It’s time for resolutions.

We look back at what we’ve done last year and resolve to do better in the next. But what exactly does it mean to “resolve?”

My Webster’s New World Dictionary provides not only definitions but, surprisingly, a guide to improved running in the coming year.

Resolve — to break up into separate parts; analyze. Before you make a plan for where you’re going, look at where you’ve been. List the highs of running in 2025, including goals achieved, race successes and favorite running places or groups. And be honest with the lows — injuries, DNFs, events, distances or terrains you’d never like to revisit and some peaks you long to climb.

Analyze both lists. Are your successes related?

Maybe running with friends helped you achieve a personal best or your favorite runs happened to be at a particular neighborhood park. On the dark side, did too much speed work lead to injury or mega-mileage training cause a marathon DNF?

To change or transform.

It’s been said the only constant in life is change. Having run through decades and thousands of miles, I can attest the saying is also true for running. Acknowledge the changes you’ve been through in the past year and anticipate, if possible, changes ahead.

If you allow it, change will transform you. You may become a better runner in the coming year. More importantly, you may become a better person in 2026.

To cause to decide.

Look at your list with an eye to making simple but meaningful change. If you’re tired of running the same paved loop through your neighborhood, connect with a group like North Park Trail Runners for weekly off-road run or walks. If last year’s difficult training schedule left you burned out or injured, find one that fits both your body and your lifestyle. Or this may be your year to get off the couch and jog around the block.

To reach a decision or intention.

There’s a big difference between a wish and a goal. A wish disappears in the air while a goal leads to action. A good goal is like placing the star on top of the Christmas tree, attainable but only with effort.

A goal is also personal. You may decide ’26 is a great year to run your first 5K or marathon or you’re tired of the rat race of competition and choose to make 2026 a year of fun runs and volunteering. You’re in the driver’s seat, so the car goes where you want to go.

To find a solution or an answer.

Having a goal is important, but finding the way and doing the work (and having fun) is the only way to achieve it. There’s plenty of helpful information on the internet or in print or at your local fitness center. There’s also years of valuable advice and really good stories wherever runners gather.

To express by resolution.

Groups publicly express resolve. If you’ve made a resolution, don’t keep it to yourself. Enlist others to stand, walk or run with you. There’s safety in numbers, but also more motivation and celebration when you reach your goal.

Look for an established group or make your own. For example, Still I Run meets bi-weekly in North Park for casual run/walks for mental health. Kathy Hensler, Healthy Living Director for Rose E. Schneider YMCA in Cranberry Township said the Y has many options for group fitness from early morning walkers to triathlon training to weight and mobility classes. There’s also a large senior population and a kids running program with Get Fit Families.

To dissolve or melt.

The last step and final Webster’s definition proceeds from determination to satisfaction, satisfaction that comes from goals achieved, peaks reached and good habits developed. Those resolutions fulfilled become part of you — the new and improved 2026 model.

I hope for all readers, runners and walkers a Happy New Year. And I resolve to run joyfully into the coming months and miles.

Saturday, 1 p.m.: Resolution Run 5K Run/Fun Walk, New Alexandria. runsignup.com/Race/PA/NewAlexandria/ResolutionRunWPA?_gl=1*nxordp*_ga*MTU0NDMyNzQ0Mi4xNzYwMzk1NTQx*_ga_QKEVS8BTWC*czE3NjQ1NDQ1NDMkbzQkZzEkdDE3NjQ1NDQ1NzAkajMzJGwwJGgw

Sunday, 10 a.m.: Set Your Year on Fire 5K Run/Walk, Ligonier. Free registration for ages 10 and under. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Ligonier/SetYourYearOnFire5k2023

Jan. 10, 9 a.m.: North Park Half Marathon, Allison Park. Run around North Park Lake. runsignup.com/Race/Info/PA/AllisonPark/NorthParkHalfMarathon

Jan. 11, 9 a.m.: Frigid 5-Miler, Allison Park. Run North Park’s North Ridge Loop, post-race pancake breakfast. runsignup.com/Race/Info/PA/AllisonPark/Frigid5Miler

Jan. 17, 10 a.m.: 17th Annual Fire & Ice Festival Walk/Run, Somerset. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Somerset/FireIce5KSomerset

Jan. 17, 1 p.m.: Run 2 Read Half Marathon, Fairmont, WV. Double out-and-back on rail trails in Prickett’s Fort State Park. runsignup.com/Race/WV/Fairmont/RuntoReadHalfMarathon

Jan. 18, 9 a.m.: Frigid 5-Miler, Painesville, OH. Run on gravel roads and bike paths in Jordan Creek Metro Park. runsignup.com/Race/OH/ConcordTownship/Frigid5

Jan. 24, 4 p.m.: Big One Run 5K and 1-Mile Race, New Castle. Fast course in Cascade Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/NewCastle/BIGONERUN

Jan. 31, 9 a.m.: Groundhog Day 5K, Allison Park. Also 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk and Kids Dash starting at North Park Boathouse. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/GroundhogDay5kPGH

Jan. 31, 10 a.m.: Groundhog Jog 4-Miler, Punxsutawney. Race to Gobbler’s Knob and back, also Kids race (ages 11 and under). runsignup.com/Race/PA/Punxsutawney/GroundhogJog4MileRunWalk?aflt_token=vkmwDmweQ4iCYn8otSOOnKQ3vCO8buOw

Feb. 9, 9 a.m.: 4Ever Yours 4Miler, Allison Park. Individual or two-person relay starting at North Park Boathouse. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/4EverYours4Miler

Feb. 14, 10 a.m.: Community Options Cupid’s Chase 5K, Butler. Run at Lake Arthur Golf Club. 724-613-8133 or runsignup.com/Race/PA/Butler/CupidsChase5KButler

Feb. 14, 10 a.m.: Community Options Cupid’s Chase 5K, Pittsburgh. Starts on River Trail near Heinz Field. runsignup.com/CupidsChase5KPittsburgh

Feb. 21, 4 p.m.: Big One Run, New Castle. Run or walk 1-Mile, 5K or both at Cascade Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/NewCastle/BIGONERUN

Feb. 28, 10 a.m.: 50th Spring Thaw, Allison Park. Choice of 5, 10, 15 or 20 miles in loops of North Park Lake. runsignup.com/Race/Events/PA/AllisonPark/TheSpringThaw

March 7, 9 a.m.: Shamrock Run 5K, 1-Mile Fun Run and Kids Dash, Cranberry Township. Run in Graham Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/CranberryTownship/ShamrockRunCranberry

March 7, 9 a.m.: The South Park Half Marathon, South Park. Hurry, only 46 spots left! runsignup.com/Race/Events/PA/SouthParkTownship/SouthParkHalfMarathon#event-1061155

