First time on Snowshoes!!!

 
   I took advantage of the recent snow dump by trying out my new Dion 121 Racing Snowshoes on Tuesday evening.  I was getting more and more excited as the day went on. It was snowing heavily.  My class and I were watching the snow accumulate, the kids were hoping for a snow day, I was hoping for enough snow to try out my new Dions.  It happened, with over 15cm of snow, Greg and I were good to head to the trail.  We ran at the Drynan Regional Forest trails and we had a great time out there.

    My feet were cold at first (I was wearing normal running shoes in the snow shoes).  I have a feeling that if I were to wear waterproof trail running shoes, I may not have had as much of an issue, but my feet did warm up as the run went on.  I was also covered in snow!  That's something that I wasn't expecting.  I had it up my back, all over my legs (and because snow was falling, I had some on my head and shoulders).  I was FREEZING on the drive home, as soon as everything started to melt on me.  Note to self - immediate change of clothing necessary after snowshoeing.

    My first impression of the feeling of snowshoe running was that it took more effort than running without snowshoes, but it wasn't as hard as I was imagining.  I didn't have to change my running form that much, and I didn't kick my inner shins or fall all over myself (like I thought I would).  The metal cleats at the bottom of the shoes forced me to be up on my toes more than regular running.  It kind of felt like I was wearing spikes, the way I was on my toes.  I loved being able to be out on snow-covered trails.  I loved the added challenge of running with the snowshoes.  I just loved the whole experience.  I absolutely can't wait to try a snowshoe race.  Oh my, I'm counting the days until my first snowshoe race (as of today - 16 more days).  This is so exciting!

   I would like to try several races in The Dion Eastern Ontario Snowshoe Running Series.  I am registered for the 4th race in the series - The Dion Brighton Snowshoe Race on Saturday January 30, 2016.  I can't wait.