Folks, if you are going to start an exercise plan and stay consistent with your plan, you really need a goal. And don’t hesitate to change your goals, just remember, the goals are your goals, fit for you needs. So, if your goal is to lose 20 pounds, and you lose the weight, then celebrate (!!!) and plan for your next goal. If you have bit off more than you can chew, no big deal, just make the adjustments and start a new plan afresh.

For me, many of my goals have been set around events like some of the various running events I have mentioned in previous posts. If you are of a similar ilk, then this list of marathons may be for you.

The good folks at Runner’s World put together a list of marathons that they are calling “Alternative Routes” for those of you who missed your original event. Also, if a marathon is a bridge too far, most of these races include a half-marathon. If you can run a 10K, you can train and make the stretch to run a half-marathon. I know you can, I believe in you.

BTW, on a related note, I have found tying a vacation in with a race or other event, makes the vacation even more special. For me, the fact that I’m tying together my health, with a fun event in a fun setting, keeps me motivated and focused on my goal. It also adds to the memories of the vacation and leads to great stories you can share with friends.

Below are the highlights from the Runner’s World article. Please go to there site for further details. http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-244-255-13000-0,00.html

You want the big-city excitement of New York City, but weren't lucky enough to win a lottery entry.

Run the Philadelphia Marathon
November 22
Philadelphia
philadelphiamarathon.com

Philly's figure-eight course shows off two sides of the City of Brotherly Love. The first 10 miles take runners past major landmarks, including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the art museum (whose steps were immortalized by Rocky). Later, runners pass through 8,700-acre Fairmount Park before cruising along the peaceful Schuylkill River. "It's the perfect big-city marathon," says Michael Parente, 53, a Philadelphia native who currently lives in Woodland Hills, California, and ran his hometown race in 2007. "You see all the sites of the historic district, and you get to enjoy scenic areas you might not expect to see in Philly."

You want to run a European race-without the expense of traveling overseas.

Run the Montreal Oasis Marathon
September 13
Montreal
marathondemontreal.com

You'll get the sense that you've escaped to Europe soon after crossing the Canadian border. With its fine architecture, cobblestone streets, overflowing flower boxes, and French-speaking spectators, you'll see why Montreal is known as North America's Paris. "One of my fondest memories is hearing 'bravo!' and 'ne renoncer pas!' ('don't give up')," says John McCann, 56, of Barrington, Rhode Island, who has run the marathon twice. The race offers its 1,600 participants a foot tour of the city, mixing modern attractions (the Biosphere, the Casino de Montreal, the Gilles Villeneuve Circuit racetrack) with historic monuments, cathedrals, and mansions.

You got injured and had to bail on your original race goal.

Run the North Central Trail Marathon
November 28
Hunt Valley, Maryland
brrc.com

Don't let an injury stop you from completing a marathon this year. Ninety percent of this course is flat and run on a neatly manicured, crushed-stone path-less technical than traditional trail races, more forgiving than road races-that's perfect for someone making a comeback. Even better, runners report that the soft surface allows for a fast postrace recovery. This event is also a popular choice for those hoping to run Boston in the spring:

You want to run in tropical Honolulu, but are put off by the costs.

Run the Surf City USA Marathon
February 1
Huntington Beach, California
runsurfcity.com

Forget the ukuleles, and cue The Beach Boys: The Surf City USA Marathon provides a beach lover's paradise that's more economical ($95 registration fee versus $200 for Honolulu). All but seven miles of this race are run on or near the famously scenic Pacific Coast Highway. And nine miles are on an eight-foot-wide beachfront path paved right over the sand. "This race is perfect-for 19 miles of it, you are within 100 yards of the ocean," says Kyle EricSon, 45, of Riverside, California, who has run Surf City five times….At the beachfront start, 2,000 marathoners pass through a gauntlet of surfers holding longboards while "Surfin' U.S.A." blares in the background….And retro surf bands play on the sidelines, creating a wave of music to carry runners along. While you won't get a lei at this finish, you'll get something that won't wilt: a hand-painted wooden surfboard medal. (TOO COOL!!)

You want to race Chicago, but it's closed out.

Run the Detroit Marathon
October 18
Detroit
detroitfreepressmarathon.com

The motor city may not have the allure of Chi-Town, but the organizers of the Detroit Free Press Marathon work hard to win over runners. The 2009 event will be its 32nd running, and that experience is evident in the details: Gatorade and water are served in different colored cups at aid stations (quickly snag the one you want); finishers are handed individual bags of food (forget digging through a box of bagels) and recover in a large, fenced-off area just for runners (eat, stretch, and relax in peace)….. Locals come out in large numbers to support the 3,500 racers, especially in the city's ethnic neighborhoods…. Indian Village, known as party central, where residents tailgate and hand out plain and peanut M&M's around mile 21. The course is mostly flat with a one-of-a-kind feature: an underground tunnel that leads the field across the U.S./Canadian border. Runners are clocked through the tunnel, and each finisher gets a certificate indicating their underwater-mile time. Fun!

You tried to enter the Marine Corps Marathon. Too bad it filled up in five days.

Run the The Richmond Marathon
November 14
Richmond, Virginia
richmondmarathon.com

Proximity and convenience often attract Marine Corps shutouts to the SunTrust Richmond Marathon, which is held two weeks after the race in Washington, D.C. Luckily, Richmond puts on such a great event, most runners aren't disappointed by the change in plans. Everyone on the race committee is a runner, and it shows. The day before the race, organizers offer free bus tours of the course, each led by an experienced Richmond marathoner. During the race, volunteers hand out wet washcloths so you can wipe away eye-stinging sweat….Miles 17 and 23 feature junk-food stations with gummy bears, cookies, and Coca-Cola….At miles seven, 13, and 19, there are "party zones" featuring live music and noisemakers, clappers, and cowbells for rowdy fans. "Although the party zones were great, the whole course was a big party zone," says Frank Lilley, 49, of Littleton, North Carolina, who ran the race in 2007. "There was so much support from locals."

You missed qualifying for Boston, but still want to do a spring marathon.

Run the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon
April 26
Oklahoma City
okcmarathon.com

All marathons are moving, both literally and emotionally, but the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon has the power to overwhelm even the steeliest of runners. This event was organized as a tribute to those killed in the 1995 Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building bombing; all proceeds go to the care of the Oklahoma City National Memorial. After a sunrise service, more than 2,000 marathoners take off against a backdrop of 168 illuminated chairs, each symbolizing a life lost….."The volunteers make every runner feel elite," she says. Oklahoma also has what might be the most memorable finish line you'll ever cross: An announcer calls out your name, and then family members of those who died place a medal around your neck.

Wide-Body Note: Wow! This Texas boy rarely sees any reason to go to Oklahoma, yet what an incredible experience this race must be.

You love the Pacific Northwest, but don't want to risk running in the rain.

Run the Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Marathon
June 27
Seattle
rnrseattle.com

The rock 'n' roll Marathon franchise's Seattle debut seems to have perfect timing. "June has ideal running weather," says Rich Marriott, a runner and a meteorologist for KING 5, the NBC Seattle affiliate. "It's a beautiful and mild time here. We rarely get much rain [June's average rainfall is 1.5 inches], and it's rare that we get hot weather." Marriott forecasts that marathoners will race under overcast skies and temperatures in the 50s-preferable to the chilly temps, strong winds, and rain that often greet those running the Seattle Marathon in November (when average rainfall is 5.9 inches)…. And to deliver on the series's name, there will be 70 rock (and jazz and funk and blues) bands along the way. "It's a two-for-one," says event manager Megan Young, "a run and a block party."

Are none of these footing the bill? Check out the end of the article as there are some additional race ideas for you.