People get bored very easily. That is a fact that is about as certain as death and taxes. Think about the high school kid who falls asleep during a forty-minute lecture on the Italian Renaissance or the security guard who drifts off during the graveyard shift. When a person experiences something that spans a long period of time and offers no alterations or adjustments, there exists no possible way for a legitimate focus to occur. As a result, body and mind change course, looking to either rest from exhaustion or re-stimulate itself with something else.

Training for triathlon is no different. While following a detailed, structured workout schedule will give you the format to stay consistent, doing the same routine day after day will result in two situations: a serious loss of mental motivation and a seemingly unbreakable physical plateau.

Mentally, when you continually change your patterns, the brain stays sharp, as it constantly has a new goal to reach. You provide the stimulus your brain requires to keep your body moving in a manner that permits progress. For example, using a swim workout based on stroke count one day, always working to lengthen the body's reach to reduce the number of strokes it takes to cover a given distance, and the next day swimming against the clock, a place where strokes are less important and time rules, provides you with a different set of challenges. Your brain avoids the patternization that generates boredom and fatigue.

Likewise, physically, if you can repeatedly alter your goals, you can keep your body from reaching those plateaus that stunt growth. Confusing the muscles, making them work similar groups in a variety of ways, dodges the monotony of identical workouts. For example, running an endless string of treadmill workouts will never produce the long-range results you need. Instead, get outside and hit the trails or do a track workout. Try plyometrics or Kenpo. Mix in multiple variations that will strengthen the muscles while keeping them fresh and stimulated.

Overall, you will be a happier triathlete if you mix it up. Failing to do so will not only hurt your performance, but also it will take away the pure joy associated with the sport. Keep yourself mentally and physically excited and vary those workouts as much as possible.

Isn't it funny that the only time certain cities ever make the national news is when something goes wrong? Birmingham, Alabama, appears to be one of them. The only time you hear about it is when there is a scandal. Yet, this city has evolved throughout the years. It's now an integrated, prosperous area that hosts a fun marathon.

The Mercedes-Benz Mercedes Marathon is held in Birmingham during February. Just like the vehicle it's named after, the Mercedes-Benz Mercedes Marathon is a class act. Besides being well organized, it features a few crowd pleasers like a kids' marathon, relay and half marathon. To add to this, the goody bag for participating runners is well stocked with desirable items. What is the catch? The only challenge you'll have with this race is its course.

The course of the Mercedes-Benz Mercedes Marathon is held in all of the usual places. It's strewn across the downtown area giving you a chance to see the highlights of the city. The only problem is that it's really hilly. So, if you aren't used to running up and down hills, you will struggle throughout this marathon. However, don't despair. Just buy a cushy pair of Nikes and stop by several of the drinking stations. These two things will help you finish this marathon. After it's all over, stop off to a local restaurant for a traditional southern meal and visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

So, does the Mercedes-Benz Mercedes Marathon sound right for you? If your answer is yes, register. You still have time. Just visit their official website at www.mercedesmarathon.com for more information.

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.

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 been on an action committee? I have. What's my definition of it? An action committee is a group of people who talk, talk and talk some more before they actually do anything. Yet, when they finally do take action, it's big. They change laws, erect buildings and even do fun things like sponsor marathons. For this reason, it's no surprise that the Lahaina Town Action Committee is hosting the next Maui Oceanfront Marathon.

The Maui Oceanfront Marathon has all of the markings of a well-thought-out run. Besides having the usual 26-mile trek, it also has incorporated other smaller courses. There's the 20-miler, half marathon, 5k and kids' run. In other words, the Lahaina Town Action Committee did all it could to inspire locals and tourists to lace up their Nikes and participate in their marathon. Too add to all of this, the committee also made sure the course included a lot of ocean scenery. If you participate in the Maui Oceanfront Marathon, you'll get a chance to see whales, colorful foliage and other things native to the ocean. It'll allow you to experience the great outdoors in a way you can't in many other places. However, if that doesn't turn you on, think about all of the surfers and other people at the beach. This marathon will allow you to meet an eclectic group of people.

Are you ready for a run along the beaches of Maui? If so, you still have time to sign up. The race starts on January 25, 2009. You can make running it one of your New Year's Resolutions. For more info, visit www.mauioceanfrontmarathon.com.

California is often associated with cutting-edge technology, alternative lifestyles and glamour. As a result, it is the go-to state for up-and-coming cultural trends. Yet, what most people don't know unless they live there is that the uppermost part of California is nothing but farmlands. Yes, that's right! Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger can drive 30 minutes north and step onto fields of vegetation. For this reason, it comes as no surprise that a northern California race - the Cowtown Marathon - was named after a four-legged farm animal.

