Snow Dawg 5km Snowshoe Race

[spaff]

Hey Folks,

Here is a new one for you! 

Do you already miss running on the trails this winter?  Are you looking for a new challenge? Do you want to try the fastest growing winter sport in North America?

If so, why not come down to Kingston on February 18th and run the first annual SNOW DAWG 5KM SNOWSHOE RUN/HIKE!

Date:
Saturday, February 18th, 2006

Time:
10:00am (race day registration from 8:30 ? 9:45am at the Outdoor Centre, Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area)

Location:
Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area, Kingston, Ontario, Canada (take Division St exit off highway 401 and go 2km north. ?Little Cat? is on your left)

Park Fee: 
Please note that when entering Little Cat, there is an additional park fee of $4.00 per adult/$2.00 per child (max. of $10 per car load?so pack ?em in!).

Snowshoes:
Be sure to bring your own snowshoes to the race!  If you don?t own a pair, they are available for rental at various outdoor stores including Trailhead - Kingston. Please note that Little Cat only rents traditional, wooden snowshoes which are not as suitable for running, but okay for hiking.

Early Dawg Entry Fee:
$25.00 (Cool Snow Dawg t-shirt provided for all participants who pre-register online before Feb 12)

Late Dawg Entry Fee:
$25.00 (after Feb 12 and on race day. Sorry, no t-shirt!)

Post Run Awards:
~ First place male and female overall will win merchandise awards from our sponsors. 
~ All participants eligible for numerous draw prizes. 
~ Post race food and beverages provided!

Results will be posted at www.healthandadventure.com following the race.

For more information or to register, please go to www.healthandadventure.com or email snowshoe@healthandadventure.com

Derrick Spafford
SPAFFORD HEALTH AND ADVENTURE
'Because Life is an Adventure'
spafford@healthandadventure.com
www.healthandadventure.com
613-531-1438

[Cathy]

OK so I have been really thinking about this one. 

Is it suggested that you have experience first before entering???

I see that Trail Head is having a learn to snowshoe seminar before the race.  Is this a suggested starting point?

OR can we just go blindly into this with no experience at all and expect to finish without any major  injury?

I'm certainly up for it or at least willing to try.

So am I crazy?

[spaff]

Hey Cathy,

Nah, you're not crazy!? Well, maybe only a little, but it helps to have company :)

I think that if you were looking to run your fastest snowshoe race ever, it would certainly be a good thing to strap them on beforehand.? If your goal is to go out, try something new and have fun, then it's probably not necessary.? Snowshoes have changed SO much since the old days of the traditional, wide wooden ones.? They are so much lighter and more comfortable now.?

The Trailhead clinic is good info, especially if you are looking to just trying out, but I expect it will be more catered to hiking, than running.?

The learning curve for running is very quick.? The first time that Sara and I tried snowshoe running, we were just so amazed how light and comfortable the snowshoes were.? All the time, we kept looking down at our feet and wondering if the snowshoes were still there.? We've been bitten --hard-- by the snowshoe running bug since.?

Generally, and depending on the snow conditions, it will take you the same time to run 5km on the snow that it would normally take you to run 8-10km on the roads.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Happy Holidays!!
Derrick

[spaff]

Online registration is now available at www.healthandadventure.com for the Snow Dawg 5km Snowshoe Race on Saturday, February 18, 2006 in Kingston.

The entry deadline to get a Snow Dawg T-shirt is February 12!

A Happy and Healthy New Year to all!

Derrick

[spaff]

Hey Everyone,

Just thought I'd update on the latest with the Snow Dawg!

- Atlas has donated a $200 snowshoe package that we will be giving out as a draw prize at the awards ceremony to one lucky participant!

- Atlas will be providing 9 pairs of demo snowshoes to be used for free on race day for the first 9 people who sign up and inform me that they would like to use them.

- Weather Conditions:? In the event that we get a thaw and lose the snow, the race will still take place as a trail run/hike.? Participants who run carrying their snowshoes, will be awarded a 30 second time bonus per km...that's 2 1/2 minutes!...so bring your snowshoes even if there is no snow!.? Please check back for trail conditions on the week of the race.

Looking forward to some snow, but in the event that we don't have enough, the race will still be a blast!

Hope to see you there!

Derrick Spafford
SPAFFORD HEALTH AND ADVENTURE
'Because Life is an Adventure'
spafford@healthandadventure.com
www.healthandadventure.com
613-531-1438

[Cathy]

I'm registered, I'm registered
Can't wait

[Jane]

Hi Derrick -- I sent you an e-mail - but I wondered did you get the nine people registered?  If I can get a pair of loaner shoes, I am in!

[spaff]

Just fired you back an email.  The people who have registered so far all have their own snowshoes.

[Jane]

I am registered!!  Cathy, I'm coming with you!  Or you can come with me!! 

[Cathy]

Oh good.  Someone to laugh myself silly with. 

Bring on the snow