Snowshoe Running 101 instructor Whitney Spivey, pink headband at center, participating in the 2014 women’s 10K national championship snowshoe race in Bennington, Vt. Photo by Jennifer Jackson

UNM-LA News:

Through UNM-Los Alamos (UNM-LA) Community Education, former U.S. National Snowshoe Racing Team member Whitney Spivey will host a snowshoe running clinic 1-3 p.m. March 7.

The two-hour course will begin at UNM-LA with a 20-minute discussion about the sport. The participants will drive to the Pajarito Mountain parking lot for an outing on the Canada Bonita Trail.

The outdoor portion of the class will be oriented toward participants comfortable getting their heart rates up at high altitude, but will be paced to participants’ abilities. Those interested in learning more about the sport, but not ready to try snowshoe running, are welcome to hike the trail.

Class participants will consider snowshoe running, technique, strategy and gear. Spivey also will discuss the U.S. Snowshoe Racing Association and various running events in Northern New Mexico.

Those planning to snowshoe should bring their own snowshoes, dress warmly in layers of athletic gear and bring water. Waterproof trail running shoes are recommended. Spivey will have running-specific snowshoe demos, which may be tried during portions of the trail.

The registration fee for Snowshoe Running 101 is $25. Register online at losalamos.unm.edu/community-education in the Outdoor Recreation section.

UNM-Los Alamos is an innovative, rigorous, and affordable comprehensive branch community college that provides foundations for transfer, leading-edge career programs, and lifelong learning opportunities. More information about UNM-LA is available at losalamos.unm.edu.