Yeah, right it's really toasty warm outside now, but just wait the cold is coming. So, what do you want to do this weekend (please don't say watch football)- run of the mill Get outside and do something new that's fun and get a whole new workout? Absolutely correct get outside and do something that's fun with the whole family. But what? Winter Trails is the answer. Did you know that January is "Learn-A-Snow Sport" Month? Also, the two sports we're going to learn burn up 45 percent more calories than walking or running at the same speed. That is nice to know after chewing our way through the six week culinary holiday cycle. Talk about jump starting your metabolism, snowshoeing and cross country skiing rev it up to hyper speed with 45 percent more calories per hour than walking or running at the same speed.

This Saturday, January 12, the 13th annual Winter Trails Day offers free learning opportunities for cross country skiing or snowshoeing at approximately 100 locations in 25 states and four Canadian provinces. Winter Trails is part of Winter Feels Good, a national initiative to explain the health and fitness benefits of snow sports. Events are taking place at Nordic Centers, alpine resorts, National, and state parks and on U. S. Forest Service lands.

So what about us? We have two convenient shots at this fitness target. Ski Liberty is about an hour's drive from DC in pleasant Pennsylvania and the Savage River Lodge is about two and half hour's drive in majestic Maryland. Both would be best for the perfect Winter Trails xcitement which is my goal on Saturday. As with everything in our area, both have their special attractions and family advantages.

I will be doing Ski Liberty first. Ski Liberty is hosting Winter Trails for its fourth year and the focus is on snowshoeing. Starting at 10:00 AM Saturday you participate in the family conquers snow product expo and follow-up with demos on how to gear up, fit up, and run on snowshoes under the watchful eye of skilled professionals by completing five stations on winter fitness. All for free for you and the kids until mid-afternoon. This is a great opportunity for the kids to grasp the true meaning of winter fitness since participants will be awarded a certificate from the Winter Trails Organization and the President's Council on Physical Fitness. Nice answer to "what did you do to keep from being bored this weekend?" for Monday yawners.

I will be moving on to Savage Lodge where they are offering a half hour introduction to cross country skiing or snowshoeing, free of charge. They also waive the $5 use fee for the day. After the introductory half hour, guests are welcome to rent the equipment to enjoy skiing or snowshoeing for the remainder of the day. Remember they don't call it Savage for nothing and it is often accessible only by four wheel drive vehicles. Of course, there is nothing savage about their excellent facilities. They are all well worth the time and travel. Just be safe and check with their web site in advance on snow and road conditions.

So here is the deal. It is all about get, as in GITRDONE. Get a safe, comfortable drive done. Get some free training on great snow sport equipment. Get a look at all the new, shiny snow stuff. Get your fitness jumpstarted in a great new year. Get in some fantastic fun with family and friends. And be careful with the snowballs.

Some handy web sites:
www.wintertrails.org
www.winterfeelsgood.com
www.skiliberty.com
www.savageriverlodge.com
www.Presidentschallenge.org

Editor's note: John Elliott (69) of Columbia, MD is a top ranked senior runner still planning on breaking the 20:00 mark in the 5K. He started the year so far with a 12:38 for 2 miles.