As I write this, it's nearly dark in what used to be mid-afternoon.

Weather forecasters predict a major snowstorm for later this week. And my favorite fitness center is closed in the pandemic. I'm beginning to think what once was unthinkable — it might be time to invest in a treadmill.

According to Statista, wholesale sales of treadmills in the U.S. reached more than 1.06 billion dollars in 2019, and that was pre-pandemic. Industry sources predict a steady rise in home treadmill sales for the coming years. And in today's world of technology, there are treadmills that do everything but take the steps for you.

With such a wide range of treadmill possibilities, the first step is to determine your needs, then how best to fulfill them.

Maybe the most important question to answer first is, “What can I afford?” Basic reliable treadmills are available for $500. Those with all the bells and whistles run from $4,000 to more than double that. Establish a budget first, then look for the best value that you can afford.

What kind of exerciser are you? Obviously, a 100-pound person taking a daily half-hour walk won't need as speedy or hefty a treadmill as does the 250-pound marathoner in training.

Most treadmills have belt lengths from 50 inches (good for walkers and runners with shorter strides,) to 60 inches (for longer and faster striders) and widths from 16 to 22 inches. Likewise, a shorter treadmill carrying a lighter load can operate with a smaller horsepower motor, usually from 2 to 4.5 horsepower.

If the treadmill will be used for family fitness or as a supplement to training, a basic treadmill with maximum speed of 10 miles per hour, incline of 6 percent, and manual controls will do. But if you intend to substitute treadmill running for outdoor running training, you'll want more.

Depending on your workout speed, look for a treadmill with a maximum of 12 to 14 mph. If you're used to running or training on hills, treadmills are available with maximum inclines of more than 14 percent, some with declines as well for downhill running.

For many runners, the biggest drawback to treadmill running is boredom. For a price, treadmills are available with pre-programmed fitness workouts, optional subscriptions to iFit or other collections of workouts and routes worldwide, or in the case of Peloton, multimedia classes.

Get it and set it. All of these options are great, but the treadmill has to fit into your home. Be sure to measure your available space, including headroom. Folding treadmills may be a good choice for tight spaces or multi-use rooms.

You can pick up or have your new treadmill shipped to you, but then what? Don't expect it to fit under the Christmas tree. Treadmills are heavy (220-350 pounds) and require assembly and adjustment for proper operation. It may be worth an extra fee to have it lugged to your second floor and assembled by a professional.

Think long-term. A treadmill is a big investment. Look for one with a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, three to seven-year warranty on parts with one year on labor. Check out performance and reliability reviews at sites like www.consumerreports.org.

You wouldn't buy a car without a test drive. Be sure to test drive that treadmill choice before you buy with an eye to comfort, performance and ease of use. And before you buy, check your source's return policy in case that treadmill just doesn't satisfy your needs.

