I think we need a “Say Yes to Michigan Winter!” campaign. And XC skiing should be our official winter sport. Is there something that would fit better? I can’t think of it. And there are other countries in the world in our geographic situation that also have XC as their national sport, so it’d probably work fine for us, too.
Isn’t Michigan one of the more unhealthy states? Doesn’t that cost cash we’re short on? Doesn’t it waste time? We gotta turn that around. What would it take for Michigan to be the healthiest state? Race to the top, baby!
We need billboards, the works. I suppose they should put me in charge of it all. Who else?
Even in low-snow years XC skiing should be presented as something special we’re lucky to get to do whenever it does snow. We should be encouraged to take an hour from work to catch the good skiing when it comes around.
It’s simple, robust, accessible.
Remember: XC can be done anywhere there’s snow.
We could be like the Scandanavians — same latitude — actually we’re lower so we get more sun. Snowsport should be a big source of state pride and identity because it’s where we are and who we are.
Winter can’t be a “retreat to the indoors” time of year or your health is toast.
Ice-skating and sledding are great also-rans — pump em up, too.
“Get outside every day!” should be the state motto.
All media should be alerted to the fact that snow and cold is GOOD. Any naysaying about winter weather should be hammered down.
If I got the job, I’d contact ALL the media and let them know that we need to say good things, factual things, about winter or WE’RE TOAST. I bet most Michiganders gain 10 lbs each winter, not to be lost, another layer to the cake. Winter is a time of backsliding unless you’re TOTALLY PROACTIVE!
There’s a place for indoor gyms in winter, if need be. But FRESH AIR is the biggest key for all-around rockin’ health — and I might put MENTAL health above physical. Ya gotta be getting outside daily or you go nuts, no matter what time of year it is. Cars and chairs are no place for people. Heads-up!
(I recall a Lansing weatherman who’d whine about winter — turned out he was commuting here from Florida each week! …That kinda jive has gotta stop!)
(The editor of Outdoor Athlete, the state’s outdoor sport tabloid, last spring wrote that she was so glad the nasty winter was over so she could get outside again. For shame! Hmm, maybe she’s not even living here? Maybe she’s a recent transplant? Just has a bad attitude? I wrote her a friendly upbeat email and an open letter or two. No reply. It’s not like we’re in the same biz, or anything. Yeah, uppity snubbing in outdoor sports: that’s where the potential is.)
