Name: Thomas Borschel

Home Base: Idaho Falls, ID

Occupation: Engineering & Planning Manager, Idaho National Laboratory

Years on Atlas Racing: 5

My Story:
My first snowshoe forays were in the Salt Lake City canyons on wooden "Bear Paws" in the mid 1970s. I found the new technology in snowshoes in 2001 which offered me a better method of cross training in our harsh winter conditions in Idaho Falls. Running on slick roads is undesirable; Nordic ski racing is challenging and exciting, but the prep of skis and travel distance to venues makes it a hassle. Snowshoe running after work in the dark in a nearby farmer's field with my black lab training partner, Molly, maintains my fitness for the summer mountain running season. Blasting through forested single track and powder sections on the weekends creates an indescribable sense of well being and euphoria. One definitely knows after a hard hour of thrashing that the body has experienced something worthwhile without the normal pounding.

Accomplishments:

• 1st place, 2008 Gallatin Gallop National Qualifier.
• 1st place overall, 2008 Kahtoola Bigfoot Challenge.
• 1st place, 2008 Ashton Dog Derby.
• 12th place overall, age group winner, 2008 US Snowshoe National Championships.
• 1st place Grand Teton National Qualifier, Idaho Falls ID
• 2nd place Gallatin Gallop National Qualifier, Bozeman MT 1st master
• 1st place Kahtoola Challenge Kelly Canyon, Resort ID
• 1st place Ashton Dog Derby, Ashton ID
• 3rd place Atlas Baldy Hillclimb, Sun Valley ID

Season Goals:
Continue to promote all aspects of snowshoeing.
Improve local snowshoe trail system at Kelly Canyon Resort and in Wolverine Canyon.
Support Atlas at Outdoor Retailer Expo in Salt Lake City, UT.
Compete in as many local races as possible and assist in hosting another event.
Travel to interesting events in Rocky Mtn area including National Qualifiers.
Compete in the National Championships in Oregon.