make light of the dark

Racing season is coming to an end very shortly for most runners. The clock is going to change this weekend and the evenings will continue to get darker for a couple of months. This is the perfect time to set short term goals. Sometimes those short days can be a drag, but if you have a specific goal in mind, you can avoid the winter blues.

Here are some ideas about what you can look forward to in the Kansas City area:

1. Bottomless 5k runs with exciting themes and fun courses. See www.kcrunningcompany.com to explore literally dozens of options.
   
   
2. The Alternate Chili run 10-miler out at Wyandotte County Park -- a beautiful park worth the drive. http://www.psychowyco.com/id44.html
   
   
3. Indoor Triathlons -- The Jewish Community Center has one usually in February and is a great change a pace to get off the roads and do some aerobic cross training.
   
   
4. That rare snowstorm! A few retailers in town sell snowshoes and cross country skis that are perfect to help embrace the white, powdery blanket.
   
   
5. Learn how to prepare healthier snacks for the rest of the duration of Chiefs football season. The food I see at tailgate scares me!

The most important part of getting through the winter is to make sure you’re getting some fresh air and sweating a little bit here and there. You can find plenty of fun, active things to do around the city so don’t let the weather be an excuse!