CEDAR FALLS - It took only one time on rented gear for Susan Staudt to realize she needed to make an investment in her own pair of snowshoes.

Staudt, an avid runner during the summer months, found herself stuck inside on a treadmill during the long, snowy winter months when the sidewalks and roads were too icy for walking, let alone running.

"I get so bored on a treadmill," she said. "The snowshoes were a couple hundred dollars, but I have already gotten my money's worth out of them."

In addition to giving Staudt an excuse to get outside, snowshoeing has also made her a better runner, she said. She compared her fatigue levels after about five or six miles on snowshoes to how she fells after running a half-marathon.

But, one doesn't have to be an avid runner, or even a fast walker, to enjoy a trip out on the snow, said Brandon Sanders, assistant program coordinator for Hartman Reserve Nature Center. Sanders said he just wouldn't recommend the activity for anyone under 8 years old, simply because of the size of the snowshoes.

"It is totally up to you how hard you want to make it," Sanders said. "You can stay on the trails or can go off and make it more rugged."

Professionals recommend waiting until at least six inches of snow has fallen, but they also say people do go out much sooner.

Scott Gall, a competitive snowshoer and owner of the Runner's Flat, said when snow is completely covering their yard, they figure its good enough to get out on the shoes.

"It's a little rougher here in the Midwest," said Gall, a Colorado native.

"My only caution would be for people heading out on a day when it is above freezing and sunny, because then the snow starts to get wet and wetter is heavier. Basically, if you wouldn't want to shovel, you wouldn't want to snowshoe."

Fresh, powdery snow also can be difficult for newcomers, in part because the powder will lift up with the shoe.

However, Gall said, once the area trails are packed down, even beginners should have an easy time navigating them.

But, Staudt warned that first-time snowshoers, even those who run regularly, might be surprised by the workout.

"It's a fabulous workout, but I felt muscles I didn't even know I had," Staudt said. "You run wider in your legs because you don't want to trip on your snowshoes."

Snowshoes can be rented at several places in the Cedar Valley, including Hartman Reserve, Runner's Flat and Bike Tech and Crawdaddy Outdoors in Waverly.

Gall said many also choose snowshoeing over winter running or cross-country skiing for the extra safety and ease of use.

"There aren't many places to safely run in the wintertime," Gall said.

"The bike paths aren't plowed, so you are on the sidewalks or streets, but the streets aren't always the safest, either. Then, there is the warmth factor, because you can get in the woods and away from the wind on snowshoes. They are also very easy to use, compared to skis. With skis, if the trails aren't groomed, it can be difficult to get out. You don't need groomed trails on snowshoes."

Contact Emily Christensen at (319) 291-1570 or emily.christensen@wcfcourier.com.