Winterfest Snowshoe 10k

Snowshoe (Run): 6.2 miles in (approx.) :57:00 min. @ 11:00 a.m.

Weather Report: Light Snow, 19°F, 68% Humidity, Winds: from NW @ 20 mph, gusting up to 25 mph; 4°F.

Pre-Race Observations: Uh... boy, is it cold out. Not really just cold, but freezing! As I'm sitting here in the comfort of my living room, sipping a smoking hot cup o' joe, I'm trying to figure out what it is I'm going to wear in a few hours when I head to the snowshoe race. Again, referencing the Adirondack Sports and Fitness website, "...best rule of thumb for dressing properly is to think wicking... Using the "less is best" motto, all you really need is a pair of polartec fleece pants, an undershirt, a long sleeved shirt and a zippered lightweight jacket... If the trails are unpacked or if the snow is wet, wear gaiters." Wicking shirt, check. Winter running tights, check. Cold weather pullover, check. Gaiters,... uh, maybe next time.

Today's race, the Winterfest Snowshoe 10k, is part of a weekend long festival celebrating all the great activities available for individuals and families in Monroe County, Upstate New York, and as such, there will be quite a few races for different age groups going off beginning at 9:00 a.m. If I can find some clothes to help maintain my body heat in advance of my own race, I'm planning on coming early to watch the other's run and maybe pick up some last minutes tips about snowshoe running form.

Post-Race Reflections:As promised by Goose Racing in their race porting, this was indeed a "no-frills" event, and in an era of microchips and corporately sponsored water stops, this fact lent a refreshing quality to the event. It was nice to be part of an "old school" event, that did not give off an "old school" vibe, as much as one that was communal. The lodge in which registration was held, also offered drinks, heat and an opportunity to connect and re-connect with other registrants. We of River City are nothing if not both hearty and friendly and the tenor of the event certainly reflected that.

The course itself offered a beautiful tour of the area, showcasing some wonderful scenery covered in a wintry fresh snow. I spoke with some of my fellow participants during the race about how pleasant the views were, even if the running of the course itself was something of a challenge. (During the run I kept thinking of the saying about how golfing is a "good walk wasted," but was comforted by the fact that snowshoeing is "a better walk enhanced"...)

Many of the "stars" at all (high school, men, women) were out for the events, too, as I readily recognized some of the local club runners and high school athletes who were in attendance for the run. In the end, my own time was not spectacular, but I was true to my original goal of finishing standing and with a smile on my face, and even more importantly, looking forward to the next opportunity I might have to strap on the snowshoes...

Adio, wli nanawalmezi.