Fresh New Fit: Crashed Ice!

By Jessie

Last night, the Dustin, our friend Mason, and I went to St. Paul to check out a new type of "fitness". We were only spectating, not participating. The event was the Red Bull Crashed Ice, and it was an event unlike any other I have seen.

From Kare11 news:  

What: The world's toughest, fastest, and most fearless skaters will descend on downtown Saint Paul to take on the most intimidating ice cross downhill course ever created for the U.S. qualifier of the 2012 Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championship . With more than three weeks of construction, the 1,400-foot frozen track wraps around the Cathedral of Saint Paul before plummeting down its steps towards the Mississippi River.

Who: Athletes will come from around the world to race in Saint Paul, which is the first stop in the 2012 World Championship Series. Among the standouts competing are twice World Champion, Artu Philhainen, of Finland, and a fleet of Red Bull Crashed Ice veterans from all over the world. This year, however, the American team will be a force to be reckoned with. The U.S. competitors were selected through a series of Qualifiers held nationwide. They range from teens to middle age, both men and women, with backgrounds ranging from ice hockey to rugby, speed skating to downhill skiing, and football to boarder cross.

Where: In front of the Cathedral of Saint Paul in Downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota.

The event was free, so after a drink at the Muddy Pig for warmth, we headed towards the Cathedral.  After a brisk 15 minute walk from the bar, we were greeted with this brightly lit starting line.

 It was quite crowded by the start. With 80,000 people in attendance, working our way through to find a good viewing spot was a challenge of its own. We finally made our way to a midway point on the course, where we could see two hills, and the "big turn".

The event was fascinating to watch. It seemed pretty dangerous, with several falls and tumbles, and the skaters were moving an incredible speeds. It was fun to observe this "fresh new fit". I could appreciate the athleticism of the participants, as well as the extreme physical challenge of the event. It might not be my type of "favorite fit" but I was happy to have the opportunity to enjoy the spectacle. 

Time to bundle up! 

It was about 16 degrees- quite cold to be standing outside, so I was bundled up in my "sleeping bag coat" (i.e. Patagonia Women's Down With It Parka), hat (The Gap), scarf (gifted), Hunter boots with the warm socks underneath, and jeans. 

Our friend Mason bundled up in a classy all black ensemble, complete with scarf and earmuffs. 

And ladies..he's single!

Dustin wore his Hunker Down Mountain Hardware Jacket, Dale of Norway Fjord hat, jeans, and Waxed Canvas Maine Hunting Shoes from LL Bean

 

For more information on the Red Bull Crashed Ice, check out this website: http://www.redbull.com/cs/Satellite/en_INT/Red-Bull-Crashed-Ice/001242785030624

Fresh New Fit: Snowshoeing!

By Jessie

My husband and I decided to spend this NYE up at the cabin. I was looking forward to a cozy weekend of reading, napping, cooking, eating, cribbage, scrabble, and some wine. But alas, I still needed to "fit fitness" in somehow.

Fortunately, there are many different ways to do so up north while enjoying the outdoors.

My fresh new fit this new year was snowshoeing. "Santa" brought me a pair under the tree, and I was anxious to try them out. Unfortunately, there hasn't been any snow in our city yet, but we were lucky with abundant snow up North at our cabin, and my husband also got snowshoes for Christmas, giving me a partner in my new fit.

It's amazing how much snowshoes have improved- here's a pair that decorate the walls at the cabin. I am guessing these date back to the 1920's.

"Snowshoeing has been around for thousands of years. And, obviously, the art of snowshoeing has become more sophisticated over time – now it’s considered a winter sport. From the early wood-frame to the aluminum-frame models, snowshoeing has garnered quite a following throughout the world. Modern day snowshoeing is made up of casual snowshoers who hike trails for pleasure, the snowshoeing enthusiasts who trek through the backcountry, and the competitors who race."


The snowshoes of today are much easier to get on and off, and quite easy to use.

What's so great about snowshoeing?
The sport is easy to learn, virtually inexpensive (compared to other winter sports), poses little risk of injury and is a great way to exert energy during the cold winter months. Known to help maintain or improve cardiovascular fitness, the sport helps burn more than 600 calories per hour. Snowshoers can burn more than 45 percent more calories than walking or running at the same speed.