I need goals to accomplish with my running.  I like to know what challenge is ahead and what I need to do to get there.  Having Walt running with me is a great motivator too – this will be the first year she’s run a 10k and Half-Marathon and her enthusiasm is contagious!  Some runners are much more organized than me and have their 5ks planned out for the year as well.  I’ll be honest – I sign up for those on the fly with the t-shirt design weighing in heavily on that decision.  J

So for 2010, I resolve to run these races…

Cooper River Bridge Run – March 27, 2010 – Charleston, SC

This 10k is hugely popular in the South and takes you from Mt. Pleasant, SC to downtown Charleston, SC.  40,000 participants will cross the new 2.5 mile Ravenel Bridge which has a 4% slope and offers stunning views of Charleston. I’ll be one of them this year!

Kentucky Derby Festival Half Marathon – Saturday, April 24 – Louisville, KY

15,000 runners will join in the Kentucky Derby celebration and this year, they get a revised route that takes them along the Ohio River for more scenic views!  As part of the registration package, runners also receive two passes into Churchill Downs for the weekend.  I can’t wait to see how many horse vs. runner references there will be!

Waddell & Reed Kansas City Marathon – Saturday, October 27 – Kansas City, MO

This is a tribute to my hometown and I’m super-excited!  The course is as flat as flat can be and goes through some beautiful and historic neighborhoods in KC.  AND it ends at my favorite KC barbecue place, JackStack!  An added bonus:  I get to run it and my family will be there to cheer me on (in fact, my brother might be running it with me!).  Don’t underestimate KC – it rocks!  Check out the race if you’re still looking to fill your calendar!

No matter what distance you’re aiming for, putting it on paper and making the plan to get there will help you achieve that goal. 

Visit our RunFor forums and tell us what you’re training for!  All members who visit and comment will be entered into a prize for some awesome RunFor gear!