A new year means a clean slate and for most of us, that usually includes a list of improvements to make our lives a little easier, richer and healthier. On the top of most people’s lists is to exercise more and make healthier choices both in what we eat and how we live.

While everyone’s approaches will be different to becoming the next Jillian Michaels, a popular local resolution includes preparing and training for the Kentucky Derby Festival Mini Marathon, held this year at Iroquois Park on April 24. For interested participants, the Jewish Hospital Sports Medicine Healthy Lifestyle Training Program will hold its first meeting on Tuesday, Jan 5 at 6:00 PM at Bellarmine University, Frazier Hall, 2001 Newburg Road.

This first meeting will include trainers and experts to educate participants, answer any questions and introduce both veterans and first-timers to the marathon training experience. A free technical training shirt as well as training packet including nutrition tips, race routes and other information will be provided for the first 600 attendees to this meeting. For more information, please visit: derbyfestivalmarathon.com. Photo: Courtesy Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon