<a rel="attachment wp-att-3363" href="http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?attachment_id=3363"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3363" title="Tulsa Run" src="http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/tulsarun.jpg" alt="Tulsa Run" width="375" height="500" /></a>

Tailgating, American Idol legends and barbeque beef brisket - those things, Oklahoma can do.

When it comes to taking care of our health, though? Not so much.

We Oklahomans rank near the bottom of the stack in nearly every health indicator - weight, diet, smoking, diabetes, heart disease, cancer - and the list goes on.

I'm no health guru. In fact, on most days I'd rather set fire to my indoor recumbent bike and use the flame to cook a roast and potatoes than ride it. But since the odds of healthfulness are stacked against little Okie me, I try to combine working out with fun and excitement as often as possible.

The way I most enjoy most to do that is to sign up for Oklahoma 5Ks, 10Ks and, most recently, a half marathon. Our state plays host to several marathons, too, all of them favorites amongst our surprisingly large, active and tightly knit runner's crowd here in Tulsa.

Here's a list of pre-summer races in our neck of the woods. All you have to do is pick a race, click the appropriate buttons and get yourself registered. Then, check the bottom of this post for resources on training and more info on exactly what you've gotten yourself into (read: a much smaller pair of pants).

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<h2>February Races</h2>
<strong>Sweetheart Run</strong>
When: Feb. 12
Where: Mohawk Park
Races: 5K, 10K and 20K
Details: <a href="http://www.fleetfeettulsa.com/sweetheart-run">FleetFeetTulsa.com</a>
Register: <a href="https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=4246">Online</a>, in person at Fleet Feet Tulsa, at 61st/Yale and in the Blue Dome District at 2nd/Elgin
Why you should run this race: Because you get to run it with a partner, whether it's the love of your life or the dude who shares a cubicle with you at work. Plus, all participants are treated to a free pancake breakfast. Beat that.

<strong>Valentine's Day Poker Run</strong>
When: Feb. 12
Where: Lee Elementary, 21st and Boston
Races: Five-mile run
Details: <a href="http://www.runnersworldtulsa.com/">RunnersWorldTulsa.com</a>
Register: <a href="https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=4115">Online</a> or at Runners World Tulsa, 43rd and Peoria
Why you should run this race: Because poker races are tons-o-fun. Here's how they work: For every mile of the race you complete, you get a playing card. Whoever has the best hand at the end of the race gets first pick at a table full of awesome gifts. It's like game night and workout time go together and made a baby - a sweaty baby, but still.

<strong>Post Oak Lodge Trail Challenge</strong>
When: Feb. 26 and 27
Where: Post Oak Lodge
Races: Ready? 50K, 25K, 10K, half marathon, marathon and just about any combo of two of these events (woah.)
Details: <a href="http://www.postoakrun.com/">PostOakRun.com</a>
Register: <a href="https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=3542">Online</a>
Why you should run this race: FIrst of all? Everyone who finishes gets an automatic bad-ass award. Second, this run is where you'll find some of the most beautiful sights and vistas in town. The beauty of the rolling Osage Hills are second to none.
<h2>March Races</h2>
<strong>St. Patrick's Day 5K</strong>
When: March 12
Where: Start line at 4320 S. Peoria Ave.
Races: 5K, one-mile fun run
Details: <a href="http://www.specialolympicsoklahoma.org/StPatricks5KRun.html">SpecialOlympicsOklahoma.org</a>
Register: <a href="https://www.signmeup.com/site/online-event-registration/73272">Online</a>, in person at Runners World Tulsa, 43rd and Peoria
Why you should run this race: Because you're going to have to find some way to burn off enough calories to make up for all of the social lubricant you'll consume later this week, that's why. Plus, all proceeds benefit the Special Olympics of Oklahoma.

<strong>Snake Run</strong>
When: March 19
Where: Turkey Mountain
Races: 3-hour or 6-hour
Details: <a href="http://www.tatur.org/">Tatur.org</a>
Register: <a href="https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=3389">Tatur.org</a>
Why you should run this race: Because it's one of the best intros to trail running in northeastern Oklahoma, even if the name of the run has more to do with the shape of a snake than actual snakes on the trail. Plus, Turkey Mountain is an urban wilderness area. Which sounds wild and untamed and awesome. Like a trail full of snakes.
<h2>April Races</h2>
<strong>Lake McMurtrey</strong>
When: April 2
Where: Stillwater
Races: 12K, 25K, 50K
Details: <a href="http://www.tatur.org/">Tatur.org</a>
Register: <a href="https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=3384">Online</a>
Why you should run this race: Not only is this a good training run for the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon (see below), but it's also a great excuse to hit the road and check out what's going on over in Stilly. Plus, there's gonna be dinner. And dinner is good.
<h2>May Races</h2>
<strong>Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon</strong>
When: May 1
Where: Oklahoma City
Races: Marathon, half-marathon, marathon relay, 5K and kids' marathon
Details: <a href="http://www.okcmarathon.com/">OKCMarathon.com</a>
Register: <a href="http://www.okcmarathon.com/2011Registration/tabid/162/Default.aspx">Online, Mail-In</a>
Why you should run this race: The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon has a fantastic reputation for its sense of reverence, respect for those who lost their lives on April 19, 1995, and community. Every Oklahoman should run this race at least once in his/her lifetime.
<h2>Training Resources</h2>