First Snowshoeing Outing

I had my first outing on snowshoes the other night. It was challenging. Strenuous. Laborious. Brutal. Painful. I think I am finally recovered and ready to tackle the trails again.

The thing is, I don't get much exercise when it isn't winter. Nothing that pushes me to the edge of my athletic ability, anyway. One would think I'd learn and do some conditioning during the autumn months. Tout au contraire.

Nevertheless, I love snowshoeing enough to suffer through the first few exhausting outings in order to enjoy a winter full of wonderland in the woods, snow, peace and quite with the company of others on the trail and the woodland creatures.

I went out with a group that was grooming mountain bike trails with their snowshoes. Yes, we groom the trails so the fat-tire bikes can go out and enjoy a ride through the frigid woods. We "stomp" down the snow. It is a bit more than your typical, relaxed excursion on snowshoes. A bit more? It's hard work.

The others with me, I think, were in better shape. They mountain bike all summer. I wondered during the most trying periods of that first stomp if they had thoughts similar to mine. Maybe. Probably not. I have termed my experience:

Evolution of My First Stomp

1. It snows.
2. I get a notice on facebook about a stomp.
3. Excited, I get dressed in multiple layers. It's cold out there!
4. The stomp begins. Hey, I feel pretty good. This is great!
5. Into the woods in the dark with headlamps on. Pretty cool!
6. Feeling exhilarated from the cold air and rush of energy, I feel quite chatty. Laughing and talking with others.
7. Oh, the first hill. Are they really going to keep up this aggressive pace?
8. Maybe so much talking isn't such a good idea. Must reserve energy.
9. Onset of fatigue. And, it's getting a bit hot. Maybe so many layers was a bad idea.
10. Hand sweat so mittens come off. Why did I bring these ski poles?
11. Ugh. Another hill.
12. Stop (briefly) and enjoy the quiet of the woods at night. Beautiful. Serene. Restful. Moving on.
13. At what seems like the end of a trail, the leader turns onto yet another trail in need of stomping. Are these people crazy? My legs are getting numb, and not from the cold.
14. I wonder what my family is doing at home. Eating pizza by the warm fireplace in our family room?
15. More hills. Up and down are now equally strenuous. I want my mommy!
16. If I just drop in a snowbank will they carry me out? Contemplating. Calculating.
17. Leader says the road is just up ahead.
18. Twenty minutes later and no road. Is this the end? Did I tell my husband I love him today? Did I hug my children? Who will feed my dog?
19. Clocking in at about 1 hour 15 minutes of continual stomping. Legs no longer work correctly. Simply stumbling along. Stumbling in snowshoes. It really is true, my life is flashing before my eyes.
20. Wait, is that the road? Merciful road. I love pavement! Just ahead. My car. Don't let them see me weeping with joy. It's over. We did it!
21. Saying goodbye. Snowshoes off. Hugs. Shaky legs. Start the car. Driving home.
22. I can't wait to go again.