Winter Hike

Yesterday my running partner invited me on a winter fast trek through wooded trails nearby.  We went our usual loop that takes us about an hour and 15 minutes, except with 6″ inches of new snow on the trails, it took 2 hours. 

Unbelievable. What a workout. I felt like I’d run a half marathon afterwards, it completely wiped me out. My hair and body were completely soaking afterwards but I felt good while I was out there moving. The key is don’t stop! You’ll freeze yourself. The lifting of feet out of the snow was hard, as were the hill climbs and descents in the snow. It was a new kind of challenge than we usually have. The only drawback is that it takes me a while to find the right gear to put on.

In the 20-30 degree temperatures I wore winter running tights, sport hike/running boots, DryMax socks, a compression mock turtleneck base layer, a zip up fleece jacket with zip pockets (for my phone, keys), a fleece hat (not too thick), running gloves. If it’s sunny also remember sunglasses – to prevent damage from snow blindness. We also too poles with us for stability in the snow and slippery spots. VERY helpful! 

Hopefully it’s as pretty today out there as it was yesterday and I can take pictures.