More Winter Running Mojo; La Sportiva Hobnail Winners

It’s time for more winter mojo! And thanks to La Sportiva and my awesome readers, I can hand over yet another post to people who are far more qualified to fire you up for winter running than I am.


Oh, yeah – I’m also giving away two more sets of La Sportiva hobnail kits, and there’s still one more week for you to enter the grand prize drawing for a pair of Crossover GTX (to be reviewed next week),Wildcat GTX, and hobnail kits from La Sportiva. One male winner and one female winner will be drawn; to enter, just e-mail me a photo of your winter running exploits.

Before we get to the real entrants, here’s a sampling of winter ruggedness from someone who didn’t enter: my friend Gretchen. Back in October, she invited me for a long run with some friends of hers in the mountains, knowing full well I wouldn’t take her up on it because it there was snow in the forecast. Sure enough, I later learned that the regularly scheduled run was changed due to heavy snowfall on the trail … but that’s not the story.

The story is this: here's a photo from the backup run they chose:

So … yeah. I wonder what the really snowy run would have looked like. Needless to say, I’m glad I didn’t try to join her.

Fortunately for you, there are plenty of runners out there who are less like me and more like Gretchen – and it’s time for me to hand the post over to them, with a few of my comments along the way …


From Richard: Trail running in New Zealand. This might not be hardcore but dare tell me that winter is not beautiful!

(Absolutely. Richard’s the same one who sent a photo of himself in waist-deep snow for last week’s post, so I don’t doubt his hardcore-ness for a second.)



From Turi: I'm always the one with the camera, so I have very few of myself, but this is a friend – the pic was taken during the Cold Turkey Run, a 4.4 mile trail run the weekend before Thanksgiving, and part of Carson City, NV's Winter Trail series. Most of these trails are part of the Escape From Prison Hill course, a crazy hilly spring half marathon.

(Someone who runs with a camera – a man after my own heart! I wonder if his female friends get mad at him for taking pictures of their backsides like some of mine do.)



From Krystyna: That's me running in the Winterman half-marathon back home in Canada. It was a cooold day as I recall, and of course it started to gust and snow. Just before the race start, a homeless person ran away with all the finisher's medals. It was the oddest thing I've ever known to happen in a race. We got the medals back, ran the race, then reheated ourselves with yummy food and hot showers. That run really epitomized winter running for me.

(Awesome pic – and I’d think the homeless guy would have taken the food, don’t you? Obviously, even the homeless thieves in Canada are polite.)



From Chris: My running partner, Ginseng, loves running in snow. In the Colorado Front Range, the lower trails will be dry and she'll tag along behind my heels. Once we reach the snow, she runs like a maniac. She weaves through trees and barrels through drifts. If she's enjoying the snow, it makes the worst post hole trail bearable.

Back in October, I decided to check out the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. As I turned off the highway into the access road, it was snowing. At the parking lot, my car read 30* and a few inches on snow on the ground. I almost immediately drove back and called the 4 hour drive a wash. I didn't have the clothes/gear for the 25 mile loop planned. Then I saw my puppy's face in the rear view mirror. We did about a 5 mile out and back. The photo above was taken just before we turned around. We were above tree line and the wind gusts were picking up.

(Yet another reason I’m a cat person. And did you notice that Chris is wearing shorts? Good golly.)

From Timothy: It takes a unique mindset to appreciate winter in Nebraska. There is never much snow to enjoy, yet the temperatures continually dip below zero. It took me a while, but a combination of exposed feet and great local trails really helped me to understand and see the beauty in my home state.

(Another animal-themed entry … and what the heck are all those birds doing out there in sub-zero weather? Whatever happened to flying south?)

Author’s note before the next two: the beard photos keep on coming!



From Martin: A photo of myself at the finish of the 2004 HURL Fat Ass 50K. Weather conditions for the day included icy, snow-packed roads with temps ranging from a low of -6*F to a high of -2*F. I finished in 5:45:54, third out of 3 runners.

(Martin was one of last week’s winners, for a shot from a snow-covered 50K that he later described as “an improvement over normal course conditions”. So apparently he likes this crazy cold stuff – and the race he described above has to be the most badass last-place finish I’ve ever heard of.)



From Doug: The picture was taken in Harpers Ferry, WV, December 2009 . We had record snow and low temperatures over the holiday season. I decided to head out for a short run. A couple of miles into the run, it started to snow again. Half way into the run it started coming down rather hard. The picture was taken when I made it back to my car.

(At first I wondered why he wasn’t smiling here, but then it hit me: that ice wall around his mouth probably prevents all movement. Yikes.)



From Jennifer: Winter running in Utah is my favorite. There's something about snow that silences everything else. I like that sometimes I won't see a single person while I'm out but I can still see footprints of someone who is just as crazy as I am. I like the crazy looks I get from drivers. I especially like the cold foggy days that turn your hair and eyelashes white and make for good conversation while running.