The Cowtown Marathon is hosted by California's state capitol, Sacramento. It is normally held at the end of the year when temperatures are between 60 and 80 degrees. Besides live music, this marathon also has lots of give-a-ways, prizes, charities and food. Basically, the Cowtown Marathon has all of the amenities of a well-rounded race. Yet, these things aren't the best part of it. What sets it apart from other marathons? The course. It is really easy.

Yep, you won't have to buy a special pair of Filas or Nikes to run the Cowtown Marathon. The course is flat, fast and scenic. Therefore, all you folks who've never ran a marathon before should make this your first one. This run will give you the courage to tackle bigger and more difficult races like the Boston Marathon.

So, are you ready to face off with a cow? (Okay, it won't really be a face off, just a friendly meeting.) Then, consider running the Cowtown Marathon next year. It happens just before the holidays. And who knows? You might even run into the Terminator. It'll give you a chance to say the three words he's so used to hearing - "I'll be back!"

Are you ready for another mountain top experience? For my sake, I hope your answer is "yes." Why? Once again, I have details about another marathon that revolves around a mountain. To me, it's starting to feel like a conspiracy, or that people just LOVE to run over hills and through valleys. Either way, the Lake District Mountain Marathon is par for the course.

The Lake District Mountain Marathon is located in the UK. This marathon has a lot of history. Not only is it a 40-year-old run, it also is known for being treacherous. Yes, this marathon is not for dainty runners. So put your tutus away and throw on a pair of hiking boots or cleats that can do double duty as running shoes. The Lake District Mountain Marathon is full of brush known to scratch one's legs and rough paths designed to create blisters on your feet and hands. In other words, you have to be able to deal with rough terrain, and the great outdoors, in order to run it. Even if you take a compass, areas of this marathon lack visibility, so it may not do you any good. What is the benefit of running this particular race? Surviving it.

Runners who make it through the Lake District Mountain Marathon feel as if they can survive anything. It's a feeling of pride that comes after doing something that 75 percent of the people you know can't or won't do. I believe this is the key motivation for people who decide to face off with the Lake District Mountain Marathon. They want to prove to themselves and the world how strong they are mentally and physically.

Are you interested in running a challenging race? If so, sign up for the next run. It won't be until next year, which will give you plenty of time to practice. Start by going to an abandoned lot full of brush and mire. Then run through it for a couple of hours. It just might be enough to help you get ready for the opening day of the Lake District Mountain Marathon.

Remember all of those old movies centered on the Mojave Desert? Man gets lost in hot Mojave Desert. Vacationing family's car breaks down in a Mojave Desert storm. Five men searching for lost treasure out in the Mojave Desert succumb to the burning sun - only one rises to victory. These story lines are what put the Mojave Desert on the map. Yet they are also the ones that make people leery about visiting it. For this reason, I was surprised to find out that a marathon was focused around the Mojave.

The Valley of Fire Marathon is set in the Mojave Desert. And guess what? Unlike what we've seen in the movies, the temperatures are mild. They range from the mid- to high-60s during the day and drop into the 40s at night. So weather isn't an issue for this marathon. You can wear your regular shorts, tank and shoes with a little SPF on your nose. What is an issue is all of the fun you'll have running it. People come from all around to tackle the Valley of Fire Marathon. They do it because of the pre-run spaghetti dinner, challenging trek and prizes. It's these things that make people forget that the Mojave Desert has a reputation for sucking the life out of people.

So, are you ready for a run in the desert? If so, you should sign up for the Valley of Fire Marathon at www.valleyoffiremarathon.com. You still have time to register. The next upcoming race is on November 22, 2008 - just a few days prior to Thanksgiving. Bring your camera to the event. It'll give you something to talk about with the relatives over your turkey dinner.

When was the last time you used the phrase "When pigs fly"? It is a question you have to ask yourself because these three little words can carry a lot of weight. They can help you tell another person that under no circumstances will he get his way. Here's what I mean . . .

Scenario #1
Husband: "Honey, can you spit shine my shoes for me?"
You: "When pigs fly!"

Scenario #2
Boss: "I know it's last minute, but can you work on Christmas day?'
You: "When pigs fly!"

Scenario #3
Kids: "Can I take your new car to the beach?"
You: "When pigs fly!"

Imagine yourself in each of these scenarios. Don't you feel empowered? Well, the emotions swirling through your body now are the same ones I imagine motivated the creator of a certain marathon. It is the Flying Pig Marathon. For over a decade, runners have been participating in this fun run, making it one of Cincinnati, Ohio's most coveted events.

