Risk is everywhere.

When we reach for a second cup of coffee in the morning or cross the street against the light, there’s risk involved.

Financial planners speak of “risk tolerance” in investment strategies. Those with high risk tolerance stand to gain the most because they can accept the potential to lose money in fluctuating markets. Low risk tolerance investors prefer sure and steady, security over growth.

Runners have different levels of risk tolerance, too. There’s no right or wrong, but recognizing our level of risk tolerance can make us more comfortable with our choices or lead us to change.

Comfort. Face it — running isn’t always easy, especially for beginners and those stepping up their training. But the reward of risking discomfort is in reaching a new level of fitness.

If you’re a low risk tolerance type, know that discomfort is only temporary. Stick with 30 minutes of running (or run/walk) at least twice each week. Don’t set a timetable, but realize that eventually, exercise will get more comfortable.

If you’re a high risk tolerance type, the advice is the same. Don’t set a timetable. You may be willing to push through discomfort, but you sacrifice the pure joy in the activity.

Training. If you’re willing to invest time and energy in training, you’ll reap the rewards of achieving a higher fitness level and better race performance. The risk is that training can be stressful — too stressful on both body and mind.

Low risk tolerance runners may avoid any sort of scheduled training, preferring to run as the spirit moves them. That’s fine, unless the spirit moves you more often to the couch than to the roads.

If you wish to keep your running free form, but add consistency, schedule one day per week to specifically run longer or harder, work on core strength or running form. Cross-training counts, too. Take a weekly yoga or spinning class to boost fitness without running.

If you’re a high risk tolerance runner, recognize when you’re over-invested in training. Listen to your body and know when to modify or skip a training session to avoid overtraining.

Remember to keep training in balance with real life. Save your best for family and friends, not minutes and miles.

Injury. There’s an inherent risk of injury in any athletic endeavor. Running is no different. The key to consistent quality running lies in recognizing the difference between hurt and harm.

High risk tolerance runners think that pain equals gain and refuse to rest or seek treatment until hobbled by serious injury. If you feel a sudden pain during your run, experience pain or swelling following a workout, or have chronic pain that causes you to modify your running form, don’t ignore it. Ice the affected area post run and seek medical advice (from a professional, not just another runner.)

Low risk tolerance runners suspect that any pain signals bodily harm and back down at the slightest twinge. Muscle soreness in the days following a hard run is pain that produces gain. Recover by taking a day or two of active rest with cross training, gentle stretching and massage. Be sure to warm up and stretch before you run to minimize post-run soreness.

Performance. I’m always surprised at the number of people who enter races to socialize, not to race. If you’ve never tried to run your fastest, longest or best, challenge yourself at a low-key local event.

And if you’re one of those runners who’s disappointed if you don’t set a PR at each event, lighten up. Run a costume-themed fun run or noncompetitive color run or pace a friend or family member through their first 5k.

Upcoming events

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Fight For Life 5K, Apollo. Benefits American Cancer Society. 724-568-2517 or dzukas@cancer.org

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Knox Turkey Trot 5K, Knox. 814-221-7677 or laurahogue3@gmail.com

Saturday, 9:15 a.m.: Run for the Wounded Warrior 5 Mile and 5K, North Park. 412-490-0881 or eliterunners.com

Saturday, 10 a.m.: The Color Run 5K, Pittsburgh. Run with fun and colored cornstarch. Thecolorrun.com/pittsburgh

Sunday, 2 p.m.: Miles of Smiles Half Marathon and 5K, Monongah, WV. 724-758-2506 or bonnherb@yahoo.com

Nov. 22, 9 a.m.: Big Brothers and Sisters of Beaver County Turkey Trot 5 Miler, Beaver. Starts in Irvine Park. 724-630-4287 or jsprice4@yahoo.com

Nov. 22, 9 a.m.: Northwood Charitable Foundation Race for Home 5K Run/ Walk, Allison Park. Starts at North Park Boathouse. 412-303-4266

Nov. 22, 10 a.m.: Foxburg Turkey Trot 5K, Foxburg. Participants encouraged to dress in Thanksgiving theme. 724-659-3116 or shile@foxburginn.com

Nov. 27, 8:30 a.m.: ERC Turkey Trot, Erie. Run 10K or 5K starting at Presque Isle State Park Beach 1. 814-881-0060 or uropa40@aol.com

Nov. 27, 9 a.m.: Ebensburg Turkey Trot 5K, Ebensburg. 814-330-3817 or ebensburgrunners.org

Nov. 27, 9 a.m.: Cranberry Turkey Chase 5K and 1 Mile Run/ Walk, Cranberry Township. Flat and fat. 724-452-1325 or jpnickel@zoominternet.net

Nov. 27, 9 a.m.: New Castle YMCA Turkey Trot 5K, New Castle. 724-658-9211 or jkmick@ncymca.org

Nov. 27, 9 a.m.: Gobbler’s Gallop 10K, Ellwood City. Also 5K starting at 10:15 a.m. 724-758-6227 or joeandsidney@yahoo.com

Nov. 27, 9:30 a.m.: Gobble Wobble, Hermitage. Run at Buhl Farms Park. glackey@eglolaw.com

Nov. 27, 10 a.m.: GUTBUSTER, Pittsburgh. Choice of 2, 4, or 8 mile trail runs through Frick Park. 412-512-8885

Dec. 6, 9 a.m.: Oil City’s Christmas Past Jingle Bell 5K, Oil City. Also Youth Elf Race at 8:45 a.m. elizabeth@urban-ins.com

Dec. 7, 10 a.m.: Nittany Valley Half Marathon, State College. 814-321-2993 or nvhalfmarathon@gmail.com

Dec. 7, 10 a.m.: Deerslayer Trail Run, South Park. Choice of 4 or 8 miles on South Park trails. 724-348-6012 or bmcglothlin@hotmail.com

Dec. 7, 11 a.m.: Clint Puller Memorial Toy Run 5K, Meadville. Benefits Toys for Tots. 724-992-9154 or michaelharry40@hotmail.com

Dec. 13, 10 a.m.: Jingle Dash 5K, Ellwood City. 724-601-7754 or sdesandzo@zoominternet.net

Dec. 13, 10 a.m.: Jingle Bell Run/ Walk, Pittsburgh. Costume themed run. Also kids Tinsel Trot at 9 a.m. and 1 Mile Run/ Walk at 9:30 a.m. 412-250-3342 or lwaltman@arthritis.org

