YouTube Kahtoola Inc Channel
KahtoolaInc YouTube Channel with Favorite Video\’s and helpful Tips
Spring Fling
So here it is, a winter spring fling. First day of Spring and it snows… What does this say for our up coming spring? Will it be cold and wet, will it be windy, or was all of this just a tease and it will be warm sunny and happy for the months to follow? I am setting a goal (of sorts) I will not complain about the weather. I will enjoy spring time with the knowledge that it is unpredictable and that all of the above will happen at some point. I will also remember that with out snow and rain my outdoor camping season will be short and not no sweet. So in the spirit of the end of winter Kahtoola is having a contest to see who’s winter memory from this past season is the best.
Send us your favorite winter memory with a picture or video and if your’s is chosen as the winner you will win a pair of KTS Crampons, tote sack and SRS.
So send in your story we can’t wait to read it!
Summit for Life Event in Aspen
Last weekend Hilary Edgar from Kahtoola took part in the 5th annual Summit for Life event in Aspen CO. Summit for Life’s mission is to raise awareness about the importance of organ and tissue donation and raise funds for the Chris Klug Foundation. Katoola was on board again this year donating 60 pair of MICROspikes to the first 60 racers to register. Individual racers raised as much as $4800 per person for this worthy cause with a $109,000 raised at the event, and still counting. For the race, itself contestants race from the base of Aspen Mountain all the way to the top. They will climb 3,267 vertical feet – over 2.5 miles uphill and at night! Racers can choose their own lighting and non-motorized equipment like snowshoes, skins or other creative gear and go at their own pace. Racers of all physical abilities and ages are welcome to participate! When racers and supporters reach the summit, dinner, drinks, dessert and entertainment awaits them.
This is Hilary’s fourth year attending this event that over the years has become close to her heart. Chris Klug, who the foundation was named for, is the only transplant recipient to win a metal at the Olympics.
Kahtoola is honored to be part of such a worthy event.
Winter Running Tips from Jared Scott – Flagstaff, AZ
Winter has arrived. Days are shorter and colder, but that doesn’t mean you can’t continue to train. Here are some tips from runner Jared Scott from Flagstaff AZ.
1. Be Careful. Winter can be dark, cold, and icy so be prepared. Headlamps, reflective vests, warm clothes, and Kahtoola MICROspikes and Running Snowshoes will help keep you safe during the winter.
2. The warmer you are, the happier you’ll be. Don’t hesitate to bring extra layers of clothing out with you. You can always take them off and easily carry them if you get too hot, and you will get hot occasionally. Ambient temperatures change quickly depending on sun aspect and wind direction, turning a sunny mild day into full winter conditions. The good thing about winter clothing is it extremely lightweight and portable. When you get too hot, long sleeve shirts/jackets can be easily tied around your waste, hats and gloves can be put into pockets or tucked in your waistband, and pants can be rolled up or tied around your waste.
3. With the changing seasons, try changing your sport. Nothing can be more frustrating than being cooped up all winter because the weather is keeping you from running. Kahtoola snowshoes are great to keep you afloat when the snow is deep but also provides excellent traction on hard, crusty snow. The MICROspikes will allow you to run with confidence on slick, snowpacked trails. In fact, know one person who got rid of her treadmill after getting a pair of Microspikes! Getting outside during the winter can be a wonderful experience and sure beats doing a workout inside or doing no workout at all.
4. Do your hard workouts when the sun is shining. This is partly a literal statement because regular running is better on the warm winter days when the roads and trails are not icy. However, when the weather is frigid, the snow will be likely be hard and crusty, which is perfect for going fast on snowshoes. Snowshoeing is an excellent way to get some added strength work because it is just plain harder than running on a road or trail. Also with snowshoeing, run for time and effort and not for distance because you will cover less ground on snowshoes, but you will still get all the fitness benefits as running on a dry road or trail.
5. Most importantly–HAVE FUN! Winter provides an opportunity to experiment with new things. I got hooked on snowshoeing during our record setting snowfall last winter. Thanks to Kahtoola, I was never stuck in my house,I was out in the snow having fun!
The number one question
Winter is just around the corner and I am getting ready to answer the number one question I get asked each year every where I go, “Really snowshoeing, WHY?”
And as of three years ago I would have said the same thing, but then I started to work for Kahtoola and found out snowshoeing has got a bad wrap, and it really can be just as much fun, if not more then a hike or run…and yes I said run, but will get to that later.
Now I love to hike and if your like me and you are more likely to opt for a good hike then a run on a normal summer day, then you might just fall in love with winter hiking to. Some of the perks of a winter hike in snowshoes are:
- You will see a side of your favorite trails that you have never seen before and will bring a whole new appreciation to your favorite spots. (make sure trail is open for winter hiking)
- Less traffic on trails.
- If you have kids its a great family activity.
- If you have a dog large or small they will love it and sleep the day away after.
- I have saved the best for last…it is FREE, all you need is your snowshoes and you favorite spot!
If your still doubting the possibility that snowshoeing really is fun. Do me a favor and give it a try. There are lots of opportunities around the country to try out a pair of free demo snowshoes in the winter, such as Winter Trails Days www.wintertrails.org or check out Kahtoola events section throughout winter for where we will be with FREE demos.
I hope to see you out there and for you runners I have not forgotten about you I will have some great tips for winter running and races from some of the best runners I know just around.
Kahtoola Hilary