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Run Santa Run 5k, Cranberry Township. Santa themed event held at Graham Park. www.runsanta5k.com/pittsburghSunday, 10 a.m.: Reindeer Race, Portersville. Choice of 5k, 1 Mile or Kids' ½ Mile at Moraine State Park. www.active.com/portersville-pa/running/distance-running-races/reindeer-race-2020?int=72-3-A3Dec. 31: Harmony Silvester 5k, Harmony. Virtual event this year. Course will be marked or run your own course. https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Harmony/HarmonySilvester5KDec. 31, noon: New Year's Eve 5k, Beaver. Out and back with staggered start. Virtual option. https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Beaver/YMCANewYearsEve5kDec. 31, 4 p.m.: Twilight 5k Run, 2 Mile Run and 2 Mile Walk, Hollidaysburg. Run through the lights of Lakemont Amusement Park. Walk starts at 5 P.M. www.blairregionalymca.org/raceseries/twilight-race/Erie Runners Club New Year's Day 5 Mile Race, Erie. Starts at Presque Ilse State Park's Rotary Pavilion. Dan.a@erierunners.club or https://erierunners.club/event/erc-new-years-day-5m-race/2021-01-01/Jan. 2, 11 a.m.: Resolution Run 5k Run/ Fun Walk, Derry. Run around Keystone State Park Lake, No race day registration and bib pickup prior to race at Gingerbread Man Running in Indiana. https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Derry/ResolutionRunWPAJan. 9: Run 2 Read Half Marathon, Prickett's Fort State Park, WV. 304-366-6055 or runtoread@hotmail.comJan. 10, 8:30 a.m.: Frigid 5 Miler, Allison Park. Start at North Park Skating Rink. This year's course is run in reverse with a downhill finish. Also virtual option. https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/Frigid5MilerJan. 16, noon: Community and Rec Center New Year Winter Wellness Dash 1 Mile Run/ Walk, Upper St. Clair. Beanies to first 100, $45 entry fee. 412-221-1099 or http://www.twpusc.org/crc/crc-homeJan. 28, 6:30 p.m.: Wolf Moon 15k, Allison Park. Night trail run through North Park, 3-person team scoring. https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/PA/AllisonPark/WOLFMOON15KJan. 30, 10 a.m.: Groundhog Jog 4 Mile Run/Walk, Punxsutawney. Run starts downtown, also virtual option. https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Punxsutawney/ogJog4MileRunWalk?aflt_token=HrZcYWJT57TH3GH4vWg7QL584fEmdOnK

