Running Snowshoes

Triathlon Forum
1

What snowhoe do you winter runners recommend for training in the snow?

Thanks, peeps!

Joyce

2

there was talk of shoes here

http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?do=post_view_flat;post=642024;page=2;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;mh=25;

I bumped it up for you too.

3

Thanks. I’ve been taking a breather from this forum.

4

you’re welcome

Lots of snow speak at the moment, I am jealous!

5

I run in the snow a lot. We have a cabin that friends let us use in Tahoe all winter. I like the tubbs catalyst that best. The others usually cross over, I like the asymetrical shape.

http://www.snowshack.com/snowshack/tubbs-criterium-snowshoes.html

Have fun!

Cheers, Karma

6

I also really like the Tubbs Catalyst. They are great. Redfeather’s racing shoe is also very nice and light.

7

The Catalysts are pretty nice…the binding system is really good for running once you get it all cinched in. You definitely want one with an asymmetrical as they just work better while running.

They used to make a model called the Pirhanna which was all carbon fiber, but I guess there weren’t enough of us CF-worshipping triathletes buying snow shoes for them to be a hugely sucessful model.

8

Just got a pair of Atlas DualTrac…they’re great. Super light, great binding system, and good suspension - it gives you a bit of rebound on packed trails.

9

Is snowshoe running anything at all like regular running? I see the action is about the same, but do you go out and get an hour snowshoe run in and feel it is beneficial/very appropriate to regular run training, or is it really a cross-training thing, sort of like water running where you do it if you have to/want to, but the regular running is far superior?

10

http://www.snowshack.com/snowshack/redrunracsno.html

I will try to enter a few 5K snowshoe races in NY,PA,NJ is possible. I wonder how many minutes or seconds per mile someone should expect to be slower

11

I have a pair of the Redfeather racing snowshoes. They are basically worthless unless you have access to a packed groomed trail, otherwise you just puncture through the snow on every step.

Dave in VA

12

I second the Red Feather comment. These are good for packed trails–it’s hard to really run in deep stuff anyway. It basically feels like running in knee deep water. I use the snowshoes when the trail gets icy–the crampons really stick so you don’t slip.

13

Thanks, Jordan. Now, I hate to sound stupid, but here I go…Do you wear your sneakers in these snowshoes, or do you wear boots, and id boots, don’t you get blisters from running in them? And what about the packed snow vs. powder comments. Can you run in the Tubbs in both conditions?

Joyce

14

I have the Tubbs 10K – the 10K was the predecessor to the Catalyst. Basically the same model and asymetrical design, and you can find them cheaper on eBay.

You can run in normal running shoes, but your feet are going to get wet. I used a pair of Salomon XA 2 Pro XCR’s last year – the Gore-Tex makes them waterproof, and warmer. I’ll probably switch to a pair of Montrail Hurricane Ridge XCR (also Gore-Tex), as I found the Salomon’s a bit narrow for my foot. You’ll also want to get some gaiters (I have short ones, maybe 5" in height), as the snow can creep in from above. Wear what you would wear running, though you may want to consider running pants/tights that are SLIGHTLY waterproof (not too much, as you don’t want to affect breathability) – snow tends to flick up as you run from behind, and I find that with normal running tights, it ends up landing on my ass, sticking, melting, and making me cold.

With running snowshoes, it’s tough to break new trails. I typically run mostly on pre-packed trails (where walkers/hikers have been), with some off-trail, and also cross-country trails. You’re going to be moving a LOT slower – whereas I’m usually running 8 minute miles in Zone 2, they’re closer to 11 minute miles on snowshoes, with the same HR.

I have no idea if snowshoe running helps my regular running. It is, however, a lot of fun, and great to have the company of my dog, as he’s okay to run in the snow.

15

Thanks!

16

I agree that running snowshoes don’t work off pack trails at all. That’s why you need two pair. Nothing beats the areobic workout of post-holeing through 4 feet of snow though:) I also agree that the gaitors are a MUST. I run in gore-tex trail running shoes on my snowshoes too.

We have MSR Denali shoes for deep snow conditions. Depending on how deep the snow is or how heavy your pack is that day, you can simply clip on “tails” to add more surface area ( more “float”) and you won’t sink as far. They also have a very simple binding that even a kid can use.

Our dogs go nuts when the sowshoes come out because they know they get to go every time we pack them. Who knew yellow labs were such snow lovers!

I’m thinking of doint the squaw creek 10K in Tahoe this year.

Cheers, Karma

17

With running snowshoes, it’s tough to break new trails. I typically run mostly on pre-packed trails (where walkers/hikers have been), with some off-trail, and also cross-country trails. You’re going to be moving a LOT slower – whereas I’m usually running 8 minute miles in Zone 2, they’re closer to 11 minute miles on snowshoes, with the same HR.

I have no idea if snowshoe running helps my regular running. It is, however, a lot of fun, and great to have the company of my dog, as he’s okay to run in the snow.
And if you want a break from running (hard to imagine, but if you do) AND you have enuf snow that snowshoes are needed, replace them with xc skis, put that dog in a sled harness, rope yourself to the dog (actually get a good skijor belt for yourself) and blast off. Solves the speed problem too. I’ve never moved so fast on foot in my life … :slight_smile:

18

You definitely want to wear running shoes. One thing you can do to avoid getting wet shoes is put a pair of the neoprene or other waterproof cycling shoe booties over your running shoes before strapping into the bindings. Or you ccould get a pair of waterproof socks.

The old 10ks were even better than the current models because they were lighter, but you would need to make sure they are in great shape because you can wear through the tubing on the bottom by running on lots of ice or thinly snow-covered pavement.

19

Forget about your running times. Your snowshoe time will vary greatly depending on snow conditions and terrain. I’ve done 10K races in the mountains and they take about twice as long as a regular road 10K. The elite racers were around an hour.

20

I wear sneakers with gaiters and waterproof socks inside the sneakers. Winter cycling booties also work well over the sneakers, and then you don’t need the gaiters. I use just regular sneakers, but some of the guys I go with use Gore-Tex sneakers.

The Tubbs are meant for packed powder and groomed trails. However, I’ve run in 2+ foot deep powder in them. They are not the best snowshoes for these conditions, but they do work. They are at their best on packed trails, though. A couple inches of powder is no big deal though, and really, you can make it through most conditions. If you are going to be doing exclusively back-country type snowshoeing, however, I’d look elsewhere. That being said, don’t expect to do any running with any sort of shoe in heavy powder.