Tubbs Ambassadors
Danelle Ballengee
In Tubbs’ early years, a woman like Danelle Ballengee would have been described as “a slip of a girl,” and she would have been presumed to be frail. True, this professional multi-sport adventure racer barely comes up to the chin of the shortest of her three male teammates. And while she’s a lightweight on the scale, she is a heavyweight champion in the annals of endurance sports.
Beginning in 1995, Danelle entered some 450 endurance events, finished in the top three in 90 percent of them and won many. Marathons, duathlons, triathlons, mountain races, desert races and such grueling multi-day, multi-sport team endurance competitions as the Raid World Championships, Eco-Challenge and Primal Quest Expedition Adventure Race. Danelle Ballengee has done them all – and done very well indeed. As a member of the Tubbs Snowshoe Racing Team since 1994, she has dominated snowshoe racing. In the stretch between 1997 and 2001, she entered more than 100 snowshoe races and won them all, an unrivaled record that may never be surpassed.
In February 2006, she won the Gold Run Winter Triathlon in Breckenridge, CO, in 1 hour, 50.8 seconds – some 18 minutes ahead of the second-place woman. She came in eighth overall in this event that includes trail running (snowshoes permitted but not required), mountain biking on a snow-covered trail and Nordic skiing.
Danelle won the 10K Jeremy Wright North American Snowshoe Championships at Beaver Creek, CO, with a time of 55 minutes, 17 seconds, nearly two minutes ahead of the runner-up, who came in 57:02, the 3rd place finisher timed at 58:32, and the 4th place finisher nearly a minute after that. Danelle does not just win snowshoe races. She wins big. Just image her trophy case!
She also serves on the Rocky Mountain regional board of the U.S. Snowshoe Association, which promotes both competitive and recreational snowshoeing, sanctions amateur competitions and spearheads snowshoeing’s educational efforts.
A kinesiology and biology graduate from the University of Colorado, she divides her time between Summit County, CO, and Moab, UT, for the mountains and the red-rock desert provide nature’s beautiful training grounds, inspiration and even spiritual uplift – a necessary balance for a woman who otherwise lives by the stopwatch.
Danelle also is a personal trainer and event organizer. I’m Crazy Events, her whimsically named company, puts on numerous events, including Colorado’s annual Swift Skedaddle Snowshoe Race. Clearly, her motivational well runs deep, and she seeks to inspire others as well. She created a video on learning to snowshoe. Her training website, www.TrainingRx.com and her clinics on sports and fitness topics are directed at anyone who wants to become better, faster, stronger or healthier. She counsels people from elite endurance athletes to potato people who want to get off the couch.
She always tells her audiences, to “get as much into each day as you can.” She certainly does.
As you peruse the list of Danelle’s race results below you’ll surely notice something very unfamiliar – her absence on the podium during the 2006/07 season… On December 13, 2006 while out for a routine 10 mile run in Moab, Danelle slipped on a patch of black ice and fell about 60 feet injuring herself severely. Amazingly, and thanks to her dog Taz, she survived 52 hours in temperatures that ranged from the low 20s at night to the mid-40s during the day.
Click on any of the links below to read more about Danelle’s amazing story:
ESPN Outdoors News (http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/general/news/story?id=2704879)
Summit Daily News (http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20061222/NEWS/61222011)
Planet Ultra Marathon (http://planetultramarathon.wordpress.com/2006/12/28/the-stunning-rescue-of-danelle-ballengee/)
Everyone at Tubbs is very thankful that Danelle is recovering nicely and slowly getting back into training. We are proud she is on our team and look forward to seeing her up on the podium again!
Significant Recent Race Results
Adventure Racer of the Year, 2002, ‘04 and ‘05 Everest Award Winner: As recognized by Competitor Magazine (’02) and Adventure Sport Magazine (‘04) and Teva Mountain Games (‘05).
Snowshoe Racing: Over 100 first place finishes including a 3 year undefeated streak. Winningest snowshoe racer in world. (1994-2006)
Colorado 14ers Female Speed Record: Amazing record attempt involving climbing all of Colorado’s 55 14,000 ft. peaks. Solo female record: 14 days, 14 hours, 49 min. Record set in July of 2000.
Eco Challenge Adventure: Week long expedition race including trekking, biking, kayaking, and rapelling. Teams of 4. 2nd Place 2002.
Adventure Racing World Championships: 3.5 days through Newfoundland, Canada. Teams of 4, race includes biking, running and kayaking. 2004 World Champions.
Hi-Tech Adventure Race Series: 2002 and ‘01 National Champions (1st place) and winners of the Series, including 1st place in 5 of 8 races. Winner of the Series final in 2004.
Balance Bar 24 Hour Adventure Race Series: 5-race series, Teams of 3. 1st Place in Series, Series Champions, 2002 and 2003.
Primal Quest Adventure Race: The worlds “Richest” Adventure. 4-7 day team adventure race. 1st Place Team in 3 of 3 years of the event. 2002, 2003, 2004.
Raid World Championships: Prestigious 5 day adventure race in Patagonia, Argentina. Canoeing, running, inline skating, horseback riding, climbing, and biking. Teams of 4. 1st place in 2004.
Mt. Taylor Winter Quadrathlon: Prestigious bike, run, ski, and snowshoe race to 11,000 ft Mt. Taylor and
back. Winner (1st place) in ’94-95, ’97-98, 2000-05 Course record holder.
Adventure XStream: Solo adventure races including biking, running, kayaking, ropes, and navigation. 8 of 8 1st place finishes from 2001-06.
Winter Triathlon National and World Championships: Event including running, biking on snow, cross country skiing. National Champion 2006. 8th in World Championships.
US Rogaine Championships: 24 hr orienteering race. 1st place 2006, 2-person team. Team Spyder.
Wild Onion Urban Adventure Race: 24 hr team race including running, canoeing, biking, scootering,
skating, orienteering, kayaking and coasteering. 2nd place team, 2003-01.
Extreme Adventure Hidalgo: 4-day, 3 stage adventure race through Mexico. 1st place team. 2002 & 04.
Salomon Winter Adventure Race: 2 day, 2 stage Winter Adventure Race (skiing, snowshoeing, mtn. biking.) U.S.’s most prestigious winter adventure race. 1st Place Team, 2002.
Firecracker 50 Mountain Bike Race: Challenging bike race in Rocky Mountains. 1st place overall, 2004.
24 Hrs of Moab Mountain Bike Race: Solo bike race in Moab, UT. 2nd overall in 2005.
Pikes Peak Marathon: Notable marathon to summit of 14,000 ft Pikes Peak and back. 4 of 4 time champion: 1994-97. 2nd in 2005.
Recent Awards, Honors & Achievements
2006, 2002-04, 1994-00 National Snowshoe Champion
2005 Sportswoman of Colorado Hall of Fame inductee
2005, 93-94 Sportswoman of Colorado, Triathlon and Adventure Racing
2005 “Everest” Award Winner for Excellence in Sport/Adventure Racing
2004 Female Adventure Racer of the Year, Adventure Sports Magazine
2003 Adventure Team of the Year (member), Team Nike ACG/Balance Bar, Adv Sports Magazine
2002 Adventure Racer of the Year, Competitor Magazine
Bob Fuller
Bob began his hiking career at the age of 6 and has been active in the outdoors ever since as an experienced hiker, climber, snowshoer, and trail maintainer. He has climbed the NH 4000 footers and the winter Catskill 3500 foot peaks in addition to hiking throughout the US and Canada. He acquired his first pair of Tubbs snowshoes over 35 years ago and has never stopped playing in the snow.
Bob is a volunteer trail maintenance supervisor for the New York New Jersey Trail Conference and a hike leader for the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), Green Mountain Club (GMC), and Catskill 3500 Club. He has lead hundreds of hikes and snowshoe trips throughout the eastern seaboard with particular emphasis on the northeast.
Health and Fitness Benefits of Snowshoeing
More than 5.5 million people took over 22 million snowshoe outings last year, and put themselves “on the right trek” to staying active and healthy when the snow flies.