Besides the weird name, the Flying Pig Marathon is unique because it incorporates so many types of runs. There is a wheelchair run, a pump-n-run for weightlifters, a kids' run and a four-person relay. In essence, there is something for everyone who wants to run a race. What is the grand prize? A big medal with a flying pig on it. However, if you don't cross the finish line first, you won't feel bad. The after parties are plentiful and full of people who are just happy that they made it through the event.

So, does the Flying Pig Marathon sound like a race you would want to run? (I bet you're not saying "When pigs fly!") If so, check out their Web site at www.flyingpigmarathon.com. The next race will occur on May 3, 2009, which gives you plenty of time to register. Don't miss out on a fun event. You can make it a part of your next family vacation.

If Dunkin' Donuts was a marathon, what kind would it be? Would it be a plain marathon with no special events and only a milky medal to help you wash it down? Maybe it would be a rich, chocolate race covered with sprinkles of active children, lumpy roads and colorful gifts? Either way, it would be good. You'd want to go back for a taste of it on a regular basis. I think this might be the reason Dunkin' Donuts is sponsoring the Cape Cod Marathon. Their name alone elicits a positive response from most people; it'll be an automatic draw for old and new runners.

The Cape Cod Marathon is held in West Falmouth, MA. For a little over three decades, runners from every corner of the earth have laced up their Adidas in order to tackle it. Although the course is very challenging, the scenery makes up for the difficulty of running this race. Participants get to see some of the most beautiful parts of the area like the Falmouth Inner Harbor, Green Pond and Cranberry Bogs. Outside of this plus, the Cape Cod Marathon also comes equipped with relays, medals, charities and opportunities to volunteer. It is a well-rounded marathon that gives everyone a chance to enjoy the day.

Have you figured out what kind of donut the Cape Cod Marathon is? Okay. You probably weren't even thinking about the question. However, you can keep it in mind and actually find out for yourself by running this marathon. The next race is on October 26th. You can sign up for it now by visiting www.capecodmarathon.com. If you go, don't forget to bring your coffee and milk.

Runner's World magazine has deemed the Albert Bartlett Edinburgh Marathon the fastest marathon in the UK. Why? The race is located in Scotland, and runners, on average, complete the race with faster running times than the ten most popular races in the area. Of course, this fact brings up a lot of questions. The main one being, "Why do the people in the Albert Bartlett Edinburgh Marathon run so fast?" I think I have a few plausible answers:

Answer #1: The Loch Ness Monster is chasing them throughout the race.

Answer #2: Little leprechauns carry them quickly over the finish line.

Answer #3: The ghost of St. Patty spooks them at the starting line.

Answer #4: They can't wait to drink a pint of ale at the after party.

Answer #5: J.K. Rowling promises to name a character after the winner in the next Harry Potter book.

Answer #6: Britney Spears threatens to become a legal citizen of Edinburgh, Scotland if they slow down.

Answer #7: Brownies have created special shoes for the runners in order to speed up their times.

Answer #8: These kilt-clad runners are more aerodynamic.

These are just a few of the things that I think make runners of the Albert Bartlett Edinburgh Marathon run like the wind. However, there are other less important ones that motivate a few runners. Runners who participate in this race get to associate with athletic manufacturers like Asics, support charities like the Macmillan Cancer Support organization, participate in team relays and trek through a beautiful terrain. These things are what some Scottish folks say make Albert Bartlett Edinburgh Marathon a great race.

If you are interested in running a marathon filled with spirit, fun people and few worthy causes, you should sign up for this race. You can get more details about it at www.edinburgh-marathon.com. This Web site will gives even more reasons to participate in this race.

In life, there are always trade-offs. You agree to wear the birthday outfit your mom picked out for you in order to make her happy and deal with all of the jokes about it at the party from your friends. You stay late in an effort to catch up at work and miss out on a greatest happy hour ever in history that EVERYONE raves about the next day. And then, you decide to run a marathon in Seattle and have to deal with the rain. Okay, this last one isn't so bad. The perks of tackling the Seattle Marathon outweigh any rain you might encounter. It's what keeps runners returning each year to participate in it.

The Seattle Marathon draws people all over the country because of its scenic course, Carbo Load Dinner, goodie bags and charities. Born in 1908, this race has been going strong for 100 years. It's a weekend event that starts with a race for kids, bus tour and dinner. Then, on the day of the race, people gather to run a half marathon or full marathon. The course goes along the Queen Anne neighborhood near an urban terrain enhanced by water, trees and historic buildings. It's a scenic run that allows for a lot of photo ops. Plus, if you just want to enjoy it and a nice tune, you can now wear your iPod. The Seattle Marathon ends with awards being given to the winner along with a bag full of mementos handed out to the runners. It's an event that is good for the entire family.

