How to Snowshoe

Have you ever wanted to learn how to snowshoe? If you have ever wanted to go running during the winter months, you may or may not have considered snowshoeing as an option. I suggest you think it over... no, do not discount the idea right away, just think about this for a little while. Many people really don't even want to consider it. Not even for a minute. But, if you take a little time to consider it and its many benefits, you may reconsider.
Many people discount this idea instantly because they hate being cold. They would like to stay inside by the nice wood fire and sip hot cocoa. This seems like an extremely pleasant option, but what happens after you get out of shape? That nice figure you have worked so long and hard to craft during the entire summer. Are you just going to allow that to go to waste? What a pity indeed. So, have you pondered this a bit more? If so, please read on. Not just to the conclusion of this paragraph, but on to the next one as well.
Maybe you will say, "But I don't know how to snowshoe. I'd rather stay inside your home and watch movies or play video games. " Yes, that does sound fun too... but do not forget the summer will be here before you know it and you'll want to be in shape for your beach volleyball league, church softball team, or even your ultimate Frisbee tournament. Yes, I believe that you are thinking a little bit more about it now.
Well, I am going to tell you how. Your first step would be to visit a sporting goods retailer. If possible, you should check out a running store where the people who are working are incredibly knowledgeable. You can ask them which snowshoes they would recommend, determined by your individual needs. Do you want to simply go out trekking in the woods, or would you like to get into some snowshoe races? You may want to pick up a new pair of running shoes while you're there too... so that you can wear them with your snowshoes.
Upon having picked up a pair of snowshoes, you will need to know how to put them on. Almost all snowshoes have bindings or straps that are designed to hold your feet to the snow shoes. For other snowshoes, it is necessary to bolt your running shoes directly to your snowshoes. This is called mounting the snowshoes. If you don't want to wreck a pair of your running shoes, this may not be the best type of snowshoes for you. You might want to pick the ones with the bindings instead. That way, you can just put on your running shoes, making sure to lace them tightly. After that, you slip your feet into the bindings on the snowshoes. You take the black strap on the outside of your foot and pull it tightly back until the straps are securely around the heel of your running shoes. You want to be sure that the straps on your toes are tight enough that the snowshoe are not going to come off, but you don't want to pull them so tight that you lose the circulation in your feet.
After that, you can begin. Just take a step forward, and then another, and another. It will probably feel a bit awkward initially, but after awhile, you will start to get used to it. Who knows, as soon as you get comfortable enough walking in them without falling down, you might want to try a bit of jogging, or even some snowshoe running! Bear in mind, the snowshoes are much wider than your normal trainers, so you most likely will clip your ankles once or twice. Don't worry, this is normal. Once you do it once or twice, you'll learn and won't do it again. Before you know it, you'll be soaring through the woods with the greatest of ease, watching the snow flying as you race through the trees!