Start off 2016 with a running resolution

Fitness is a common theme for New Year’s resolutions, and resolutions can help runners continue training through cold winter days.

For everyone from those just starting to run or coming back after a hiatus, to runners looking to get faster or try something new, there are plenty of events to look forward to in the new year.

Race a mile

Whether runners are looking to relive their collegiate glory days or just want to see what it’s like to run in an indoor track meet, the Nittany Valley Running Club’s Indoor Mile Series has a heat for them. Past series have attracted some top runners, including Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier Lauren Philbrook and masters champion Nick Berra, who has been profiled in Runner’s World and Running Times. The series welcomes runners of all abilities, though, and typically includes several heats for different paces.

Each race is run on Penn State’s indoor track in conjunction with a Penn State meet. Runners must belong to the club and be past high school age (due to NCAA regulations) to participate. Individuals can join the club at the meet, but must pre-register by email for each race.

The series dates for 2016 are Jan. 9, Jan. 16, Jan. 29, and Feb. 5. For start times and registration information, see www.nvrun.com/index.php/racing/club-sponsored/indoor-mile-series.

Run a trail race

More and more runners are taking to the trails, from Olympians looking for a new challenge to recreational runners looking for a change of scene. It is not surprising, then, that more and more races are being staged on central Pennsylvania’s rugged trails.

For a short introduction to trail running, try the SnowFest 3.5-miler at R.B. Winter State Park in Mifflinburg on Feb. 14 at 1 p.m. The possibility of snow and wintry weather gives this relatively easy course an extra challenge. For more information and registration, see www.midpenntrailblazers.com.

For longer challenges, take on one or all of the seven races in the 2016 PA Trail Runner Trophy Series. The series starts on April 2 with the Mile Run Trail Challenge Half Marathon in Allenwood. Next is the popular Hyner View Trail Challenge 25K in Renovo on April 23, followed by the Greenwood Furnace Trail Challenge on May 1. The Chief Wetona Half Marathon takes place on May 15 at Mt. Pisgah State Park. The closest race to State College is the Rothrock Trail Challenge on June 4. On July 16, the Prowl the Sproul in Renovo is another good beginning trail race or speed workout for more advanced runners. The series closes out with the Dam Half on Sept. 18 at R.B. Winter State Park.

The series awards overall and age group prizes. For more information and registration for each race, see www.parunners.com/pa-trophy-series.html.

Get started

The Nittany Valley Running Club has revived its beginner running program with several weekly run options from which to choose. Volunteers lead group runs on Mondays at noon from the Boalsburg Military Museum parking lot, Mondays and Thursdays at 5:15 p.m. from the RE/MAX State College office at Blue Course and Martin Street, and Wednesdays at noon from the front of Penn State’s Rec Hall. For more information, see http://nvrun.com/index.php/training/running-groups/beginners.

Race results

The top three men had a close finish at the Run for Shelter 5K on Nov. 7 in State College, but Eric Marshall got the win in 17 minutes, 23 seconds. Seth Senior was not far behind in 17:28, and Patrick Singletary, 50, took third overall and top masters in 17:30. On the women’s side, Hannah Rose easily took the win in 18:45.

The following day, Singletary got his win at the Give ‘Em 5! Run for Veterans in Bellefonte, taking first in the 5-miler in 29:59. Fellow masters runner Andrew Maguire was close behind in 30:12, and Rob Shafer of Bellefonte took third overall and the award for top veteran in 31:02. Tara Murray was the first woman in 36:02. Debbie Simoncek of Howard was second and the top female veteran in 37:19. In the 5K, Dean Capone took the win in 19:43 and Deborah Baysinger of Port Matilda was the first woman in 24:17.

On Thanksgiving Day, Mitchell Etter, 16, led the Boalsburg Turkey Trot 5K in 15:56, more than a minute-and-a-half ahead of the next runner. Liz Novack won the women’s race in 18:45.

Race calendar

▪ Nittany Valley Half Marathon, Dec. 6, 10 a.m., Penn State Ag Arena on Park Ave. Registration: $40 on race day. Website: www.nvrun.com.

▪ Run Rudolph Run 5K, Dec. 12, 9 a.m., State College Borough Building. Untimed. Website and registration: www.leftrightrepeat.net/run-rudolph-run-5k.html.

▪ First Night State College Resolution Run 5K, Dec. 31, 6:30 p.m., St. Paul’s United Methodist Church gym, 250 E. College Avenue. Pre-register online at www.nvrun.com or on Dec. 30 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the State College Municipal Building.

▪ CJ’S Resolution Challenge, Jan 2., 9 a.m., R.B. Winter State Park, Mifflintown. Choose from Last Man Standing, RC Revolutions or Kids Revolutions. In the Last Man Standing competition, participants see who can complete the most 1.6-mile loops with decreasing time limits, starting at 20 minutes. In the Revolutions competition, runners try to rack up the most miles in a 3-hour time limit. Benefits the Northeast Bradford Elementary School Life Skills Classroom. For more information and registration, see http://resolutionchallenge.org.

This story was originally published December 3, 2015 at 11:45 PM with the headline "Start off 2016 with a running resolution."