Ever wonder what happens to world-famous runners after they leave the spotlight? Maybe they become reality TV starts, like Bruce Jenner, or the focus of a scandal like Marion Jones. Either way, you rarely hear about them doing anything spectacular to change the world of running after the media loses their trail. For this reason, I was surprised to find out how much veteran runner Jeff Galloway has achieved in his life.

For those of you who don't know, Jeff Galloway is a lifetime runner who had his heyday in the 1970s as an Olympic marathon runner. He was on the track back in the day when famous runners like Steve Prefontaine were getting their props. Yet, unlike a lot of his fellow runners, he took all of the knowledge he gained as a runner back to the people. He didn't just keep it to himself or only share it with a select few.

Jeff Galloway is responsible for penning several best-selling books on running as well as devising the Run-Walk method. In addition, he opened up athletic stores, hosted fitness camps and shared his knowledge worldwide with running coaches. A large proponent of injury-free running, Jeff Galloway has set a standard for anyone who wants to be a lifetime runner without wearing down their body. Overall, his contribution to the world of running is great.

Today, Galloway lives in Atlanta with his wife and sons. He continues to run and teach others about his chosen sport. His life is a testimony to all that a runner can do in his profession - on and off the track.

Want a different view of Bourbon Street? If so, run the New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon. It's probably the only race that you can participate in that will allow you to eat a plate of craw dads, wear a funky t-shirt and get your exercise in at the same time.

The New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon starts off with a bang. The race begins at Sugar Bowl Drive, which is normally crowded with people. At this point, the course is flat and easy to maneuver. Novice runners love it! The course later becomes a bit more challenging but not too difficult for the average runner. To add to its plusses, the New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon has a lot of great scenery. If you participate in it, you will trek through historic areas such as Audubon Park, the French Quarters and Bourbon Street. These places will allow you to experience the local flavor. A final highlight of this marathon is the "Run for the Children" relay challenge.

The "Run for the Children" relay challenge benefits the local Children's Hospital. It is a new addition to this marathon. What's fun about this relay is that it allows for teams and includes categories like "Corporate Female." The whole office can sign up for this marathon and compete against each other.

If the New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon sounds good to you, sign up for it. It's not too late. The race occurs on February 1, 2009.

In April 2009, the largest 10K in Minnesota and one of the largest in the U.S. will take place in Minneapolis. Get in Gear is in its 32nd year, and this year the event is even adding a half marathon to the 10K, 5K and 2K races to make it just that bit more exciting. Get in Gear in 2009 will be run on April 25th with the 2K Fun Run setting off at 8:15 a.m. in Minnehaha Park in downtown Minneapolis. The half marathon starts at 9 a.m. (with a three hour limit) and the 10K and 5K start at 9:30 and 9:50 a.m., so you don't even have to get up too early.

Get in Gear is billed as the annual rite of spring, but it's actually been known to be really cold (they even had snow last year on race day!). So if you're gonna run it, make sure you've got running clothes ready for both spring and winter, because, in Minnesota, it can go either way. Don't worry though, even if it's freezing, enough folks from Minneapolis will come out to cheer you on, even if they do have to wear gloves and drink hot chocolate.

Get in Gear is great because all of the proceeds from the race go to local food shelters to help the hungry, and in this economic climate, that's even more of a necessity. The goal is to raise $50,000 in 2009, which will buy a lot of loaves of bread, boxes of rice and packs of spaghetti.

Speaking of food, the day before race day, don't forget to go and pick up your race packet (including your race number and computer chip). If you're coming from out of town, you can pick them up before the race on race day, but you'll need to allow extra time. I said "speaking of food" because the packet usually includes tons of goodies such as snacks, healthy chips and last year even a box of Minute Rice too. You'll also get a nice 100-percent cotton t-shirt just for participating in the race.

Get in Gear is a lot of fun. The race is popular, the course isn't too difficult and after the race there are boatloads of food available at many food stalls in the park from noon to 8 p.m. There's also a Vendor's Village with tons of stalls to browse. Don't forget, you can also volunteer if you don't want to run. Just give the Get in Gear organizers a buzz at (612) 722-9004.

There are two 10K races that have the same theme but take place in different places and at different times. The theme is to celebrate Scotland, but the races take place on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean. The Scotland Run 10K is in New York in March, and The Great Scottish Run 10K in Glasgow in September.

The Scotland Run 10K takes place in Central Park in New York City every March and takes its name from the fact that it starts off a week of celebrations about Scotland. The Scotland Run 10K is an awesome event for the family, especially for the kids, as there are loads of booths serving great food, as well as music, dancers and face painters. Runners of all levels participate in The Scotland Run 10K, which is a loop run around Central Park. While you're running, you'll hear the beat of the drums and the wail of the bagpipes, so even if you're not Scottish, you'll feel like you are. Around 6,000 runners run in The Scotland Run 10K every year, making it best to register for the race beforehand, as registering on the day of the race gets incredibly hectic, and you don't want to miss the start time. The Scotland Run 10K also usually hands out some very nice gift bags, so make sure you get yours.

The Scotland Run 10K is one of the races that are pre-qualifiers for the ING New York Marathon, so there are always a lot of serious runners in it. But, don't worry, if you just want to have fun here, you can do that too.

Crossing the Atlantic and onto Scotland, The Great Scottish Run 10K takes place in September in Glasgow. Almost 20,000 runners run in this event, so it's huge and is actually the "biggest participation event" in Scotland. The race itself is relatively challenging, with some hills but a lot of flat ground. Proceeds from the Great Scottish Run 10K go to cancer research in the UK, but just for participating you'll get a nice T-shirt, a medal, certificate and a gift bag. You'll also get the satisfaction of knowing you did your part for cancer research.

If you want to enjoy the true Scottish experience, run in The Great Scottish Run 10K (there's also a half marathon if you want it a bit more of a challenge). But if crossing the Atlantic seems a bit too much, stay closer to home and run The Scotland Run 10K in New York. You'll still enjoy all the fun of Scotland without the long plane ride.

"Men of success meet with tragedy. It was the will of God that I won the Olympics, and it was the will of God that I met with my accident. I accept these victories as I accept this tragedy. I have to accept both circumstances as a fact of life and live happily."

If you are wondering who said the above statement, it is record breaking runner Abebe Bikila. Born in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) in 1932, he was the son of a shepherd who was put in the 1960 Rome Olympics at the last minute. Adidas, olympic shoe sponsor
had few shoes left when Bikila went to try out shoes. He ended up
with a pair that didn't fit comfortably, so a
couple of hours before the race the decision was taken by Abebe to run
barefoot, the way he had originally trained for the race.

Abebe Bikila became a hero in Ethiopia by becoming the first African to win an Olympic gold medal. As you can see from his prior statement, he knew it was his destiny. Besides bringing home the gold in the 500 m, he also set a new record for finishing the marathon in 2:15:16.2. Based on reports, he did it effortlessly, sprinting toward the finish line. However, as with anyone, his life was full of traumatic experiences and one that actually ended his career.

In 1969, Bikila's city was full of unrest. As a result, after swerving to avoid hitting a group of protestors, he landed in a ditch and became trapped in his car. It was an event that would turn him into a quadriplegic. With help, he later would become a paraplegic. Yet, his running days were over. It was at this time he would release the aforementioned, famous statement.

Abebe Bikila's statement is one that shows us all that we must accept life as it is. So, if 2008 really wasn't your year, accept it and move on. Try to make 2009 a better one.

Come away with me to an island full of lush plants and rolling mountains. Sit with me on the beach and allow the ocean air to blow through your hair and bring you back to a time when you had no cares in the world. You were young, healthy and able to run for hours without ever getting weary. Okay. Now that you are fully relaxed, you can refocus your thoughts and imagine doing one more thing. What? Running the Whidbey Island Marathon.

The Whidbey Island Marathon is one of those runs you can turn into a mini-vacation. It happens in the spring when the weather is warming up, your bank account has finally recuperated from all of that holiday shopping, and you are ready for a break. This marathon offers you a chance to unwind with the entire family and turn a few days into something special.

There are many ways to enjoy the Whidbey Island Marathon. It has a course that trails along a majestic island surrounded by fresh water, a half-marathon, charity clothing drop and awards for participants of all ages. As a result, your five-year-old child and seventy-year-old grandfather have a chance to get rewarded if they finish in the top three of their age category. Oh, don't worry about getting them up to and back from the race; there are shuttle buses for that. The only thing you need to worry about is planning that special family dinner after the marathon is over and enjoying the island scenery.

So, as you can see, the Whidbey Island Marathon is the perfect mini-vacation. Therefore, come March, plan on packing up your sneakers, beach bag and windbreaker. You can use all of them if you participate in the Whidbey Island Marathon. For more information, visit their Web site at www.whidbeyisland.com/race.cfm.

Have you ever heard of April Holmes? If not, you are missing out on one of the best kept secrets of America. This woman is one of the most heroic figures of our century. Why? She's a record breaking runner who's showing and teaching others how to overcome obstacles in life. Here's her story.

In 2001, April Holmes was involved in a horrible accident. One of her legs got caught under a train, which led to her losing it. For many people this kind of event would be the beginning to a life of drudgery, pain and bitterness. However, for the prior NCAA All-American, this tragedy marked the beginning of an awe-inspiring athletic and advocacy career.

After her accident, April charged full-steam ahead in her life. She moved on to compete in the Paralympic Games and set a new record under her classification for the 100 meter. She also won medals in other events. Then, she capitalized on her success by bringing her story to the national news. She did several interviews, visited schools and even starred in a video by rapper Shaggy. April Holmes' basic message to others is to persevere through life despite what does or doesn't happen to you.

So what is April up to lately? She is easing out of her athletic career and continuing to speak out for people with disabilities. Holmes continues to travel to schools to deliver a message of hope. She is definitely a modern day hero that we all can look up to.