Helicon Brewing Food Truck 5k (Men), Nov. 14: Benjamin Gross, 1st Overall, 18:30; Andrew Franze, 2nd Overall, 18:55; Tim Danziger, 1st 19 & Under, 19:40; Andrew Trbovich, 1st 30-39, 20:19; Rob Druga, 2nd 30-39, 21:31; Jonathan Abel, 3rd 30-39, 22:56; Dominic Ammon, 1st 20-29, 23:20; Nick Melvin, 2nd 20-29, 24:13; Bill Schade, 1st 50-59, 24:57; Nathaniel Witter, 2nd 20-29, 25:31; Brian Wisser, 1st 40-49, 25:40; Bill Golembiewski, 3rd 40-49, 26:47; Miguel Frisco, 2nd 50-59 M, 28:01; Philip Battaglia, 3rd 50-59, 32:28; Austin Stewart, 21:11; Ryan Jonesford, 22:56; Eric Blue, 23:20; Ed Dietz, 23:38; Jared Etkins, 24:02; Aaron Good, 25:22; Zachary Wright, 26:00; Lucas Good, 26:32; Daniel Chasky, 27:03; Marc Spiegel, 27:27; Mike Colligan, 27:53; Jay Stewart, 28:39; Jean-Pierre Bonasso, 28:45; Kris Milliken, 31:39; Jimmy Kennane, 33:19; Joshua Dotson, 34:21; Matthew Torres, 38:31; Elliott Whiteside, 39:07; Adam Cesnales, 43:19; Greg Hanczar, 46:38; Mike Mcwreath, 48:54Helicon Brewing Food Truck 5k (Women), Nov. 14:Bethany Bowman, 1st Overall, 19:23; Stephanie Krick, 1st Masters, 21:39; Heather Hudock, 2nd Masters, 24:07; Kristina Schade, 3rd Masters, 27:50; Alise Franze, 1st 20-29, 23:47; Heather Pessy, 3rd 30-39, 24:55; Kathryn Van Deusen, 3rd 50-59, 29:18; Mimi Sobek, 1st 60+ W, 29:52; Morgan Hoag, 2nd 20-29, 30:29; Vicky Tornabene, 2nd 40-49, 30:37; Heidi Scholar, 3rd 40-49, 34:05; Christina Gillespie, 25:47; Amanda Croft, 26:37; Stephanie Gillespie, 26:43; Colleen Hornyak, 27:45; Danielle Abel, 28:12; Amanda Ashton, 28:13; Meredith Wisser, 28:36; Kristen Popochock, 29:16; Maria Stewart, 31:02; Amanda Stern, 33:55; Beth Jacot, 34:12; Kaitlyn Wall, 35:14; Kristin Smock, 35:20; Lesley Kunkel, 35:43; Ashleigh Bartges, 36:05; Cindy Oskamp, 36:21; Jun Chen, 37:32; Wendy Chevalier, 38:20; Jennifer Bialobok, 38:37; Jodie Johnson, 38:52; Jessica Irwin, 38:54; Michele Pettini-Maslo, 38:54; Patty Hanczar, 40:14; Erin Hartman, 42:13; Ashley Dotson, 42:37; Rebecca Maione, 43:49; Sara McClellan, 43:50; Stephanie Zervanos, 44:22; Bree Liberoni, 44:22; Cindy Pankiewicz, 46:58; Jessica Jonesford, 50:15Oil City YMCA Turkey Trot 5k, Nov. 21: Matthew Puleio, 1st Overall M, 16:52; Olivia Mumford, 1st Overall W, 21:15; Ethan Knapp. 2nd 13-19 M, 18:41; Kayla Hanna, 3rd 13-19 W, 24:04; Traci Hanna, 1st 40-49 W, 26:01; Brian Rodgers, 2nd 30-39 M, 26:40; Emma Davis, 3rd 20-29 W, 31:52; Kelsey Hanna, 24:09; Dennis Waid, 27:03; Erin Kohlmeyer, 28:18; Jay Gerics, 30:58; Stefanie Whitmer, 31:25; Mary Marczac, 31:52; Douglas Waid, 34:28; Robin Holz, 35:43; Shania Whitmer, 38:08; Jennifer Kightlinger, 41:42Larwence County YMCA T-Day 5k, Nov. 26: Thomas Presner, 1st Overall M, 17:40; Noah Burchett, 2nd Overall M, 19:22; Rebecca Kraus, 1st Overall W, 21:41; Joshua Hoerner, 2nd 15-19 M, 20:12; Joseph Gillespie, 1st 30-34 M, 21:17; Carmen Medvitt, 1st 15-19 W, 22:36; Brian Jones, 1st 50-54 M, 23:21; Mitch Radella, 1st 55-59 M, 23:16; Mackenzie Hupp, 2nd 20-4 W, 23:49; David Suber, 1st 60-64 M, 24:16; Jamie Boazzo, 1st 45-49 W, 26:38; James Medvitt, 3rd 50-54 M, 27:00; William Woscik, 3rd 60-64 M, 26:38; Amy Quimby, 2nd 45-49 W, 28:58; Matt Nocera, 3rd 35-39 M, 30:26; Ty Kent, 22:05; Anna Blundo, 25:37; Sam Kelly, 31:35; Katie Rhoades, 31:55; Evan Jones, 42:46; Christian Febinger, 43:49; Shannon Jones, 43:50; Amanda Jones, 45:52; Lawrence Corvi, 47:36Kiski Valley Turkey Trot 5k, Nov. 26: Daniel Spaulding, 1st Overall M, 16:53; Kierra Shreffler, 1st Overall W, 19:58; Macey Edwards, 1st 11-15 W, 22:29; Taylor Edwards, 1st 30-39 F, 23:58; Corinne Schnur, 1st 40-49 W, 24:09; Brock Edwards, 1st 10 & Under M, 25:35; Chase Prioletti, 2nd 10 & Under M, 27:18; Luke Hassler, 22:28; Ross Hassler, 25:45; Nicole Prioletti, 27:35; Beau Edwards, 29:23; Benjamin Edwards, 29:55; Dominic Cardamone, 30:28; Grant Hassler, 30:44; Monicalynn Susanin, 31:58; Chuck Susanin, 37:14; Scott Arnold, 40:36; Dylan Arnold, 43:19; Joe Zboran, 47:45; Beth Zboran, 47:52; Jamie Murray, 1:02:06; Kathleen Murray, 1:02:07Latrobe Turkey Trot 5k, Nov.26: Brent Kennedy, 1st Overall M, 15:42; Colette Silvis, 1st Overall W, 20:17; Debbie Courtney, 2nd 50-59 W, 26:19; Alexa Venneri, 27:28; Michael Gres, 27:28Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net<i>Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle</i>