

After my very first time these the bindings are already starting to tear. I would think at the very least the edges of the cleat could be rounded over rather than square. Also, this would not happen if the binding was attached to the cleat rather moving around and finding sharp edges. Bob Dion advised me to do as I suggested and round over the edges and put super glue on the tear to try and stop the tear from growing. If the tears continue to grow he offered to replace them. I would not let this affect a buying decsion as I am sure Bob is probably rounding the edges over now?; if not it is really easy to do with a file.

Another thing I like about the atlas is the binding straps are rubbery with ribs which help them to hold to the shoe and the platform which is integral to the cleat has a stomp pad that grips the shoe sole. The Dions is just some metal webbing that has no pliability to conform to the shoes letting them creep forward. But once again I am comparing a heavier shoe (the Atlas) to the Dions. The lighter (than both) Atlas "Race" has a very raw binding to save weight and does not have the features the "Runs" have to keep the shoe in place better. I have found that the Atlas straps are not as comfortable as the Dions over the top of the foot but are more effective at keeping the foot from sliding forward.

Here is a shot after I added some rubber grip tape. I have since removed the center piece for better shoe to cleat contact and to alleviate the teetering my shoes did over it. This really helped keeping the foot from sliding forward on downhills but after a few runs the tape is working itself loose.

If I had to choose only one pair to race and run in I would take the heavier Atlas runs. They have more usable surface area and the surface area they have seems to be very effective for flotation. Dions seems to have made minimal surface area just to appease regulations for racing and running on extremely stiff surfaces and I think they are great for this. The Atlas Race shoes have the same frame design and spring loaded binding thus the flotation properties are the same. However, the Race shoes have a very lightweight binding that is not as durable as the Atlas Runs or the Dions. If I was only going to run on hard packed groomers I might go with the Dions since they seem to be more durable than the Atlas Race shoes. For a lighter runner the Atlas Race should be fine and the Dions also will provide better flotation than they did for me or anyone my size.

What would I do if I were to redesign the Dions?
I would widen the frames up front, lessen the upturn of the nose and make them less pointy, move the ankle/instep strap up, integrates some type of front toe-strap to keep the foot from creeping and or some type of rubber platform and make the heel strap pivot somehow to enable you to position it anywhere on your heal. I would also make the cleats narrower and increase the webbing/decking on the frame. Also, I would make the cleat frames provide more of a platform front, rear and sides. Also I might make a canted mount for the binding/pivot strap to the frames to act as a spring in an attempt to snap the heal down and the nose up much like Atlas' patented spring loaded binding.

Both the Atlas running shoes and the Dions are meant for groomers/hard pack etc. but I will tell you this,the Atlas are a lot more fun in alot more conditions.

[edit]
This weekend I went out for a hike/run with a friend who runs for Redfeather and tried out some protoypes that were really nice.

These are the Prototype Redfeather Vapors

These shoes felt great on the foot and very fast. The flotation did not compare to the Atlas shoes but i would much rather have these shoes than the Dions for racing or running on hardpack or trying to run in softer snow. They are lighter than the Dions or Atlas Runs, & the rubber binding straps are extremely comfortable on the feet. The nose is not bent up as drastically as the Dions so the shoe has better contact thus better flotation upfront. Overall flotation between the two is close however, due to the very small tail on the Redfeathers. However, when running in powder the Redfeather Vapor released from its hole much easier than the Dions or Atlas (most likely because of the small tails).

I also have the current Redfeather "R700" shoes I am spending some time on. These are bigger (longer and wider) than the Atlas shoes and a bit heavier (not much) so I think they will be great for powder runs and orienteering races and even better for anything but hardpack groomers than the smaller Redfeathers and Dions.

[edit]
I got out the past few days on these Redfeather 700s. I thought they felt unstable. The pivot point seemed sloppy and the decking also felt sloppy. My foot and binding was moving around quite abit within the frame. The Pivot straps seem like they should be tighter as does the decking. With the shoe being as wide as it is they create a lot of leverage from side to side thus decreasing lateral stability.

As you can see there are many choices and they all have there place. It all depends on what your priorities are.

If I was to only have one shoe it would be the Atlas Runs. I like the Atlas Race shoes but they are not as durable as the Runs and would not hold up to everyday use for a person my size (6'1"/180lbs). The Runs are not to drastically heavy for racing and have great flotation for their size. If I could have 2 to choose from It would be the Atlas Runs and the Race shoes. For a smaller person then maybe the Vapors, Dions or the Atlas Race shoes would be a good go to pair. Personally (if I could go back in time) I would not buy the Dions when for only $54 (based on prices at ORS Direct) more you can have the Atlas Race shoes. You can get the Atlas Run shoes for less than the Dions.
The only other shoes I want to try are the Northern Lites, they look like they have some great flotation and are really light.

Well that is all for now.

Happy Trails!
Dan

I just ran across this video from ORS Snowshoes direct. This is where I have found some great prices on snowshoes and other gear.

The video covers the Crescent Moon, Atlas and Dion running shoes. Funny thing is the guy doing the video does not run. He does know snowshoeing and covers some good points on these particular models.

Snowshoe Running in Blackwood Canyon

2009-12-13T17:58:00.000-08:00

Lake Tahoe has gotten hammered with snow the past few days. Today after shoveling snow I went snowboarding in the "POW" at Squaw, then came home and shoveled some more snow, then off to Blackwood Canyon (and here) (google map) for a run. Unlike the other day when there was nothing but sun, or the other night, today was snowing so the photos are not that great (never are with the Blackberry)

My calf's had been worked from all the hills and powder I had been running this past week. All my runs seem to start with a climb. So I needed a good flattish run and Blackwood Canyon fit the bill perfectly. Blackwood Canyons entrance is right off of the lake on the Westshore of Lake Tahoe (California) and I was very confident that snowmobiles had been up there making a trail for me to run on. Barker Pass is the name of the road that goes up through Blackwood Canyon and up to Barker Pass. It is paved and open to cars in the summer and closed in the winter. It is an awesome place for biking, rollerblading etc in the summer.

Barker Pass Road,thanks snowmobilers!

When I googled "Blackwood Cannyon" to get some info for this post I ran across this guys site and he was bent out of shape about the snowmobiles he encountered when he came hiking up the canyon one winter. LOL to funny. If it were not for the snowmobiles you would be busting trail in 3-6 feet of snow. If you want serenity snowshoeing you will have to harden up and break trail in the powder and go to a place like Pole Creek Canyon.

"Multipurpose"

"My purpose"

I decided to just run to the bridge that crosses the creek and back no matter how far (short) of a run it was. I needed to have an easy day and I was just glad to be out running after doing nothing (except a core workout) on Saturday.

Bridge

Blackwood Creek

Smokey was stoked today as the fire danger was very low, I think he was just chilin' in the woods taking a break or maybe doing some backcountry skiing.

For the beginner snowshoe runner this is the perfect spot to go since it is: flat, very likely is tracked out and scenic. My Garmin has not been working to great (I have one of these on the way though!) so I am not sure about the mileage. I think It was less than 5 miles round trip. In the future for my longer runs this will be perfect because after the bridge the road climbs up to Barker Pass and Ellis Peak and the flat section will serve as a good warm-up before the climb. This as opposed to all my other runs that seem to start with a climb.

Time for my favorite post run snack (after a ton of water)

Peets coffee and a Chocalate Mint Builders bar.

Happy Trails !

Bluebird Snowshoe Running

2009-12-09T17:42:00.000-08:00

Today was a typical California winter day. There was two feet of fresh snow and nothing in the sky but the sun. After doing the 8 miles in the dark I did Monday night I was ready for some vitamin D. I thought I might go back to Forest Service Road 08 where I had gone after the very first storm last month.

The 08 is the Forest service road that runs to Truckee on the West side of the Truckee River/Hwy 89 from just North of Squaw. The 06 ("Fiberboard Freeway") is the road that runs from Tahoe City to Truckee on the East side of the Truckee River. Unlike the 06, the 08 is closed to snowmobiles. This Road accesses some really good backcountry skiing in the winter and there is a hut "Bradley Hut" that gets a lot of use. The access is between Squaw Valley and Truckee.

This map has 3 of my runs on it. The lowest one was my first run on November 21. This is a private dirt road that runs up behind my house in Squaw and dead ends. The runs at the top of the map are today's run and a run I did on 11/28. On the 28th my run headed North along the 08 to Pole Creek (here is another map) and back. Today's run Is the route that heads South along some old logging road.

Starting out near Highway 89.

"Into the Sun"

I ran along in the tracks set by some skiiers/skinners. Not sure if this is cool or not. I know when I use to hike peaks to snowboard in the backcountry with my snowshoes (MSR Denalis) It is not cool to use the tracks set by skiners. I know however that during the winter at this Forsest Service Road many people hike and snowshoe up. There was a forest service guy skinning up who saw me heading up this ski track and he did not say anything. I needed to run so i ran.

These tracks were much harder to run in than the snowmobile tracks I ran in the other night. If I stepped to far to either side I sank and even running one shoe in-front of the other staying in the ski tracks I would punch down. But it was easier than running in the untracked powder so I continued on.

Here is where I thought the ski tracks would head, down the 08 towards Pole Creek. Nope. So I figured either I can cut trail down to Pole Creek or stay in the ski tracks.

I decided to stay in the ski tracks as I wanted to run and not "kinda run" breaking trail in 2+ feet of fresh snow. I got about 20 feet further and the tracks ended! The skiers came and broke trail and turned around, maybe it was the same US employee that is skinning up behind me? Anyhow I decided to continue on this unmarked road and see what running in powder was really like.

So here is looking at my new route

A quick look back to see what my tracks looked like.

The nice thing about running in this untracked powder as opposed to in the skiers tracks was that I knew plain and simple that every-step was gonna be a deep one. Running in the ski tracks was much more unpredictable.

I would only call what I did "running" for a short while. I was worked and had to start hiking. I kept telling myself "just up to that next rise" where I might be-able to see Silver Peak or the Pacific Crest and really have a scenic payday.

The logging/fireroad became smaller.

Another lookback at Bullshead?

And looking at the "Highway Patrol Chutes" across from Alpine Meadows Rd.

I went for almost a mile breaking trail and was almost 3 miles in total and decided I do not need to see anything but my feet moving a bit faster than they were. So I turned around.

Coming down I ran into the tracks of the Forest Service Guy (what a job!) He obviously decided to make his own tracks and I decided to stay in mine. He took a route that headed West.

Looking back up at our tracks

I was finally running again and even though I was running in my tracks it was still pretty tough. When I got back to the 08 I stayed in the ski tracks and just tried to keep a good pace. The toughest thing was that my ankles were constantly rolling so I tried to run in the center of the ski tracks which created another problem of my ankles getting hit by the snowshoes.

Another great day learning how to snowshoe run for sure!

I want to keep going back on this route and pack in my own trail so that I can get back there quicker. What I would really like to do is break a trail all the way back to Squaw Valley. Looking at the Google Earth map above you can see that today's trail was heading towards the run I did a few weeks back. I want to connect the two. This is some rugged terrain in between with no real fireroad so it will be an adventure to say the least, especially on 22" shoes! Maybe I will bring a pack and my bigger shoes for breaking trail? If I do end up making the crossing I am sure I will have to run it every time it snows so it does not get buried. That should keep me busy this winter.

Happy Trails

The Perfect Storm & an 8 mile night snowshoe run

2009-12-08T11:19:00.000-08:00

I had been waiting/wishing for it to snow so I could go on a snowshoe run where I was not running over patches of dirt. Well, it snowed about 2 feet Sunday night! So now I had to figure out where I would go that i was not breaking trail.

I thought the 7 mile loop I had been doing out of Tahoe City was probably hit by snowmobilers that had been waiting for the same storm. So I headed to Tahoe City. Of course there were no tracks on the Tahoe Rim Trail (& Map) but more importantly there were no tracks coming down the fireroad that parallels the Rim Trail. So I headed up Bunker Street (the other end of the loop) to the other fireroad that connects to the fireroad that runs all the way to Truckee. (The Fiberboard Freeway) and what do you know; snowmobile tracks heading out around the green gate!!! Well allrighty then.

I strapped on my Atlas Run snowshoes and my super brite Magicshine light mounted to my new headstrap and curiously headed out on the newly cut trail.

The "perfect" trail

I think I was very much like my cat when he saw snow for the first time. I did not know what to think. This was nothing like any of the prior snowshoe runs I had done. Prior to this I was either running in untracked shallow stuff, really packed out rutted stuff or on runs with thin snow pack and patches of dirt. And remeber, this is my first winter snowshoe running.

It was amazing to say the least. The snowmobiles had created the perfect trail for me. I estimate 2 snowmobiles had done an up and back earlier in the day so basically the trail was created by 4 sled passes. The surface was not to hard nor to soft. My tracks were anywhere from 2-10 inches.

This was anything but an ordinary run. For a runner that has never ran a trail I think they are missing out big time and for a runner that has run trails but has yet to snowshoe run is missing out even more. And....If you have done any of the above (road, trail or snow trail) and you have not done it at night

be happy to know that life is only gonna get better for you.

I continued on up the fireroad wondering where the fresh trail would take me. I knew there was no exit near the Rim Trail so I figured the trail headed to Mt Watson (near the backside of Northstar ski resort) It was just me in the woods running along listening to Slacker Radio cached on my Blackberry.

This is where I would take a left to head over to the Rim trail as I had done on my other runs.

I was curious to see what it would be like on these tiny snowshoes. So I took a left and started running on the untracked fireroad. I got about 20 yards out and my heart rate was through the roof, so I turned around, came back and snapped a picture with my crackberry.

This map shows both last night run and my loop that I did 2x's last week. You can see where I tried to go left. I am sure that as I am typing this there are snowmobiles breaking trail so I can go do my loop again but without the dirt sections!

I continued on up the "~~road~~"trail heading towards the other section of the Rim Trail where it comes down from Painted Rock and crosses the Fiberboard. I was running fueled by the excitement of running on such a perfect surface and knowing there was nobody else out there. (that I knew of).

The impact to the body is so minimal as compared to the road or dirt. The hard thing is not knowing what the foot is going to do each time it comes down. With road or trail running you can see the surface that you will be landing each foot on. In the snow (soft powder) you know you are coming down on snow but do not know when the foot will be done "landing". In areas where the trail was exposed to the sun it may have packed harder or maybe the tree cover/canopy held more snow off the trail then other areas. Knowing how to read the snow conditions is important to adapting and having successful snowshoe runs I believe. For the competitor (i assume) it is mandatory . This quote is from an interview with the phenomenal snowshoe runner Tom Sobal (LINK) " I understand why the Inuits have so many words for snow—it feels different every day. And I've learned to read the snow: hard, smooth, deep, icy. When I'm running I know where the fastest spot on the trail is, and I know the best technique to use. It's given me a big advantage in snowshoe racing."

At ~4 miles out I decided my light would not last forever with a partial charge running on high and I was hungry.

I was going to eat this Cliff Bar for dinner on the way back but it (along with my water) was frozen. I got one bite in my mouth and that was it. Now I had chocolate brownie taste in my mouth and no water to wash it down.

So I continued to head on back along the powdery "trail"

I thought the way back would be easy since I thought the 4 miles out was (mostly) all uphill

It sure did not feel downhill to me, I was trashed and the trail felt softer and deeper all of a sudden. I started thinking about the Trader Joes Pesto Tortellini I had waiting at home and wondering if my hands would ever be warm again. I sucked it up and just ran, realizing that I had discovered snowshoe running was satisfying on so many levels. Last night I was in the perfect storm, the storm of bliss.

Happy trails,
TD

Snowshoe gear review... Gaiters and Trail Shoes

2009-12-08T11:10:00.000-08:00

Once again I must make it clear that I am by no means an experienced snowshoe runner (yet) nor am I an experienced runner period. I am an avid and passionate mountain biker that started trail running when an injury kept me off my bike. I got hooked on trail running and learned of snowshoe running from Truckee local and 2009 USSA champion Peter Fain.
I am absolutely enthralled with snowshoe running and want to share my enthusiasm and experiences with others who are thus far less fortunate to have discovered snowshoeing, snowshoe running and snowshoe running at night.
So of course everything I say is absolutely my opinion and I urge others to form your own.

So for my first review I wanted to share what I thought/learned about the gaiters and shoes I am using.

Gaiters
I saw these Atlas "Speed gaiters" and figured they must be good. Fleece lined and all.

Atlas claims: "Stay warm and dry on the run with the Atlas Speed Snowshoe Gaiters. The lightweight MemBrain® softshell construction allows your feet to breathe, while the fleece backing keeps them warm for miles on the trail."

I tried them out and yes the shells are nice but they hardly kept my feet dry. The cuff around the leg has no elastic or drawstring to keep them tight around the leg. Snow was just falling right in and down into my shoes. If these gaiters had some elastic they would be usable.

These Atlas gaiters were not going to work for me.
Atlas speed gaiters:

So, I headed down to Reno REI to see what they had.
I found
these(link)

I took them out on my run last night (see "A Perfect Storm") and immediately loved them. They fit tight around my shoes and tight around my leg. My gaiters were the last piece of gear I had to worry about.Click this link to buy these gaiters

REI gaiters:

That is really all I want to say about gaiters, pretty straight forward. I am sure there are many many other brands etc., I just wanted to share what I could. Had I know this before it would have helped me. And If I can help just one person , I have done my job. jk.

Shoes

The other thing I wanted to share is my experience with my shoes. It just so happens that REI used the exact same shoe I am using in their gaiter picture above. The Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra GTX

Bottom line is these Salomon XA Pro's are the most incredible shoes I have ever had. Don't get to excited though, I just started running again after ~25 years off and have yet to try any of the gazillions of other shoes out there. I am hardly an authority. I can only tell you what I think of these and have no other (credible) shoes to compare to.

When I first got them before snow came along I used them for a few trails. I thought the soles felt hard/non-pliable but new i needed to improve my form and not stomp my feet down so much as I was. I also thought that the stiffer the sole the better they would be for snowshoe running making a responsive connection to the binding. Kind of like a good clipless cycling shoe and pedal. Other than my heel adapting (sports tape and moleskin) to all the running I have been doing these things feel like my slippers I am wearing right now. When I was told that I would need some running shoes for snowshoeing I was a little skeptical. I always wore my snowboard boots in my snowshoes and figured I would at very least need some mountaineering boots for running in. My feet are always cold, how in the world were these little shoes gonna keep me warm? All I can say is that my feet are the last thing to get cold and I have yet to experience any problems. Last night I ran 8 miles in loosely packed powder and along with my new REI gaiters my feet were in heaven. I am sure many other Gore-tek shoes will work fine but I have no reason to try anything else at this point.

Another thing I am considering is mounting a pair of these directly to my new Dion Shoes (which I will be comparing/reviewing with the Atlas Runs I have been using). I like the idea of a lighter setup and also of not having straps over my feet that might possibly constrict and hinder proper blood flow (crucial to warm feet) or a strap irritating my heel. I do realize that the binding straps help connect the shoe to the binding so I would think that for a direct mount you would want a shoe that is tight and can be supportive in order to have a responsive shoe to shoe connection. Correct me (experienced snowshoers) if I am delusional. I would think you can get away with a sloppier shoe when you have binding straps securing your foot to the binder. I think these shoes will work perfectly for my direct mount setup.
You can get these shoes at REI Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra GTX:

That's it that's all. Until next time, Happy Runnings

More on the Tahoe Snowshoe Race series at Northstar

2009-12-06T13:57:00.000-08:00

I know, I know; I have another post on this subject with all kinds of links. This is just about the only thing going on with snowshoe running in Lake Tahoe so I thought I would try to give it some more press in hopes of bringing more awareness to the events and the sport and hopefully get more people off their barstools and into the snow.

When I decided snowshoe running was something I was going to do I never thought about racing. I am a recreational (non-competitive) x-country mountain biker that started running trails after a shoulder injury. Snowshoe running is a way to continue running through the winter to be ready to mountain bike come spring. At this point however I may just move to the North Pole come spring; snowshoe running is addictive.

So where do I see others doing this obscure sport and get involved first hand;? Northstar-At-Tahoe.
Northstar has been modernizing their mountain for the past decade and it has become a world class family resort. They even have a ski-in/ski-out (shoe-in/shoe-out) Ritz Carlton.

The Northstar “Cross Country, Telemark + Snowshoe Center” has stepped up and is having a snowshoe race and social series. That will have competitive and fun snowshoe course events for all ages and skill levels. The courses were designed by the 2009 National snowshoe running Champion and Tahoe local; Peter Fain

The series will be comprised of 3 races/snowshoe social events:

Race 1 on December 19, 2009 is either a 5K or 10K race with the 10K race being 2 laps on the 5K course.
Here is more information on this race
Here is the course map
Race 2 on January 24, 2010 is a point to point ½ marathon (so 13.1 miles)
This is not only part of the Northstar-At-Tahoe race series but is also a fundraiser for the Far West/Auburn Ski Club Junior Nordic programs and is called the Tahoe Rim Tour and is primarily a cross country ski race.
Here is more Information on this race
Here is the course map.
Race3 is on Saturday February 27, 2010 and is either a single 10K loop at Northstar. or a 5k loop
This race is benefiting the Truckee Tahoe Community Foundation's Queen of Hearts.
Here is more information
Here is the 5K course map
Here is the 10K map

This from Snowshoe magazine. ( I should have just cut and paste their article here)

Hope to see you out there.

Ok, why snowshoe running? Why this blog?

2009-12-04T16:44:00.001-08:00

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

Tahoe City Rim Trail to Mt. Watson Rd. and back

2009-12-02T18:45:00.001-08:00

NORTHSTAR-AT-TAHOE RESORT EXPANDS SNOWSHOE SOCIAL AND RUNNING RACE SERIES

2009-11-30T21:41:00.000-08:00

TRUCKEE, Calif. – Fall 2009 – This winter, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort’s Cross-Country, Telemark & Snowshoe Center will expand its snowshoe event offering by introducing a snowshoe social and running race series designed not only as training and competition for elite runners, but as an outdoor social gathering for anyone interested in enjoying winter in the mountains on foot.

Read it all here
& here
& here (pdf)
& here
& Race Course Map
& Northstar Map

1st snow shoe run of the season behind my house

2009-11-30T16:57:00.000-08:00

Night running in Squaw

2009-11-30T16:55:00.000-08:00

Snowshoe running up the squaw valley mt run

2009-11-30T16:53:00.000-08:00

It is hard to find a good time to snowshoe run up the mountain run at Squaw. I do not think it is allowed unless it is in the Billy Dutton Uphill (see here & here ) race that is held each spring. During the day there are of course skiiers and boarders charging down the mountain. During the winter there is night skiing going on and after that there are grooming machines all over the mountain. I went after the first few snows of the season when there was enough snow for the snowmobiles to make tracks but not enough where the upper mountain was open for skiing thus no grooming machines. The only people I saw out there at night were guys from snowmaking who really did not care I was out there. There were also security at the Gold Coast and High Camp Facilities but I never ran into them.