Blogs

I was asked the other day whether I think of myself as a trailrunner who also does snowshoe races or a snowshoe racer who also runs trail races. That got me thinking. Obviously there is a real crossover between the two sports and many do both, but how you think of yourself as an athlete does have a big affect on how you train and the importance you place on certain aspects or periods of your tra... Read full blog

There are still a few stubborn snowbanks lingering along north-facing overhangs, but around them, the grass is starting to green from the spring rains, and the memories of winter are all that is left. The beginning of March saw us wrap up our snowshoeing season with the final Mad Trapper of the season, which was the Canadian Championships, and then, six short days later, the U.S. Championships... Read full blog

On December 13th, 2006 I went for a run with my dog, Tasman, just outside of Moab Utah. About an hour into my run I was hiking up a small canyon to connect to a jeep trail and complete my loop. I was almost to the top when my foot hit some black ice. The ice pulled my feet out from under me and next thing I knew I was sliding straight down an icy rock face. I continued to gain speed until I h... Read full blog

One of my favorite events is the Tubbs Romp to Stomp out Breast Cancer. I’ve been a part of this event the last four years. Each year it keeps getting better and better. The best part of the event is the people. Literally 1000’s of smiling faces come out for this event. The main objective of this event is to raise funds for breast cancer awareness and prevention; for the Susan G Komen Foundat... Read full blog

Snowshoe racing has begun! Genuine winter weather has finally blown in, and with it, the chance to get out there and work WITH the season (think scampering along snowy wooded trails, winter sky twinkling overhead, and hauling lots of extras – warm layers, snowshoes, and a big grin) - instead of AGAINST it (think brown, slush-covered road). We had our first race last weekend, at Mendon Ponds Wi... Read full blog

Last Friday we were excited to find our new Dion racing snowshoes waiting for us in the mail. With the snowshoe racing season upon us, we had been anxiously awaiting these Vermont, hand-made shoes. Ripping into the box, we pulled out the smallest and narrowest racing snowshoes that are approved for racing. The decking is a cool winter white color – to me they look like big polar bear paws. But ... Read full blog

Many would think that living in Canada, by mid-November we would be up to our armpits in snow, however since global warming has reared its ugly head, this is not the case. We have been anxiously awaiting the first significant snowfall for weeks. So much so in fact that we traveled south to the Adirondacks over the American Thanksgiving weekend in search of some of the white stuff to train on... Read full blog

“Why? Why do you snowshoe? Why do you compete? What motivates you?” This seems to be the number one question I am asked by reporters about the sport of snowshoeing. As I promptly blurt out my standard, seemingly obvious, and all true list of answers; in my head I think to myself, “Hmmm, why really do I like this sport sooo much?” My standard list: exercise, being outside, simplicity. Wel... Read full blog

The 2006/07 snowshoe season is fast approaching, and with it, some exciting news…Canada now has a National Snowshoe Championship! This a joint venture between the Mad Trapper Snowshoe Series north of Ottawa, and the Yeti Snowshoe Series in British Columbia. Mike Caldwell of Corporate Synergy Inc. will be hosting the 2007 event at his “Ark” facility in Low, Quebec on March 4, 2007. The event wil... Read full blog

The 2006 U.S. Snowshoe Championships were a fun way for us to cap off our snowshoe racing season this year, and also celebrate Derrick’s 40th birthday. Derrick was sick for over a week leading up to the race, but he felt well enough to go, so we loaded up “Floyd the Forester” and headed to lovely Vermont. Bolton Valley Resort was a beautiful and challenging venue for the race. As the gun went ... Read full blog