The Taos News from Taos, New Mexico • Page B003

The Taos News Sports Dec. 23-30, 2015 B3 Cool running: Snowshoe running offers a fresh take on a classic form of exercise Gabriel Weinstein shooter Chris Ortega of the Nuevo Boyz shoots a jump shot during the team's 62-41 win over The Punishers Saturday (Dec. 19) during a lower-division Taos Adult Basketball League game. As of press time Monday, In and Out Plumbing led the league's lower division, and La Cocina de Taos was in first in the upper division. The Nuevo Boyz placed third, while The Punishers placed last in the lower division.

Sharp Gabriel Weinstein Sports Editor Gabriel Weinstein makes his way through the snow during a snowshoe run Sunday (Dec. 20) at Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area outside Red River. Kwv a.BBvAl" iBsBvJrW'VBiliASBvBvBvBH IMMK' BBBBaaBYAYAEi-LSWBVVBYAYAYAYfl 1 HJhtbbbb1Ww BilJ -nJB BBBBYBbSBBBF i jBlWBFf Vu kz BHHlBHk BBBBBBBBBBI might want to consider gaiters. I held up fine without them, but did have a nice chunk of ice lodged in my socks by the end of my run. After an hour and a half on the trail, I was wiped out.

My calves and hamstrings were sore. Part of that had to do with the trails. I spent most of my time on Bigfoot, which has its shares of uphills. I didn't realize how little I explored until I looked at a trail map later that night. If you're looking for a new winter sport, give snowshoe running a try.

It's a fun and challenging take on a classic form of exercise. lar running was the clumps of kicked-up snow that landed in my hood. For the most part, I felt like I was just out for a normal run. The groomed surface made it easy to navigate. Things got more interesting when I took a side trip off the Bigfoot Trail onto a different trail that had deeper snow and fewer tracks.

I found myself knee-deep in snow a few times on the snowier trail. My only major regret was that I forgot to bring water. You start out at 9,800 feet and climb during your run. You will get thirsty. Either carry a backpack with water and snacks or consider holding a water bottle or running with a fanny pack.

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Running with a pair of snowshoes is a bit different than running with regular running shoes. It takes a few minutes to get used to the extra weight on your feet. But I did not expect to keel over and stop for a break so quickly. Thankfully I settled into a rhythm. My panting eventually turned into stable breaths.

Before I knew it, I was comfortably trotting along the snow-shoe trails at Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area just outside Red River. I love running. I ran cross country and track in high school and completed two half-marathons in college. I learned about snowshoe running last year from two former co-workers who had friends and family that were experienced snowshoe runners. I knew I wanted to try it.

With a strong early season base, I figured last weekend was the perfect opportunity to head up to Enchanted Forest and give snowshoe running a shot. The staff members at Enchanted Forest made sure I was set up for a successful run. They put me in a pair of small, lightweight, aluminum snowshoes that are great for snowshoe running. Instead of a traditional snowshoe boot, I just strapped on my running shoes. When I stepped outside to begin my run, I immediately could tell the difference of the lightweight snowshoes.

They felt like flip-flops compared to regular snowshoes. Fifteen minutes into my run, I found a rhythm. My steps started to feel effortless on the groomed trail. The awkwardness of the snowshoe was gone. The only noticeable difference I noticed between snowshoe running and reeu- MEDICAL This Holiday season, discover toys and games that spark imagination and are fun for the whole family! 7 CONTINENTAL LOANS 1033 Paseo del '7e'7mp'7feHK 575-758-8995 appointment VnrPS Pueblo Sur, Suite MEDICAL 4BB VBBBBLBBBiaBlBK JbV bbBHbSbbs 23 Now available at Total Health and Wellness Center of Taos 622 Paseo del Pueblo Sur RAPID HIV HEPATITIS TESTING ANONYMOUS AND FREE EvervfirstFridayofthemonth SMEJOf -Ji drop-in or sotwiwEsr CARE I ffs bettto kntrw your Hi iu Iib 1-888-320-8200 extO.