Planning out a race schedule for the year isn’t something that I’ve done in my short time running, but it’s something I’m going to do in 2010.

In 2008, my first full year of running, I raced six 5Ks, and one 10K. I also registered for a half marathon, and made it through 9 weeks of a 16 week training plan before a knee injury eventually derailed my training. Through it all I remain motivated, in part because I had something to train for. Since starting my comeback, following knee surgery this past February, my running has been fairly unstructured, and I’ve sometimes found myself lacking motivation. Along the way, I’ve only raced once—a 5K (and a PR, by the way).

While I do enjoy running just to run, I miss racing. I want to race more. However, every time I find a race that could work, I find an excuse to make it not work. Part of it has to do with not having had any structured training, and of not having the confidence to give it a go. Racing more often, and having a training plan that is structured around a race schedule, should help me to feel prepared and confident. Also, I imagine that registering for races as soon as registration opens will prevent me from backing out at the last minute, and save some money in the form of reduced registration fees.

Without further ado, here’s what I’m thinking for 2010:

• Spring half marathon possibilities…
  • The Cowtown Half Marathon (Feb. 27, 2010)
  • Rock ‘n’ Roll Dallas 1/2 Marathon (March 14, 2010)
• Komen Tarrant County Race for the Cure 5K (April 24, 2010)
• xSIGHTment Run 5K (Early June 2010)
• Leadville Trail 100 10K (August 15, 2010)
• Late fall marathon possibilities…
  • White Rock Marathon (December 2010)
  • Fort Worth Marathon (Early November 2010)
  • Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio Marathon (mid-November 2010)
• Other races under consideration…
• Fort Worth Zoo Run 5K or 10K (Mid April 2010)
• Joe’s Run 5K or 10K (March 27, 2010)
• Tour des Fleurs 10K or 20K (Mid or late September 2010)

Do you have any suggestions for my schedule? Races I must do? Exotic locations to travel to? One thing to keep in mind regarding races requiring travel is that Julie and I are expecting a baby around April 19th.