“Snowshoeing is the best bang for your buck fat burning workout in winter”, accordingly to Dr. Ray Browning of the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of Colorado’s Health Science Center and Vail Mountain Man champion. “It’s an exceptional way to achieve cardiovascular fitness, expend energy, and reduce your chance of heart disease, plus it’s low cost, easily mastered and fun.
All Terrain Training for a Total Body Workout
Varied terrain and snow depths, long climbs, steep descents, and side slope traverses require the snowshoer to engage every part of their body, with a hyper focus on strength, endurance and core muscle enhancement. Snowshoers can also see direct benefits in the development of their “proprioceptive muscles”. Proprioception is the body’s ability to orient itself in space without visual clues utilizing stimuli originating from within the body. The body uses its muscles, joints, tendons, and inner ear sensory nerve terminals to adjust posture and positioning. Since most all snow tends to be white, making it difficult to distinguish terrain features, especially in flat or low light conditions, the body relies on proprioception. Snowshoeing aids in strengthening and conditioning the micro muscles used for balance.
Climbing – Quadriceps. To ascend a slope, kick your snowshoe into the incline and press down compacting the snow as you step forward.
Descending – Hamstrings. Heel crampons make your descent safe and secure. Keep your knees slightly bent, and lean back loading your weight over your heel crampons for grip and control.
Traversing – Abductors and Adductors. To traverse a slope, edge the side of your snowshoe frame into the hillside. Position your weight into the slope as your crampons grip the terrain.
Breaking Trail – Hip Flexors and Quadriceps. Your first tracks through powder snow and untracked terrain will consume more energy that if you follow the leader.
Snowshoe Poles – Chest and Back Muscles, Triceps and Biceps. Add snowshoe poles for a total body workout; poles also help maintain your balance in variable terrain and relieve quadriceps pressure in steep pitches.
How Does Snowshoeing Stack Up?
Research details energy expenditures for snowshoeing versus other outdoor activities.
According to an independent study conducted by the University of Vermont, snowshoers can burn 420-1000 calories per hour.
“Snowshoeing is an effective, low impact, and safe form of exercise to change body composition. It burns up to twice the number of calories as walking at the same speed,” said Dr. Declan Connolly of the University of Vermont’s exercise physiology department.
Connolly said snowshoers can vary the intensity of their workout, noting that they can burn fewer calories by taking an easy walk on flat packed terrain, or get a more intense workout, more than 1,000 calories burned per hour, if they snowshoe in powder on hilly terrain at a pace of three miles per hour.
“Snowshoeing utilizes major muscle groups which, when combined with a higher metabolic rate in cold weather and the added resistance of moving through snow, results in a higher energy activity.”
So, are you looking for a feasible alternative for conditioning during the winter months? Look no further. With snowshoeing, equipment needs are minimal beyond the shoes, and participation allows greater exposure to the outdoors.
What to Wear
The safest and most comfortable way to dress for the outdoors in winter is in layers. Wool, silk and synthetic materials (such as polypropylene) are the best to use for the outdoors. Use this list as a guideline for preparing for your snowshoeing adventure:
Base Layer:
- Midweight breathable top & bottoms
- Wool or synthetic socks
Insulation Layer:
- Fleece jacket & pants
- Wool sweater
- Fleece pants
Outer Layer:
- Waterproof/breathable shell jacket
- Waterproof/breathable pants
- Insulated parka
Other Essentials:
- Wool or fleece hat to prevent heat loss
- Waterproof gloves/mittens
- Gaiters
- Lightweight, waterproof hiking boots or lightly insulated winter footwear
- Sunglasses
Gear Checklist
Depending on where you plan to explore on your snowshoes, there are some must-have items to make your trip safer and more enjoyable.
Recreational/Trail-use trips:
- Small day pack
- Water (16 oz/hr)
- Trail snacks (snowshoeing burns 420 – 1,000 cal/hr!)
- Adjustable Poles
- Sunscreen
- Camera and/or binoculars
Backcountry/Off-trail trips:
- First Aid Kit
- Detailed map of the area, compass and/or GPS unit
- Headlamp
- Multi-tool for repairs
- Matches or Lighter
- Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe if travelling into avalanche-prone areas
Tubbs Introduces the FLEX Series Snowshoe line!
