Last year at this time, races were still on the calendar. Runners braved winter weather or hit the treadmill at their favorite fitness center to train for spring marathons.

What a difference a year makes. It seems like a lifetime ago we took for granted that if we put in the effort, the reward of crossing the finish line was there for us. Even now, with vaccinations for COVID-19 available for some and a promise for all, many races from big-city marathons to hometown 5ks are only tentatively scheduled.

It's hard to get motivated for a nebulous goal that could vanish before our eyes or be pushed back to a safer date. But two things are certain — the past is past and we can't change it; the future is on its way whether we plan for it or let it roll over us.

- Take control but accept the unexpected.

Registering for a race is a commitment to the future. But there are a lot of miles between sending in the application and crossing the finish line. Life happens — injuries, illness, job changes, weather events, births and deaths. The one thing I don't think any of us had considered was dealing with the pandemic of the century.

But if you worry about all of the possible obstacles thrown in your way, you'll never take a step. Be cautious in choosing a goal but don't be frozen by fear.

I remember a day from my childhood, my dad planting an English walnut sapling in our yard.

“I don't know why I'm doing this,” he said. “A nut tree takes a long time. I don't think I'll live to see any walnuts.”

And then he smiled, “But you will.”

As it turned out, my dad lived to see at least 15 years of walnut harvest from that slow-growing tree.

The lesson in that is that you might as well plant the tree (or start that training program.) Who knows, you might just see it bear fruit. And if your goal race is postponed or cancelled, at least you'll have enjoyed the adventure and the fitness you've gained from the effort.

- Be flexible.

In times of uncertainty it's more important and less stressful to be flexible in training and in life. If your goal is to run a marathon or other race this year, choose an early spring or fall event. If you can't make it to the starting line of your planned event for whatever reason, there may be other events around the same time frame to join as alternatives to your planned event.

And don't forget to support your local charity runs. Even beginners who start a walking or running program now will be in shape to complete at least a 5k by late spring. Put a dollar per week away from now until race sign-up and you'll have enough for registration and maybe an additional charitable donation, too.

- Embrace the adventure.

I like to say that running is a journey. In most excursions, there are many roads to a destination. If your direct route to running success is blocked for any reason from injury to race cancellation, look for a detour. You may find that taking the long way is more scenic and just as productive.

Running a virtual race isn't most runners' ideal scenario, especially in lieu of completing an iconic event like the Boston Marathon. But even running a solo or adaptive endeavor can be rewarding. Some of my friends managed socially distanced virtual Boston Marathons or Buffalo Creek Half Marathons in 2020 while I ran a self-supported Cook Forest Trail Challenge with a handful of runners and hikers.

A race is a goal,but it's not the only goal. For many of us, workouts on the training schedule get us out the door before dawn or in sub-zero weather. Running is more than a start and finish at one event on a particular day. I've seen many parents and kids, family members of the same pod, out for hikes together in local parks or neighborhoods.

Running or walking is still the least expensive and lately, the safest exercise for all ages. It could be that following the pandemic of 2020, the year 2021 could mark the beginning of a new running boom.

