You can always pick a runner out of a crowd. They fidget — for want to be outside — eat every three to four hours to keep their energy up and have more fun run T-shirts than pairs of socks. They are motivated by finisher’s medallions and goodie bags and believe in the power of GU.

They’re planning their entire summer right now. Their calendars are marked up with important, running-related events they don’t have to leave home for as they are all in Kitsap County.

Summer fun run events start this weekend and go through Labor Day. This isn’t the Boston Marathon crowd; the emphasis is on the fun.

“All the races are meant to keep people active,” said Greg Chapman, who coaches track at Olympic High School and organizes several local races throughout the year. “You don’t have to be a serious runner to participate in any of these things.”

If you’ve been teetering on the edge of making a healthy life choice, let this be your inspiration.

You, too, can become one of those people who can trek the steepest hills in Kitsap County, making onlookers scratch their heads in amazement.

The benefits of a running (or walking) program quite literally far outweigh those of staying stagnant. Regular exercise can lower your heart rate, make your body stronger and control weight. Staying stagant? Not so much.

Running also is a relatively inexpensive hobby. All you need is a good pair of shoes and a small amount of cash for fun run entry fees. It can also be a great family activity that doesn’t involve a remote control.

When starting a healthy life change, the first step is often the most difficult.

Get off the couch.

You’ll be glad you did.