| Short days and long winter nights mean hibernation | | | | moisture such as polyester or lycra blends. Cotton is |
| mode has arrived for many of us. But the start of | | | | a no-no in cold weather as it gets wet and will hold |
| our grey season does not mean you have to turn | | | | moisture against your skin. Dress in layers so that |
| into a sloth and put your metabolism to sleep until | | | | you can remove clothing, as you get warmer. A pair |
| spring. Not sure what to do this winter? Here is a | | | | of stable, waterproof hiking boots are a good bet if |
| great activity that you should book into your fitness | | | | you are hiking. If you are running, a stable trail running |
| plan this year: Snowshoeing. | | | | shoe or a lightweight day hiking shoe works best. |
| This winter activity is making a comeback in the | | | | Many people use ski poles in the same way that a |
| recreation world and snowshoe technology has made | | | | hiker does- to increase energy output due to |
| leaps and bounds over the past decade. With new, | | | | additional upper body muscle use provides stability, |
| lightweight materials, today's snowshoes will probably | | | | and to decrease stress on knees, ankles and feet. |
| feel a lot different to you then they did when you | | | | Use leg 'gators' to keep snow out of your boots and |
| first tried them during family outings as a child. | | | | keep your feet dry. |
| Today's snowshoes are shorter and narrower than | | | | Make sure you bring your water bottle and some |
| the wide-bodied, wood framed snowshoes of old. | | | | extra food for energy along the way. Other items |
| They feature a lightweight aluminum frame and a | | | | include first aid kit, sunglasses, map, camera, |
| special decking. With the easy-to-use flexible binding, | | | | matches, flashlight, compass/g.p.s (if you know how |
| and crampons on the bottom to prevent slipping, | | | | to use it!) and a cell phone. |
| snow shoeing today can be a walk in the park. | | | | Fitness. Snowshoe walking is more difficult than |
| The beauty of snowshoeing is that nearly anyone | | | | walking on a cleared surface, but it is also as hard as |
| can do it. If you can walk, you can snow shoe. | | | | you want to make it. Start gradually and progress to |
| Snowshoe running is a different variety. This fast | | | | a more challenging pace as you get more miles on |
| growing sport is a superb cross-training activity for | | | | your snowshoes. Every workout should begin with a |
| runners and other active people, during the winter | | | | gradual warm-up and finish with a cool down to avoid |
| months. With less impact than road running, | | | | injuries or soreness. End your adventure with a few |
| snowshoe running is a great way to strengthen the | | | | stretches for the legs, hips, and arms before hopping |
| muscles of the legs and core without having to | | | | back into your car. |
| pound the pavement. | | | | Where to Go Safely. You can pretty much snowshoe |
| What you need to know to get started: | | | | anyplace that you can hike. Check your local tourism |
| Type of Snowshoe. Depending on your goal activity, | | | | office or hiking club for ideas to get you started. |
| you can choose from snowshoes designed for | | | | Stick to well known snowshoeing trails and always |
| running, back country, or general 'recreation'. Most | | | | snowshoe with a buddy for safety reasons. Always |
| people who want to get started will buy or rent | | | | leave word of your route and carry a cell phone for |
| recreational shoes. | | | | emergency contact. |
| Other Gear. Wear clothing that will wick away | | | | |