January is the typical time when runners can still take advantage of the outdoors. That is, if the weather cooperates.

Dressing appropriately and hydrating are still the keys when the temperatures drop and wind chills come into play.

Layering and not wearing heavy sweatshirts can help keep your body cooler and also help you keep your pace. Coconut water is a great resource before and after running as well as water. Stay away from energy drinks as they are typically loaded with either caffeine and/or sugar.

Don’t forget to check your running sneakers - January is a good time to begin wearing a new pair as the summer and fall tend to wear down the treads. For me, July and December are the times to get new sneakers ... it is the typical six-month rule.

It is also the time to begin training for an early spring marathon as well as getting your new season underway with new resolutions and promises ahead.

In Bethlehem a few weeks ago, the annual Christmas City Classic races drew more than 1,000 runners on an average, cold morning with little wind to set a good pace.

The top finishers in the 5K race were Alexander Izewski, who clocked a 5:04 mile in an overall time of 15:46.51. He was followed by Nick Wadas (5:41, 17:41.41) and Shawn Kister (6:11, 19:14.28). Molly Sunderlin was the top female finisher in a time of 19:21.69, a 6:13 pace.

In the 5-mile race, Joshua Izewski topped a 5:03 mile for an overall 25:17.16. Chris Wadas was second in a 5:17 mile and a 26:26.14 time, and Mike Vidomsky had a 5:37 mile in a 28:06.60 finish. Kathleen Kauffman-Holocomb was the top female finisher in a time of 5:41, an overall 28:28.92.

If you care to take a ride to run, the annual Shiver by the River 5k and 10K series will hold the second of a four-race set this Sunday, Jan. 8 at Jim Dietrich Park in Muhlenberg Township just outside Reading. For more information, check out www.pretzelcitysports.com.

The Lehigh Valley Road Runners will sponsor the 16h annual Super Tailgate10K Trot at the Lehigh Valley Parkway, Sunday, Feb. 5. It again will be held the morning of the Super Bowl, and the race is always a sellout a solid course. Cost of the race is $30 through Jan. 21 and a long-sleeve T-shirt is included. Register online at www.lvrr.org.

In April, the LVRR will sponsor another staple on the local calendar, the 40th addition of the Emmaus 4-Mile Classic throughout Emmaus, Sunday, April 9. Cost of the race is $30 and there is no race day registration. A commemorative T-shirt is included and runners have the option to purchase a windbreaker.

Those are the usual races that highlight the early Lehigh Valley running scene. Of course, there are other local and those just outside the realm of the area.

Whatever the case, make January your month to plan your year ahead and also think about the tangibles that typically encompass your year, such as clothing, liquids, sneakers, and courses.

Here’s to a great 2017 on the road and never stop running!

Jeff Moeller is a regular contributor and has been running since 1982. Please send any race dates, ideas, or suggestions to jayphil@nni.net.