After months of a nasty, elongated winter full of memorable snow storms and bone-chilling freezes, spring is finally here, and it’s time to box up the snow boots and lace up those running shoes.

By now, your New Year’s resolutions to stay active have more than likely fizzled due to the harsh, inclement conditions. And understandably so, but now the clouds have parted, the trees have budded and visions of lying out on a beach somewhere along North Carolina’s majestic coastline have found their way into the minds of us all.

Therefore, it’s time to drop the weather-related excuses for not staying in shape, buy yourself a nice pair of running shoes and hit your favorite trail.

Luckily, the Pamlico River provides us with one of the most serene landscapes in all of eastern North Carolina. Running on the docks or alongside the river is the perfect alternative to the treadmill, and best of all, it’s free of charge.

Goose Creek State Park, a hidden gem in Little Washington, provides bikers and joggers a range of trails to not only challenge them physically, but also provide a beautiful backdrop to enjoy while exercising.

Establishing a routine and enjoying your exclusive exercise aesthetics are crucial for consistency. In Washington and the surrounding area, suitable aesthetics shouldn’t be too difficult to come by.

So, rejuvenate those fallen New Year’s resolutions and hit the sidewalks or trails.