I’ve always been a bit puzzled by the people who tell me they just don’t have the time to exercise on a regular basis.

I usually scratch my head at that one.

They all say the hustle and bustle of life’s daily grind puts up a seemingly insurmountable detour on the path that leads to all of the best fitness intentions.

---

---

In my estimation, only the will to take the first healthy steps, and the motivation to keep those feet moving, will tear down the detour sign on the road to a healthier and happier lifestyle.

The mind and body need a daily dosage of positive stimulation that regular exercise can provide.

---

---

Set some goals and get going. You’ll feel much better, both physically and mentally.

For you runners out there, the days are growing longer and warmer. Signs of spring are popping up all around us.

The dark, shivering days that Old Man Winter makes us endure are in the past and can no longer be used as an excuse for putting off those miles required to trim that waistline, tighten up those legs and posterior, and shape up for the spring races that are just around the corner.

The initial running event of the 2012 season is coming up in West Glenwood on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17. The 13th annual Kenny Cline Memorial Sequoia Glen 5K Run/Walk will give locals a chance to test their hill running ability while raising money for several area animal shelters.

Sequoia Glen’s $10 entry fee will benefit the Rifle Animal Shelter, Valley Dog Rescue in Carbondale, the Schneegas Wildlife Foundation in Silt, Colorado Animal Rescue and others who go to great lengths to help our animal friends.

Sequoia Glen, which takes runners and walkers up Mitchell Creek Road to a tree-lined point above the Glenwood Fish Hatchery – and back down again – is the first run in the six-race Colorado River Valley Charity Race Series, which awards points to racers based on where they finish in their respective age group.

Wayne Edgeton of the Rifle Recreation Department has done an excellent job of growing the series into one of the most popular fitness happenings of the spring and summer seasons.

Take a short break from the television and basketball’s March Madness, put on a little green, and show up March 17 to do some running or walking. You will be helping yourself and many homeless animals in the valley.

Here is the six-race 2012 CRVCRS schedule: Kenny Cline Memorial Sequoia Glen 5K, March 17, Glenwood Springs; Grand River Gallop 5K, April 7, Rifle; Titan Trot 5K, May 12, Silt; Walk/Run For Their Lives 5K, June 2, Silt; Hogback Hustle 5K, July 14, New Castle; Cheatin’ Woodchuck Chase five-miler, Aug. 4, Rifle Mountain Park.

Mike Vidakovich is a freelance sports writer for the Post Independent.