Last week, Punxsutawney Phil predicted that winter would end soon.

If true, that's great news for runners, signaling warmer weather and more comfortable spring training. But don't make your running season like the movie Groundhog Day. Consider some changes in methods and goals to keep running fresh.

Old friend or new acquaintance. I look forward to running my favorite races each year — Pittsburgh Marathon, Butler Road Race, Courtney's Ice Dream Race, Buffalo Creek Half. But if I repeat the full slate, there's no room in the schedule to try the many other quality events in the area.

Last year, instead of running the City of Pittsburgh's Great Race, I took a trip to Delaware for Dogfish Dash. This year, instead of pounding the pavement at Pittsburgh Marathon, I've opted to hit the trails at Glacier Ridge 30k, a nearby trail race I've wanted to run for years.

Run or volunteer. If you're not able to run all of those classic events, you can still participate. Contact the organizers to ask about race day volunteer opportunities. Give others a memorable experience and get a behind-the-scenes look at one of your favorite races.

Long or short. About a decade ago, I found myself stuck in an unhealthy cycle of training and running a marathon every spring and fall. That led to overtraining and injury. If you're in a training/racing rut, try something different for one training cycle.

If you've been focused on long races, pick a few races of distances shorter than half marathon. This may be the year to try for a personal best at the 5k or 1-mile distance. And the speed training should ultimately benefit your longer races as well.

Likewise, if you've limited your race participation to the annual neighborhood 5k, test your limits by training for a fall half marathon. Try a trail race or a sprint distance triathlon.

Together or alone. Some of us enjoy the solitude and flexibility of running alone. Others can't step out the door without a training partner. Mix it up this year. There are local running groups for all people and purposes. Check with your local YMCA or health club for weekly fun runs. Local running stores offer various running opportunities for all levels. Don't be shy, but be persistent. Shopping for a running group or partner can be an enjoyable and challenging adventure.

If you're interested in making running events more fun than competitive, try a costume run or holiday run through the lights. Or try a mud, obstacle or color run to tap into your more adventurous side.

On the reverse side, if you're someone who can't seem to be motivated to run alone, setting out by yourself can be a challenge. Try a short run in a local park or jog from your house or work to a coffee shop nearby. Music is a great accompaniment, but keep the volume low to be more aware of your surroundings.

Trail running alone can be an almost spiritual endeavor. Text a friend or leave a note detailing where and for how long you will be out. Carry your cell phone just in case you twist an ankle miles away from your home or car.

Home or away. It's easy to run in our area. We've got miles of roads, tracks and trails for training and at least one race per weekend year round.

A trip to a destination race requires planning and can be expensive, but it's an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I've run events through the national parks of Utah, on the beach in Cocoa Beach, Florida and through the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania — of course, not all in the same year.

You don't have to plan your vacation around a race. With a little research and preparation, you may find a local 5k or a group fun run at your regular family vacation spot. At least you'll return home with a souvenir t-shirt and a story to tell your friends. You can also check Hash House Harriers kennels worldwide for a run (with beer) near most cities.

It's a big world with infinite roads, trails and events to run. Where you go and how you get there is up to you. It's your adventure and your running life.

Upcoming events

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.: Mojo Running Group Run, Seven Fields. All levels welcome. 724-772-2808

Saturdays, 8 a.m.: Up-N-Running Group Run, Valencia. Meet at All Fit parking lot. All levels including spring marathon training. 724-898-2525.

Feb. 22, 10 a.m.: 44th Annual Spring Thaw, North Park. Choice of 10, 15 or 20 miles. All registered runners receive a custom blanket, perks for each distance completed including gloves, buff, finisher's medal. 440-413-0907 or www.athlinks.com/event/44th-annual-spring-thaw-35943

Feb. 29, 9 a.m.: PREP4PITT-2: Spring Break Eight(0.5), Fredonia. Rolling course with post race music and tropical theme. Second of three races in the series. 724-301-6775 or races@mctrails.net

March 7, 8:30 a.m.: Kiss Me, I'm a Runner 5k, Cranberry Township. 440-413-0907 or Geoff@gcxracing.com

March 7, 10 a.m.: Shamrock 'N' Run 5k and 10k, Sharpsville. Includes t-shirt and breakfast. 724-981-2875 or kmild@primary-health.net

March 8, 2:30 p.m.: March Hare 5k, Parkersburg, WV. 304-482-7647

March 14, 10 a.m.: Kiski Area Shamrock Run 5k, Apollo. 724-244-7999 or susan.feudale@kiskiarea.com

March 14, 10 a.m.: Pi Day 5k Trail Run, Canfield, OH. 330-729-4000, ext. 1505

March 14, 10 a.m.: Judith's Jig 5k Memorial Run/Walk, Meadville. 814-282-1069 or judithsjig@gmail.com

March 14, 11 a.m.: Ellport Borough Community 5k 70 & Over Championship Race, Ellport. Scenic course, $150 for overall course records, cash prizes for age groups 70-74, 75-79, 80+, post race pizza. 724-841-6528 or bonnherb@yahoo.com

March 14: Buzzard Day Trail Run, Hinckley, OH. Choice of 25k, 50k or 100k. 330-299-9720

March 21, 9 a.m.: Brave American 5k and 10k, Sewickley. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Sewickley/9thAnnualBraveAmericanClassic

March 21, 10 a.m.: Shamrock Shuffle Half Marathon, 5k Run/Walk and 1 Mile Run/Walk, Harmony. Challenging half marathon, rolling 5k and 1 mile. Goodie bag, food and drinks for all participants. Joella@zoominternet.net March 27, 4-7 P.M.: Annual Sean T. Smith Memorial – Just a Short Run Packet Pick-up, Allison Park. Held at Pro Bike+Run, North Park. 724-719-6833

March 28, 8:30 a.m.: 20th Annual Sean T. Smith Memorial - Just a Short Run 30k, 8.1 miles, half marathon and 5k, Allison Park. Run around North Park Lake. 724-719-6833 or www.athlinks.com

March 28, 10 a.m.: PREP4PITT-3, Sandy Lake. Run 13.1 or 5k. 724-301-6775 or races@mctrails.net

Race results

44th Marine Corps Marathon, Oct. 27, 2019: Jordan Tropf, 1st Overall M, 2:27:43; Brittany Charboneau, 1st Overall W, 2:44:47; Terry Beacom, 3:38:05; Philip Jones, 3:43:31; Jennifer Webber, 3:58:41; Christina Beaver, 4:02:32; Matt Scoletti, 4:08:16; Tim Heusey, 4:25:13; Marilyn Larocca, 4:29:07; Matthew Deacon, 4:34:30; Nicole Neuschwander, 4:43:07; Tammy Pittsman, 4:57:04; Zachary Vandyke, 4:58:00; Damian Edwards, 4:59:16; Mike Zatchey, 5:06:58; Jean Ciraula, 5:07:46; Stephanie McCreary, 5:12:38; Michael Duffy, 5:14:05; Brooke Novotnak, 5:54:01; Andrew Drake, 5:58:31; Laura Strutz, 6:00:19; Mark Novotnak, 6:17:43; Jessica Davis, 6:42:59; John Davis, 6:43:00; Jeremy Danley, 6:44:32; Tasha Werner, 6:55:05; Alison McHale, 6:59:04; Joel Larocca, 7:13:10

New York Marathon, Nov. 3: Geoffrey Kamworor, 1st Overall M, 2:08:13; Joyciline Jepkosgei, 1st Overall W, 2:22:38; Seth Jenny, 3:11:05; Angie Jenny, 3:17:25; Meredith Heusey, 3:34:02; Jinny Hertweck, 4:17:58; Mary Morgan, 4:34:56; John Armstrong, 4:47:41; Laura Palisin, 4:52:08; Lori Ashman-Williams, 6:19:18

