Winter Sport

While a biathlon refers to a sporting event that combines two different kinds of sports, it usually refers to cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. The first time I heard about this, I thought it was a joke. Here's the gist of the sport: You ski around a cross-country track with a rifle on your back. The total race distance is broken up by two or four rounds of shooting at a target. If you miss the mark then you are penalized. As you can imagine, it's tough to shoot accurately when you're huffing and puffing and your heart is pounding. The trick for biathletes is to slow down their skiing pace as they approach the shooting range, so they can concentrate on controlling their breath and resting their muscles.

A biathlon is really a mind/body workout and interesting challenge. Want to see a video to find out what it's all about? Then read more

There are so many ways to enjoy the snow. Free skating is like skate skiing, but you don't use poles to propel you along. You push off with the edge of your skis to give you momentum forward and your arms swing to assist the motion. Check out the video to see what it looks like. It's really graceful.

If you love ice skating or snow boarding because they don't require poles, you may prefer this Winter sport over free skating or cross country skiing. Once you get the technique of balancing, pushing off with your skis, and swinging your arms, you'll be able to move quickly on flat surfaces. Also, it's incredible exercise for your lower body and really fun to try since it takes so much coordination and balance to get going. If you're interested in trying it out, call up your local ski resort or outdoor center and see about renting equipment and taking a lesson.

So you've heard a lot about cross-country skiing and now you want to give it a try. Right on! You are going to love it. Not only does cross country provide a great workout that anyone can do, but it is also cheaper than downhill skiing since you don't need to buy a lift ticket. The equipment is also more comfortable — the boots are flexible and the skis are lightweight. Don't let the gray skies and chilly air keep you on the couch, get out and cross-country ski. It is just like hiking on long sticks.

Here are some tips for getting started.

• Find a place near you that has cross-country trails. Some downhill-ski resorts have them, but you can also check out nature centers or parks where you hike in the Summer. You may have to pay a fee (around $15 for half a day) to use the grounds. These places are great for beginners since the staff can point the easier trails.
• Rent boots, skis, and poles at the place where you're skiing, but if they don't rent out equipment, rent it the morning before from a gear store. Rentals are about $15 a day.
• Definitely go with someone who has cross-country skied before. If you don't know anyone experienced, take a quick lesson so you can learn the basic techniques for moving, slowing down, stopping, and how to get up hills.

Want to hear the rest? Then read more

Ahh, Winter is here and many of you may be totally psyched that you can finally snap on you skis or board and hit the snow. It won't be any fun though if you're cold or wet, so you need a good, solid jacket that'll keep you warm and dry.

Check out this one from the North Face called the Allure Jacket ($249). It's filled with insulating down that'll keep your body heat from escaping, and the outer layer is waterproof, which is rare. Many down coats aren't waterproof, or if it's snowing or you fall a few times, the feathers soak up the water, making the jacket heavy and soggy. Plus you will be wet and therefore freezing. This jacket also has a detachable hood, so you can use it on super-cold days, or just when you're riding the windy chairlift.

There's a pocket on the left forearm for important stuff like tissues or your cell phone, and there's an inside pocket for goggles or sunglasses. I love the core zipper vents on the chest, so you can cool yourself down if you get overheated. Another great thing is that is has an elastic powder skirt attached inside, just below the waist, so you can snap it shut and keep snow from getting up your back. This jacket has a really flattering fit and is slightly longer in the back to keep your bum toasty warm. It is available in black, brownie, cornsilk yellow, icy blue, new taupe, or white. Order it here.

Die-hard runners keep running even when temperatures plummet and there's snow and ice on the ground. In order to exercise outdoors in the freezing cold, you've got to dress properly so you stay protected from the chilling wind but also dry and comfortable when you begin to sweat. Here's a basic list of how to layer up before a Winter run.

I know for many of you, Winter hasn't quite arrived, but flurries have been reported in parts of the US and reports of snow get me all excited for snowshoeing. If you love hiking in the Summer and Fall, you've got to try snowshoeing in the Winter. When there's snow on the ground, snowshoes make it much easier to tromp around without slipping. Most places that rent skis and snowboards also rent snowshoes for a fraction of the cost of downhill equipment.

Why do I love snowshoeing? It's easy to learn, inexpensive (compared to other winter sports), and it's just like walking, so there's little risk for injury. Plus, it's a great cardiovascular workout - snowshoeing for one hour burns over 1,000 calories.

So start thinking about strapping on some snowshoes. Whether you live in a place where it snows or are planning on traveling to a snowy place this Winter, you can rent snowshoes for about $9 a day, and poles for $3 (these are necessary if the trail is steep or icy). Snowshoeing is such a great Winter activity because you can do it anywhere you would walk or hike, and it's a great way to get out and enjoy the Winter wonderland.

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