The FLEX ALP gives backcountry enthusiasts ultimate access to the outdoors
Brand new for 2009, Tubbs introduces the FLEX Series, the first ergonomic snowshoes optimized for walking on packed and variable snow. As the global leader in Snowshoeing with over 100 years of technological innovation, Tubbs has a deep understanding of the diverse needs of snowshoers around the world. With this perspective, Tubbs has created a new line of snowshoes that optimize ergonomic comfort. The patent-pending FLEX Tail™, found on all models of the FLEX Series, absorbs heel-strike impact and allows the foot to roll naturally from heel to toe, enabling a more natural stride. With additional features like Compact Design and Traction Rails, the FLEX Series is more comfortable and efficient than other composite snowshoes for walking in packed and variable snow.
While powder conditions come and go with each winter storm, packed snow can be found throughout the winter in many areas. Many snowshoers find themselves walking on established trails packed by other snowshoers, snowmobiles or snowcats, such as Nordic Centers and Snow Parks. Above tree line, snow is subject to wind and sun, which forms crusts and wind-packed Alpine conditions. In these conditions, snowshoers are better served by choosing a comfortable, ergonomic snowshoe that balances traction needs with flotation requirements. The lightweight low-profile design is equally beneficial for backcountry winter hikers, mountaineers and snowboarders who can use the snowshoes as an access tool then attach them to their packs.
The FLEX Series is available in three performance levels to accommodate a range of snowshoers and comes in men’s- and women’s-specific versions, including the: FLEX ALP with an aggressive crampon micro-serrated traction system and heel lift backcountry access; the FLEX NRG with the Soft Strike™ zone for a more comfortable and quiet day hiking experience; and the FLEX TRK designed for recreational trail walking.
FLEX Series Features:
- FLEX Tail™ absorbs shock and reduces stress on the joints.
- Comfortable, secure bindings with Control Wing™ design.
- Gender-specific decks, bindings and designs.
- Compact Design (22” for women, 24” for men) ideal for strapping to a pack or hiking on firm snow conditions.
- Torsion Deck™ articulates on variable snow conditions for better grip and more precise feel.
- Curved Traction Rail technology that ensures superior side-hill grip in hard-packed or icy conditions, and prevents fore-aft slippage on steep climbs and descents.
- The Soft Strike™ zone on the FLEX NRG, much like the shock absorbing midsole found in your athletic shoes, works with the FLEX Tail™ to absorb shock and reduce stress on joints and muscles.
Visit the FLEX Series section of the Tubbs website to watch our snowshoe engineers explain the different features of the FLEX Series!
Tubbs Romp to Stomp Raises Over $180,000 for Fight Against Breast Cancer
3,881 snowshoers turned out for the Romp to Stomp out Breast Cancer Snowshoe Series® this winter to raise a total of $190,234 for Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. Tubbs Snowshoes, the leading manufacturer of snowshoes in North America and now a national partner of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, just finished its 8th year of hosting the Romp to Stomp, which has raised nearly one million dollars for the fight against breast cancer.
“Word about the Romp to Stomp keeps spreading,” reports event manager Wendy Miller. “Each year more and more people participate in the Romp—many trying snowshoeing for the first time. Although economic conditions contributed to lower fundraising totals at each event, Tubbs kept event operations expenses low, ensuring that more registration fees and event income went to Susan G. Komen than ever before.”
Helping to drive the Romp’s fundraising effort was the largest individual fundraiser for the Colorado event, Jill Overdorf of Hermosa Beach, CA. In the six years Ms. Overdorf has participated in the Romp to Stomp, she’s raised nearly $25,000.
This year, the Romp to Stomp took place in five locations around the country: Mountain Creek Resort, New Jersey, Stratton Mountain Resort, Vermont, Salt Lake City, Utah, Mt. Hood, Oregon, and Frisco, Colorado. Additionally, Tubbs Canada held a Romp to Stomp event in Town of the Blue Mountains, Ontario. Modeled after the highly successful Race for the Cure®, the Romp to Stomp consists of a 3 or 5 km snowshoe walk with an optional 3 km snowshoe race. Participants take advantage of free snowshoe demos from Tubbs, a goody bag, and fun sweepstakes prizes from sponsors. Top racers, fundraising teams, and individual fundraisers also walk away with special prizes from sponsors.
Tubbs is looking forward to expanding the Romp to Stomp for 2010 by adding an event in Washington state and hopes to engage 4,500 snowshoers and raise $200,000 for Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.
“The Romp to Stomp out Breast Cancer has incredible potential for future growth” says Wendy Miller. “Not only is the sport of snowshoeing affordable and easy to learn, but the atmosphere of the event itself is incredibly encouraging and uplifting. At the end of each event if the cheers of encouragement, crazy pink costumes, or energetic snowshoers don’t put a smile on your face, the sheer dedication to stomp out breast cancer will!”
For more information on the Tubbs Romp to Stomp Out Breast Cancer Snowshoe Series, visit www.tubbsromptostomp.com
The Romp to Stomp in Frisco, Colorado is the largest snowshoeing event in the U.S.!
Tubbs’ Family Rebate Makes Family Snowshoeing Fun and Feasible
Families with kids may forego popular winter sports activities because they’re too expensive, take too much time and require too much gear. Tubbs takes the sting out of cold weather adventures with its 2009 series of snowshoes that make getting on snow easy, fun and affordable for the whole family.
Snowshoeing requires no special skills beyond common sense and the ability to walk, and it can be enjoyed everywhere from the backyard to trail systems at destination resorts. While getting the family outdoors in winter makes fitness sense, the Tubbs Family Rebate program, available on snowshoe purchases between November-December 2009, makes fiscal sense. Buy any two adult Tubbs snowshoes, such as the men’s and women’s Frontier (MSRP: US$159.95) and one kids snowshoe, like the Flurry ($59.95) and receive $30 back! That’s like getting a Flurry at half price!
Saturday morning snowshoeing excursion
Snowshoeing Facts & Stats
Participation
• 5.5. million participants went on more than 22 million snowshoe outings last season
• The snowshoeing population is composed of 51% women and 49% men
• More than 500 elementary, middle and high schools include snowshoeing as a part of their physical education curriculums
Fitness
Snowshoeing utilizes major muscle groups which, when combined with a higher metabolic rate in cold weather and the added resistance of moving through snow, results in a higher energy activity. The following muscles are used while snowshoeing:
• Quadriceps during climbs
• Hamstrings while descending
• Abductors and adductors while traversing slopes
• Hip flexors and quadriceps while breaking trail
• Chest, back muscles and arms when snowshoeing poles are incorporated into the workout
Caloric Burn
According to an independent study conducted by the University of Vermont, snowshoers can burn 420-1000 calories per hour. It burns twice the calories as walking at the same speed.
Skill Level
If you can walk, you can snowshoe. Snowshoeing offers a low-impact workout for all ability levels.
Walkers, Take Note
Snowshoeing improves your coordination, balance and endurance, so you’ll become a more fit walker. Here are the benefits of snowshoeing for walkers:
• Enhanced total body strength, which boosts energy and endurance
• Tone hip flexors, thigh muscles, and butt, due to the lifting motion involved in every step forward
• Improved arm strength as a result of the swaying you’ll do to propel yourself forward, with or without snowshoe poles
Snowshoe Destinations
Snowshoeing’s growth in popularity and participation has resulted in the advent of thousands of snowshoe trails across the United States and Canada. Tubbs TrailNet™ is a free online directory of places to snowshoe where snowshoers will find thousands of trails for all abilities and interests plus snowshoe reviews at www.tubbs-trailnet.com.
Guided snowshoe tours, community based marked trail systems and public parks, and most winter resort destinations offer snowshoers access to fields, forests and peaks. The National Ski Areas Association, U.S. Forest Service, and National Park Service all promote snowshoeing programs and access in winter months. In addition, country inns and bed & breakfasts, health spas and fitness centers, and YMCAs/YWCAs all offer snowshoe demo and rental programs to their guestsand members as a winter recreational sport.