Punxsutawney Groundhog Jog 4 Miler, Feb. 1: Adam Smelko, 1st Overall M, 23:56; Jennifer Smelko, 1st Overall W, 27:52; Matthew Sudak, 2nd 40-49 M, 27:07; Preston Musser, 3rd 14 & Under M, 35:20; John D. Patrus, 1st 70+ M, 56:53; Timothy Wyant, 28:15; Gwendolyn Musser, 35:20; Jeff Keiger, 37:29; Alex Oakes, 45:10

Groundhog Day Prediction 2.22 Miler, Feb. 2: Dean Banko, 1st Overall M, 13:19; Mark Hunkele, 2nd Overall M, 13:56; Julia Zalenski, 1st Overall W, 15:08; Karen Lyle, 2nd Overall W, 17:11; Dianne Zalenski, 3rd Overall W, 17:11; Nicholas Christian, 3rd 30-39 M, 16:40; Mitch Radella, 1st 50-59 M, 17:03; Danny Flood, 1st 40-49 M, 17:42; James Christian, 1st 7-8 M, 18:36; Zachary Baker, 2nd 13-18 M, 18:37; Michael Badamo, 2nd 40-49 M, 20:17; Heather Byrom, 1st 40-49 W, 20:22; Stephanie Flood, 2nd 40-49 W, 21:00; Wyatt Bowman, 1st 9-10 M, 22:46; Deborah Takacs, 2nd 50-59 W, 23:16; Deb Calmbacher, 1st 60-69 W, 23:24; Julia Murray, 3rd 50-59 W, 23:29; David Murray, 2nd 50-59 M, 23:33; Joe Taylor, 3rd 50-59 M, 28:53; Luke Swierlzer, 1st 5-6 M, 28:56; John Swierlzer, 2nd 9-10 M, 30:06; Piper Krocker, 1st 11-12 M, 30:07; Stephen Mick, 17:22; Charleen Michaels, 25:19; Denise Phillips, 28:20

Groundhog Day 4.44 Miler, Feb. 2: Joe Harmanos, 1st Overall M, 24:12; Sam West, 2nd Overall M, 24:48; Julia Zalenski, 1st Overall W, 29:10; Dianne Zalenski, 2nd Overall W, 32:22; Karen Lyle, 3rd Overall W, 32:22; Mark Hunkele, 1st 45-49 M, 27:37; Brady Hunkele, 1st 11-12 M, 28:48; Nicholas Christian, 2nd 35-29 M, 31:07; Doug Fox, 1st 19-29 W, 32:40; Stephen Mick, 3rd 35-39 M, 33:31; Bodey Balfour, 2nd 15-18 M, 33:45; Valerie Zebezinski, 2nd 15-18 W, 37:27; Gypsy Dreveniak, 2nd 45-49 W, 39:13; Scott Baker, 3rd 45-49 M, 39:57; Cindy Waltemire, 1st 60-64 W, 40:07; Melissa Eckenrode, 1st 30-34 W, 40:09; Jennifer Eckenrode, 2nd 35-39 W, 40:12; Paul Johnson, 1st 70+ M, 41:00; Janet Helbig, 1st 50-54 W, 48:13

Groundhog Day Prediction 6.66 Miler, Feb. 2: Dean Banko, 1st Overall M, 39:21; Mark Hunkele, 3rd Overall M, 41:07; Angelina Hunkele, 1st Overall W, 43:30; Elizabeth Hunkele, 2nd Overall W, 45:10; Lily Flood, 3rd Overall W, 45:40; Nicholas Christian, 1st 30-39 M, 43:22; Dianne Zalenski, 1st 40-49 M, 47:55; Karen Lyle, 2nd 40-49 W, 47:55; Stephen Mick, 2nd 30-39 M, 48:12; Dana Nicholas, 3rd 40-49 W, 48:15; James Kreber, 3rd 50-59 M, 55:15; Erin Kohlmewyer, 2nd 30-39 W, 1:00:39; Julia Murray, 2nd 50-59 W, 1:04:17; Mark Hess, 1st 60-69 M, 1:04:20; Tracey Smith, 56:11; Erin Donahue, 56:11; David Murray, 1:04:37; Dave Byers, 1:15:50

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle