At it again in 2010

It's been less than a week after running the Ghost Town 38.5 and I'm thinking of what challenges await in the coming year.

Of course, my legs are having none of it. They just feel out of gas. Maybe this will be a good year to keep it relatively light, at least compared with the past two years.

I was adding up what I ran in 2009, and I guess it may have been a bit much: 4 marathons, two 50-milers, one 100-miler. Oh, and I think I did a 5K or two.

But enough about me.

If you live in or near the West Texas town of El Paso, you'll have a lot of fun running in the coming year. And not just the El Paso Marathon on March 7, which is on pace to be the largest race yet in its four-year history.

Coming up on February 14 is the Jack Rabbit Classic, which this year is a 6-mile trail run (and 5K on the road) in Franklin Mountains State Park.

Of course there are other regional races going on, worth considering.

The Ghost Town 38.5 that I ran was in Hillsboro, New Mexico (not far from Truth or Consequences). The race itself was hard. The "event" was quite fun. Susan, the race organizer, put on a great pre-race dinner, complete with Greek dancers (in honor of the first marathon 2,500 years ago this year), Greek poetry, door prizes and excellent food.

I highly recommend the race. Only problem is it is 38.5 miles.

But there are other regional races that you might want to consider. Ruidoso, Alamogordo, Marfa, Las Cruces all are home to interesting races.

More to come.

Jim