Some people view a Winter Storm Warning with dread. And I must admit, I don’t look forward to driving in a blinding snowstorm, even with 4-wheel drive. But I feel like a kid at Christmas when the flakes begin to fall and I wax my skis for the first time this season.

Cross country skiing is widely accepted as one of the best cardiovascular exercises. Skiing uses a large percentage of muscle mass including core, arms and legs, which makes it a total body workout. It also improves balance and visual acuity, making it a great cross training activity for trail runners.

Besides the physical benefits, cross country skiing gets us off the roads and into nature. And once you master the technique of kick-and-glide and duck-walking uphill, skiing opens the door to a world of outdoor adventure.

Following last week’s snows, I headed to Butler for a ski tour of two local parks. Butler Township’s 100-acre Preston Park is located at 415 Eberhart Road with the adjacent 85-acre Sawmill Run Park at 468 Duffy Road.

I first learned of Preston Park when I previewed Preston Park 5k last October. Anthony Stagno, Executive Director of Friends of Preston Park Foundation correctly describes the park and its four miles of trails as “a hidden gem.” The park, bequeathed to Butler Township in 2008 by Jane Preston, is open daily from dawn to dusk.

I easily followed the wide marked trails detailed on a free map available in the parking area. My park tour started with a warm-up loop of the level Arboretum circle. I paused to view some of the named trees now bare in this winter season, then coasted a gentle downhill to the woodland beyond. At the bottom I made a (precarious-on-skis) crossing of Sawmill Run, then circled behind frozen Loch Carrie with a climb to Far Meadow and views of the lake and fields of prairie grasses.

My loop tour ended with a gentle climb under the cover of a stand of giant pines. Although my body was starting to feel the overall tiredness of an hour of skiing, I knew the second time around would be easier as I could glide on my already made tracks instead of breaking new trail through the deep snow.

But this time, after catching my breath and stretching, I headed south on a connecting trail accessing Sawmill Run Park’s 2.7 miles of wooded trails. Sawmill Run Park may be more familiar for its more civilized recreation venues — deck hockey rink, playground and community building on the eastern side of the park and accessed from Duffy Road.

Once again, I had no problem following the posted signage and a trail map I had downloaded. I didn’t try all the trails since I did want to make one more loop in Preston Park before exhaustion set in. Once again, I was making a trail through most of my route.

I headed north, found my tracks on Preston Park’s Frith Hook and glided toward the lake. This time I bypassed the narrow bridge in favor of a route closer to the lakeshore before a final hike toward the parking area. After the solitude of a 2-hour ski, I was more than ready to remove my ski boots, peel off some layers of damp clothing and post the long run equivalent exercise in my training log.

Preston Park and Sawmill Run Park are only two Butler County locations great for cross country skiing. Moraine State Park’s Pleasant Valley and Sunken Garden trails are groomed when conditions permit, and all blue-blazed trails are suitable for skiing. And check out Jennings Environmental Education Center for skiing and winter hiking.

As I write this, I’m once again watching snowflakes lazily drift past my window. I can’t wait to click into my skis, even if it’s just for a mile or two around my fields.

To download trail maps of Preston Park or Sawmill Run Park, visit https://butlertwp.org/

Upcoming events

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Groundhog Day 5k, Allison Park. Starts at North Park Boathouse. Also virtual option. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/GroundhogDay5kPGH

Saturday, 10 a.m.: Freeze Your Gizzard 5k, Penfield. Dress festive and run through frosty Parker Dam State Park at YMCA Winterfest. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Penfield/FreezeYourGizzard5K?aflt_token=HrZcYWJT57TH3GH4vWg7QL584fEmdOnK&r=Y

Saturday, 10 a.m.: Groundhog Day 4 Mile, Punxsutawney. 814-938-6362 or doug.craft61@icloud.com. Online registration at runsignup.com/Race/PA/Punxsutawney/GroundhogJog4MileRunWalk?remMeAttempt=

Fe. 5, 10 a.m.: Trout Island Tromp, Sharpsville. Run 4.6 miles on Trout Island Rail Trail. First race in MCTA Marathon Series. 724-301-6775 or races@mctrails.comwww.mctrails.org/race-registrations/mcta-marathon-mkwcw

Feb. 12, 9 a.m.: Cupid’s Chase 5k, Butler. Run at Lake Arthur Golf Club. 724-613-8133 or timothy.hawk@comop.org. Online registration at allittakes.comop.org/event/cupids-chase-5k-butler/e355976

Feb. 12, 9:30 a.m.: Chili Bowl Classic 5k, Cleveland, OH. Flat and fast course for this 35th annual event. Post-race chili made by Cleveland firefighter and police officers. runsignup.com/Race/OH/Cleveland/ChiliBowlClassic5K?aflt_token=HrZcYWJT57TH3GH4vWg7QL584fEmdOnK

Feb. 12, 10 a.m.: Community Options Cupid’s Chase, Pittsburgh. Starts near Heinz Field on the Northshore Trail. Day of event registration starts at 8:30 a.m. allittakes.comop.org/event/cupids-chase-5k-pittsburgh/e356021

Feb. 13, 10 a.m.: Valentine Prediction Race, Erie. Predict your pace on this 4 to 6 mile course at Presque Isle State Park. erierunners.club/event/valentine-prediction-race/

Feb. 19, 4 p.m.: Big One Run Mile Race, New Castle. Fast point-to-point course finishing in Cascade Park with men’s, women’s and walkers divisions and post-race hot chocolate. runsignup.com/Race/PA/NewCastle/BIGONERUN?remMeAttempt=

Feb. 26, 7:30 a.m.: Olde Girdled Grit Trail Marathon and Half Marathon, Concord Township, OH. Run on trails, half marathon starts at 9 a.m. runsignup.com/Race/Info/OH/ConcordTownship/OldeGirdledGrit

Feb. 26, 10 a.m.: The Spring Thaw, Allison Park. Choice of 10, 15 or 20 miles on consecutive loops of North Park Lake. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/TheSpringThaw

March 5, 9 a.m.: Spring Break Eight.5, Fredonia. Rolling course, second event in MCTA Marathon Series. 724-301-6775 or races@mctrails.net. Register online at www.mctrails.org/race-registrations/mcta-marathon-mkwcw

March 5, 11a.m.: Ellport Borough Community 5k, Ellport. Scenic 5k with awards, food and drinks in the Community Center. Cash prize of $150 for course records. runsignup.com/Race/PA/ELLWOODCITY/ELLPORTBOROWINTERWONDERLAND5K

March 12, 10 a.m.: Shamrock Shuffle 5k an 1 Mile Fun Walk presented by Semper Gratus, Leechburg. Costumes encouraged, separate benefit dance party at 6 P.M. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Leechburg/ShamShuffle

March 12, 10 a.m.: Shamrock “N” Run 5k/10k, Sharpsville. Run on Trout Island Trail benefits PHN Foundation literacy initiatives. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Sharon/ShamrockNRun5krunwalk?remMeAttempt=

Race results

Jingle Bell Run 5k, Dec. 4: Jack Barnhisel, 1st Overall M, 16:32; Mary Claire Daniello, 1st Overall W, 19:44; Carolyn Grider, 2nd 40-49 W, 25:57; Dennis Minarik, 1st 70+ M, 26:59; Mary Morgan, 2nd 60-69 W, 28:35; Karen Steffanina, 3rd 60-69 W, 30:24; Josh Gretz, 21:50; Michael Rizzo, 24:40; Gypsy Dreveniak, 27:21; Janet Pudlo, 28:31; Randy Mardayat, 36:05;

Ugly Sweater 5k, Dec. 4: Ty Fluharty, 1st Overall M, 19:24; Caleb Kendra, 2nd Overall M, 19:25; Isaac Menendez, 3rd Overall M, 19:25; Lexi Fluharty, 1st Overall W, 20:27; Brooke Wissinger, 20:32; Nathan Brown, 20:19; Noah Zelch, 20:32; Hunter Rock, 21:42; Mitch Radella, 22:53; Maceo Pesce, 22:57; Kathleen Bruno, 23:12; Carrie Birckbichler-Smith, 24:33; Erin Kohlmeyer, 25:25; Madison Daubenspeck, 30:28; Troy Stiffler, 31:22

Nittany Valley Half Marathon, Dec. 5: Vince Fadale, 1st Overall M, 1:14:23; Maggie Mahoney, 1st Overall W, 1:29:20; S. Mark Courtney, 1st 60-69 M, 1:40:41; Camille Bromley, 1:55:20; Vanessa Snyder, 1:59:30; Bill Swanik, 2:16:44

Clint Puller 5k, Dec. 5: Kyler Woolstrom, 1st Overall M, 17:55; Megan Puleio, 1st Overall W, 21:16; Caleb Rauscher, 3rd 30-39 M, 23:16; Lydia Zehr, 3rd 19 & Under W, 29:30; Kim Kenetz, 3rd 50-59 W, 51:46; Aiden Seeman, 23:16; Connor Rauscher, 34:12; Jaclyn Rauscher, 45:23; Natalie Rauscher, 47:16

