Nearly everyone at least considers a few resolutions during this time of year. Having spent many years associated with the various aspects of fitness, I know from experience that quite often tops on that list of resolutions will be something to do with a good start on improving one’s own wellness. I have a couple ways to do that, with just an extra benefit or two thrown in along the way.

For the first time locally, we’ll have a 5K run/walk on Jan. 1. The Resolution 5K will be just like many others in several ways. The course will be accurately measured. In fact, the run/walk will use the Butterball 5K course that originates at the Forum on Thanksgiving Day. As usual, the course will be coned for a running/walking lane and the Salisbury Police Department and lots of volunteers will be on hand to ensure safety. There will be a finish line banner and digital clocks clicking along at the finish.

What makes the Resolution 5K different is how someone can enter. Most local races have a fee of anywhere between $20 and $25, and that swells to as high as $45 in Charlotte. Anyone can participate in the Resolution 5K for just five cans of food, and if that is too much trouble, then we’ll take $5. The food and money will go directly to Rowan Helping Ministries. Just bring your canned goods or the money and exchange them for a commemorative Dri-Fit running shirt and you’ll be set to go. The first 300 participants are guaranteed shirts. Donations can also be made to Rowan Helping Ministries, both online and at the Forum.

One last thing, lots of us have some gently used running or walking shoes lying around taking up space. Just inside my back door is a stack of probably 10 pairs of running shoes. I have become quite attached to each pair, as can happen quite easily when you wear them to cover 400-500 miles. It is hard for me to let them go even though they have completed their usefulness. An ex-wife once said, “Why in the world do you keep so many pairs of worn-out running shoes?” I might possibly recall more than one wife saying that, but I have tried to put their kind words behind me. To honor them, I will significantly reduce that collection of shoes on Jan. 1 by bringing them to the Forum for Rowan Helping Ministries, as well. Those shoes have a lot of life left when on the right feet.

Salisbury Rowan Runners club members are working with several of their regular partners to make this event happen. The city of Salisbury, the Forum, Novant Health and Rowan Helping Ministries all will have a hand in the Resolution 5K. Their goal is a celebration of fitness and wellness to get the New Year off to a fantastic start and make a significant contribution to RHM in much-needed food. Salisbury is a hotbed for running already, and what better way to jump start 2015 than to get out and burn some calories while benefitting the community.

The Resolution 5K will start at 9 a.m. at the Forum, 2318 S. Main St. Parking is free, and the Forum will provide refreshments after the race.

“We are super excited to be a part of the Resolution 5K,” Manager Rayna Gardner said. “What a way to kick off the New Year! Hopefully everyone will come out and get an adrenaline rush to start the year off right and then be motivated to stick with it throughout the year.”

Trophies for the run will not be given, but the real awards will come from within as everyone has that chance to energize their own wellness and help those less fortunate by donating the canned goods and shoes.

Registration is available online at www.sportoften.com and it’s free. Same thing at the Forum. More info is available online at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org. Call 704-310-6741 or 704-636-6638 with any questions.

Speaking of running, the next Beginning Runners Class starts at 5:45 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 5 at First Methodist Church in Salisbury. These popular classes run for eight weeks and combine indoor instruction and outdoor running. The first night will include 40 minutes of classroom time and about 20 minutes of running and walking. All participants get a daily training schedule and a handout pertaining to the classroom topic. Do not buy running shoes before the class begins. Special instruction will be given in the proper methods of getting the right shoes at reasonable costs.

Classroom topics include shoes and equipment, nutrition, stretching, strengthening, running form, injury prevention and safety. The running distance increases each week so that the graduates will complete 3.1 miles on the eighth week.

Salisbury Rowan Runners, Salisbury Parks and Recreation and Novant Health sponsor the classes.

Come ready to run/walk on the first night and bring a water bottle. Total charge for the class is $65, good for the eight classes, a one-year membership in the Salisbury Rowan Runners, a Dri-Fit training shirt, and prepaid entry into the UMW Missions 5K on Sunday afternoon, March 1, 2015. Call 704-310-6741 or 704-202-6601 to reserve a place in the class.