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Have a question? For more information about the hiking club, call Mike Johnson at 614-2267
» Layer up — but not too much. Dress for a temperature that is 20 degrees higher than showing on the thermometer. Start with a layer of “dry fit” or wicking material, then add a warmer layer — like fleece. Additional layers depend on temperature and wind conditions. Lighter layers are easy to remove as you go.
» Don't forget your head and hands. About 30 percent of body heat is lost from your head, so a hat goes a long way toward keeping you warm. Inexpensive stretch gloves keep your hands warm at the beginning of your workout and are easily stashed in a pocket when you warm up.
» Sunscreen is always in order. You are just as susceptible to the sun's rays in the cold, especially with sunlight reflecting off snow. A lip balm with SPF protection also is a good idea.
» Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. You need to replenish fluids when you run or walk — in the heat or the cold. Have a full water bottle waiting for you when you finish as a reminder to drink up.
» Consider the wind when choosing your route. If possible, start your walk or run into the wind, finishing with the wind at your back. At the midway point, you will be sweating and you won't want to combine that with a cold wind blowing in your face.
» Choose shoes with lug soles — deep indentations — for traction and consider buying an inexpensive pair of ski or walking poles to help keep your balance. (The poles also will help you burn extra calories because your upper body is getting a workout, too.)
» Carry a cell phone. A phone means quicker access to help and lessens the danger of frostbite.
Mike Johnson and his pack of adventurers embrace whatever winter delivers.
Every Saturday and Sunday morning, Johnson guides nearly two dozen snowshoers along the snow-packed trails of Bellevue's Fontenelle Forest or other Omaha-area parks.
The cold doesn't faze this fearless group of winter lovers who welcome heavy snowfall and icy winds.
“The worse the weather,” Johnson said, “the better.”
Some use the hikes to train for bigger treks in faraway lands. Johnson, 51, owns an Omaha hiking and trekking company, and for several years he's guided many people, including some in the weekend group, on vacation hikes around the globe.
For about two years the group, which hikes year-round, has banded together for the long walks around Omaha. On a recent Sunday morning, the adventurers covered three miles at Fontenelle during a two-hour hike in 32-degree weather.
That was a relatively mild temperature compared with other hikes during this nasty winter.
Terrains with downhill drops and uphill climbs, mixed with the cold weather, offer an intense aerobic blast hard to replicate in a health club.
“It's a great exercise,” said Carol Rosenow, who hikes regularly with the group. “And it's a lot of fun.”
Surprises are often found along the way, too. Occasionally, they'll spot turkey or deer on their walks. And the recent cold fogs frosted the barren trees in the Bellevue forest a glossy white.
“The scenery,” said hiker Jeff Quandt, “you can't get that in a gym.”
And it's easy to ignore wicked weather when many muscles burn with each step.
“Once you start to move,” Johnson said, “you're going to heat up in a hurry.”
But it's winter, after all, and safety precautions come with snowshoeing.
To keep warm, the hikers wear lightweight layers of clothing that ventilate to keep the skin dry. Cotton fabric is not recommended, Johnson said, as it collects perspiration.
Waterproof boots are a must. Tennis shoes are not a good idea. Stocking caps, gloves and warm socks are also needed.
Various snowshoes, which fasten to regular footwear, are available. Prices generally range from $100 to $300.
Ski poles, the four-wheel drive of snowshoeing, help balance weight and engage the arms and abdominal muscles in the workout.
Hydration is also important. Some in Johnson's crew carried fancy backpacks that featured thick straws to sip water from. Others simply carried bottles of water.
Anybody can hike with the group; new people are always welcome.
Some in the group are more experienced hikers than others. But they're all out there together and enjoy the rapport from the shared activity. Many meet for coffee before their walks, chitchat during the hikes and enjoy breakfast together when the long morning march ends.
They all look forward to their weekend adventures.
“It's the best way to start a week,” Alice Lindsay said.
Lindsay's friend and fellow hiker Sharon Draper added, “And end a week.”
Contact the writer:
444-3198, chip.olsen@owh.com
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