Ladies we Love: Backcountry Skiing Mom Brooke Gaynes

March 11th, 2015 • BY Erinn Morgan

Being an athlete and a new mom is no easy task. But Brooke Gaynes, who has spent many winters pushing the boundaries with backcountry skiing, ups the ante with her brainy job as a researcher in Human Genetics at the University of Utah studying eye development.

While pregnant, Brooke hung up her planks and hit the powder with snowshoes instead, getting some solid exercise and serving as an ambassador for Tubbs. Here, we check in with this high achiever on trading vertical for a newborn, how she stayed active during pregnancy, and her key apparel checklist for snowshoeing adventures.

WomensMovement.com: How did being pregnant transform your winter routine this season?
Brooke Gaynes: My obstetrician was very supportive and encouraging about staying active during my pregnancy (the first 15 minutes of every doctor’s appointment were spent sharing trip reports and comparing field notes). My doctor stressed how important it was for me to watch my heart rate, nourishment, hydration, and to avoid any fall or impact risks (crowded ski resorts or extreme terrain).

Snowshoeing and mellow skiing in the backcountry are PERFECT activities for pregnancy. Although it was difficult to stay out of the resort until the end of January (I write for the Alta Ski Resort blog), I was able to experience winter in a new way this year. Instead of focusing on mileage, vertical, speed, or objectives, I learned to focus on listening to my body. I learned to focus on enjoying the moment. I learned to focus on spending quality days in the mountains I love with the people I love. We haven’t been crushing objectives lately, however this season has by far been my favorite—especially since I’ve been able to share it with my little boy!

WM: What were your past winters like with backcountry skiing?
Brooke: In previous years, our winters were very objective based. Which lines did we ski? How many days could we ski? How much vertical could we hike a week? How much vert could we do in X number of hours? How long would it take us to reach the summit of X? It is an exhausting and exhilarating way to spend a season—we love it!

WM: How did you use snowshoeing to stay fit and get outside?
Brooke: Snowshoeing quickly became one of my favorite modes of fitness this winter (even though we have not had many storms this season). Snowshoeing is a much more strenuous sport than I imagined. Trekking through fresh powder requires strong legs! My lungs and heart immediately start working harder.

I’ve been able to get out on the trail most days this winter (my Border Collie makes sure to remind me to get out). While I was pregnant, I usually wouldn’t stay out for much longer than an hour or two. Right now, I’m trying to find the balance of how long I can stay out with my baby (right now I’m only staying out with him for about 30 minutes to an hour).

WM: Favorite snowshoes right now?
Brooke: The Flex VRT from Tubbs Snowshoes. They have amazing float. The low profile allows for easy maneuvering in technical terrain and great stability on ice.

Another plus? The Boa lace-up system is a quick and easy way to securely lock your feet in (I especially appreciated this aspect during the last few weeks of my pregnancy, when bending becomes as strenuous as hiking 1000′ vert).

 

WM: Can you give us some tips on what to wear and take when out snowshoeing?
Brooke: Dressing in light, technical layers became more important than ever during my pregnancy. My body temperature seemed to run a little higher, and hauling that large belly of mine made me quickly work up a sweat. Luckily I was able to adapt my current pieces to work throughout my pregnancy.
Heavyweight, wicking base layer leggings (with stretch)
Heavyweight, wicking base layer long-sleeve top (with stretch)
Lightweight down vest
Fleece
Wicking compression socks
Gore-Tex bibs (unzipped during pregnancy!)
Gore-Tex shell (my husband’s during pregnancy!)
Beanie

In the winter, it’s easy to forget to stay hydrated. Drink! Even when you aren’t thirsty. I always make sure to eat a good breakfast before I get out on the trail, and grab a fistful of Pistachio Chewy Bites to take along with me.

WM: When did you have your baby? Congratulations!
Brooke: On January 4th we welcomed Henrik Anthony Gaynes (we call him Huck) to our world! He snores like a pterodactyl, snuggles like a pro, and went on his first hike at four days old. We love him! 

Kamagra oral jelly Online something to buy the most convenient way. He doesn’t demand from you any actions except how to visit the website. And in separate with goods necessary to you to put the end. To specify your address and to wait for the supplier to whom you will give money.