2022 Snowshoe Running Camp Recap
On the night before Snowshoe Running Camp, New England was drenched in rain. Which, if you participate in any kind of snow sport, you know is not good. But the temperatures promised to drop and there was still a decent base of over a foot at Evan’s Notch Lodge in Maine where we held snowshoe camp this year.
The Lodge served as the perfect base camp for our snowy adventures. With its cozy fireplace and quirky vintage vibe each of our participants, from as far away as Arizona and as near as New Hampshire, all felt at home.
DAY 1
The Camp kicked off Friday night with a roaring fire in the woodstove and delicious snacks from Cabot Cheese and Athletic Brewing.
Founder of Rise.Run.Retreat and snowshoe runner, Sarah Canney talked briefly about starting something even when you aren’t certain about the outcome, and how a simple seed of belief in yourself can get you started towards whatever goals you have. Later, there were lots of laughs as the group got to know each other and found unexpected points of connection.
DAY 2
Started brisk and chilly, with the outside temps in the single digits but everyone had on their Kari Traa baselayer on top and the PUMA x HELLY HANSEN Tight to keep them warm despite the elements. Plus everyone's feet stayed toasty in our Darn Tough Socks.
While it warmed up to a cool 12º, our participants fueled the day and got familiar with their Dion Snowshoes. Sarah walked everyone through the basics of the snowshoe before everyone headed to Carter’s XC Ski Center in Bethel, Maine, host of our first snowshoe run!
There the group criss crossed through the wooded trails and out into the fields that bordered the Androscoggin River.
After clocking four miles on snowshoes the group finished back at the Carter’s Lodge as flurries began to fly, making for the perfect winter scene. A few people grabbed food from the Wild River Kitchen Food Truck. Yum!
Later that afternoon, participants joined Linda Jaros of OOFOS as she walked them through a self-massage session and talk through OOFOS’ newest offering the OOCoozie, a cozy slipper with OOFOS patented recovery foam.
For those not used to snowshoe running this was a welcomed activity, and the slippers were perfect for wearing around the lodge.
The rest of the afternoon everyone spent soaking up the warmth of the fireplace or walking along the Wild River in the falling snow.
DAY 3
A bluebird day greeted everyone on Sunday morning as they headed out for their final snowshoe run in White Mountain National Forest. The cold weather made for fast (and dry) snowshoe running conditions as the group logged another four miles.
At that point a few participants went back out with Sarah to tack on a few more miles while the rest returned to Evan’s Notch for a hearty lunch and a warm fire.
The weekend wrapped up with the group gathering once again as Sarah talked about her “sticky note goals” and encouraged each participant to make some of their own. And like all Rise.Run.Retreat. events it feels as if time both stands still and flies by over the weekend and soon enough it was time to say goodbye until next year!
Will you join us?
