AMHERST - While many have chosen to take to the walking track inside the Stadium during winter, brothers Doug and Carl McManaman are strapping on snowshoes and hitting Dickey Park.
Since the snow fell, the duo has completed more than 25 miles of snowshoeing at the park on the way to their 100-mile goal.
"I like walking, but find snowshoeing better for you," said Doug, who is working on his second 100 miles on the shoes he has now. "With snowshoeing, you take shorter steps and you can burn 600 to 900 calories (an hour)."
Twice a day when Doug isn't working, the brothers hit the trail at Dickey Park, once in the morning and then again at night.
"Dickey Park is lit up at night and it's so beautiful," said Doug.
"The lights are on until 10 p.m.," added Carl.
While there was always a pair of snowshoes at the McManaman house during their younger years, it wasn't until later in life that Doug started to appreciate the activity, and Carl got into it a little more than a week ago.
"Snowshoeing is good for you," Carl said.
Doug's snowshoes are made with a traditional wood frame, while Carl's are a more modern aluminum frame.
Both have a durable binding underneath, which works well when the snow is hard and crunchy, as it is now.
"If we had five or six more inches of soft snow, it would be perfect," said Doug.
With two-and-a-half laps equalling one mile, the McManamans have to complete 250 laps to reach their goal, but the numbers don't phase them. They said they should have their 100 miles in by the end of next month.
During their trek around the park, Carl and Doug said they've had the location to themselves for the most part, with the odd dog and owner out for a stroll. They've seen someone out on skis just once.
"Dickey Park is the perfect spot. It's nice and flat and measured off. I don't know where you'd get a better spot," said Doug.
rtetanish@amherstdaily.com
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