Westmoreland residents take first steps on fitness resolutions at 5k run in Derry

Some Westmoreland County residents spent the first weekend of 2020 taking the first steps toward their fitness resolutions.

About 150 people participated in the Resolution Run on Saturday morning at Keystone State Park in Derry.

“It’s a good way to gauge our level of fitness, or non-fitness, and see how hard you have to work,” said Dave Novak, of Blairsville.

Many people use the new year to try to establish a new fitness routine, said Bethany Connelly, co-owner of Hempfield’s Moonglow yoga studio.

“We get a lot of new clients, and then a lot of previous clients who, maybe, come back to get their year kick-started,” she said. “People are starting new things, they want to try something new.”

Peggy Gamble, of Blairsville, participated in the Resolution Run, but she said she didn’t make any formal resolutions for the new year.

“Just to do my best, put my best foot forward, and do better than last year,” said Gamble, who at age 61 is training for a triathlon.

The Resolution Run, organized by Hempfield’s Gingerbread Man Running Co., is a low-cost, no-frills 5K meant to get the year off to a running start, said organizer Sarah Fullmer.

In past years, runners have had to contend with frigid January temperatures, but this year temps were relatively balmy — almost 50 degrees.

“This year the weather is perfect, it’s awesome conditions out there, except it’s a little bit soggy,” Fullmer said.

In addition to runners and walkers, this year’s resolution race had a new category for “ruckers,” who walk or run with weighted rucksacks. About 20 people participated in the new category.

Participants of all ages and experience level took part.

“It’s a good way to get started running again, after taking some time off for the holidays,” said Bob Tinsley, of Latrobe.

Anyone who’s made fitness resolutions knows how easily January’s ambition can become February’s malaise.

Connelly’s used to seeing packed yoga classes in the first few weeks of the year thin out by January’s end.

She encouraged those who want to stick with their resolutions to stay focused on the results.

“Just remember how you feel when you leave a class,” she said. “It’s hard to get there sometimes, but you always feel good when you leave.”