Festivus for the Rest of Us 5k, Dec. 19: Dallas Bond, 1st Overall M, 19:07; Arturo Fernandez, 2nd Overall M,19:56; Falyn Kiebler, 1st Overall W, 22:49; Valerie Christoff, 1st 50-54 W, 24:26; Mitch Radella, 1st 55-59 M, 24:43; Brian Beil, 2nd 40-44 M, 25:41; Kathleen Baraniak, 1st 35-39 W, 27:48; Georgetta Frederick, 2nd 40-44 W, 32:25; Colby Breegle, 47:56

New Year’s Eve 5k, Dec. 31: Maddox Mengel, 1st Overall M, 19:52; Annie Hixenbaugh, 1st Overall W, 25:46; Carolyn Grider, 27:25; Catherine Drennen, 30:58

Run Santa Run 5k, Dec. 11: Julian Kletz, 1st Overall M, 17:12; Grace Wu, 1st Overall W, 19:21; Riley Mcgee, 1st 10-14 M, 19:17; Jeff Smith, 3rd 50-54 M, 20:31; Travis Domhoff, 2nd 20-24 M, 22:31; Caroline Hufnagle, 2nd 35-39 W, 23:01; Mitch Radella, 2nd 55-59 M, 23:47; Annette Wu, 2nd 60-64 W, 23:52; Catherine Hrach, 2nd 50-54 W, 24:08; Val Mcgee, 1st 40-44 W, 24:43; Michelle Zucatti, 3rd 35-39 W, 25:01; David Mack, 3rd 55-59 M, 26:10; Candice Kesselring, 1st 25-29 W, 29:38; Tom Pochatko, 1st 25-29 M, 29:38; Braelan Richards, 2nd 9 & Under W, 35:48; Katelyn Hoover, 3rd 9 & Under W, 35:49; Cynthia Rosequist, 1st 65-69 W, 35:52; Elliette Smith, 3rd 15-19 W, 36:04; Carol English, 2nd 65-69 W, 36:47; Liz Dougherty, 3rd 55-59 W, 38:27; Kevin O’Connell, 23:58; Carolyn Grider, 25:32; Meegan Looper, 25:34; Valerie Curry, 25:38; Gregory Zetwo, 25:47; John Kovacic, 25:52; Katie Kovacic, 26:05; Lydia Wudarczyk, 26:36; Nate Roberts, 26:43; Nick Marchi, 26:57; Riley Carrel, 27:11; Stacey Tornifolio, 27:18; Jacob Maze, 27:33; Heather Byrom, 27:41; Nancy Thenthongkham, 28:03; Sean Hutchins, 28:19; Shana Hutchins, 28:20; Stacy Juchno, 29:09; Laura Augustine, 29:12; Betty Foulkrod, 29:28; Debbie Beres, 29:43; Amanda Zetwo, DVM, 30:21; Josh Gretz, 30:30; Shawna Hardy-Emerson, 30:34; Thomas Gaden, 30:47; Virginia Morlino, 30:50; Sherrie Mazurek, 31:21; Chrystal Zinkham, 31:25; Ryan Fullerton, 32:21; Christine Black, 32:26; Krista Price, 32:36; Sean Curry, 34:42; Robyn Holz, 34:54; Meagan Summerville, 34:54; Curtis Corson, 35:07; Lisa Jamison, 35:29; Charleen Michaels, 35:42; Addison Kovac, 35:50; Dana Hoover, 35:52; Carrie Birckbichler-Smith, 36:05; Kim Swendsen, 36:26; Courtenay Carrel, 37:54; Alicia McVey, 37:56; Mark Shearer, 37:57; Katie Gretz, 38:59; Svetlana Tarassov, 39:53; Meredith Kelly, 39:57; Shannon Tharnish, 40:15; Elijah Gretz, 41:02; Isaiah Gretz, 41:06; Kourtney Stern, 41:26; Brandi Herrick, 41:28; Jace Wallace, 41:41; Lydia Wallace, 41:42; Autumn Richards, 41:47; Kolbe Richards, 41:48; Erica Ritenour, 41:57; Chip Carrel, 43:11; Reese Carrel, 43:12; Tasha Hall, 43:34; Debbie Jamison, 45:36; Patricia Reese, 45:52; Mike Maze, 45:56; Ashley Maze, 45:57; Susan Maze, 46:27; Landon Hoover, 47:36; Nathan Horan, 47:44; Kim Kenetz, 47:55; Tamila Wolf, 49:18; Robert Boyd, 49:18; Jen Pfeifer, 50:06; Jim Trivoli, 51:08; Denise Shearer, 51:11; Isabella Shearer, 51:11; Breanna Sawyer, 17:14; Traci Mercadante, 58:25; Julie Watson, 58:26

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle