With one week remaining in the year, it’s time to break out a fresh running calendar.

But before 2017’s log book goes in the trash along with the used Christmas wrap, I’ll take one more look at my running year, its highs and lows, peaks and disappointments.

January 2017 began as so many other years, a fresh start on a journey of miles to a destination unknown. It began with hope and optimism and a promise to change some of my old, stale unproductive habits.

My goals included more trail running and cross training, keeping up my weekly yoga routine and looking at running beyond competition. A review of the entries on my running calendar showed the progress (or lack thereof) toward those goals.

I could see that my most consistent fitness habit for 2017 was my commitment to weekly yoga — perfect attendance. I am a firm believer in the physical benefits of yoga for strength, flexibility, balance and the stress relieving and restorative aspects mentally.

Review of my cross training entries showed good news that in most weeks, I managed to accomplish an alternative activity to running two days per week. But although I achieved the purpose of exercising without pounding my legs, I had hoped to mix up my activity.

Due to the mild winter, I had only cross country skied once. And my kayaking fell victim to inertia as I often opted to hop on my bike for a quick trip about the neighborhood rather than heave the boat onto the car and drive to water.

Inertia is also my excuse for the preponderance of log entries denoted as “exercise bike.” For the most part, that’s me pedaling in my living room slowly on low tension watching This is Us or doing the Butler Eagle Sudoku. It’s exercise, but just barely.

For 2018, I plan to at least drive the five miles to attend a weekly spinning class to harness group energy.

My goal of running more trails was met with mixed success. I had thought I could replace road mileage with trail running and continue to race successfully on the roads, but I found that running the extreme terrain and uneven surfaces on single track and deer paths used much more energy than road running.

I needed to run at a much slower pace and needed more recovery than with equivalent road miles. And because my feet and legs weren’t used to pavement pounding, I struggled through longer road races.

Even though I sacrificed road racing, I didn’t regret the year of trail running. I began trail competition in April with USATF Beach Running Championship, an out-and-back half marathon on the sand. I raced several local trail 10ks, 5-milers and 5ks throughout the summer in preparation for October’s Grand Circle Trailfest, 45 miles of rugged trail running in three days around three national parks in Utah.

My most successful goal for 2017 may have been in looking beyond competition. On my quest to log more trail miles, I spent more time with the Hash House Harriers, logging at least two runs/hikes/climbs of half marathon distance, climbing miles of Pittsburgh staircases and laying four trails with friends.

I learned to relax and enjoy the experience of three separate holiday light runs and several running events that make a difference. I’ve also learned to accept what I am, not what I am not and to run with people, not against them. I am more than a finishing time or an age group medal.

And as I pack away this 2017 calendar, I smile at the entries from Hosack Hustle 10k, where I cheered my grandson to his first trail run, Butler Road Race 2k finishing with my four-generation family running team, and sharing Dave’s achievement as a first time finisher of Buffalo Creek Half Marathon.

I can’t wait to write my first entry for 2018.

Upcoming events

Dec. 31, 9 a.m.: Resolution Run 5k, Hermitage. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Hermitage/ResolutionRun5Kwctc

Dec. 31, 3:30 p.m.: Harmony Silvester, Harmony. Also 1 Mile Fun Run at 4:15 p.m. Part of New Year celebration with post race music, fireworks. www.harmony-pa.us

Dec. 31, 4 p.m.: Twilight 5k Run, 2 Mile Run and 2 Mile Walk, Hollidaysburg. Run through holiday lights at Lakemont Park, walk starts at 5 p.m. 814-695-4467 or www.hollidaysburgareaymca.org

Jan. 6, 1 p.m.: Run 2 Read Half Marathon, Fairmont, WV. Run through Prickett’s Fort State Park. 304-694-6042 or www.runtoread.org

Jan. 14, 9 a.m.: Frigid 5 Mile, North Park. Starts at North Park Lodge. 412-490-0881 or www.athlinks.com

Jan. 14, Noon: Community and Rec Center New Year Winter Wellness Dash 1 Mile Run/Walk, Upper St. Clair. Beanie hats to first 100 entrants, $5 entry fee. 412-221-1099, ext. 606 or mccleaster@twpusc.org

Jan. 14, 2:30 p.m.: Icicle 5k, Belpre, Oh. 304-428-7647 or walkgeogewv@gmail.com

Jan. 15, 10 a.m.: The Bushwhacker’s Nightmare Trail Run, South Park. Choice of 5k or 10k conducted by Greater Pittsburgh Road Runners. 724-348-6012 or bmcglothlin@hotmail.com

Jan. 27, 8:30 a.m.: Freeze Your Gizzard 5k, Clearfield. Part of YMCA Winterfest at Parker Dam State Park. 814-765-5521 or www.clearfieldymca.net

Jan. 27, 11 a.m.: Chilly Cheeks Challenge 10 Mile, 5 Mile or 2.5 Mile, Hermitage. Run through Buhl Farms Park. 724-841-6528 or bonnherb@yahoo.com

Feb. 10, 8 a.m.: Cupid’s Chase 5k, Latrobe. Run at Legion Keener Park benefits adults with developmental disabilities. 412-302-7915 or lacie.parker@comop.org

Feb. 10, 9 a.m.: Cupid’s Chase 5k, Butler. Runners, walkers, wheelchairs and strollers welcome. 724-613-8133 or timothy.hawk@compop.org

Feb. 10, 10 a.m.: Winterfest 5k, Portersville. Run from South Shore of Moraine State Park. kplant@zoominternet.net

Feb. 10, 10 a.m.: Community Options Cupid’s Chase 5k, Pittsburgh. Starts on North Shore Trail near Heinz Field. 412-431-7079 or bridget.haney@comop.org

Race results

EQT 10 Miler, Nov. 5 (finishers under 2:00:00): Panuel Mkungo, 1st Overall M, 47:02; Buze Diriba, 1st Overall W, 52:12; Courtney Schorr, 1st Masters W, 1:08:29; Kimberly Hohman, 3rd Masters W, 1:11:10; Camille Bromley, 2nd 19 & Under W, 1:14:15; Dianne Zalenski, 1st 40-44 W, 1:14:50; Seth Jenny, 1:00:40; Michael Ferraro, 1:08:38; Jim Stout, 1:09:24; Anthony Spalvieri, 1:12:16; Chris Rowoth, 1:12:36; Roger Lutz, 1:13:08; Mark Casteel, 1:13:48; Connor Colombo, 1:14:07; Jessi Drayer, 1:14:49; Michael Braunstein, 1:15:04; Greg MArburger, 1:15:14; Bob Pudlo, 1:16:00; Joseph Hudeck, 1:16:26; Kim Spears, 1:16:55; Keith Mularski, 1:16:59; Malcolm East, 1:17:01; Michael Bossola, 1:17:20; Jerry Kosar, 1:17:36; Robert Waltrip, 1:17:54; Jonathan Bost, 1:18:05; Joshua Lewis, 1:18:11; Michael Fitzgerald, 1:18:15; Tyler Singer, 1:18:16; Madeling Dressen, 1:18:44; Geno Mell, 1:19:32; Matt Grossman, 1:19:36; Donald Donatelli, 1:19:41; Joseph Poerio, 1:20:28; Jeremy Jarrell, 1:20:44; Robyn VanDyke, 1:20:51; Rebecca Mobley, 1:21:14; Elizabeth Smialek, 1:21:30; Nikki Williams, 1:21:36; Christina Harbaugh, 1:21:39; William Marsh, 1:21:40; Avery Lawson, 1:21:42; Teresa Wheeler, 1:21:43; Katherine Colton, 1:21:55; Nicole Voll, 1:22:04; Ryan Gallaher, 1:22:12; Michael Curren, 1:22:12; Katelyn Jones, 1:22:14; Robert Connolly, 1:22:19; Dan Spears, 1:22:54; Mark Breedlove, 1:23:09; Jim Helmick, 1:23:13; Nick Barker, 1:23:31; Valerie Andresssi, 1:23:37; Thomas Lynch, 1:23:59; Amanda Zacchia, 1:24:09; Tim Botti, 1:24:14; Tracey Smith, 1:24:34; Diane Bucknum, 1:24:46; Bryan Colonna, 1:24:58; Darla Ferraro, 1:25:08; Terrilynn Tomaszewski, 1:25:38; Rene Whiteman, 1:26:32; Linda Devaux, 1:26:36; Kendall Spaugh, 1:26:52; Dana Nicklas, 1:26:57; Sarah Hosack, 1:26:57; Danielle Iaquinta, 1:26:57; Susan Timko, 1:27:06; Jason Fawcett, 1:27:10; Kelli Hartman, 1:27:14; Steven Nichols, 127:22; Michael McCarl, 1:27:35; Ben Craven, 1:27:43; Eric Shumaker, 1:27:51; John Choma, 1:27:52; Danielle Rosswog, 1:28:06; Lisa Lamm, 1:28:24; Thomas Patterson, 1:28:25; Amber Castelli, 1:28:33; Marcia Bergerson, 1:29:10; Lexi Nieri, 1:29:34; Holly Matsko, 1:29:39; Jeffrey Young, 1:29:53; Garrick Barnett, 1:30:05; Michael Pelloni, 1:30:05; Caroline Huber, 1:30:57; Andrew Musko, 1:31:40; Bonnie Alan, 1:31:48; Carrie Birckbichler, 1:31:54; Garrett Bontempo, 1:32:02; Michael Corcoran, 1:32:06; Anthony Brewer, 1:32:12; Kristen Beck, 1:32:31; Angela Sweeney, 1:32:48; Kevin Collins, 1:32:57; Shari Allen, 1:33:03; Marie Pelloni, 1:33:05; Kevin Allen, 1:33:05; Brian Hock, 1:33:09; Gabrielle Hock, 1:33:10; Abby Sannes, 1:33:12; Terry Ann Fuller, 1:33:29; Katelyn Conn, 1:33:31; Tina Benedek-Grimm, 1:33:34; Amy Gilbert, 1:33:49; Regina Morgueta, 1:34:21; Curt Pfleegor, 1:34:25; Erin Stonebraker, 1:34:44; Erika Clark, 1:35:32; Michael Rohm, 1:35:35; Kiana Tralongo, 1:35:52; Gregory Zetwo, 1:35:53; Allison Miller, 1:36:40; Chris Andreassi, 1:36:42; Kelsey Callihan, 1:37:13; Steven Gaghan, 1:37:14; Karen Callihan, 1:37:39; Joanna Sutton, Emily Altmyer, 1:37:56; Ashley Duespohl, 1:38:02; Christine Shoup, 1:38:22; Mario Dias, 1:38:36; Mary Morgan, 1:38:37; Cindy Waltemire, 1:38:40; Cheryl Fox, 1:38:48; Lauren Jacisin, 1:39:12; Matthew Ankrom, 1:39:13; Gary Lutz, 1:39:32; William Rudolf, 1:39:45; John Miller, 1:40:03; Kimberly Dambach, 1:40:04; Jim Sutterfield, 1:41:23; Cyndie De Lucia, 1:41:29; Ann Cannoni, 1:41:33; Kathie Blinn, 1:41:35; John White, 1:41:36; Tim Maloney, 1:42:13; Megan Kosar, 1:42:28; Christine Murray, 1:42:3; Alison Fisher, 1:42:43; Jocelyn Kimmel, 1:42:47; Shana Hutchins, 1:43:23; Sean Hutchins, 1:43:24; Amy Lutz, 1:43:34; Jaime Schmitt, 1:43:38; Toni Weis, 1:43:41; Janet Pudlo, 1:43:52; Ramesh Subramaniam, 1:43:57; Nancy Thenthongkham, 1:44:08; Eamonn Clements, 1:44:17; Kimberly Lane, 1:44:23; William Woods, 1:44:40; Jon Singer, 1:44:44; Claire Welka, 1:45:34; Jamie Kohler, 1:45:36; Eric Mazanek, 1:46:11; Amy Eisenhauer, 1:46:16; Anna Timko, 1:46:24; Elizabeth Heid, 1:46:27; Karen Steffanina, 1:46:31; Casey Shea, 1:46:51; Luke Deemer, 1:47:21; Hayley Chambers, 1:47:22; Kirk Hageter, 1:47:25; Brandy Hageter, 1:47:26; Kelley Morrone, 1:47:50; Stephanie Rohm, 1:47:57; Ronald Change, 1:48:04; Laurel Sutterfield, 1:48:21; Rebecca Feldcamp, 1:48:29; Rachel Kustra, 1:48:45; David Palmiotto, 1:48:51; Valerie Curry, 1:48:54; Thomas McClure, 1:48:58; Jennifer Shondeck, 1:49:00; Brandi Rentz, 1:49:34; Alfred Schnabel, 1:49:44; Kristie Corrigan, 1:50:01; Peggy Sibenac, 1:50:03; Rachel Gallagher, 1:50:27; Cathryn Rodgers, 1:50:33; Daniel Suorsa, 1:50:33; Brian Kravec, 1:50:49; William Dress, 1:50:57; Julie Macha, 1:51:11; Ron Nyman, 1:51:16; Tracy Moore, 1:51:27; Beth Whitehouse, 1:51:35; Dina Snider, 1:51:36; Sumedha Gupta, 1:53:08; Chuck Holet, 1:53:26; Valerie McClymonds, 1:53:48; Beth Healy, 1:54:24; Lori Randolph, 1:54:39; Amy Garbacz, 1:54:54; Stephanie Lautenbacher, 1:55:07; Colleen Fulkerson, 1:55:15; Amy Leonard, 1:55:22; Laura Norris, 1:55:29; Shelley Wood, 1:55:31; Ian Schauer, 1:56:10; Amanda Hardt, 1:56:10; Sarah Wilson, 1:56:35; Patricia Dittman, 1:56:52; Traci McKenna, 1:56:58; Priscilla Bromley, 1:57:06; Maritza Eloff, 1:57:09; Sean Curry, 1:57:20; Maureen Walsh, 1:57:44; Erin Hage, 1:58:02; Karen Shumaker, 1:58:14; Beth Veldkamp, 1:58:16; Steve Mote, 1:58:22; Janelle Fumerols, 1:59:28

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

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle