Making tracks for winter fun

When it comes to sports, I love a good adrenaline rush.

So, I have to admit, my first thought when I was invited to go snowshoe running with the Raz family for the first in our outdoor sports series, Cold Play, was, "This will be a walk in the park."

I was pleasantly surprised by just how much fun it was (and that's saying a lot for a guy who hates running for exercise).

The first thing you realize: running snowshoes are incredibly light, small and springy. After a while you barely notice you have them on.

Incredible workout

The second realization comes a couple dozen steps intoGatineauPark:snowshoe running, is an incredible workout.

Kristi Raz and her husband, Mike, run marathons across north America. But some of their best training is done under the tree-lined, snow-coveredtrails of Gatineau park.

"You're not on the concrete, you're out enjoying nature. That's the best part about it," said Kristi. "But you've got to allow for time. If you're used to running a 5K in under half an hour, it's going to take you closer to an hour to actually finish it [insnowshoes]."

Snowshoe running tips for beginners

9 years ago

Duration 1:26

Mike Caldwell, race director with Atlas Mad Trapper Trail and Snowshoe, tells you what you need to know if you're thinking of taking up snowshoe running.

For the diehards, Mad Trapper organizes snow shoe races through the forest.

Ultimate snowshoe experience

For those needing a bit more of a rush, Winterludetossed ina new sport this year: Snowshoe ultimate.

Fans of the frisbee game, including Andrew Cameron, braved a frigid to start to the inaugural tournament at LansdownePark.

"It's a perfect marriage of the brawn of it, the speed, the agility, the dexterity as well as the brains of it. It's a bit of a chess game once you get into it," Cameron said.

A chess game under a windchill that feels like 41 C.

But within minutes, some of us were peeling off the layers. It's fun, fast-paced and incredibly engaging.

Omar tries snowshoe ultimate

9 years ago

Duration 0:47

Omar joins ultimate enthusiasts in Ottawa as they strap on snowshoes to try their hand at a winter version of their favourite sport.

Teams of five players of all ages try to pass the discup the field to score points. Whether you're blocking opponents' passes or diving in the snow for the disc, you're never standing still.

'Don't run backwards!'

Ewelina Sosnowska, an experienced ultimate player reminds, me of one very important tip.

"But don't run backwards in those!"Sosnowska warned.

Thanks, Ewelina. Wish I'd known that before taking a half dozen tumbles.

But that's the beauty of outdoor winter sports. The snow will break your fall, and no one can see you grimace under all that cold weather gear.