Intramural cross country skiing season set to start Published Nov. 24, 2009 By Airman Jack Sanders 3rd Wing Public Affairs ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Preparations are beginning for intramural cross country skiing competitions. Teams are beginning to form and courses are being charted. Senior Master Sgt. Lee Weikert, 3rd Wing XP Superintendent 3rd Wing Inspections and Exercises and 3rd Wing Staff Agency cross country skiing coach is recruiting his team to compete in the upcoming season. "There will be two preseason meets in December and the season starts in January," said Weikert. Cross country skiing is different from downhill skiing. Cross country skiing requires the skier to uses their arms and legs to move them while downhill skiers rely on gravity to move, said Weikert. "Cross country skiing is more of a physical workout because you have to propel yourself forward by kicking with your legs and pushing with your arms," said Weikert. "It's a very good workout." As well as being a good exercise cross country skiing is also a low impact activity too. "With the classical style of cross country skiing your skis are in a track and it's just kick and glide. So, it's a very cardiovascular intense exercise. It burns a lot of calories and gets a lot of large muscle groups to work," said Weikert. The deadline for teams to enter is Dec. 15, and there are eight teams currently registered for cross country skiing said Tech. Sgt. Wiliam Bailey, 3rd Services Squadron Sports Director. The first race is 1.1 miles and the final race will be 3.25 miles. Races will start at 11:30a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more information call 552-3624 or 552-2207.