Get a running start on 2017: Keeping New Year's fitness resolutions takes planning, accountability, and something to work toward

Every year, right after the holidays, countless individuals vow to to make the new year a different one. They resolve to read more, work less, or try something they’ve never experienced before. Among those resolutions, attaining a higher level of fitness comes first for many people.

click to enlarge Get a running start on 2017: Keeping New Year's fitness resolutions takes planning, accountability, and something to work toward
PHOTO COURTESY OF SHELLY CONE
TAKING ON THE BULL: The Bull Canyon Run is one of the most popular races in the Santa Maria Valley. Offering a 5K and 10K option, the event raises money for Special Olympics.

According to a December 2016 statisticsbrain.com study sourced from the University of Scranton, Journal of Clinical Psychology, 45 percent of Americans “usually” make New Year’s Resolutions. Of people who make resolutions, only 8 percent are successful in keeping them. 

The site’s statistics also show that the most common 2015 New Year’s resolution was to lose weight. With the odds of keeping those resolutions pretty slim, how can an individual increase the odds of success—especially in regard to fitness?

Gina Hill, owner of Anytime Fitness in Orcutt, said successful resolutions start with planning. She told the Sun that her No. 1 tip for holding on to those fitness resolutions is having an accountability partner, such as a personal training coach or a workout partner. 

Having a plan or something to train for can also keep an individual accountable. 

The Central Coast offers plenty of activities to get a person up and moving. So grab an accountability partner and some workout clothes, and start planning. 

click to enlarge Get a running start on 2017: Keeping New Year's fitness resolutions takes planning, accountability, and something to work toward
PHOTO BY SHELLY CONE
VINEYARD VIEW: Some running and cycling events wind through wine country, offering stellar views. Celebrate with wine tasting following the race, or just relax and watch the sun set over the vines.

Jan. 8: Resolution Run, Lompoc

Get that fitness resolution off to a running start by participating in a 5k at Riverbend Park. The event is geared for ages 5 years old and older and for all levels of ability.

Participants can run for first and second place awards. Race start time is 9 a.m. To register, call the Lompoc Recreation Division at 875-8100.  

Feb. 4: Chapel to Church Half Marathon, Orcutt

Runners will start at the historic San Ramon Chapel in Sisquoc, and run a 13.1 mile course that winds through country roads and past stunning vineyards. The run ends at St. Louis de Montfort Church in Orcutt. The run benefits Catholic Charities. 

Walkers start at 8 a.m. and runners start at 9 a.m. Packet pickup is the night before at St. Louis de Montfort Church. Registration includes T-shirt and a barbecue lunch. Participation medals will be given to all walkers and runners, and place medals will be given to runners. 

For more information, visit chapeltochurch.com

click to enlarge Get a running start on 2017: Keeping New Year's fitness resolutions takes planning, accountability, and something to work toward
PHOTO BY SHELLY CONE
WILDLIFE WATCH: Sticking to a fitness goal doesn’t have to be grueling. Take the opportunity to get some outdoor exercise while taking in the local wildlife.

March 18: Wicked Wine Run, Gainey Vineyards, Santa Ynez

Vineyards aren’t just for wine lovers. They also create a beautiful backdrop to gaze upon while distance running. 

The Wicked Wine Run differs from most races in that runners can celebrate with wine after the race—or during!

Live bands, food trucks, and wine from award-winning vineyards and wineries will round out the event. The race is about fun, and runners are encouraged to wear costumes, bring blankets, and enjoy live music after the event. 

Run the 5K Wine Run with celebratory wine at the finish or the 1K Tasting Walk with four wine tasting stops along the route, or both. 

Start time for the 5K is 5 p.m. and the 1K starts at 6:30 p.m.

For more information, visit wickedwinerun.com

May 13: Bull Canyon Run, Santa Maria 

The Bull Canyon Run has been a popular event in the community. In its 17th year, the event consists of 5K and 10K walks and runs. 

click to enlarge Get a running start on 2017: Keeping New Year's fitness resolutions takes planning, accountability, and something to work toward
PHOTO BY SHELLY CONE
THE LEVEE: Fitness resolutions are common but hard to keep. Increase the odds of keeping those fitness goals by enlisting a coach or accountability partner, and then hit some local trails, like this one along the Santa Maria riverbed.

The 10K run starts at 8 a.m.; a 5K run at 8:10 a.m.; and a 5K and 10K walk at 8:15 a.m. A 5K kids run for ages 6 and younger starts at 10 a.m.

All participants will receive a T-shirt, medal, water, sports drinks, and morning snacks (fruit). All proceeds benefit Special Olympics Northern Santa Barbara County. To register, visit bcrun.org

May 13: Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon, Santa Ynez Valley

Forget going out to brunch on Mother’s Day—hold to those fitness goals and complete a marathon with mom. This scenic tour runs from downtown Santa Ynez, through Los Olivos, and into Solvang, where a post-race wine and music festival will be held in Solvang Park. Runners can participate in the half marathon, form a two-person relay team, or a team of six or more. 

For more information, visit destinationraces.com

June 9 to 11: Wine Country Bike Trek,  Santa Ynez Valley

A benefit for People Helping People, the Wine Country Bike Trek allows runners to sign up for one, two, and three-day rides. Each day riders choose from a 30- or 50-mile ride. Volunteers will greet riders every 10 miles with fully catered rest stops. 

Riders are also given the opportunity to collect pledges for a chance to win a variety of prizes.

For details, visit winecountrybiketrek.com.  

Shelly Cone focuses on fitness goals year round. Contact her through Interim Managing Editor Joe Payne at [email protected].

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