Buffalo Creek Half Marathon, Oct.18 (finishers under 2:15:00): Will Loevner, 1st Overall M, 1:03:04; Joseph Dipietrantonio, 3rd Overall M, 1:11:36; Jessica Graf, 1st Overall W, 1:22:27; Angela Jenny, 2nd Overall W, 1:24:03; Quintin Weaver, 1st 20-24 M, 1:12:06; Brett Smithco, 1st 25-29 M, 1:16:32; Franco Gandin, 2nd 40-44 M, 1:25:16; Adrienne Harmon, 1st 35-39 W, 1:25:44; Nicholas Fritch, 3rd 40-44 M, 1:31:36; Terry Beacom, 1st 45-49 M, 1:23:31; Mark Hunkele, 1st 50-54 M, 1:26:16; Brandon Bodily, 3rd 45-49 M, 1:28:13; Matt Bernardi, 2nd 50-54 M, 1:28:40; Julia Zalenski, 2nd 20-24 W, 1:31:20; Hannah Gildersleeve, 1st 40-44 W, 1:33:13; Sarah McGowan, 3rd 25-29 W, 1:34:57; Kelly Himes, 3rd 40-44 W, 1:38:48; Lacee Loos, 3rd 30-34 W, 1:41:00; Ruby Patterson, 2nd 19 & Under W, 1:41:23; Stacy Kopchak, 1st 60-64 W, 1:50:06; Holly Palmer, 2nd 50-54 W, 1:50:56; Catherine Hrach, 2nd 55-59 W, 1:52:42; Dana Nicklas, 3rd 50-54 W, 1:55:45; Micci Hutterer, 1st 65-69 W, 1:55:56; Karl Johnson, 1st 65-69 M, 2:03:03; Beth Sprague, 1st 70+ W, 2:04:49; Nancy Luttrell, 2nd 70+ W, 2:31:47; Patricia Neubert, 3rd 70+ W, 2:43:05; Sean Perry, 1:21:43; Matthew Montellanico, 1:24:35 Christopher Boltz, 1:28:52; Brian Mcgowan, 1:31:11; Nicholas Fritch, 1:31:36; Doug Donatelli, 1:32:14; Nick Radio, 1:34:20; Vincent Donatelli, 1:35:03; Nicholas Hamilton, 1:35:31; Matthew Sydlik, 1:35:46; Todd Roberts, 1:36:06; Mark Brenner, 1:36:42; Thomas Karenbauer, 1:37:10; Travis Domhoff, 1:38:34; Kelly Himes, 1:38:48; Chrissy Lawlor, 1:39:05; Eric Barnes, 1:39:11; Andrew Lucas, 1:39:26; Daniele Cecchetti, 1:39:50; Jason Cecchetti, 1:3:51; Tim Palmer, 1:40:26; Matt Bogan, 1:40:56; Jonathan Wiley, 1:41:06; Jaimee Freyermuth, 1:41:06; Evonne Patterson, 1:41:23; Matthew Corbin, 1:41:26; Richard Stewart, 1:41:30; Cody Killian. 1:41:47; Ryan Connolly, 1:41:47; Mark Casteel, 1:41:53; Lauren Wentz, 1:42:02; Christopher Boyd, 1:42:30; Donald Donatelli, 1:42:33; Jon Crummy, 1:42:52; Jeremy Peters, 1:43:04; John H. Armstrong, 1:44:40; Kim Platt, 1:45:05; Timothy James, 1:45:29; Makenna Krebs, 1:45:42; Marc Bentley, 1:45:42; Robert Vitale, 1:45:59; John Hackworth, 1:47:12; Gauthier Robe, 1:47:22; Nolan Plocki, 1:47:33; Darren Hildebrand, 1:47:35; Annie Woller, 1:47:45; Nicole Hogue, 1:48:11; Seth Eismann, 1:48:38; Caleb Rauscher, 1:48:43; Megan Dirlam, 1:48:45; Logan Marry, 1:48:56; Matthew Schaefer, 1:49:01; Lucas Bowser, 1:50:05; Ray Huber, 1:50:53; Hannah Tannert, 1:51:07; Timothy Tannert, 1:51:19; Jacob Bischak, 1:51:22; Jimmy Leichliter, 1:51:26; Dominic Cardamone, 1:51:28; Alana Jensen, 1:51:58; Samantha Frazier, 1:52:18; Nicole Laborie, 1:53:16; Krista Geagan, 1:54:13; Alex Nasiadka, 1:54:24; Sara Young, 1:54:34; Mike Fagan, 1:54:44; Madalyn Semmler, 1:54:44; Jill Terwilliger, 1:55:03; Katie Braun, 1:55:04; James Rechtenwald, 1:55:08; Michael Eisen, 1:55:14; Matt Nocera, 1:55:18; Marie Pelloni, 1:55:26; Lindsay Defelice, 1:55:16; Joe Karlovits, 1:55:34; Jeromee Geibel, 1:55:39; Holly Markel, 1:55:39; Manoj Budidha, 1:55:52; Kevin Hixon, 1:55:59; Julia Hixon, 1:55:59; Bradley Green, 1:56:15; Danielle Pillart, 1:56:52; Cherish Kroskey, 1:56:54; Justin Steiner, 1:57:33; Joshua Freshly, 1:58:28; Barbie Cessar, 1:59:02; Nicholas Wisser, 1:59:26; Nicholas Pflugh, 1:59:42; Charles Johns, 1:59:57; Wendy Wick, 2:00:17; Jessica Titler, 2:00:18; Tabitha Donaldson, 2:01:40; Aaron Mcafee, 2:01:59; Jinny Hertweck, 2:02:16; Andrew Mcconahy, 2:02:20; Mandy James, 2:02:33; Jen Beachem, 2:02:41; Jacob Freshly, 2:03:07; Steve Knoll, 2:03:10; Vanessa Johnson, 2:03:13; Aaron Williams, 2:03:20; Benjamin Mauti, 2:03:40Mandy Matus, 2:04:08; Tricia Schaefer, 2:04:27; Libby Roberts, 2:05:10; Doug Schaeffer, 2:06:25; William Johnson, 2:06:42; Ashley Yaklich, 2:06:48; Benjamin Uber, 2:07:07; Ashley Trott, 2:07:19; Susan Landgraf, 2:07:32; Gypsy Dreveniak, 2:07:47; Ashley Barbish, 2:07:48; Christina Santom, 2:08:06; Cody Dowling, 2:08:41; Angelo Woodrow, 2:09:28; Benjamin Ames, 2:10:35; Emma Nicotra, 2:10:51; Crystal Wonderling, 2:11:21; Wayne Carbo, 2:12:07; Simona Pugliese, 2:12:23; Hather Alter, 2:12:36; Nidal Crowley, 2:12:58; Douglas Green, 2:13:13; Steve Podlaski, 2:13:22; Katie Podlaski, 2:13:22; Taylor Lichty, 2:14:18; David Boch, 2:14:21; Kenneth Bonus, 2:14:22.

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle. Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert, phone 724-822-1577, email lotzak@consolidated.net