Saturday, 10 a.m.: Groundhog Jog 4 Mile Run/Walk, Punxsutawney. Run starts downtown, also virtual option. https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Punxsutawney/hogJog4MileRunWalk?aflt_token=HrZcYWJT57TH3GH4vWg7QL584fEmdOnKSunday, 9 a.m.: Groundhog Day 5k, Painesville, OH. Also virtual option. runsignup.com/Race/OH/Painesville/OHGroundhogDay5KFeb. 6, 9:30 a.m.: Groundhog Day Prediction Race, Cranberry Township. No timing devices or watches allowed. Predict your finishing time for 4.44, 3.33, 2.22 mile distances or run all three. Starts at Victory Family Church. www.smileymiles.com/Event Calendar/February Events.htmlFeb. 6, 11 a.m.: Resolution Run 5k Run/Fun Walk/Ruck, Derry. Run around Keystone State Park Lake. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Derry/ResolutionRunWPAFeb. 13, 9 a.m.: 16th Annual Frigid 5 Miler, Allison Park. Starts at North Park Skating Rink, challenging course with fast downhill finish. runsignup.com/Race/Info/PA/AllisonPark/Frigid5Miler.Feb. 13, 9 a.m.: Cupid's Chase 5k, Butler. Run at Lake Arthur Golf Club. Walkers, wheelchairs and baby strollers welcome. 724-613-8133 or www.comop.org/cupidschase/Feb. 14, 10 a.m.: Valentine Prediction Race, Erie. Race distance is between 4 and 6 miles. Predict your pace per mile. Closest finishing times to predictions win awards. 814-774-3209 or https://erierunners.club/event/valentine-prediction-race/Feb. 27, 7:30 a.m.: Olde Girdled Grit Trail Run, Concord Township, OH. Choice of 50k, Marathon or Half Marathon on park trails. runsignup.com/Race/Info/OH/ConcordTownship/OldeGirdledGritFeb. 28, 4 p.m.: Big One Mile Race, New Castle. Flat and fast point-to-point course in Cascade Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/NewCastle/BIGONERUNFeb. 28: 45th Annual Spring Thaw 10 Mile, Allison Park. Run around North Park Lake. Also Virtual 5, 10, 15 and 20 mile runs. runsignup.com/Race/Info/PA/AllisonPark/TheSpringThawMarch 13, 9 a.m.: St. Patrick's Distance Festival 10k and 5k, Erie. Starts at Presque Isle State Park's Rotary Pavilion. erierunners.club/event/st-patricks-distance-festival/March 13, 10 a.m.: Shamrock Shuffle 5k Run and 1 Mile Family Fun Walk, Leechburg. Costumed encouraged, leashed dogs welcome. Also virtual option. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Leechburg/ShamShuffle?aflt_token=HrZcYWJT57TH3GH4vWg7QL584fEmdOnK&r=YMarch 13, 10 a.m.: Judith's Jig 5k Memorial Run/Walk, Meadville. 814-282-1069 or judithsjig@gmail.comMarch 13, 11 a.m.: Ellport Borough Community 5k, Ellport. Scenic 5k with food and drinks. 724-841-6528 or bonnherb@yahoo.com. Online registration at runsignup.com/Race/PA/ELLWOODCITY/ELLPORTBOROWINTERWONDERLAND5KMarch 20, 10 a.m.: Kiski Area Shamrock Run 5k and Relay, Apollo. Run inKunkle Park. Also virtual option. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Apollo/KiskiAreaShamrockRun5KMarch 27, 10 a.m.: Easter Egg Dash 5k and Bunny Hop 1 Mile and Kids Easter Egg Hunt, Butler. Held at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium. This race will take place pending COVID-19 mandates and restrictions. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Butler/BestBuddiesEasterEggDashApril 10, 9 a.m.: Dyngus Day 5k, Allison Park. Run starts at North Park Boat House. 703-237-0085 or mmrozek@frpark.com. Online registration at secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=133443April 10, 9 a.m.: Dirty Kiln Trail Races at Canoe Creek State Park, Hollidaysburg. Choice of 10k or half marathon trail race. http://www.alleghenytrailrunners.com/dirty-kiln-trail-race/May 2, 7 a.m.: Pittsburgh Marathon, Half Marathon and Marathon Relay, Pittsburgh. Register now. www.thepittsburghmarathon.com

Fairmont Run to Read Half Marathon, Jan. 21: Nick Scerbo, 1st Overall M, 1:13:52; Megan Weaver, 1st Overall W, 1:28:08; Evan Pyles, 1st 19 & Under M, 1:17:44; John Davis, 2nd 70+ M, 2:40:05; Timothy Umstead, 1:32:50; Kevin Cuozzo, 1:43:55; Seth Baker, 1:50:07; Donna Parker, 2:02:24; Maria Branagan, 2:20:29; Megan McAmis, 2:40:43Send 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>