So, are you ready to bear a little rain in order to tackle a fun run? Consider running the Seattle Marathon. You can find out more by visiting their Website at www.seattlemarathon.org. It'll give you details on the next marathon and how you can sign up for it.

Do you ever dream of taking a run on the wild side? Maybe in a remote wilderness, over cool lava rocks, near an active volcano. OK. Probably if you dreamed about this type of a run, it was a nightmare. However, in real life, there is such a run. Hundreds of people flock to it every year. It is called the Kilauea Volcano Marathon.

The Kilauea Volcano Marathon is held in Hawaii, normally in the summer months. This 26.2 mile marathon is not for the faint of heart. It is very challenging because of the location and terrain. The weather is hot and humid. The trail of the marathon is elevated and includes a field of lava rocks that are slippery. Runners often wear gloves to avoid cutting their hands from falls. (These runners just suck up the cuts and bruises on the other parts of their bodies.) There are no expos, mile markers or spectators. The only frill attached to this run is at the end when refreshments that are akin to local produce are given out along with artisan, hand-made awards. It's a tough race, but one that any seasoned runner should take on at least once.

Seasoned runners should take on the Kilauea Volcano Marathon for its scenic beauty and overall challenge. The area is remote and lovely to look at even though it's hard to run. Also, it will be a test of endurance and a chance to buff one's body in an unforgettable way. Then, after the race is over, runners can relax and enjoy the rest of Hawaii. It makes for a great get-a-way and photo-op.

Are you starting to see why the Kilauea Volcano Marathon might be a good marathon to run after all? For more information, visit their Web site at www.volcanoartcenter.org. It will tell you about race and other local happenings in the area.

The Pikes Peak Marathon is unique and, as a result, only right for a few runners. Therefore, In order to see if you are one of the special runners who can do this marathon, you must first take a quick questionnaire. Here are the questions. Answer the questions by circling yes or no.

(Yes/No) 1. Do you hate air?
(Yes/No) 2. Are you afraid to run on flat ground?
(Yes/No) 3. Can you walk like a zombie?
(Yes/No) 4. Does the idea of "falling out" seem okay to you?
(Yes/No) 5. Do you have a secret need to punish yourself?

If you answered yes to all of these questions, you are ready to run the Pikes Peak Marathon. This challenging marathon takes runners up Pikes Peak Ascent in Manitou Springs, Colorado. It starts at 6,300 feet and ends at 14,115 feet. The average grade for a "path" is 11 percent. In other words, this marathon is more like a hike. So you might want to find a pair of running shoes that act more like hiking boots in order to take on this marathon.

The Pikes Peak Marathon is so tough that the Web site gives warnings about "exerting too much energy" and the "lack of air" to potential runners. They basically want you to know that this is not a fun run that will exhilarate you. It actually will tire you out. Yet, despite all of this, you will get something from this race you can't get from many other marathons. Can you guess what it is? BRAGGING RIGHTS!

If you run the Pikes Peak Marathon, you can brag for years - even if you come in last place. It's just one of those marathons that most people won't do because it's scary. It requires more training than the average marathon and also more stamina. So keep this in mind as you decide if it is for you. Runners who tackle Pikes Peak Marathon are one-of-a-kind.

If you want more information on Pikes Peak Marathon, go their Web site. Enter at your own risk. Also, remember, do the race and BRAG, at your own pace.

Calling all single women! Are you looking for a place to vacation where you can find a hunk man who's well paid, physically fit and family oriented? Do you want your vacation to be centered on a special event? Should it be something fun for you and all of your desperate gal pals, as well as inexpensive? Well, here's the place for you: Anchorage, Alaska.

Anchorage, Alaska is known for its disproportionate ratio of single men to single women. No one is totally sure why. It's the cold weather and wild animals. However, for some reason, women aren't attracted to the area. Yet, the Alaskans make-up for this situation by creating events that attracts a lot of people. One of them is the Mayor's Marathon race.

The Mayor's Marathon race is held each summer in Anchorage. It's a popular race because the path isn't too challenging. Also, this race is one that qualifies runners for the world-famous Boston Marathon. The Mayor's Marathon is also known for giving out great prizes as well as tours. Yes. That's right ladies. So don't forget to pack a pair of Uggs to replace your Nikes. This marathon understands the needs of its participants. Runners can sign up to tour the local area, which will acquaint them with locals. It's a great way to find Mr. Right now.

OK, even if you sign up to participate in this race and don't meet anyone, it will still make for a great vacation. The Mayor's Marathon offers participants a chance to run a fun and relatively easy marathon with all of the perks of a bigger and more difficult one. Plus, it's held in an area famous for its natural beauty and clean air. What more could you want?

If this sounds like a marathon for you, visit their Web site. Check out the site and find out more reasons why you'll want to run this race.