NATCHEZ — With the new year just around the corner, many Miss-Lou residents will be making resolutions.

One of the most popular is exercising, especially running, jogging and walking.

But for some, it is already commonplace to hit the streets and continue to put one foot in front of the other.

Natchez resident Douglas Nobile has been running since he was a kid, but after a knee injury, decided to pick it back up.

“There are a lot of benefits,” Nobile said. “There are mental and health benefits. That is the main reason I do it. It also provides stress relief and is fun.”

For Ella Knight, walking the riverfront allows her to get out.

“I’ve been walking ever since I retired about four years ago,” she said. “I do it for my health and it gives me a good, hard workout. I also do it just to get out.”

And for Claire Cothren, who is new to the game, starting about six months ago, she gets a sense of accomplishment from it.

“It makes me feel accomplished, like I did something that day,” she said.

All three said that running in the area has helped them push forward.

“It is really beautiful here,” Nobile said. “Hands down, the sunsets here, are spectacular to see. And running along the river, that is one of the reasons I do that route, because there is a lot of opportunities to see the river.”

“There are a lot of good areas to run,” Cothren added. “Having these hills, you can just go out here, do it really quick, and be finished.”

One thing many new walkers, runners and joggers run into is getting over the initial hump of getting out and doing it. But, consistency is key according to these three.

“Don’t stop,” Knight said. “Because once you stop, you’re not going to want to do it. Keep going.”

“Be consistent with it,” Nobile added. “Even if you have to walk then run, some days will be easier and some will be harder, but the main thing is be consistent. One of the biggest hurdles is setting aside the time and committing to do it.”

But the exercise doesn’t always have to be hard work, it can be as simple as a stroll with a pet companion, like Cothren and her dog Annie.

“She’s a good runner,” said Cothren of her dog. “It is good for both of us. It probably isn’t her favorite activity, but it is good for us.”