On the go in the snow

Editor's note: Fifty-two-year old Lisa Paulos is a native of Dubuque who has been a Cedar Rapids resident since 1982. She is a Registered Nurse in he Operating Room at Mercy Medical Center. Working half time allows her the freedom to engage in outdoor activities year round that keep her mind and body healthy. She had participated in ultra cycling and running events for two decades.

By Lisa Paulos, Community contributor

Just as most runners and cyclists have resigned themselves to months of miles indoors on treadmills, rollers and trainers there are a few of your friends, neighbors and co-workers who are just getting in the groove outside.

Little known events called “snow ultras” are cropping up here and there and are finding appeal among people who embrace winter.

If you like running, cycling and skiing for hours in cold weather, these events might be for you.

Snow ultras are commonly held on snowmobile trails with permission and support from the local snowmobile community. Length of the events range from 26 or more miles for runners and skiers on the Heritage Trail in Dubuque County to 150 miles for all comers on the Tuscobia Trail in northern Wisconsin.

Aid stations are minimal and personal support is forbidden. Temperatures range from a balmy plus-30 to minus-40 overnight during the Arrowhead 135 in northern Minnesota.

Competitors must be proficient in their discipline (running, skiing or cycling) but must also have gear and winter skills to withstand the length of time to complete the distance.

Seventy-five miles on foot may require a few hours sleep outdoors during the night. Food and water freeze solid after hours of exposure to winter temperatures. Hands and feet reach the point of no return if a person is not vigilant. The margin for error is very small if a person wants to be successful in distances over 75 miles.

The learning curve is steep, but the rewards are satisfying.

Snow ultra athletes are people looking for more than the carefully organized and supported marathon or century ride.

The challenges of patience and self sufficiency frequently appeal to a “mature” crowd. There are more competitors in their 50s and 60s than in their 20s.

Typically there is no prize money for winners, no media attention and very little sponsorship. Entry fees cover permits to use the trails, insurance and a few snacks after the event.

The Triple D, a snow ultra event based in Dubuque on Jan. 15, saw dozens of hardy individuals assemble to meet the challenges of 26 or 31 miles on foot or skis to 62 miles for cyclists. Many Triple D participants use it as a final shakedown for the upcoming Arrowhead 135 in International Falls, Minn., later this month.

Stay tuned.

For more information on the Triple D race go to http://tripledrace.blogspot.com and for more on new events go to www.runningwall.com

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