Ready, set, go!

For me, the last command is the hardest to follow this time of year. I’m ready with running time carved out of my schedule and a choice of safe and scenic roads and trails. I’m set with trail shoes, insulating layers and my favorite mittens.

So what’s stopping me?

Sometimes it’s hard to take those first steps out the door when it’s cold, dark and slushy. I’d rather cozy up in front of the fireplace with a book and a beer. But I know it’s much easier to keep moving now than to start over again in spring.

Here are my suggestions to kick your butt out the door this winter.

You don’t get in the car with no destination in mind. Likewise, you’re less likely to run or walk, especially in winter cold, without a goal and a plan for getting there. Choose a goal based on your current fitness level and fill in the blanks to reach it. Keep a log to stay on track and don’t forget to choose a fitting reward for completing your goal.

Whether you’re a veteran or newbie, there are plenty of local events to train for. How about the 50th Spring Thaw with it’s familiar loops of North Park Lake on Feb. 28? If that isn’t enough time to get in shape, plan to join the thousands running or walking during the first weekend in May with Pittsburgh Marathon events (www.thepittsburghmarathon.com/races) or join your neighbors for the Butler Road Race in June.

Not all goals end with finish lines. This January, I joined a Facebook 100-Day Fitness Challenge with friends of Get Fit Families’ Joella Baker. There are no prizes and no swag, just the satisfaction of developing a good habit of exercising each day. I’m already choosing my celebratory beer and a well-deserved day off on Day 101.

I’ll admit, not all runs are enjoyable. Sometimes it’s tough to brave the elements. Run a fun event like Groundhog Day 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk in North Park or Groundhog Jog 4-Miler in Punxsutawney, both on Jan. 31, and you’ll earn cool swag plus a good workout with plenty of support. The North Park event offers groundhog finisher medals and a gentle course while finishers at Punxsy’s 4-Miler earn collector coins for running up Gobbler’s Knob Hill.

Races aren’t all about winning. If you’re training this winter for a spring PR, a race can be a great tempo run. Some events offer pace groups so you can focus on technique without constantly checking your watch.

A running buddy keeps you honest and on track. And those long runs don’t seem quite as long with someone sharing the miles. Meet at your favorite coffee shop for a workout and post-run socializing.

If you need a friend, call your local YMCA, fitness club or running store for group run opportunities. Pro Bike + Run in North Park holds weekly group runs as does Rose Schneider YMCA in Cranberry Township.

If you’re as interested in fun as you are in the run, check out Dancing Gnome Run Club on Facebook, Instagram or Strava. The brewery in Sharpsburg conducts fun runs weekly and supports runners at local events.

Local parks like Preston in Butler Township or Moraine State Park are beautiful for trail running this time of year. Or stay on the fitness track with outdoor cross training such as cross country skiing or hiking that boosts endurance and strength without the pounding of running.

Rachel Carson Conservancy conducts group hikes on Rachel Carson Trail in anticipation of the annual Trail Challenge in June. Their first event is a 7-mile hike on Harmony and Rachel Carson Trails on Feb. 15.

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

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

Sunday, 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. 7, 8 a.m.: Cancer Bridges Community Run/walk, Pittsburgh. Run or walk 1-16 miles and post-run breakfast. Supports free programs and services for those impacted by cancer. Pittsburgh.runsignup.com/Race/PA/Pittsburgh/GCXCCancerBridgesCommunityRun

Feb. 14, 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 1, 10 a.m.: Withrow 5K, Oakdale. Held at Helicon Brewery. Also 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Oakdale/SweatBarFitnessWithrowMemorialKAndMileFamilyFunWalk

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

March 7, 11 a.m.: Ellport Boro Community 5K, Ellwood City. Cash prizes to Overall and 70-plus runners in six age groups. Also Pizza Joes Pizza! runsignup.com/Race/PA/ELLWOODCITY/ELLPORTBOROWINTERWONDERLAND5K

Truthantrub 5K, Nov. 29: Nathan Kociela, 1st Overall M, 16:58; Owen Venesky, 2nd Overall M, 17:15; David Kristine, 3rd Overall M, 17:25; Natalie Zolinas, 21:04; Jessica Caratelli, 2nd Overall W, 21:06; Ian Llewellyn, 2nd 20-29 M, 21:50; Noah Steiner, 3rd 20-29 M, 21:52; Ava Kidder, 1st 20-29 W, 22:10; James Dankovich, 1st 50-59 M, 22:27; Mark Lamison, 2nd 50-59 M, 22:36; Kristen Prazenica, 1st 30-39 W, 22:38; Catherine Fox, 2nd 20-29 W, 22:45; Gia Vresko, 1st 15-19 W, 22:54; Krista Geagan, 3rd 30-39 W, 25:01; Mitch Andrews, 3rd 30-39 M, 25:11; Claire Tully, 3rd 15-19 W, 25:32; Melissa Macefe, 2nd 40-49 W, 26:28 Micci Hutterer, 1st 60-69 W, 27:02; Libby Wesolosky, 2nd 10-14 W, 27:03; Samantha Barrionuevo, 3rd 40-49 W, 27:04; Harper Lauer, 3rd 10-14 W, 27:22; Jinny Hertweck, 1st 50-59 W, 27:50; Susan Landgraf, 2nd 50-59 W, 28:06; Raymond Muth, 2nd 60-69 M, 34:52; Patricia Neubert, 1st 70+ W, 35:55; Jennifer McCurdy, 2nd 60-69 W, 37:03; Rosemarie Luntz, 3rd 60-69 W, 37:57; Shirley Macefe, 2nd 70+ W, 38:14; Haven Lutz, 1st 9 & Under W, 40:25; Janette Clark, 3rd 70+ W, 46:02; James Kramer, 21:37; Uriah Miller, 21:42; Aden Llewellyn, 21:56; Matthew Schaefer, 22:16; Jeremy Cypher, 23:04; Noah Coachman, 23:20; Anderson Blakley, 23:22; Jaxon Llewellyn, 23:37; Luke Shemanski, 23:41; Josh McClymonds, 23:41; Braedan Drane, 23:41; Cooper Rauschenberger, 23:58; Elijah Drane, 24:03; Hudson Kidder, 24:45; Peyton Caplan, 25:00; Austin Blakley, 25:06; Jill Terwilliger, 25:24; Kris Kramer, 25:32; Laurel Hull, 25:40; David Drane, 26:06; Brody O'Hern, 26:48; David Miller, 27:07; Alana Johnston, 27:24; Annabelle Geist, 27:38; Abby Cypher, 27:57; Juliet Geist, 28:30; Kristie Yenick, 28:36; Jessica Green, 28:48; Alan Wright, 29:01; Benjamin McComas, 29:19; Amy Bono, 29:29; Aspen Thompson, 30:00; Eli Caplan, 30:21; Harlan Thrower, 30:29; Garrett Kramer, 30:32; Amanda Fleming, 30:39; Michelle Michaelis, 30:39; Stephanie Karwoski, 30:44; Destiny Huf, 31:52; Ashley Olesnevich, 32:05; Christen Dummer, 32:10; Sydney Hines, 32:14; Nick Sorg, 32:20; Gavin Roenigk, 32:47; Melissa Kimmell; 32:49; Teressa Opalka, 33:10; Michele Cochran, 33:38; Rose Cardamone, 34:03; Chad Filges, 34:15; Dakota Sexton, 34:24; Sam Becker, 35:10; Elijah Lutz, 35:11; Justin Blakeslee, 35:11; Brent Becker, 35:11; Dana Muth, 35:19; Natalie Gleixner, 35:23; Madison Bachman, 35:37; Emily Geist, 37:27; Hazel Geist, 37:28; Seth Burtner, 37:32; Lindsey Burtner, 37:45; Charles Kraisinge, 38:09; Jennifer Shuler, 39:11; Kassandra Zeiler, 39:46; Kelli Hillwig, 40:04; Ashley Bandi, 40:05; Taylor Caplan, 40:08; Stephanie Oswald, 40:18; Tess Thrower, 40:21; Maggie Caplan, 40:21; Danica McLay, 40:22; Bill McLay, 40:22; Jessica Becker, 40:37; Emily Lutz, 40:37; Brianna Downing, 41:06; Beth McClymonds, 41:17; Ashley Brown, 43:22; Kaylee Bachman, 43:22; Angela Kobik, 43:22; Christine Bloom, 43:30; Caitlin Trettel, 44:39; Veronica Trettel, 44:40; Tabatha Johnston, 45:13; Cindy McCrea, 45:50; Emma Shuler, 49:33; Linda Lauer, 50:29; Kristin Caro, 50:30; Jill Leicher, 51:58; Sammie Bennett, 51:59; Jan Bennett, 52:03; Kayla DeVore, 52:06; Michelle Bradley, 53:18; Jamie DeVore, 55:38

Truthantrub 1K, Nov. 29: M. Taylor, 5:01; K. Ross, 5:09; Tyler Ross, 5:10; M. Michaelis, 5:15; M. Cypher, 5:45; S. Thompson, 5:51; E. Thompson, 6:02; B. Kramer, 6:09; T. Ross, 6:12; Courtney Ross, 6:15; L. Taylor, 6:29; C. Fleming, 6:30; G. Brodeur, 6:37; L. Graham, 6:44; Jake Graham, 7:06; D. Graham, 7:06; Heather Kramer, 7:12; S. Bylinowski, 7:15; Erek Bylinowski, 7:17; A. Bylinowski, 7:33; I. McKeever, 7:36; G. McKeever, 7:39; Kayla Bylinowski, 7:41; Douglas McKeever, 7:50; Karine Canha, 7:52; N. Canha, 7:53; Becky Lewis-Sanders, 8:35; A. Sanders, 8:36; R. Mike, 8:58; Nicholas Mike, 8:58; N. French, 9:06; B. French, 9:08; Ashley McKeever, 9:17; M. Gleixner, 9:28; Amanda Gleixner, 9:29; J. Murdie, 9:51; Kori Murdie, 9:51; Kaelin Vioral, 9:56; G. Wright, 11:12; W. Wright, 11:54; Kelly Wright, 11:58; F. Mike, 12:55; Chloe Mike, 12:55; Paul McComas, 14:07; A. McComas, 14:08; Frank Macefe, 14:09

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