Time to Get Moving

When we have a warm sunny day in the midst of the cold weather, I’m always encouraged to get outside and get moving. The nice weather makes me believe that spring will actually come again. One indication that spring is around the corner is the increase in races and outdoor activities. In February, we have two opportunities to participate in very different races in the Hot Springs area.

            Feb. 8 is the Jack-n-Back Half Marathon. If you’re planning to participate in this race I hope you’ve been training for a while. The 13.1 mile road race includes running or walking over Jack Mountain with 1,000 feet of elevation on a winding road through the scenic Ross Foundation.

            Registration and sign-in begins at 9 a.m. at 19480 Hwy 84 in Bismarck south of Hot Springs. A portion of the proceeds from the half marathon goes to Our Promise Foundation, which provides caring, professional support and education to cancer patients, survivors and caregivers. For more information go to www.jack-n-back.com.

            The next Saturday, Feb. 15, at 9 a.m. the Van Davis 5K Memorial Race takes place in Hot Springs at Whittington Park. This race benefits the Van Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund at National Park Community College. Call Lisa Carey at 501.760.6582 for more information on the race.

            What a great way to get ready for the warm spring weather than to participate in the Jack-n-Back or Van Davis 5K races. Both groups support wonderful charities locally in Hot Springs.

            If you come into town for the races or if you live in Hot Springs, we’d love to have you come out to Diamondhead and see what a beautiful area we call home. We are a part of the Ouachita Mountains and this is a great place to train for half marathons and 5Ks, which are more my speed. Call us at 501.520.9201 or 501.262.9310 for information on Diamondhead and to schedule a tour. We’d love to show you around.