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."

Twenty years later, the idea remains the same but the name has changed. In the wake of 9/11 it was felt that a new name, Race Across the USA, was more patriotic.

The program, which starts on Jan. 12 and concludes April 1, is designed to run for a 12-week period and for anyone to join.

"We don't want it to be a challenge for anyone," Komanecky said. "We want this to be fun for people who just want to walk."

Participants pledge to a steady cardiovascular workout that includes running, walking, jogging or exercise machines that simulate the same motion, all of which can be done indoors or outdoors and at one's own pace and leisure. Biking and exercise bikes are not permitted.

"It's all about being on foot," Komanecky said.

The participants are broken up into teams and log their daily and weekly mileage, with the goal of participants being to raise their miles by 10 percent each week.

"It's a fun thing," Komanecky said. "The teams help people to stay motivated. You've got to get the miles in because you don't want to let the team down."

That team support is part of what brings competitors back year after year.

"At my old job, a few of the people I worked with decided to do this together," said Colleen Burke. "It was a lot of fun, and doing it with other people made it easier. I think I'm going to get some people together at work now and compete."

According to Komanecky, there are several benefits from a program like this.

"Cardio exercise is always a benefit," Komanecky said. "You can burn calories and anyone can do it."

Aside from the aerobics there is also the joy of low-impact, friendly competition.

"It a great way to get involved on the competitive level," Komanecky said. "With something like this the playing field is level no matter who is competing."

Over the course of the 12 weeks, each team's tallies will be posted, with the winning team receiving a plaque at the completion of the program.

"It's really not about winning, though," Komanecky said. "It is about staying active and the little extra incentive to do that."

In previous years there have been as many as 60 participants and there is always room for more.

"It's always nice to meet new people," Komanecky said. "And this is a great way to do that."

Y members seem to be in agreement with Komanecky about the value of a program such as this.

"I think this is a really great idea," Maryann Charles said. "The thing is, with work and two kids it isn't always easy to find enough time in the day to get everything done, and I sometimes feel like I'm not using my membership enough. But with something like this, you can get the whole family involved. You can do some walking while the kids are swimming or doing something else."

Anyone interested is encouraged to join up, whether a YMCA member or not. Registration will be open until Jan. 11. Go to the YMCA or call 253-5304 for a mail-in application.

The Citizen sports department can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 258 or citizensports@lee.net