Race results

Buffalo Creek Half Marathon, Oct. 18 (finishing times under 2:10:00): Adam Smith, 1st Overall M, 1:13:51; Leslie Kramer, 1st Overall W, 1:26:34; Melissa Kemp, 2nd Overall W, 1:28:50; Tim Monfre, 3rd Masters M, 1:24:50; Laine Seely, 1st 40-44, 1:26:32; Jason Sittler, 2nd 35-39 M, 1:27:24; Dean Rippee, 2nd 55-59 M, 1:27:39; Christopher Boyd, 3rd 25-29 M, 1:27:42; Gar Bercury, 2nd 40-44 M, 1:28:05; Jeff Lynn, 3rd 45-49 M, 1:30:16; Michael Leary, 3rd 55-59 M, 1:34:12; Alyssa Wozniak, 2nd 25-29 W, 1:34:40; Lissa Batchelet, 2nd 35-39 W, 1:35:58; Megan O’Keefe, 3rd 25-29 W, 1:36:46; Derek Priester, 1st 19 & Under M, 1:40:00; Kristin Krause, 1st 40-44 W, 1:40:44; Jinny Hertweck, 3rd 40-44 W, 1:41:30; Micci Hutterer, 1st 55-59 W, 1:48:44; Jill Kraus, 1st 50-54 W, 1:49:17; Jennifer McNabb, 2nd 50-54 W, 1:50:48; Patricia Neubert, 1st 60-64 W, 2:01:10; Christine Murray, 2nd 60-64 W, 2:10:08; Rebecca Gannon, 3rd 60-64 W, 2:11:45; Patti Offstein, 1st 65-69 W, 2:17:59; Mark Casteel, 1:30:51; TJ Pynos, 1:32:14; John Schlie, 1:33:41; Roger Lutz, 1:33:46; John Armstrong, 1:34:17; Brent Collins, 1:34:19; Stephen Hepler, 1:34:30; Daniel Mitchell, 1:35:16; Dan Nguyen, 1:35:36; Nate Steinhafel, 1:36:18; Joseph Remic, 1:36:33; Jonathan Bost, 1:37:28; Michael Fabrizzi, 1:38:13; William Marsh, 1:38:45; Holly Bova, 1:38:49; Jim Csonka, 1:38:58; William Osche, 1:38:59; Chris Cutone, 1:39:33; Caleb Rauscher, 1:39:42; Nick Kijowski, 1:40:30; Aaron Depew, 1:40:50; David Findlay, 1:40:57; David White, 1:41:06; Steve Segulla, 1:41:15; Kaitlin Turnley, 1:41:44; Jeff Conaway, 1:41:53; Roger Hyde, 1:42:01; Avery Lawson, 1:43:15; Ryanne Palermo, 1:43:48; Jocelyn Johnston, 1:43:54; Karl Johnson, 1:43:56; Daniel Beggs, 1:43:59; Thomas Minnock. 1:44:13; Douglas Gebhart, 1:44:14; Tim Brack, 1:44:44; Charles Huth, 1:44:59; Michael Corcoran, 1:45:09; Matthew Harnett, 1:45:23; Dawn Bugajski-Brahler, 1:45:59; Jason Stobert, 1:46:06; Michael Grossman, 1:46:06; Eric Rudish. 1:46:13; Eric Rudish, 1:46:17; Michelle Williams-Turner, 1:47:00; Christie Beaver, 1:47:55; Heather Eberle, 1:48:17; Jackie Shakley, 1:49:00; Dirk Shakley, 1:49:00; Jonathan Minteer, 1:49:28; G Ronald Ripper, 1:49:40; Justin Maskal, 1:49:56; Alysia Cagno, 1:50:05; Amy Stinelli, 1:50:21; Laura Seitz, 1:50:37; Bret Sather, 1:51:28; Tony Chan, 1:51:38; Lindsay Murray, 1:51:49; Jenny Aprile, 1:51:50; Lindsay Defelice, 1:52:06; Marie Pelloni, 1:52:07; Brittney Larimore, 1:52:34; Brooke Wozniak, 1:52:38; Tracy Newman, 1:52:48; Gregg Defilippi, 1:52:50; Christina Mullen, 1:52:51; Lana Stockdill, 1:52:54; Chris Lefever, 1:52:55; Doug Bish, 1:52:56; Mike Hucko, 1:52:57; Katherine Colton, 1:53:11; Nicole Prioletti, 1:53:32; Catherine Arvay, 1:53:34; Elena Schaller, 1:53:39; Jen Beachem, 1:53:58; Chris Porch, 1:54:10; Jonathan Jones, 1:54:18; Becky Miller, 1:54:31; Bill Swanik, 1:54:43; Chris Walters, 1:54:48; Jeremy Peffer, 1:55:01; Victor Wilczynski, 1:55:15; Kenny McGee, 1:55:43; Sara McGee, 1:55:43; Jared Northrop, 1:55:56; Maddie Kraus, 1:55:56; Sheila Neely, 1:56:01; Christina Traynor, 1:56:08; Connie Hoffer, 1:56:16; Bryan Shoemaker, 1:56:22; Genifer Scaletta, 1:56:22; Nichol Murray, 1:56:25; Carrie Blawas, 1:56:28; Kelly Pecora, 1:56:29; Wendy Wick, 1:56:53; Jennifer Eckenrode, 1:57:03; Sharmila Gupta, 1:57:10; Laura Syes, 1:57:32; Jim Smith, 1:57:34; Michael Jones, 1:57:39; Lauren Jones, 1:57:49; Jason Hindman, 1:58:11; Katelyn Conn, 1:58:18; Tonya Theuret, 1:58:19; Terry Sullivan, 1:58:53; Scott Meiser, 1:59:08; Anthony Zuccolotto, 1:59:12; Robyn Stewart, 1:59:21; Edward Jenkins, 1:59:45; Carrie Smith, 2:00:04; Becky Monhemius. 2:00:14; Noelle Sequite, 2:00:17; Jon Haverstick, 2:00:48; Tiffany Collins, 2:00:51; Dan DeMoss, 2:00:59; Susan Tirch, 2:01:09; Tracey Smith, 2:01:09; Mary Moody, 2:01:10; Kelley Morrone, 2:01:58; Colleen White, 2:02:09; Jim Kraus, 2:02:29; Charlene Kurpakus, 2:02:37; Nick Barker, 2:02:39; Bethany Sauers, 2:02:51; Renee Lichty-Bodnar, 2:02:55; David Adams, 2:03:05; Chris Soloski, 2:03:29; Jeffrey Castello, 2:04:03; Mindy Bish, 2:04:05; Marilyn LaRocca, 2:04:12; Sarah Boyles, 2:04:24; Susie Landry, 2:04:24; Kristen Burcham, 2:04:24; Nathan Reed, 2:04:27; Jennifer Dugan, 2:04:28; Laura Bogacz, 2:05:38; Mark Perrine, 2:05:38; Kim Keeley, 2:05:44; Lindsey Baker, 2:06:07; Paula Miller, 2:06:20; Tracy Hartle, 2:06:44; Donna Natale, 2:06:56; Candice Perkins, 2:07:03; Christin Cooper, 2:07:07; Stacy Cramer, 2:07:07; Christy Gregori, 2:07:14; Erin Stewart, 2:07:16; Gordon Cooper, 2:07:42; Doug Titchen, 2:07:57; Julie Skal, 2:08:02; Stephanie McCreary, 2:08:19; Joanne Castello, 2:08:32; Jill Todd, 2:08:38; Kenneth Cahall, 2:08:39; Suzanne Leonberg, 2:09:05; Don Forcht, 2:09:14; Terri Gizienski, 2:09:30; Ann Cannoni, 2:09:32; Suzanne Maffei, 2:09:36; Kristen Pavlina, 2:09:52; Angela Rothbauer, 2:09:54; Alan Offstein, 2:09:54

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert, 435 Cherry Valley Rd., Saxonburg, PA. 16056. Phone or fax 724-352-4395. Email bigp16@connecttime.net

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle