This is just a quick post to let you all know that conditions in North Lake Tahoe are currently fabulous for snowshoe running! I always forget how much I love running on snow until I have a day like today. I got my ski bugs out in the morning, then took the snowshoes back over to Tahoe Donner Cross Country in the afternoon.
Very cold temperatures have kept the snow from before Christmas hanging in the trees. Meanwhile, snowmobile grooming and steady hiker traffic over the holidays has packed down a great running surface at the cross country center.
Today I kept the run fairly flat in the “Home Range” area, but added a short jaunt up the “Walkabout” trail through the stunning Aspen grove. When the trail got steep, I turned around and crossed over to “Lion’s Leap” and back.
I wrote about running on snow last January, so click here for a primer on snowshoe running. I will add a few notes relevant to these unusually cold temps… I read recently (can not remember where!) that for proper cold-weather exercise clothing, you should expect to be chilly the first 10 minutes of the session. I have found this to be good advice, and the one day I started “comfortable” in my clothing this week, I was too hot by the end of the session.
One exception is that I really want my neck warmer every time it’s cold like this. I use this soft and light merino wool one from Ibex. I skipped it this afternoon and regretted the decision. I think it helps keep the air going into my lungs a little warmer, and was truly missing it today.
Finally, hydrate before you go and skip the water or carry a system with insulation. I rarely have freezing problems here in Tahoe, but like I said, it has been quite cold!
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