Winter warmup

AUBURN - Between the snow and cold of a Central New York winter and all the extravagant meals of the holiday season, it is easy enough to lose the motivation and keep up a regular workout schedule.

That is why, nearly 20 years ago, Al Hastings came up with the idea of Race Across America in conjunction with the YMCA.

"I think the No. 1 reason he thought of it was the weather," YMCA fitness director Steve Komanecky said. "It can really knock your socks off. And this gives a little extra incentive through the winter."