(OK, so it’s not a beard picture – but it’s frozen hair, which is still totally cool. And before I posted this photo, my wife told me that I’m not allowed to comment about how pretty these two girls are. So I won’t.)

And we’re down to our final two! Congratulations to this week’s winners of the La Sportiva hobnail kits:



From Tammy: December 2009, Whistler BC-- Mt Currie in the background. Winter running is the best! The sound of your feet hitting the frozen ground, and the stillness in the cold air is almost rejuvenating. I love the change in technique required in order to travel over the icy terrain or through the snow- an easy run quickly becomes technical. A fun challenge!

(I love, love, LOVE this photo – it’s almost enough to make me want to get out there and run with her. On the other hand … )




From Ryan: One of the craziest races takes place in my backyard: the Mt. Mitchell challenge! A marathon distance and 40 mile distance race. to the 6684’ summit of Mt. Mitchell. In 2009 the conditions were fierce - the race started at 6 in the morning and it was 40 degrees and raining. 14 miles later at the turnaround it was 28 degrees and this awful mix between snow ice and rain, and though it was a relief to hit the barrier where that pouring rain turned to snow … well, being soaked to the core, the core temp dropped pretty fast. Needless to say, I needed to run harder because that was the only way I was gonna keep warm!

I completed the marathon course in 2nd! 3000' of elevation gain and loss, in pouring rain, snow and sleet, with icy, muddy, rocky trails! Yeah! Anyways, winter trail running is medicine for me - the crisp, frigid conditions demand full attentiveness, and they remind me that I was created to run!

(And this picture was created to win this contest. Shorts and a singlet in 28 degrees and icy rain? Amazing, dude.)

Thanks very much to La Sportiva for sponsoring this contest, and special thanks to the readers who provided today’s entries. Tammy and Ryan: send me your addresses so I can pass them along to La Sportiva for your hobnail kits. To everyone else: there’s still time to enter next week’s grand prize contest by sending me your winter running photos, but get a move on, because next Wednesday will be here before you know it.

Then get out there in the cold and get running!

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La Sportiva Winter Running Mojo; Hobnail Video, Photo Contest, and Hobnail Giveaway WInners

Wednesdays in December will remain La Sportiva winter running contest days, and at the conclusion of this post I’ll award two of the La Sportiva hobnail kits that I mentioned in my Winter Running grand prize giveaway introduction last week. And thanks to several readers, I’ve also got a healthy dose of winter mojo to help you get out the door now that winter’s closing in.


But first, a couple of points of clarification …

1) I was mildly surprised at the number of people who commented that they had no idea what hobnails were, and more than mildly stoked to find a cool video created by La Sportiva to demonstrate the advantages of wearing hobnail spikes on your winter running shoes. It’s a cool little 3-minute video that also manages to bridge the normally disparate worlds of rally car racing and recreational running.

“La Sportiva presents: A.T. Grip Spike System” (click to play):



See? All you have to do is screw those little babies onto your shoes, and you’ll take off like a race car. When you do, you’ll need some GTX shoes to keep you warm and dry – which brings us to point #2 …

2) Sign up for the grand prize giveaway! Remember, there are 4 pairs of shoes up for grabs – one Crossover GTX and one Wildcat GTX for a male reader, and the same thing for a female reader. Enter the contest by e-mailing me a photo of your winter running adventures. So to all of you who left a comment on the gloves giveaway post (still time to enter, by the way) describing the frosty conditions you run in: bring a camera next time, and send me an entry to the contest – and then improve your chances by writing about the picture or linking to the original contest post. Honestly, it’s not nearly as complicated as it sounds.

**

OK then - on to this week’s photo entries. I loved the variety of entries that came in from all over the country, and I chose a few favorites here to demonstrate how cool winter running can be (at least, that’s what winter runners tell me). I’m also turning over the narration of these photos to the people who submitted them, with just a few comments thrown in here and there before announcing hobnail winners at the end.

This entry is from Kirstie, who writes: This was my first winter trail race and there was a foot of new snow on the ground the morning of the race. It was an 8k trail race on a VERY hilly course. It was tough and I considered giving up but I’m glad I finished it. Finishing this race inspired me and I actually went home and ran 9 more miles in the snow. I am either looking down or my eyes are closed (it figures) but I still like the pic.

(Nine more miles in the snow after running a race? The hardcore bar has been set.)



From Shelley: Often, ultrarunners have to face weather situations that are treacherous or downright dangerous during a race. But those of us who live near the Great Lakes know that even training in winter can be playing Russian Roulette. But we soldier on, all in the name of seeing what is on the other side of the finish line.

(The lesson: If you’re equating your training to Russian Roulette, be sure to bring some others along with you; it decreases your odds of being the first to die.)



From Richard: If I want to get there, I need to train. Training means running in the cold whatever the temperature. Running means being able to get to a remote, isolated ice wall. Running means being able to survive the experience. Thanks to La Sportiva, I can run and climb efficiently and safely.

(Richard’s got a future in writing website copy. And the hardcore bar has officially been raised.)



From Bryan: Winter running in the mountains gives one the opportunity to get above the dreary clouds to revel in the sunshine and to watch the waves of gray kiss the peaks (picture is me on Bear Peak near Boulder in my Wildcat GTX). It's one of the few times of the year when running higher may even secure warmer temperatures. No matter what, winter running always provides a surprise on the trails, whether its fresh bear tracks on the trail, the spectacular glitter of snow sparkling in the sun, or the gift and appreciation of experiencing the coldest wind ever to wash over one's body. I love to drop my intentions and simply let the winter trails tow me to enlightenment, and my LaSportiva Wildcat GTX are my chariots to get there.

(And now the website copy bar has been raised. Definite bonus points here for wearing Wildcat GTXs.)



From Justin: I love winter running because during the first big snow, when everyone is cooped up inside staying warm, I am the only one outside in a sea of white powder. I can run for hours just smiling and enjoying the peaceful side of running. And on the rare chance I do see another person, it’s another runner and we both give each other that knowing smile: the one where both of us know that we are dedicated and passionate enough to see the true beauty of running in a blizzard. It’s pure bliss.

(Or, it might be the “I can’t believe there are TWO of us who are this freaking crazy” smile – it’s sometimes hard to tell the difference.)


From Travis: From November 22 - 23, Salt Lake City fell victim to one of the worst blizzards in recent memory. Meteorologists were predicting white out conditions and freezing temperatures, and strongly urged everyone to stay indoors and off the roads. I was getting restless that evening and decided to venture out on a run with my camera. There wasn't much snow, but it was bitterly cold. Downtown was completely deserted. I tried to capture some of that emptiness in my photos, but my hands would get so cold that I could only bear to keep my camera out for a few minutes at a time. When I look at these shots, all I think is "brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr”. Scenes like these are a big motivation for me to head outdoors in the cold.

(Egads - my fingers are cold just thinking about taking this photo.)


*Author’s note before the next photos: I asked for icy beard photos, and I got them. My readers are awesome.


From Joey: Last winter, Charlottesville was blessed with record snowfalls. Blizzard-like conditions and feet of fresh powder turned what would otherwise be ordinary trail runs into epic adventures. Later on in the year I was able to survive the hottest runs of the summer by imagining the trails as they had been on those unforgettable December romps through the snow and counting the days until winter's return. Well, I was greeted on today's run by a fresh coat of frost on the leaf-covered ground . . . It's back.

(OK ... technically there’s more ice in his hair than on his beard, but that counts.)



From Aaron: I love when the gear you are wearing is working well. When other people can't fathom why you'd be out in the cold wet wilderness I love picking out the right stuff to wear and heading out. I took this picture last year after a wet snowy run. A lot of the snow had already melted off.

(He mentioned gear, but didn't say La Sportiva ... maybe he needs a lesson from Richard and Bryan above. Sweet beard, though.)


So are you psyched for winter running yet? If not, here are two more photos to send you off into the cold – and they also happen to be the two winners of this week’s hobnail giveaway:


From Martin: This “winter” photo is from the Old Gabe 50K in late June! I love winter running. It's a real change of pace and makes me focus more on efficient running form. I ran 12 miles a couple of days ago. It snowed the entire time, with beautiful powder that was like running in beach sand. Pushing the pace is a waste of energy, so I’m able to be patient and enjoy the scenery.

(Amazing – but just the same, I’m putting Old Gabe on my list of races to avoid in June.)

Our last winner impressed me the most:


From Chad: Living in Minnesota, winter running is inevitable. If you haven't had to take off your gloves to unfreeze your frozen eyelashes so you could open your eyes, you haven't run in the winter. This picture was taken at a turkey trot in mid-November. My son and I had to run a 5K (he ran the one-mile event) in 8 inches of new snow with no plowing of the course.

(When I asked Chad how old his son is, he told me he’s 7. I just made a rule: If you’re seven years old and tough enough to run in a blizzard like this, you’re winning a pair of hobnails. So Chad’s kid is this week’s first place winner; maybe he’ll let Dad borrow his prize sometime).

To Chad and Martin: e-mail me your contact info so I can pass them along to my La Sportiva rep, and we'll get your hobnails in the mail soon. A very big thanks to everyone else who sent pictures - I've already saved a couple more of my favorites from this batch as frontrunners for next week's contest - and special thanks to La Sportiva for sponsoring all of this winter inspiration. Keep sending me your photos for two more hobnail giveaways next week, and for entry into the grand prize awards on December 22.

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