At the beginning of each year we resolve to start a new. We make promises to ourselves that we will eat healthier, spend more time with friends and family and we will exercise more. It's often that last one that kicks us in the butt. However, if you are going to suffer for better health, you don't need to do it alone. Listed below are six fun filled activities based here in southwest Florida to kick off your New Year. Peruse the list at your leisure. With walking, running (Fun runs to a half marathon), biking (On and off road) and even longboarding there is something for everyone. 1. Mimosa Fun Run - On Jan 1st in Punta Gorda the Foot Landing Running Shoe Store is holding their Annual Mimosa Fun Run. Think you had enough to drink the night before? Nonsense! Meet up at the Foot Landing at 7:15am and take a nice relaxed jog, walk or stroll around the city. The volunteers at the finish will greet you with a delicious Mimosa and a smile. Registration is FREE but ar...

We do it every year. We resolve to make our lives a little better, a little happier, a little healthier. How fitting is it that the South County Family YMCA decided to name a race after such a transformative intention. Starting off the New Year with a 5K run is a declaration of all three desires and yet it is also so much more. The sun was nowhere to be seen on the morning of January 5th as riders gathered under the pavilion shuffling to stay warm. It was only 55 degrees but the ocean breeze was edging 15mph. The runners engaged in small talk, did dynamic stretching and took laps around the pond at Maxine Barrett Park until the watch struck 7:15am. That's when the gathering began. Two hundred and forty athletes both recreational and serious filled the street as the police desperately tried to redirect traffic. The start line was marked by a wildly waving sign from a sponsor Real Bikes of Venice . The wind spitefully picked up a little as someone in the crowd playful...