Snowshoe Selection – Get the FACTs
Four key elements of snowshoe design – Flotation, Articulation, Control and Traction – are the basis for every snowshoe design. Understanding these FACTs gives you the technical know-how to select the right snowshoe based upon intended use and snow conditions.
Flotation is calculated from the snowshoe’s frame perimeter and decking surface area. While more surface area means more flotation to disperse a snowshoer’s weight, the largest snowshoe is not necessarily the best choice.
If you frequently snowshoe on packed trails, flotation is less critical so think smaller, and lighter for more manuverability and ease of use. If, however, you often break trail in untracked conditions, flotation is vital for efficiency and to reduce fatigue.
Articulation is the amount of movement your foot and ankle require for maximum comfort as terrain and snow varies. A well designed snowshoe interfaces three ways on a pivot point located under the ball of the foot, the natural pivot point of your stride as you step forward. Biomechanically, this
rotating pivot responds quickly to diverse terrain and snow conditions, effectively performing like ‘four wheel drive’ in deep powder, steep slopes or challenging traverses.
The pivot point is also the balance point, which means the snowshoe, binding, and boot, all integrate seamlessly. This pivot location varies by snowshoe length, style, and gender, to optimize maneuverability and responsiveness, and eliminate shin bang or over rotation.
Control is a function of any snowshoe’s binding as the user interfaces with the snowshoe via the binding. Just like footwear, the proper fit of a binding can make all the difference in performance and enjoyment.
Traction is delivered via a snowshoe’s crampon system, which is designed and differentiated based upon intended use, tine length and placement, and crampon materials to meet the requirements of terrain and snow conditions.
Depth of tooth below the snowshoe frame, location of crampon teeth forward of the pivot point, number of crampon ‘points of contact’, overall surface area, and material (steel or aluminum) are all unique to condition of use, and to style.
History
Snowshoeing dates back as far as 6,000 years when North America’s first human inhabitants used a foot extender to migrate over the ice bridge in the Bering Strait.
10 Things to Know About Tubbs Snowshoes
1. Snowshoeing has been a form of transportation in cold climates for more than 6,000 years. The earliest North Americans used a form of foot extenders to walk across the ice bridges in the Bering Strait during their migration from Asia. Tubbs was the first brand to bring snowshoeing from pre-history into the modern era and has continuously led the industry in product development.
2. Tubbs is more than a century old; founded in 1906 in Norway, Maine, and today located in the shadow of 14,400 ft Mt. Rainier, Washington – perfect ‘product testing’ grounds for our snowshoe designs.
3. Tubbs is the world’s top selling snowshoe brand for day hiking, fitness snowshoeing and family outings.
4. Tubbs snowshoes, sleds, skis and snowshoe furniture were used on Admiral Byrd’s expedition to Antarctica.
5. Tubbs was the first brand to design and manufacturer women’s specific snowshoes and bindings in 1998.
6. Tubbs Winter Fit for Kids™ curriculum/snowshoe physical education program has been approved by the American College of Sports Medicine, and championed by American Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance instructors. More than 500 schools are currently teaching snowshoeing in their PE classes to elementary, middle and high school age students across the U.S.
7. Tubbs TrailNet™ is an exclusive online directory of snowshoe destinations with over 3,500 trails across the United States and Canada – www.tubbs-trailnet.com.
8. Tubbs’ national Romp to Stomp Series® has raised nearly $1 Million for Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and its local Affiliates. See www.TubbsRomptoStomp.com to register for 2010 events.
9. According to a Tubbs commissioned study conducted by the University of Vermont, runners who substituted snowshoeing for running during the winter months actually improved their overall fitness levels compared to those who only ran.
10. The UVM study looked at two groups of runners, one that snowshoed and one that ran. Both worked out for six weeks at the same relative intensity. After the six-week training period the snowshoeing group had a significantly higher VO2 maximum and a longer time to exhaustion. The results indicated that snowshoeing may actually be better winter training for runners than running.