Goals are dreams with deadlines. Stop dreaming! I took control of my life and with the help of many wonderful people I was able to lose 135 pounds in 11 months. Set a goal, tell everyone who will listen, and stick to your plan. You can do it!!
I haven't ran that many races but here are the few that I have. Some are 'official' some aren't. As far as I am concerned, 26.2 miles is 26.2 miles whether you paid $80 bucks to get in or not!