Let it Flow

It was harder than I thought. We (I have a weekly walking date with a networking friend and Lawyer, Leanna Hamill) were at World’s End in Hingham, MA and there are hills. While there were plenty of tracks already made, there was also plenty of tracks we had to make. The legs, hip flexors and glutes were working, my heart rate quickly elevated and before I knew it I was sweating!

I started all bundled up - long underwear, winter hiking pants, water proof pants (shell), wool socks, 3 layers under my jacket, a neck warmer, hat and gloves (with liners!). A lot of clothing that I quickly wanted to shed.

The same path that typically takes us 50 minutes to walk took us 90 minutes to snowshoe. You walk a little slower in snowshoes, and have to lift your legs and feet a little higher, which makes you work harder! I wasn’t expecting it and I admit I wasn’t properly hydrated or nourished before we left. My fault. I also didn’t bring poles with me and I will next time! My walking buddy had them (I was jealous).

I’ve never been a fan of the winter season - I hate driving in the snow, I don’t downhill ski or snowboard (anymore) and I don’t enjoy being cold. My husband has bought me so much winter gear over the years I really have no excuse. After trying snowshoes today, I might think differently (except when I have to drive in it) about snow. I can’t wait to try cross country skiing. Because of the sportiness of these activities it never crossed my mind that I wouldn’t like them.

I checked the web to see how many calories I burned and it’s somewhere between 675 and 725 for approximately 90 minutes of time. (I checked a couple of websites and that is the range I got).

Don’t let the winter season keep you inside! Get the right gear, and get outside. The fresh air will do you good and it’s always invigorating to try something new. Don’t have snowshoes? No problem! EMS rents them (at least in Hingham) for $20 per day including poles. That’s a great deal!

Want a lesson first? Head out to the Weston Ski track where they offer snowshoeing and cross country skiing - rentals, lessons, and open ski.

Do you snowshoe? What do you think?