One of my favorite times of the year is that week of down time between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Since I’ve retired, it’s no longer a respite from work, but it’s still a week of review and renewal, reflection and hope.

One of my between holiday traditions is to peruse the dozen or so mail order seed catalogs I’ve tossed aside during the Christmas rush. The vivid photos of perfect tomatoes recall the best parts of summer — long, lazy days with lunches of juicy tomato sandwiches and warm evenings of salad suppers on the deck to the accompaniment of peepers and bullfrogs on the pond.

Reflecting on the glories of homegrown tomatoes, it’s easy to get carried away. I’d love to order a dozen or so varieties in every shape, size and color. But then I remember the work involved in taking a tomato from seed to dinner plate and the time commitment required for successful gardening. My list pares down.

I know that if I grow all of the tomato varieties that catch my eye, I won’t have room in my garden for any of my other summer favorites. And what’s a salad without lettuce or salsa without peppers and onions?

I’ve learned to temper my passion for summer tomatoes with a dose of winter’s sensibility.

Another between-holiday tradition is my annual running review and preview. I close out my old running log and break out a brand new calendar of blank pages.

Race websites have piled up in my browser Bookmarks and slick magazine enticements have accumulated over the past months like my seed catalogs. Just looking at the sleek photos of gorgeous scenery, exuberant spectators or joyous race finishers recalls the days of warm summer training, cool evening long runs and the excitement of giving your all on race day.

Like those tomatoes, running events come in a wide range of colors, sizes and flavors. Delicious and enticing as these events may be, I know that each race requires a level of commitment in time and money. Much as I’d like to race all over the country on every spring and summer weekend, I realize that would be physically, mentally and financially draining. I delete the websites and file away most of the race brochures, narrowing my choices to a few possibilities.

Just as a garden full of tomatoes is a shortsighted and limiting use of gardening space, a schedule full of races is an unbalanced use of time and energy. If I include too many races (enticing as they all seem now) into my schedule, I won’t have time for other more relaxed running or for other favorite summer activities like gardening, biking or picnicking with friends and family.

By January 1, I’ll be ready to place my tomato seed order. I’ll choose a couple of old favorites like First Lady and Sungold that I know will thrive in my garden and give me plenty of tomato sandwiches, salsa and salads --- with a few left for the deer.

I’ll also try an heirloom that may require more attention and a little more work for an uncertain outcome, but I’m willing to give it a try. If it grows well, the sweet rewards will be worth the effort.

I’m also ready to place my racing order for 2016. Of course, I’ll included some of my favorites like Cook Forest Half Marathon and Butler Road Race. Training for these events will give me hours of exercise and the rewards of scenic, friendly and familiar courses run in the company of friends.

I’ll also add a few more adventurous trail races, though I know running off-road will take some extra care and time. If my training goes well, the sweet rewards will be worth the effort.

Upcoming events

Saturdays, 8 a.m.: Up-N-Running Group Runs, Valencia. Run on rolling country roads. 724-898-2525 or shoes@runpa.com

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.: Mojo Running Group Runs, Seven Fields. 724-772-2808 or info@mojorunningpittsburgh.com

Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.: Mojo Trail Nuts Group Runs, North Park. Run on North Park trails. 724-772-2808 or info@mojorunningpittsburgh.com

Saturday, 1 p.m.: Jingle Bell 5k, Canfield, OH. Youngstown.jinglebell.15@gmail.com

Dec. 31, 3 p.m.: Harmony Silvester 5k, Harmony. Also 1 mile fun run at 3:45 P.M. www.harmony-pa.us

Dec. 31, 4 p.m.: Twilight 5k Run, 2 Mile Run and 2 Mile Walk, Hollidaysburg. Run through the lights at Lakemont Park. bsheffer@hollidaysburgareaymca.org

Dec. 31, 6 p.m.: First Night State College Resolution Run, State College. Run through Penn State campus. 814-571-1960 or dhel@psu.edu

New Year’s Day 5 Mile Race, Erie. Starts at Presque Isle State Park’s Rotary Pavilion. 814-774-3209 or dan.a@erierunners.club

Jan. 1, 10 a.m.: ERC New Year’s Day 5 Mile Race, Erie. Starts at Presque Isle State Park’s Rotary Pavilion. Dan.a@erierunners.club or online registration at RunSignUp.com

Jan. 2, 8:30 a.m.: Gingerbreadman Resolution Run 5k, Derry. Run around Keystone Lake State Park. 724-465-8262 or jswauger@comcast.net. Online registration at RunSignUp.com

Jan. 9, 8:30 a.m.: Pittsburgh Marathon Kick-Off Training Run, Pittsburgh. 412-586-7785 or register at thepittsburghmarathon.com

Jan. 9, Noon: Community and Red Center New Year Winter Wellness Dash Mile Run/ Walk, Upper St. Clair. 412-221-1099, ext. 606 or mcleaster@twpusc.org

Jan. 9, 12 noon: Winter Wing Challenge 5k or 1 Mile, Sharpsville. Post-race all you can eat wings. 724-456-2373 or frstacrs@yahoo.com

Jan.10, 9 a.m.: Frigid 5 Miler, North Park. Starts at North Park Lodge, post-race pancake breakfast. 412-490-0881 or www.eliterunners.com

Jan. 10, 1 p.m.: Run 2 Read Half Marathon, Fairmont, WV. Run through Prickett’s Fort State Park. 304-366-6055 or run2read@yahoo.com

Jan. 16, 10 a.m.: Moraine State Park Winter Fest 5k, Portersville. Starts at Pavilion 7, McDaniel’s Boat Launch in Moraine State Park. tamsuemcg@embarqmail.com

Jan. 16, 10 a.m.: Bushwacker’s Nightmare Trail Run, South Park. GPRRC run starts at Fairground Clock. Sign up on day of event. 724-348-6012 or rhickey@adelphia.net

Jan. 16, 11 a.m.: Chilly Cheeks Challenge, Hermitage. Choice of 10, 5 or 2 miles with post-race hot soup and more. 724-456-2373 or pittsmullet@verizon.net

Jan. 16, 11 a.m.: Greenwood Furnace Snowfest 5-Miler, Huntingdon. Trail race in conjunction with Snowfest including Polar Plunge, ice skating, snowshoeing. 607-321-3008 or midinsmore@pa.gov

Race results

Foxburg Turkey Trot 5k, Nov. 21: Herb Cratty, 1st Overall M, 19:52; Amanda Fleming, 1st Overall W, 23:24; Shawn Beranty, 30-44 M, 21:20; Fred Weaver, 2nd 30-44 M, 21:54; John Armstrong, 3rd 45-59 M, 22:21; Karen Carmichael, 1st 45-59 W, 25:54; Joshua Campbell, 3rd 18 & Under M, 27:27; Hannah Grubbs, 19-29 W, 27:47; Kelly Minich, 3rd 30-44 W, 28:47; Alexis Fennell, 2nd 18 & Under W, 29:26; Lizzy Derose, 3rd 18 & Under W, 27:27; Anne Badamo, 2nd 60+ W, 44:22; Mel Risinger, Jr., 3rd 60+ M, 47:30; Tim Sloan, 23:42; Bob Augustine, 29:31; Maxwell Weiland, 29:40; Brian Weiland, 29:41; Brianna Bailey, 29:55; Beth Raney, 30:16; Samantha Brison, 32:21; Bridge Brison, 32:28; Sandy Clark, 32:30; Megan Dehart, 32:46; Braeden Rodgers, 33:45; Alyson Fennell, 35:11; Rossi McMillen, 35:12; Wendy White, 35:12; April McMillen, 36:05; Mark Rumbaugh, 36:13; Brooke Rumbaugh, 36:13; Tod Forquer, 37:26; Shelly Wilson, 38:35; Jing Humphreys, 39:52; Taryn Best, 40:43; Michelle Rodgers, 43:10; Melanie Bartel, 47:33; Barb McCall, 47:59; Aubrey Minich, 48:02; Shae Lee Minich, 50:48; Mike Weimer, 51:12; Cindy Weimer, 52:05; Brad Horner, 55:21; Ned Barger, 55:21; Tracey Schroeder, 56:10; Katherine Hunsinger, 56:12; Virginia Barnhart, 59:40; Tammy Smith, 59:42; Aimee Miller, 1:09:55; Elaine Miller, 1:09:57; Nathan McAnallen, 1:12:13; Cathy Reese, 1:12:15

Gobbler’s Gallop 5k, Nov. 26: Joseph Franze, 1st Overall M, 17:09; Jarrott Boyd, 3rd Overall M, 18:06; Alyssa Campbell, 1st Overall W, 20:50; Meagan Kidder, 2nd Overall W, 21:25; Caitlin Snyder, 3rd Overall W, 21:40; Daniel Conrad, 1st 14-19 M, 18:11; Colin Galey, 1st 25-29 M, 19:05; Jonathon McElwain, 2nd 25-29 M, 19:07; Patrick Moran, 1st 40-44 M, 19:15; Nico Baldelli, 3rd 25-29 M, 20:36; Dan Spiker, 2nd 20-24 M, 20:36; Frank Dambrosio, 1st 50-54 M, 21:07; Warren Smith, 1st 60-64 M, 21:15; Chase Bowen, 2nd 13 & Under M, 21:17; Leslie Kramer, 1st 35-39 W, 21:53; John Armstrong, 2nd 50-54 M, 22:09; John Kidder, 3rd 50-54 M, 22:19; Alecia Kidder, 1st 20-24 W, 23:04; David Adams, 1st 65+ M, 23:59; Clarissa Coccia, 2nd 30-34 W, 24:02; Nicole Haus, 3rd 30-34 W, 24:30; Ed Shepard, 1st 55-59 M, 24:31; John Brenner, 2nd 55-59 M, 24:40; Anna Mahary, 1st 25-29 W, 25:16; Dawn Smith, 1st 45-49 W, 25:33; Alissa Verone Boyle, 2nd 45-49 W, 25:46; Susan Brenner, 3rd 45-49 W, 25:54; Joe Snyder, 3rd 30-34 M, 25:57; Jim Hogue, 2nd 35-39, 27:12; Debra Kuminkoski, 2nd 50-54 W, 30:06; Frank McElwain, 2nd 65-59 M, 31:30; Dezso Csizmadia, 1st 70+ M, 31:46; Tim Ferraro, 3rd 35-39 M, 32:31; Rebecca Zimmerman, 2nd 55-59 W, 32:42; Jackson Coyne, 19:09; Ryan Ard, 20:58; Greg Hardin, 23:09; Austin Macgregor, 23:44; Hunter Best, 23:54; Robert MacMurdo, 24:32; Carter MacMurdo, 24:33; Dave Piecych, 24:35; Melaina Kirschner, 24:47; Dick Trutter, 24:50; Macenzie Fullmer, 25:05; Goldie Ann Bookamer, 25:32; Cody McElwain, 25:32; Steve Brenner, 25:50; Laurel Sutterheld, 25:58; Ethan Pilarski, 26:10; Chad Lewis, 26:16; Jamie Knauff, 27:31; Casey Bamberger, 28:18; Nichol Murray, 28:21; Kathryn Coyne, 28:41; Kim Deloid, 28:51; Anthony Popovich, 29:17; Carrie Popovich, 29:25; Brian MacMurto, 30:07; Lucas Glevicy, 30:07; DeeDee Evans, 30:10; Megan Burr, 30:18; Emerson Carr, 30:24; Jim Carr, 30:24; Lenny Yensull, 31:14; Madeline Dimeo, 31:29; Tim Weil, 31:31; Doug Pilarski, 31:53; Kelly Roitz, 32:10; Katie Roitz, 32:11; Jonah Bookamer, 32:25; Brooklynn Kaszer, 32:28; Cassandra Walters, 32:31; Tim Zimmerman, 32:42; Tess Hardin, 33:01; Anna Dimeo, 33:16; Kim Smiley, 33:18; Lisa Davidson, 33:19; Reece Pilarski, 34:44; Natalie Pilarski, 34:45; Alea Lewis, 34:55; Kristen Moscipan, 34:59; Kyle Householder, 35:02; Jody Nowrey, 35:34; Emily Dingfeider, 35:53; Lucas Griffin, 35:53; Gary Williams, 35:55; Sherry Lewis, 37:47; Hannah Anderson, 38:45; Noah Nelson, 39:23; Ray Nelson, 39:25; Miranda Dimeo, 40:06; Caelyn Ludwig, 40:19; Carla Young, 40:51; Lisa Jurick, 40:53; Charity Beegle, 42:46; Faith Beegle, 46:37

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

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle