Chevy & GMC Vans

You know how dreary it can be during the long, cold, snowy winter? We have a solution! In the early winter of 2009, Ben's cross country running coach suggested we get Ben into snowshoe racing. Since then it has become an obsession for him! Last year he did good. This year he has to be the best in his age group (14 and under) for New York State! He has been kicking some serious butt! He has come in just behind the leaders in most races. The guys who beat him are in their 20's, 30's and 40' and are many times marathon runners! Lynne and I got out with him for practice although we don't run. We just walk the same course, although a shorter version, and get great exercise and enjoy the outdoors.

Shoes:
Ben runs in Dion snowshoes and Lynne and I use Atlas's. His racing shoes are a little pricey at about $200 a set plus extra cleats and ours are cheaper at $160 a set. You can get nice ones for around $100. Nice thing is you can go basically anywhere with them and it gets you out of the house.

Races:
Most of the races are 5k in length. The shortest is 1.8 miles and the longest is 4.7 miles. These are cross country courses where they run on some groomed trails and also on "single track" that goes through the woods on a marked course. I'll let the pics speak for themselves.

One of the races has an awesome view of Honeoye Lake:





Ben in back:









A part of a course...that is not Ben. He had already gone through here before we got there!

Getting his shoes on:





First lap on this course:





Second lap:







AWESOME PIC:







Notice it's GOLD!

LiftedAWDAstro wrote: AWESOME PIC:

was that the abominable (did i spell that right) snowmen passing in that picture

on a serious note damn Ben good job there is no way in hell i could even come close to finishing one of those races let alone be the best in any age group lol

More...

This was at McCauley Mountain in Old Forge, NY: They ran up the mountain and back down for a total of 3.1 miles.





Here is Ben in the middle, his trainer Matt on the right and his school buddy Eric on the left.



The races have anywhere between 12 and 218 runners! Here is the largest:





Here he is stripping at about 0.8 miles into the course...it was in the teens that day!



Here Ben is on the left pulling out in the fluff and passing!







That's snow on his back!



Today's race: It was snowing a little bit.

Just for reference on the speed they run. His normal pace is around the 8.5 - 9.5 minute miles. Today's race was 4.77 miles, he completed it in 44:29 for an average pace of 9:20/mile. At one time he was averaging 5:05/mile Pretty damn good considering some of the hills they run up!

Looks fun. My activity of choice is cross-country skiing, but snowshoeing looks like a good option. I don't know about racing, but it could be fun.

I almost didn't recognize him, someone got some braces

Its great when kids find something that they really enjoy doing, and what better way to stay in shape for cross-country running than snow-shoe racing, thanks for the great thread Dean, and continued good luck racing Ben

Wow, I'm breathing hard just looking at the pictures! Glad you all are enjoying yourselves.

That kid looks like a holy terror going thru that forest, wow! Way to go, Deano. =D>

Great post, Dean. You and Lynne must be very proud. I can't believe how big Ben has gotten. They grow up so fast. Thanks for sharing.

Yes we are very proud of him! Had a race on Saturday. It was the Empire State Winter Games 5k Snowshoe race. There are 2 categories for both males and females. He raced in the male 14 and under category even though they all raced together. You'll see where he ended up...

Opening ceremonies were held on the same ice that the "Miracle on Ice" happened. Some of you probably remember that from the 1980 winter Olympics in Lake Placid.

Here is Ben carrying the sign. As you can see there were only 3 of the competitors at the opening ceremonies.





Athletes lining up:



Now for the race! They raced at Mt. Pisgah Ski Center. I positioned myself about 1/2 way up on a small plateau.

Looking down...



Looking up...

Warming up...



Lining up..



And they are off...Ben almost fell!





Can't really see but Ben is in the lead.



He came down off a steep hill only to turn 180 degrees and go straight up. His feet decided to go straight and I almost missed it!







He made it back to the bottom only to head up to the first plateau to come back down again!

He got passed as you see. Here he is coming towards the finish line... (he's way up there)





Oh yeah....it was a 2 lapper! Head back out!







Almost there!



Finally!

Now for the awards...

Ben and Ezra got Gold and Silver in the M14 and under category.



Eric (Ben's school buddy and Ezra's older brother) got Bronze!



The boys in Mt. Pisgah lodge.

Great stuff Deano

as far as winter blues,................... waiting for the snow to stop and plow yet again