To this day Iand#8217;m perplexed why Californians have not embraced snowshoe running. We have the highest population of runners in the country, yet we donand#8217;t venture off the dirt.

If you go to Colorado, Oregon, any East Coast race or even Italy for that matter, youand#8217;ll see large turnouts for snowshoe events.

Thousands show up for a race in Italy similar to our Great Ski Race by running from town to town. And elsewhere in the U.S., racers field events with an average attendance often 200 or more.

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Here, Iand#8217;m excited if we hit 50. With only two articles on snowshoe running posted so far, Iand#8217;ve had many comments on the fear or inability to snowshoe run. I chalk that up to trying to run with the wrong snowshoes.

We have a small community and many of our runners choose to Nordic ski or downhill for the winter. Thatand#8217;s fair and understandable, but youand#8217;re missing out.

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Most of us live in the mountains to be active and by doing so you participate in events, whether it be to compete or just get out there with others to do the same thing. So, as a snowshoe runner and once again race director, I ask that you consider snowshoe running or, heck, walking, as another option to get out there to try something new.

If you need a cause, Julie Youngand#8217;s race on Feb. 12 benefits the Humane Society of Truckee Tahoe (you can bring your dog), and my event at Royal Gorge benefits the Donner Summit Historical Society.

I know youand#8217;ve seen all the new signs along Old 40 telling stories of our areaand#8217;s history. We all know that events are always about much more than the race. So, save the dates, try something new this year and donand#8217;t be afraid to get out there.

Now that youand#8217;re inspired to give it a try, from here on out most of what Iand#8217;ll have to say is about how.

and#8212; Peter Fain is a Truckee resident and 2009 National Snowshoe Champion. He may be contacted at runonsnow@gmail.com.

and#8226; Dec. 18 and#8212; Northstar snowshoe race series race No. 1, 5K/10K

and#8226; Jan. 23 and#8212; Tahoe Rim Tour 1/2 marathon snowshoe (Northstar race No. 2)

and#8226; Jan. 31 and#8212; Mt Shasta 5K/10K snowshoe race

and#8226; Feb. 5 and#8212; Jazz Trax 5K/10K Bear Valley

and#8226; Feb. 5 and#8212; The Racing Gnome 5K/10K Snow Run

and#8226; Feb. 12 and#8212; Northstar snowshoe race No. 3 series, 5K/10K

and#8226; Feb. 20 and#8212; Auburn Ski Club Snowshoe Challenge 5K/10K

and#8226; Feb. 28 and#8212; Fresh Tracks 5K snowshoe race

and#8226; March (date not confirmed) and#8212; Diamond Peak Uphill 2 miles

and#8226; April 10 and#8212; Billy Dutton Uphill 5K

and#8212; For more info contact Peter Fain at runonsnow@gmail.com.