I never used to race in the winter. After a hard summer of training leading to a peak fall marathon or half, I was usually more than ready to rest by early November.

Of course, that meant I’d miss area favorites like Butler YMCA Turkey Trot and Volant’s Christmas 5k in November and December. And I’d never even consider running February’s Spring Thaw or Mill Creek Classic in March. It just wasn’t in the plan.

It’s not that I didn’t run throughout the winter months. I slogged through slush and mud, plowed through snow and ice, and breathed frost through endless frozen miles. I just didn’t race.

But then, a major injury changed my seasonal racing focus. After months of recovery and years of not knowing how much I could run without pain, any thoughts of training were wishful thinking.

I’d sign up for an event months in advance only to bail out of much of the work needed to run my best on race day. I’d run a long run on Monday and hurt until Thursday, start a 16-week training plan in January and complete six weeks of it at best.

Finally, I had to make the choice to give up racing because I couldn’t run my best or to be satisfied with whatever best I could manage on race day. And sometimes, my best meant just finishing.

Which leads me to this past New Year’s Eve in Harmony. It’s 3 p.m. and I emerge from the bar at Harmony Inn dressed in running clothes, except for the grinning snowman ear warmers. I join friends at the starting line of the Harmony Silvester 5k, real racers who cringe at the thought of downing a beer as warm-up for the run.

To be honest, I haven’t downed an entire beer. I’ve just had enough to toast the New Year before challenging the hilly race course along with 460 or so competitors.

I feel a little guilty that I’m here under the pretense of racing. I haven’t really prepared other than lacing up my shoes and pinning on a number. But I’ve learned to accept and appreciate that it is possible to take part in an event without training for weeks or months.

Not training doesn’t make running easier, especially on a course like the Harmony 5k. I wheeze through the first winding half mile, a reminder of what I don’t like about running 5ks. Faster runners and a man being pulled by a big brown dog dart past me as the pack sorts itself out.

My legs ache and lungs burn as I chug up the first hill. I make a New Year’s vow to get back in shape in 2016 — also a vow to overtake the woman ahead of me dressed as an elf from Christmas past and to stay ahead of another in my age group whom I had picked out at the starting line.

The out-and-back course allows me to watch the “real racers” gallop like antelope toward the finish line. I try to pick out my friends in the stream of runners and muster enough breath to call their names. Then I round the turn and realize that I’m not going to finish last. A steady stream of runners and walkers stretch out behind me for at least a half mile.

The back is no easier than the out in this race. I fight the urge to walk up the last big climb, then struggle to hold my form on the uphill finish.

In the end, my out-of-shape, non-trained old self wins an age group medal — proof that you can always beat the ones who don’t show up on race day. It’s certainly not the best of finishing times, but sometimes just being there among friends makes it the best time.

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

Saturday, 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

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

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

Sunday, 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

Jan. 18, 6:30 p.m.: Build a Better Body from the Inside Out,McKees Rocks. Workshop at Elite Runners and Walkers store. 412-490-0881 or eliterunners.com

Feb. 13, 10 a.m.: Community Options Cupid’s Chase, Pittsburgh. Run on North Shore starts near Heinz Field. 412-431-7079 or bridget.haney@comop.org

Feb. 13, 1 p.m.: Frozen 5k and 1 Mile Walk, Jamestown. 724-932-3186, ext. 1319 or muskie5k@yahoo.com

Feb. 14, 10 a.m.: Valentine Prediction Race, Erie. Predict your pace per mile for the race of 4 to 6 miles starting at Presque Isle Rotary Pavilion. Erierunners.club

Race results

Kittanning YMCA 10k, Nov. 14: Doug Basinski, 1st Overall M, 38:10; Francine Garrone, 1st Overall W, 53:01; John Swanson, 1st 40-49 M, 47:53; Bruce Soule, 2nd 40-49 M, 52:50; Kevin Schuetz, 2nd 30-39 M, 58:36; Rebecca Swanson, 3rd 40-49 W, 1:04:48

Kittanning YMCA 5k, Nov. 14: Ean King, 1st Overall M, 17:54; Herb Cratty, 3rd Overall M, 19:19; Ava Dzurenda, 1st Overall W, 23:48; Shirley Macefe, 3rd Overall W, 24:21; Bob Buskey, 1st 30-39 M, 22:37; Brendan Swanson, 1st 15-19 M, 22:46; Justin Kriess, 1st 10-14 M, 23:09; Justice Houston, 2nd 15-19 , 23:14; Brian Dzurenda, 1st 40-49 M, 25:08; Jim Brosius, 2nd 40-49 M, 25:34; Courage Houston, 3rd 15-19 M, 25:53; Gavin Szmanski, 2nd 10-14 M, 26:50; Leigh Harvey, 1st 40-49 W, 27:06; Benjamin Swanson, 3rd 10-14 M, 27:13; Frank Macefe, 1st 60+ M, 27:30; Tracy Booher, 1st 30-39 W, 27:38; Russ Walker, 3rd 40-49 M, 29:52; Gary Bollinger, 2nd 50-59 M, 31:56; Richard Gibson, 2nd 60+ M, 35:44; Jill Neiswanger, 3rd 30-39 W, 39:11; Chloe Patz, 3rd 10-14 W, 40:44; Ada Rumbrug, 1st 60+ W, 42:25; Donald Cescon, 3rd 60+ M, 43:07; Ashley Iwaniee, 2nd 20-29 W, 44:46; 2nd 9 & Under W, 47:09; Ruthann Delaney, 2nd 60+ W, 47:34; Bella Clark, 3rd 9 & Under W, 48:16; Justin Clark, 2nd 30-39 M, 48:19; Margaret Cook, 3rd 60+ W, 50:04; Jonas Starr, 27:50; Logan Shanty, 31:17; Justin Waugaman, 31:17; Loyal Houston, 32:13; Conner Bollinger, 32:39; Hunter Hooks, 32:56; Ashley Clark, 47:08; Debbie Kriess, 48:21; Ron Kriess, 48:22

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