<p style="text-align: center;"><a rel="attachment wp-att-3363" href="http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2011/01/oklahoma-races-marathons-training-winter-spring/tulsarun/"><img class="size-full wp-image-3363  aligncenter" title="Tulsa Run" src="http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/tulsarun.jpg" alt="Tulsa Run" width="375" height="500" /></a></p>
Tailgating, American Idol legends and high-profile fights about the proper naming of parades - 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, stroke, cancer - and the list goes on. You name it, we're probably bumping into children and processed food displays at the grocery store with our motorized, ride-on cart because of it.

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 use it to pump up my heart rate. 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. You know what they say - a spoon full of sugar makes the medicine go down, blah blah blah.

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

Here's a list of races taking place in our neck of the woods over the next couple of months. All you have to do is pick a race, click the appropriate buttons and get yourself registered - there are even a few races in which the kids and our furry dog friends can get involved.

Then, check the bottom of this post for resources on training and more info on, by registering to run, exactly what you've gotten yourself into (read: a smaller, sexier pair of pants).

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<h2>January Races</h2>
<strong>Whole Person Indoor Triathlon</strong>
When: Jan. 29-30
Where: <a href="http://www.mabeecenter.com/">Oral Roberts University</a>, Kenneth H. Cooper Aerobics Center
Races: 400-meter swim, 8-mile bike, 2-mile run, individual or team
Details: <a href="http://tatok.com/2011/01/2nd-annual-whole-person-indoor-triathlon/">Tulsa Area Triathletes</a>
Register: <a href="http://mabeecenter.com/events.php?id=triathlon2011">Online</a>
Why you should run this race: Because it's indoors. Which is practically a requirement for any race held during an Oklahoma January. Brrr.
<h2>February Races</h2>
<strong>Groundhog Run</strong>
When: Feb. 5
Where: Lake Overholser in Oklahoma City
Races: 8K
Details: <a href="https://www.signmeup.com/site/online-event-registration/73305">Groundhog Run 8K</a>
Register: <a href="https://www.signmeup.com/site/online-event-registration/73305">Online</a>
Why you should run this race: Because we could all use to know how much more indoor walking, running, swimming and biking we're in for.

<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 got together and made a baby - a sweaty baby, but still.

<strong>St. John Annual Indoor Sprint Triathlon</strong>
When: Feb. 18 and 19
Where: St. John Siegfried Health Club, 1819 E. 19th Street in Tulsa
Races: 500-yard swim, 8-mile bike, 3-mile run, individual or team
Details: <a href="http://www.stjohnhealthclub.com/general.asp?id=824&amp;siteuse=15">StJohnHealthClub.com</a>
Register: <a href="https://www.signmeup.com/site/online-event-registration/72846">Online</a>
Why you should run this race: When it's the official month for nasty winter weather here in Oklahoma, you want to be doing your exercising inside. The Health Club at St. John is a darned fine place to do it.

<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>Fight for Air Climb, Oklahoma City</strong>
When: March 5
Where: First National Center, 120 N. Robinson Ave. in OKC
Races: 5K (29 floors)
Details: <a href="http://www.lungusa.org/pledge-events/ok/oklahoma-city-climb/">LungUSA.org</a>
Register: <a href="http://www.lungusa.org/pledge-events/ok/oklahoma-city-climb/">Online</a>
Why you should run this race: It's a vertical 5K. Need I say more?

<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>Shamrock the Ville: Running 'O The Green</strong>
When: March 12
Where: The corner of Johnstone and Frank Phillips in Bartlesville
Races: 5K and fun walk
Details: <a href="http://shamrocktheville.com/A_wee_tiny_festival_in_the_heart_o_the_Ville.html">ShamrockTheVille.com</a>
Register: <a href="https://www.signmeup.com/site/reg/register.aspx?fid=0D2V2K7">Online</a>
Why you should run this race: Because it'll put you smack dab in the middle of one of the biggest St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the entire state. And a boxing ring will be there. Live music and food, too.

<strong>Run Lucky</strong>
When: March 13
Where: Classen Curve District of Oklahoma City
Races: 5K
Details: <a href="http://runlucky.com/">RunLucky.com</a>
Register: <a href="https://www.signmeup.com/site/online-event-registration/73369">Online</a>
Why you should run this race: Because the Classen Curve District is worth a visit to Oklahoma City in and of itself. Plus, there will be lots of costumes - some scary, some sexy, all green.

<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.

<strong>St. Paddy's Race</strong>
When: March 19
Where: Lake Hefner, east wharf, Oklahoma City
Races: 8K
Details: <a href="http://www.stpaddysrace.com/">StPaddysRace.com</a>
Register: <a href="https://www.signmeup.com/site/online-event-registration/73838">Online</a>
Why you should run this race: Because if you've never run Lake Hefner, it's time, my son. It's time.

<strong>Wish Lemons Run</strong>
When: March 26
Where: Youth and Family Center, 11th and Main in downtown Tulsa
Races: 5K, dog walk, 1K fun run
Details: <a href="http://www.wishlemonsrun.com/">WishLemonsRun.com</a>
Register: <a href="http://www.wishlemonsrun.com/register-temp.html">Online</a>
Why you should run this race: Because you still want to be running around like a crazy man when you're 92 years old like Tulsa runner Wish Lemons, don't you?
<h2>April Races</h2>
<strong>Fight for Air Climb Tulsa</strong>
When: April 2
Where: BOK Tower, 1 Williams Center in downtown Tulsa
Races: 5K
Details: <a href="http://www.lungusa.org/pledge-events/ok/tulsa-climb/">LungUSA.org</a>
Register: <a href="http://www.lungusa.org/pledge-events/ok/tulsa-climb/">Online</a>
Why you should run this race: Like the OKC Fight for Air Climb, but in Tulsa's mammoth BOK Tower. Better to learn to love the feeling of a raging bonfire in your chest, and quick.

<strong>Start! Tulsa Heart Walk</strong>
When: April 2
Where: ONEOK Field
Races: 5K
Details: <a href="http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Affiliate/Tulsa/Oklahoma/Home_UCM_SCA025_AffiliatePage.jsp">Heart.org</a>
Register: <a href="http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Affiliate/Tulsa/Oklahoma/Home_UCM_SCA025_AffiliatePage.jsp">Online</a>
Why you should run this race: If walking is your thing, there's nothing like a walk through downtown's Greenwood, Brady and Blue Dome Districts. Get it all plus plenty of walking companions with this race.

<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.

<strong>Remember the Ten</strong>
When: April 16
Where: Oklahoma State University campus in Stillwater
Races: 2K fun run/walk, 5K, 10K
Details: <a href="http://www.remembertheten.com/">RemembertheTen.com</a>
Register: <a href="https://www.signmeup.com/site/online-event-registration/72248">Online</a>
Why you should run this race: Because it's nice to run through the OSU campus, especially when it's not because you're late for class. Not that I would know anything about this. That this event is a memorial to the Cowboy lives lost in the plane crash in January 2001 is just one reason more.
<h2>Races in the Beginning of May</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.

<strong>Xtreme Obstacle Course Runs</strong>
When: May 1
Where: Camp Loughridge
Races: one-mile fun run, 5K
Details: <a href="http://xtreme5k.com/">Xtreme5K.com</a>
Register: <a href="http://xtreme5k.com/">Online</a>
Why you should run this race: Run, fun, swim and burgers - oh, and enough obstacles to keep your focus when the Oklahoma heat tries to put sweat in your eyes.
<h2>Training Resources</h2>
<ul>
	<li>Classes, training programs and free training runs at <a href="http://www.fleetfeettulsa.com/training">Fleet Fleet Tulsa</a> (both locations)</li>
	<li>Classes, training programs and free training runs at <a href="http://www.runnersworldtulsa.com/">Runners World Tulsa</a></li>
	<li>Free training runs with <a href="http://www.tatur.org/">Tulsa Area Trail Runners</a></li>
	<li>Training clinics with the <a href="http://tatok.com/">Tulsa Area Triathletes</a></li>
	<li><a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-244--6851-2-2X5X8-4,00.html">Runner's World Ultimate Half Marathon Training Guide</a></li>
	<li><a href="http://moving4life.com/">Moving 4 Life</a></li>
	<li><a href="http://fat-ass-to-fit-ass.blogspot.com/">Fat Ass to Fit Ass: Running on Empty</a></li>
	<li><a href="http://veggingoutinttown.wordpress.com/">Vegging Out in T-Town</a></li>
</ul>
Did I miss your favorite winter/spring race or your surefire training resource? Leave details in the comments.