Our Opinion: Spring activities: Picking up the pace

Get in step with spring.

Spring temperatures invite us to shrug off cabin fever and become active.

The attraction of activity takes a range of forms, including: Self-improvement; personal challenge; family fun; competition; public service; and charitable contribution. In addition, many activities combine some or all of the above.

Take, for example, something as simple as walking.

Walking, we all know, is a good for us. It promotes health and wellness.

For people who need a personal challenge as motivation, Walk Jefferson City may be the answer. Participants chart their miles walked during a six-month period and prizes are awarded throughout the program.

The program kicks off at 1 p.m. April 27 at the North Jefferson City Pavilion. A registration fee - $10 for adults, $5 for youth - includes a pedometer, walking logs and T-shirt.

Walking also can be the path to family fun on Storybook Trails. The program, for children ages 5-8 age range, presents stories along designated trails in local parks. Additional information is available at the Jefferson Parks and Recreation Department.

For people inspired by competition, a range of walk/run events are held periodically in Central Missouri and elsewhere. Participants typically compete in categories divided by gender and age.

Walking and running events also have become popular fund-raisers hosted by charitable organizations. Whether competitive or social, money raised by participants aids worthwhile health and human service agencies.

Walking - and picking up trash - also can be a pubic service. A Wears Creek cleanup sponsored by Serve Jeff City will be held April 27 and the state departments of Transportation and Conservation are hosting the No MOre Trash! Bash throughout April.

This wide range of reasons and rewards for walking also applies to other spring activities, including golf, gardening and bicycling.

Whether your motivation is self-improvement, assisting a charitable group or serving the community, outdoor activities beckon.