It is that time of year again, and with spring quickly approaching, let's look at the upcoming racing and fun run season.

The one thing that I can see at a glance is there seems to be a few more events this year than last year. I don't know about you, but I am so impressed with our local communities and our local organizers for these races, activities and events.

2013 at a glance:

Sunday: Leprechaun Scurry 3 Mile Walk/Run, Cd'A

March 16: Fourth annual Freeman Freeze 5K run, Spokane Valley

March 17: St. Paddy's Five Mile run, Spokane

March 23: Mead Marching Madness 5K, Spokane

March 23: Rapid Rabbit Run 3 Mile and 5 Mile run, Spokane Valley

March 29: Snake River Triathlon, Lewiston

April 6: Girl Scout Cookie Fun Run, Spokane

April 7: Leashes and Laces 5K Fun Run/Walk, Post Falls

April 7: Hauser 10K Ice Breaker, Hauser Lake

April 13: Panhandle Autism Society's third annual Walk/3K, Cd'A

April 13: Rock Creek Ramble 50K and 100K run, Sprague, Wash.

April 13: 5K Heart Run, Spokane Valley

April 18: Hope Run, Cd'A

April 20: 25th annual Grizzly Triathlon, Missoula

April 21: Spring Dash 5 Mile Run, Cd'A

April 21: Spokane River Run 5K, 10K, 25K and 50K, Spokane

April 27: Race-2-Place 5K Run, Spokane

April 28: Lilac Century and Family Bike Ride 100, 66, 25 and 15 mile rides, Spokane

April 28: Chase Strides For SNAP, Spokane Valley

May 5: Bloomsday 12K, Spokane

May 11: Spartan Challenge 4 Mile Mud and Obstacle Run, Big Fork, Mont.

May 11: Liberty Lake Trail Run 8 Miles, Liberty Lake

May 19: Tour de Cure 100, 50, 20 and 5 mile rides, Spokane

May 21: Fifth annual Windermere Marathon and Half Marathon, Liberty Lake

May 25: Run for the Son 5K, Liberty Lake

May 25: 24 Hours Around the Clock MT Bike, 14.8 Mile Laps, Spokane

May 26: Coeur d'Alene Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K Run, Cd'A

May 26: Onion Man Triathlon, Walla Walla, Wash.

June 1: The Mountain Goat Challenge 10K Road and Trail Run, Spokane

June 9: St. Joe Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K, St. Maries

June 14: Vancouver USA Marathon, Vancouver, Wash.

June 15: Color Me Rad 5K, Spokane

June 22: Trail Rail Run 50 Mile 50K, 30K and 10K, Mullan

June 23: Ironman Triathlon, Cd'A

July 4: Spokane Indians Pennant Run, Spokane

July 6: Negative Split Spokane Half Marathon and 5K, Spokane

July 13: Hayden Triathlon, Hayden Lake

July 13: The Dirty Dash 3.5 Mile Mud and Obstacle Run, Spokane

July 14: Jacey's Race 5K, Sandpoint

July 14: The Valley Girl Triathlon, Liberty Lake

July 20: Muddy Miles 2 Mile Mud Run, Cd'A

July 20: Warrior Dash 3.15 Mile Mud and Obstacle Run, Bonney Lake, Wash.

July 27: 5K Foam Fest, Spokane

July 28: Race The River Triathlon, Cd'A

Aug. 3: Long Bridge Swim 1.76-mile swim, Sandpoint

Aug. 3: 8 Lakes Leg Aches 75, 45, 30 or 15 Mile Bike Ride, Medical Lake, Wash.

Aug. 10: Coeur d'Alene Triathlon, Cd'A

Aug. 16: Spokane to Sandpoint Run/Walk Relay, Mount Spokane

Aug. 17: Strides for Strong Bones, Medical Lake, Wash.

Aug. 18: The Cd'A Crossing, 2.4-mile swim, Lake Coeur d'Alene

Aug. 24: Priest Lake Triathlon, Priest Lake

Sept. 14: Bike MS Trail of the Coeur d'Alene's 150 mile or 84 Mile 1 or 2 day Option, Mullan

Sept. 15: The Scenic Half Marathon 10K and 5K run, Sandpoint

Sept. 21: Newport Autumn Bloom 5K and 10K run, Newport

Sept. 21: Grand Columbian Triathlon, Grand Coulee, Wash.

Sept. 28: Coeur d'Fondo 108, 85, 37 or 15 Mile Bike Ride, Cd'A

Sept. 29: Wild Moose Chase Trail Run MT 5K, 10K and 25K, Spokane

Oct. 5: MT Spokane 25K and 50K Trail Run, Spokane

Note: Not all events are listed since they have not set actual dates this early in the year.

As you can see, 2013 brings an abundance of great events to keep you and your friends and family physically active.

Here are some basic points to consider when preparing to participate in any distance or multi-sports event:

• Be sure to read and understand all event details like age limits, packet pickup times, start times and course map. Most races require you to sign a liability waiver. Read them before you sign.

• Race distances vary depending on age group, type of race and in some cases, the event could be an open fun run for a charity with no set distance requirements.

• Ensure you're outfitted with appropriate shoes, clothing, hat, sunscreen, etc. for the weather conditions and type of race. If you're not properly prepared, it can lead to a very unhappy set of blisters, sunburn or a chilly outing!

• You should eat a good dinner the evening before the race with a good balance of complex carbohydrates and protein. For the elite or experienced athletes, their race day preparations are very specific to the individual. For the occasional athlete, you should start your day with a nutritious breakfast, avoid sugary foods and drink plenty of water throughout the day of the race. Stay hydrated, this is important for the whole family.

• Remember to make the event fun and encourage and support your family and friends whether they finish or not. These events can be a great family activity and at the same time promote a healthy lifestyle and improved fitness.

• Set a goal to participate in a set number of events throughout the year. Tie a fitness program to these goals and recruit friends and family to train with you.

Now with so much happening in the upcoming months, get out there and take advantage of the opportunities. We live in one of most beautiful places in the country where you can get out on almost any weekend year round and get involved in a fitness event or activity.

Here are a few websites that can give you more details on the specific local races.

http://www.runningintheusa.com

http://www.fleetfeetcda.com/RacePlace.htm

http://www.active.com/running/

http://www.racecenter.com

http://www.roadracerunner.com

Judd Jones is a director for the Hagadone Corporation.