Runners Reach Higher Fitness Levels on Snowshoes
by Kathy Murphy
Want to improve your fitness level this winter? Try running in a pair of snowshoes. Using lightweight snowshoes, recreational and competitive runners in the snow belt now have a great winter alternative to winding their way along messy unplowed streets as they look to maintain their fitness levels during this difficult training period.
According to a study conducted by the University of Vermont (UVM), runners who substituted snowshoeing for running during the winter months actually improved their overall fitness levels compared with those who chose running as their only source of winter training.
“Snowshoeing is great training for running because of the similarities of the movement patterns, the added resistance of having the weight of the snowshoe on your feet [approx. 2 lbs/pr], and the low impact nature of the sport,” says Ray Browning, technical director for Tubbs Snowshoes and author of Tubbs Winter Fit Program. “Snowshoeing is low impact due to the fact that snow is softer than asphalt or concrete and the construction of the snowshoe acts as a shock absorber for your feet, reducing the typical impact forces associated with running. The physiological benefits are not restricted to runners. Walkers of all abilities will also profit from a winter of snowshoeing. It is also good for runners who are returning from an injury in that they can exercise at higher intensities on snow by walking or running, without having to go as fast on a harder surface, thus reducing their risk of re-injury.”
The UVM study examined two groups of runners, one that snowshoed and one that ran. Both worked out for six weeks at the same relative intensity. Subjects completed a six week conditioning program which consisted of exercising for 30 minutes at 75-85% of age-predicted maximum heart rate 3-4 times per week, a total of 18 sessions. Both the snowshoe and run groups exercised in similar conditions and terrain. After the six-week training period, the snowshoeing group had a significantly higher VO2 max (a measurement of the body’s ability to deliver oxygen) and an increased capacity for exertion before reaching a period of exhaustion. The results show that snowshoeing is an ideal form of cross training for runners who are looking to improve their running performance.
“The [study] shows that snowshoers increased their VO2 max by 13%, while the running group’s VO2 max improved by only 7%,” says Browning. “More important, in a test of run time to exhaustion, the snowshoers increased their run time 35%, while runners posted a 22% increase. I have found that a winter of snowshoe training gives me a distinct advantage come spring. I have a great foundation of fitness, have been able to improve my hill running, and even enhanced my leg speed by running downhill on snowshoes. In fact, during my competitive period, I found that my early spring triathlons were some of my best races, even though I had only run once or twice a week, with the rest of the time spent on snowshoes.” What this means is that snowshoeing can be used as a highly effective training activity for endurance athletes. In fact, a winter snowshoe exercise program will:
- Build an aerobic base through low intensity, long distance snowshoeing (keep your heart rate between 60 and 70% of its maximum rate while snowshoeing to improve your fitness foundation). The easiest way to describe this is to say: Take 220 minus your age to get a rough estimate of your maximum HR. It’s a bit rough but functional.
- Develop leg strength and power if you incorporate hills and/or training in powder snow into your snowshoeing routine.
- Provide an easy way to work on early season high intensity training simply by increasing your speed, and…
- Increase upper body endurance and strength through the use of poles while snowshoeing.
Getting Started
Many runners have never snowshoed before and, as with any new activity, the fear of failure sometimes keeps them from trying. However, with new user-friendly bindings and today’s lightweight decking and framing materials, the phrase “if you can walk, you can snowshoe” has never been truer. And, if you can run- well, imagine the possibilities.
Once you have mastered the basics, establishing an on-snow fitness program will depend on your present fitness level and the goals you set for yourself. A serious competitive athlete, for example, may snowshoe much more frequently, for a longer duration and at a higher intensity level than someone snowshoeing for fitness and fun. In order to create a program that fits your needs, you’ll need to adjust the frequency, duration and intensity of your snowshoe excursions. In general, one to three days on snow per week is ideal for a beginner.
As you start your on-snow fitness program, keep the following tips in mind to get the most from your workouts.
- Start slow. Spend two to three weeks just getting used to the activity, keeping your intensity level low. “Low intensity” means keeping a pace that allows you to have a conversation while snowshoeing.
- Use a heart rate monitor that allows you to back off from your maximum heart rate and keeps you from pushing too hard at the outset of your program. Start your training with low intensity efforts (about 55% of maximum heart rate) for medium duration (30 minutes), and build toward 70% of maximum heart rate for longer duration (45 minutes plus).
- Use time instead of distance to measure duration. Time allows you to better control your workout through changing snow conditions and varied terrain.
- When your fitness and strength improves, add some faster, higher-intensity efforts to your weekly routine (80-90% of your maximum heart rate). These should be preceded by a 15-minute warm-up and followed by a 5-10-minute cool-down.
