After testing out the new Dion Snowshoes last night, I decided to go for a real snowshoe run today. The plan was to go to Jacobsburg and run the Sober's Run loop and maybe a little more. I didn't want to cross any roads though. There was some talk about doing a night snowshoe run and I actually didn't feel like an afternoon run. However, I got out there by myself earlier in the day anyway.
Not surprisingly, there was only one car in the parking lot when I started. It was very cold out, but there was no wind. Actually, it is amazing how cold it has been this winter and how used to it I am by now. Today was no big deal. I had on an extra pair of pants and my face mask. I typically had the mask down though.
These snowshoes are great and I'm glad I bought them. It almost doesn't feel like you are wearing anything more than regular shoes. The snow was so light that I heard a lot of crunching. I don't know if that is good, but the snowshoes don't look too bad.
I was interested to see how I'd run the powerline hill. It isn't steep, but it is long and tough in normal conditions. I had to work hard, but it wasn't overwhelming. My breathing became very labored though. I managed to get to the top in one piece.
I knew getting to the top would be huge because a lot of downhill comes up after that. I recovered then and cruised along as I watched my pace drop and drop. The first mile ended up being a 9:16. That was a solid start.
When I got to the one turn, I made a right and did a somewhat short out and back. That added about half a mile to the run. It had some small rolling hills that were challenging. I had been following cross country ski tracks that I'd seen from the start.
As I got back toward the main loop, I came across a guy on cross country skis. That was cool. I continued out to the road. I ran over an icy spot and a bridge. By now, my miles were under 8:30 each. I came back and headed back into the loop.
I was nearly at mile 3 and becoming exhausted. I didn't feel like I had been pushing too much or that running through the snow was overly difficult, but I guess it was harder than usual and pushing me near the edge.
Finally, I was back on the main loop and heading for home. It got harder and harder, but I kept pushing. This was quite the workout. I went past mile 3 and then 3.5. When I got back to my car, I was at 3.66. I turned and headed back out for a short out and back finish. I ended with 4 miles. The cross country skier came up behind me after I was finished.
It was good to be done and a lot of fun. I was beat by the end. I could've managed 2 more miles I'm sure, but I really would've been dead. Snowshoe running sure isn't easy. It's a quality workout. I'm still unsure whether I will run the PA State Championships or not.
I signed up for my first 50 miler. I'm pretty excited. Angie said she'd do it with me. That would be a huge help. Misery loves company. That means I have to change my plans for a full marathon. Emily and I were talking about doing one. It is tough to find one that is just right. I kind of feel like Goldilocks. I figure by April or May, I'll be quite fast anyway though.
Tomorrow, I'm not sure what I'm doing. I may bike in the afternoon if the roads are clear. I'd like to snowshoe run again. I'm thinking Trexler at night could be fun. I have to work early in the evening though.
4 miles - 33:54 (8:29 pace)
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