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Warming to winter activity

The weather might be frightful, but going outside for some brisk, fresh air to grab some exercise can still be delightful. Jim Cadman, president of the Big Rock Runners, tries to avoid the gerbil-on-a-wheel treadmill run as much as possible.
Julie Walker of Full Circle Adventures goes for a ski at Sandy McNabb near Turner Valley. If a person is well prepared, outdoor activities can still be done in cold
Julie Walker of Full Circle Adventures goes for a ski at Sandy McNabb near Turner Valley. If a person is well prepared, outdoor activities can still be done in cold temperatures.

The weather might be frightful, but going outside for some brisk, fresh air to grab some exercise can still be delightful.

Jim Cadman, president of the Big Rock Runners, tries to avoid the gerbil-on-a-wheel treadmill run as much as possible. He heads outside to run in conditions that have most people running to their travel agent to book a trip to Mexico.

“I went running on Monday (Feb. 28) with Dave Smart and Lori Toombs when it was so cold,” Cadman said. “It was about minus 34 with the wind chill and to be honest that’s about my limit.”

When you’re running at minus 30 temperatures people already think you’re nuts, so fashion statements go out the window.

“I had about four layers on and I ran with these snow pants on,” Cadman said. “I also had a balaclava on and toque on my head.”

Warm gloves, or better yet mittens, which keep your fingers together, are mandatory when running in the winter.

It’s also recommended when there is a strong wind to start your run into the wind, so you aren’t struggling at the end of the trip when you are tired.

Cadman said the Okotoks pathway system is often protected from the wind by the trees and houses, so is an ideal place to run in the winter.

“I got cold running behind the Okotoks cemetery,” he said. “Even with my pants on I still got cold.”

Cadman has run with slip-on cleats for added traction in case of ice, however, he prefers to run in his running shoes, adding the Town of Okotoks does an excellent job of keeping the pathway system clean.

Snowshoeing

Julie Walker of Full Circle Adventures knows when she takes clients snowshoeing or cross-country skiing nothing can turn a person off winter activity than being cold.

Walker is often out with clients for three to four hours a time in the Kananaskis Country or Bragg Creek area.

“I usually have a cut off of minus 18 when I am going out with a group,” Walker said. “There are times though when the temperature can drop to minus 25. So you have to be ready.”

She said dressing in layers is the key. Walker will wear up to four layers on her upper body and usually two layers for her legs and lower body.

She doesn’t recommend wearing snow pants, which sometimes can get heavy after a few hours of snowshoeing.

“I am the type of person who heats up really fast so I usually only have two layers on the bottom,” she said. “Some people have trouble keeping warm and surprisingly rain paints are good as a final layer to keep warm and dry.”

She said one drawback to rain pants is they don’t breathe as well as other outerwear.

Although it may be cold outside, the body still has to keep hydrated therefore, it’s important your drinking water doesn’t freeze.

“I will wrap my water container in pieces of closed-cell foam to stop it from freezing,” Walker said.

Many outdoor enthusiasts will use a Camelback for water – a pouch with a hose to draw water from – which they will wear under their jackets to prevent freezing.

Closed-cell foam is the blue foamies campers use to sleep on for comfort.

Walker brings those light portable foamies for her clients to sit on to keep their butts warms when eating or taking a break.

“You should keep the breaks short, so you don’t cool down too much,” Walker said.

Regardless of the weather, outdoor enthusiasts should tell someone where they are going.

“Don’t just say: ‘I’m going to Kananaskis Country’ tell them the specific trail you are going to be on,” Walker said. “Also tell them if you aren’t home by say 8 p.m. to phone the RCMP.

“For goodness sake’s remember to call when you get back.”

Full Circles Adventures is based out of Turner Valley and offers lessons in outdoor activities which key not only on technique but also safety. Walker is also knowledgeable on the wildlife in the area.

For further information go to www.full-circle-adventures.com

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