What a difference a year makes.

Last year at this time, I was looking forward to Run with the Deer Flies 25K and 15K as an easy long run, an early build-up to the New York Marathon in November.

My hobbling gait through the 25 kilometers of a challenging course should have been a warning to ease back on training and to let my hurts heal.

Instead, I pushed on to serious injury with Run for the Deer Flies merely another downward step on my decline.

This year, instead of marking my inevitable slide into inactivity, the Deer Flies Run, Sunday at 8 a.m. at Penn Run near Yellow Creek State Park, will hopefully mark the beginning of my return to training after eight months of recovery from overuse injuries and my own stubbornness.

This challenging trail run is a good place to begin again. Run with the Deer Flies 25K and 15K, now in its fifth year, is not quite a race. The events are timed, but there are no competitive awards other than bragging rights.

All finishers, or as the race application states, “survivors,” in either distance receive a commemorative award. Last year’s awards were small wooden boxes carved with a deer fly carved into the top.

Although the race application warns participants of rocks, swamps, boar sightings and stream crossings, many of my trail ultra-running friends will participate in Run with the Deer Flies as an easy run, especially the 15K distance. Co-race director Wendy Fetterman calls it “a good entry into trail running.”

Trail running is good training because it challenges not only speed and endurance. Hopping over rocks and roots also develops balance and agility, and engages more muscles than flat road running.

Trail running also engages the mind. It’s not really possible to zone out on the trail without facing consequences of a twisted ankle or tree branch to the eye, but it is possible to leave all thoughts of time and pace behind and focus on the sheer pleasure of running.

A group trail run such as Run with the Deer Flies adds to the fun and safety of off-road running. With approximately 120 participants in the 25K and 15K combined, no one is really alone in the woods. Course marshals and check stations insure that no one is left in the woods, and runners look out for one another.

Carrying water is recommended, though there are aid stations approximately every four miles along the course with drinks and snacks. Run with the Deer Flies provides an assortment of sweet and salty snacks at its aid stations, something that those new to trail running may find unusual.

But since most runners will spend at least a few hours on the trail at a slower-than-marathon pace, it’s good to refuel with crackers, pretzels or M&Ms.

Run with the Deer Flies is a benefit run for Seph Mack Boy Scout Camp. Overnight tent camping is available at the scout camp. If you haven’t made reservations, call Tom Fetterman, 724-349-8797, about an hour before you arrive and he will check you into the campsite.

Runners are free to leave tents set up for post run relaxing. And they’re also welcome to use the camp facilities for post run showers.

Day of event registrations are welcomed, though the commemorative custom designed technical shirts may be available in limited sizes on race day. For more information, contact Tom, Wendy or Jed Fetterman, 724-349-8797 or deerfly25k@yahoo.com. Directions to Run with the Deer Flies 25k and 15k Trail Runs are available at www.indianaroadrunners.com.

Run for the Deer Flies 25k and 15k Trail Run could be the beginning of a new season of or reason for running.

Upcoming events

Saturdays, 8 a.m.: Up-N-Running Group Run, Valencia. Post run coffee and snacks. 724-898-2525 or shoes@runpa.com

Wednesdays, 7 p.m.: MoJo Sports Group Run, Seven Fields. Run three to seven miles with friends. 724-772-2808

Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m.: Good Form Running classes, Elite Runner and Walkers, Robinson Township. Free classes help runners improve form. Sign up at www.eliterunners.com. Call 412-490-0881 for more information.

Saturday, 8:30 a.m.: 7th Annual Rube’s Run 5K, Prospect. 724-865-9582 or jtgallagher@zoominternet.net

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Big Beaver Big Dawgs 5K Run and 2 Mile Walk, Ellwood City. Post race picnic. 724-495-9630 or www.race360.com

Sunday, 8 a.m. Run with the Deer Flies 25K and 15K Trail Run, Penn Run. Challenging off-road course, awards to all finishers. Overnight camping available. 724-349-8797 or deerfly25k@yahoo.com

Aug., 7 p.m.: Kalajainen Klassic and Run to Breathe 5K, New Castle. bonnherb@yahoo.com

Aug. 4, 9 a.m.: St. Barnabas Medical Center 21st Annual 5K Run/ Walk, Gibsonia. Great post race party. 724-443-0800 or www.stbarnabas5k.com

Aug. 4, 9 a.m.: Bob Swanson Memorial 5K Run, 2 Mile Walk and 1 Mile Fun Run/ Walk, Mt. Jewett. 814-778-5940 or kirbyp@verizon.net

Aug. 4, 9 a.m.: Buffalo Township Parks and Recreation 10K Race and 2 Mile Fun Run, Sarver. Flat out and back run on Butler-Freeport Rail Trail., post race pig roast. tjt@salsgiver.com

Aug. 5, 6:30 p.m.: Michael R. Hardesty Memorial Scholarship 5K Run/ Walk, Stoneboro. 724-6624573

Aug. 11, 8 a.m.: Roebling’s 5K Run, Saxonburg. Part of Saxonburg Distance Classic. 724-898-2525 or mlkletzli@embarqmail.com

Aug. 11, 8 a.m.: Tionesta Indian Festival 5l, Tionesta. 814-755-4051 or hunter30@zoominternet.net

Aug. 11, 8:30 A.M.: Brookline Breeze 5K and 1 Mile Mini Breeze, Pittsburgh. Mini starts at 8:30 a.m., 5K Breeze at 9 a.m. 412-561-6786 or home1322@verizon.net

Aug. 11, 9 a.m.: Local Housing Options Team 5K, Butler. wturne@ccpgh.org

Aug. 12, 6 p.m.: Run for the Trail 7K, Dilltown. First half on rolling country roads, second half on Ghost Town Rail Trail. 724-479-0769 or tpajak@ffic.com

Aug. 15, 7 p.m.: Courtney’s Ice Cream Race 5K Grove City. Kids race, all you can eat ice cream following the race. Part of Mercer County QUAD series. 724-866-1374 or smc@runhigh.com. Online registration at www.runhigh.com

Aug. 18, 9 a.m.: Running on Mars 5K, Mars. www.runningonmars.org

Aug. 18, 1 p.m.: Run for Hunger Trail Challege Half Marathon and 8K Trail Race, Freeport. Also 2 mile trail hike, challenging course with post race dinner. tomparenti@yahoo.com or 724-295-3656

August 21, 7 p.m.: Don’t Stop Running 5K, Mercer. Part of Quality Life Services series. www.5k.qualitylifeservices.com

Aug. 25, 6:30 a.m.: Baker Trail UltraChallenge 50 Mile Ultramarathon and Relay, Summerville. Unique medal for all finishers, individual and team awards. www.rachelcarsontrails.org or ultrachallenge@rachelcarsontrails.org

Race results

Presque Isle Half Marathon, July 15: Martin Zegarelli, 1st Overall M, 1:14:35; Tamara Marquardt, 1st Overall W, 1:23:46; Leslie Kramer, 5th Overall W, 1:29:24; Cheryl Ferraro, 1st 50-54 W, 1:45:33; Brandon Wise, 1:30:28; Wesley Omer, 1:32:38; Adam Lowe, 1:35:55; Rick Hinman, 1:37:26; Ann Gagliardi, 1:38:11; John Armstrong, 1:39:36; Nicole Binnie, 1:48:53; Scott Pearson, 1:53:33; Greg Hardin, 1:55:27; Stacy Juchno, 1:57:47; Nate Nuss, 2:00:22; Andrea Ferko, 2:01:10; Olivia Lowe, 2:01:50; Katie Roitz, 2:03:07; Steve Roitz, 2:06:49; Susan Rouch, 2:09:06; Adam Ketler, 2:09:14; Karen Ketler, 2:09:15; Edwin Amrhein, 2:11:24; Chelsea Giardina, 2:11:24; Jinny Hertweck, 2:11:27; Jennifer Hardin, 2:12:15; Sarah Whittaker, 2:13:00; Evan Lowe, 2:16:49; Beverly Lowe, 2:16:49; Elizabeth Dickey, 2:21:57; Rebecca Woods, 2:24:29; Missy Jungling, 2:25:17; Jeremy Dicus, 2:29:39; Jami Cox, 2:33:02; Amanda Dicus, 2:37:14; Cheryl Ferraro, 2:44:11; Susan Wojnar, 2:51:21; Jessica McKnight, 2:52:31

Quality Life Series 5K Worthington, July 17: Ben Hoffman, 1st Overall M, 17:20; Peter Boyd, 2nd Overall M, 17:51; Michelle Corkum, 1st Overall W, 19:57; Jeanette Boyd, 2nd Overall W, 22:11; Cindy Grimm, 3rd Overall W, 24:25; Herb Cratty, 1st 40-49 M, 20:47; Curt Grimm, 1st 60-69 M, 23:05; Mitch Radella, 2nd 40-49 M, 23:54; Kristen Kelosky, 1st 40-49 W, 24:46; David Suber, 2nd 50-59 M, 24:56; Emily Jones, 1st 19 & Under W, 25:07; John Antinossi, 2nd 60-69 M, 25:50; Holly Bauer, 1st 30-39 W, 26:05; David Paule, 3rd 40-49 M, 27:30; Michael Dailey, 3rd 50-59 M, 27:42; Lou Alaksin, 1st 70+ M, 28:05; Cindy Suber, 2nd 50-59 W, 28:37; Leah Rapp, 2nd 30-39 W, 29:17; Sheree May, 3rd 50-59 W, 29:45; Tony Sunseri, 3rd 60-69 M, 29:47; Susie Beardsley, 2nd 40-49 W, 30:43; Dez Csizmadia, 2nd 70+ M, 31:19; Brian Kepple, 1st 30-39 M, 31:56; Laina Walker, 2nd 19 & Under W, 35:16; Tiffany Unger, 2nd 20-29 W, 35:37; Caitlyn Velicoff, 3rd 19 & Under W, 42:54; Jean Dobay, 2nd 60-69 W, 4:52; Raymie Bell, 2nd 30-39 W, 47:45; Brenda Murray, 47:45

Freeport International Baseball 5k, July 21: Nick Minich, 1st Overall M, 15:59; Mick Gentile, 2nd Overall M, 16:59; John VelGehuchton, 3rd Overall M, 18:17; Tori Sawhney, 1st Overall W, 20:15; Kayla Zboran, 2nd Overall W, 21:12; Kristen Prazenica, 3rd Overall W, 21:19; Andy Dill, 1st 20-29 M, 18:44; Stephen Hepler, 1st 50-59 M, 19:54; Jaren Kapustik, 1st 15-19 M, 20:22; Robert Reichenbaugh, 1st 11-14 M, 20:48; Brian Davis, 1st 30-39 M, 20:50; Raj Sawhney, 2nd 50-59 M, 20:54; Nick Milliron, 3rd 15-19 M, 21:22; Mitch Radella, 1st 40-49 M, 21:36; Nicole Miller, 1st 15-19 W, 21:42; Rebecca Carlson, 1st 20-29 W, 22:01; Hayley Davis, 2nd 15-19 W, 22:02; Chuck Huth, 3rd 50-59 M, 22:34; Paul Gentile, 2nd 40-49 M, 22:53; Laura Will, 3rd 15-19 W, 23:35; John Hansen, 2nd 20-29 M, 23:03; Seth Davis, 2nd 11-14 M, 24:05; Paul Manke, 3rd 40-49 M, 24:17; Gayle Fucer, 1st 30-39 W, 24:38; Beth Zboran, 1st 40-49 W, 25:05; Bill Abbott, 1st 60-69 M, 25:14; Amy Sue Amadee, 2nd 40-49 W, 25:23; Ralph Ross, 1st 70+ M, 25:54; Seth Davis, 2nd 30-39 M, 26:09; Stacy Cramer, 3rd 40-49 W, 26:25; Abby Ohl, 1st 11-14 W, 27:31; Cora Crytzer, 1st 10 & Under W, 26:59; Frank Prazenica, Jr., 2nd 60-69 M, 27:10; Tayler Sennett, 2nd 11-14 W, 27:31; Carla Schreckengost, 3rd 30-39 W, 30:12; Sara Mitch, 2nd 10 & Under W, 35:34; Justin Brestensky, 22:29; Kyle Zboran, 23:35; Kari Huth, 23:45; Megan Manke, 24:02; Ben Goldinger, 24:04; Dava Jack, 24:13; Gregg Defilippi, 24:21; Tyler Long, 24:21; Marc Miller, 24:31; Carol Amadee, 24:55; Rachel Sadecky, 24:58; Stephanie Gentile, 25:11; Chuck Sarver, 25:18; Alex Smith, 25:24; Kevin Burke, 25:46; Joe Zboran, 26:15; Margaret Lynch, 26:29; Kelly Amadee, 26:33; Don Amadee, 26:34; Trista Graham, 26:37; Cassidy Graham, 27:00; Susan Affrica, 28:46; Tracie Bulks, 30:39; Jessica Landis, 31:13; Miranda Boring, 32:10; Wendi Lincoln, 32:16; Kristen Chodkowski, 34:06; Craig Chodkoski, 34:07; Aleena Parenti, 35:34; Cindy Ohl, 39:06; Kelly Young, 39:06

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