It's cold and snowing outside, and you know that you should do a long run or a long ride to keep that fat-burning metabolism running. But for some reason, you can't bring yourself to get out there and do your workout in suboptimal conditions.

Don't dismay; consider snowshoeing. Snowshoeing is a great workout for the endurance athlete, plus it's a great way to change things up a bit for the winter. Although snowshoeing is similar to hiking, it can be far more intense. Your feet sink into the snow like sand, and most people will burn 600 or more calories an hour.

Beginners should stay on groomed trails. More advanced snowshoers can seek out the deep powder. Making first tracks in powder is fun but requires a higher level of fitness.

What do you need to get started? Well, obviously you need snowshoes, which you can rent from one of our many local outdoor stores. Although poles are not required, they can provide additional stability for longer hikes and more advanced terrain. You also will need a pair of waterproof boots. Gaiters, which go over your boots and lower legs, are nice for keeping the snow out of your boots. A lightweight pair of waterproof or water-resistant pants works perfectly to keep your legs warm and dry without causing you to overheat.

You'll want to dress in layers. A hydration pack of some sort is recommended, since you will be working hard at altitude, which causes you to dehydrate more quickly.

Technically, snowshoeing is almost as easy as walking, although there are a few helpful moves to know. You'll need to walk with a slightly wider stance and lengthen your stride to prevent the snowshoes from hitting each other. You should practice walking on level terrain until you get the hang of it.

When snowshoeing up a steep hill, you'll want to put pressure on the front of your foot to help the crampons grip the snow better. Bending your knees and taking smaller steps help. When going downhill, just lean back a little and let gravity help you. If you get a little out of control, simply sit down (you did wear waterproof pants, right?) and enjoy the ride.

If you've never snowshoed before, there are some great trails within an hour's drive of Fort Collins. Several trails start at Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Or you can head up the Poudre Canyon to Cameron Pass and enjoy the tails around Zimmerman Lake.

For those who want to step it up a notch, there are snowshoe races. Expect it to take about twice as much time as a similar distance running race. Check out www.Snowshoemag.com for the most comprehensive list of races in Colorado.

Enjoy the snow this winter. We'll see you out on the trails.