For the past few years I’ve practiced yoga at least once a week. It’s made an amazing difference in my overall fitness and in my running. But that’s for discussion in a future column.

This week I’m looking out the window at blowing snow and trying to get motivated to leave the house for a short run in the sudden chill. A phrase from yoga practice repeats itself in my mind.

“Set your intentions for today’s practice,” is often the opening to the yoga hour — a call to focus, to cast aside all other thoughts and distractions and to concentrate on the process.

I realize that simple sentence applies to running as well. Whether the ultimate goal is to run a mile or 26.2 miles, setting your intention daily is what makes it happen.

Set your intentions (and maybe your alarm clock). We all have appointments, obligations, distractions and emergencies, especially during the holiday season. It’s easy to let the day slip away and fill with other events besides running.

Setting a specific time to run elevates its importance in the order of the day. Just like keeping that appointment with the dentist or hair stylist, you’ll be more likely to run consistently if you make that appointment with yourself.

Make it easy. Don’t waste your running time and energy getting ready to run. It’s much easier to get out the door if you’ve prepared by laying out clothes the night before or packing your running bag for an after-work jog.

Get comfortable. I’ve found that getting motivated to run in the cold is much easier when I don’t have to face that initial bone-chilling cold when I step out the door. Put your running clothes in the clothes dryer for a few minutes while you do a few dynamic stretches in the living room and you’ll feel toasty and ready to roll.

Phone a friend. I’m not normally a morning runner, especially during the winter months. But come January, I wouldn’t miss a Saturday morning with my training friends from Up-N-Running.

Most of the area running stores conduct or can suggest group runs at various times and distances. Also, contact your local YMCA or health club for running groups in your neighborhood.

If you’re looking for off-road running, check out North Park Trail Runners or Butler Babes. NPTR members post upcoming informal runs on Facebook while Tammy McGaughey keeps Babes informed of weekend runs by e-mail.

Pay to play. Money is a great motivator, even in running. If you sign up for a training program or coaching, you may be more likely to follow through on your intention to run.

Training isn’t necessarily expensive, but in most cases, you get what you pay for. Having a personal coach is a luxury, but if you’re just buying motivation, consider any number of appropriate training plans and programs available online, by subscription or group training through a local club, store or facility.

Even good intentions go awry. It’s sometimes impossible in this holiday season and uncertain weather, to keep running consistently. But don’t give up. Just set a new intention for tomorrow.

Upcoming events

Saturday, 10 a.m.: WALKer Run 5k, Conneaut Lake. 814-382-3839 or lauriekurt@gmail.com

Dec. 3, 9 a.m.: Reindeer 5k, Harmony. Also kids 1 mile, ½ mile and ¼ mile runs at 10 A.M. getfitfamilies.com

Dec. 3, 9 a.m.: A Christmas Story 5k/10k Run, Cleveland. Run past locations from the famous movie. Each participant earns a major award finisher’s medal. Movie-themed costumes encouraged. 877-534-5267 or info@achristmasstoryrun.com

Dec. 3, 9 a.m.: Oil City’s Christmas Past Jingle Bell 5k, Oil City.

Out and back course. 814-677-3152 or dalem65@msn.com

Dec. 3, 10 a.m.: It’s a Wonderful 5k, Ernest. Runsignup.com

Dec. 4, 9 a.m.: 12Ks of Christmas, Youngstown, PH. Trail run through Mill Creek Park. www.ytownrunners.org

Dec. 4, 9:30 a.m.: Ugly Holiday Sweater 5k, Morgantown, WV. 304-790-2299 or bmangol1@mix.wvu.edu

Dec. 4, 10 a.m.: Nittany Valley Half Marathon, State College. 570-690-3772 or nvhalfmarathon@gmail.com

Dec. 3, 10 a.m.: Lakeview Area Public Library Jingle Bell 5k, Fun Run and Kid Fest, Stoneboro. Kids half-mile run at 11 A.M. 724-988-8410 or beckiwilliams@hotmail.com

Dec. 10, 8 a.m.: Highland Clarksburg Regional Hospital Ugly Sweater 5k, Clarksburg. Run on VA Park Rails to Trails. 304-969-3124 or amccoy@highlandclarksburghospital.net

Dec. 10, 10 a.m.: Snowflake 5k, Erie. 814-774-3209 or bigwhitetrailer.com/register

Dec. 10, 10 a.m.: Riverhounds 5k to benefit Team Cassie, Pittsburgh. Starts at Station Square, awards for top three physically challenged. mbruno@pointpark.edu or Runsignup.com

Dec. 11, 9 a.m.: Trot for Tots 5k, Oakdale. 412-490-0881 or www.eliterunnersracing.com

Dec. 11, 9:45 a.m.: Trot for Tots 10k, Oakdale. 412-490-0881 or www.eliterunnersracing.com

Dec. 11, 11 a.m.: Clint Puller Memorial Toy Run 5k, Meadville. Benefits Toys for Tots. 724-992-9154 or michaelharry40@hotmail.com

Dec. 17, 11 a.m.: Old Fashioned Christmas in Volant 5k and Kids Fun Run, Volant. Out and back course on rolling country road with wrapped Christmas gifts to winners, raffle prizes and finishers’ medals. bonnherb@yahoo.com

Dec. 31, 3 p.m.: Harmony Silvester 5k, Harmony. Also 1 mile fun run at 3:45 P.M. Part of New Year celebration with German food, musicians, fireworks and ball drop at 6 p.m. www.harmony-pa.us or active.com

Dec. 31, 4 p.m.: Last Call 5k, Austintown, OH. Out and back on back trail, awards held at Paladin Brewery. 234-421-0188 or www.2vr.com

Dec. 31, 4 p.m.: Twilight 5k Run, 2 Mile Run amd 2 Mile Walk, Hollidaysburg. Run through the lights at Lakemont Park. 724-695-4467 or bsheffer@hollidaysburgareaymca.org

Jan. 7, Noon: Winter Wing Challenge 5k and 1 Mile, Sharpsville. All you can eat wings after the race. 724-456-2373 or frstacrs@yahoo.com

Jan. 17, 10 a.m.: Bushwacker’s Nightmare Trail Run, South Park. Choice of 5k or 10k sponsored by GPRRC. 412-341-0684 or thegprrc@gmail.com

Race results

PHN Brady’s Run Park 5k, Oct. 22: John Warner, 1st Overall M, 19:40; Cindy Suber, 1st Overall W, 25:55; David Suber, 1st 55-59 M, 22:49; Randy Brown, 2nd 55-59 M, 23:48; Sean Cope, 1st 30-34 M, 25:45; Andrew Brown, 1st 25-29 M, 25:59; Sheena Donovan, 1st 30-34 W, 29:00; Lisa Jamison, 1st 40-44 W, 31:30; Angie Jamison, 1st 25-29 W, 31:54; Jessica McLaurin, 2nd 25-29 W, 31:57; Stephanie Rensel, 3rd 25-29 W, 33:51; Kim Kenetz, 2nd 50=54 W, 36:27; Seth Donovan, 1st 35-39 M, 38:41; Katie Hanley, 1st 20-24 W, 39:43; Jackie Barkley, 1st 45-49 W, 41:09; Devlin Ciurrachi, 2nd 45-49 W, 41:11; Taina Caplinger, 3rd 50-54 W, 43:32; Debbie Jamison, 3rd 45-49 W, 45:07; Dan Donovan, 1st 60-64 M, 52:57; Scott Marshall, 2nd 35-39 M, 54:59; Autumn Bonzo, 34:34; Alicia Deflin, 43:34; Angelia Fair, 54:56; Laurie McKeel, 55:06; Rose Reilly. 55:31; Margaret Jacobs, 55:35

Keystone Cheerleader Zombie 5k, Oct. 29: Koby Buzard, 1st Overall M, 21:19; Sara Lander, 1st Overall W, 22:35; Mark Aloisio, 1st 30-39 M, 25:32; Tara Aloisio, 1st 11-14 W, 25:58; Mel Risinger, 1st 60+ M, 29:35; Eric Shick, 2nd 40-49 M, 43:48; Taylor Shick, 3rd 10 & Under W, 43:49; Joelle Sheatz, 31:48; Melanie Bartel, 38:47

Gotcha 5k, Nov. 5: Nathan Giuliani, 1st Overall M, 22:08; Dean Fletcher, 2nd Overall M, 23:19; David Suber, 3rd Overall M, 23:36; Tracy Mitchell, 1st Overall W, 24:26; Wendy Wick, 2nd Overall W, 24:42; Cindy Suber, 3rd Overall W, 25:50; Franklin Bame, 1st 60-69 M, 27:43; Amy Lehman, 1st 40-49 W, 27:45; Tiffany Gerkey, 1st 30-39 W, 28:42; Doug Smith, 1st 50-59 M, 28:53; Aaron Rape, 3rd 13 & Under M, 30:16; Dennis Wise, 2nd 60-69 M, 30:25; Gretchen McMichael, 3rd 30-39 W, 30:44; Patrick McMichael, 1st 30-39 M, 30:46; Alexis Ropelewski, 1st 13 & Under W, 31:12; John Ropelewski, 1st 40-49 M, 31:14; Richard Honsaker, 3rd 60-69 M, 31:28; Nicholas Prugar, 2nd 30-39 M, 32:27; Billie Rape, 2nd 13 & Under W, 35:31; Lynn Fletcher, 3rd 40-49 W, 36:24; Mike Corrigan, 2nd 40-49 M, 37:56; Ellen Stickles, 1st 60-69 W, 39:41

ZooZilla 5k, Nov. 5: Tyler Palenchak, 1st Overall M, 17:40; Cyd Kennard, 1st Overall W, 22:18; Ean King, 1st 30-39 M, 18:16; Michael White, 3rd 20-29 M, 21:11; Deborah Fugate, 1st 50-59 W, 25:41; Cameron Webb, 25:02; Arthur Boring, 25:08; Luke Hassler, 25:44; Timothy Kurnocik, 26:05; Ross Hassler, 26:43; Sydney Hunter, 27:18; Sarah Hawkins, 27:58; Joe Pohl, 28:23; Joshua Karakis, 29:03; Nicholas Wisser, 29:17; Meghan Pohl, 29:19; Lara Barlow-Paules, 29:19; Adam Ward, 32:32; Russ Paules, 33:40; Eli Hassler, 34:01; Elizabeth Poirier, 34:18; Jonathan Seavers, 34:45; Thomas Miksch, 34:49; Sue Fink, 35:15; Alyssa Thornton, 35:19; Judy Weisseg, 35:40; Catharine Beresnyak, 36:25; Chelsea Kovick, 37:47; Rosemary Lattus, 38:01; Melissa Heintzinger, 38:13; Jill Nicoletti, 38:19; Jaime Foose, 39:40; Abigail Henderson, 40:01; Benjamin Beresnyak, 40:23; Allison Beresnyak, 40:23; Sabrina Paules, 42:41; Erin Letrick, 53:04; Lucy Hassler, 53:49; Grant Hassler, 54:20; April Hassler, 54:51; Blaire Patrick, 55:13; Heidi Lubich, 56:59; Christine Gardner, 1:08:26

Kittanning Fall Classic 5k, Nov. 12: Joey Bujdos, 1st Overall M, 18:33; Erin Lessner, 1st Overall W, 26:53; Mitch Radella, 1st 50-59 M, 22:13; Brandon Crawford, 1st 20-29 M, 23:18; Griffin Booher, 1st 9 & Under M, 26:50; Deborah Snyder, 1st 60+ W, 29:48; Becky Johnston, 1st 30-39 W, 30:31; Cameryn Booher, 1st 10-14 F, 32:03; Sonaj Crawford, 2nd 60+ W, 33:32; Dezso Csizmadia, 2nd 60+ M, 36:48; Carey Wallace, 34:30; Melanie Bartel, 35:52; Kateylnn Gourley, 36:19; Reese Booher, 38:58; Chelsea Connolly, 42:02; Brenda Murray, 46:02

Kittanning Fall Classic 10k, Nov. 12: Ean King, 1st Overall M, 35:42; Jean Bujdos, 1st Overall W, 38:47; Jinny Hertweck, 2nd Overall W, 48:05; Blake Kelley, 1st 15-19 M, 47:35; Robert Todd, 1st 60+ M, 50:29; Emily Funte, 2nd 20-29 W, 53:40; Katie Koller, 3rd 20-29 W, 56:53; Maxwell Weiland, 1st 9 & Under M, 57:16; Tracy Booher, 3rd 30-39 M, 1:05:20; Brian Weiland, 57:17; Robert Crawford, 1:01:18; Deborah Takacs, 1:06:39; Debra Kuminkoski, 1:08:02; Denise Phipps, 1:10:22

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert, 435 Cherry Valley Rd., Saxonburg, PA. 16056. Phone 724-352-4395. E-mail lotzak@consolidated.net

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle.