Medal Monday brings many stories of achievement for our members. Here are recent stories from the Marathon Maniacs and Half Fanatics, as told by you, as posted on the Marathon Maniacs/Half Fanatics Facebook pages.
Congratulations to all of our members who completed an event this month!
Carrie Kelley(MM16054) – This is what it looks like when you’re dying in a marathon & still have 16 miles to go. 😭I can’t believe I finished this thing. I thought I was going to finish in 6:45ish time. As if!😆 Maybe it was what felt like the never-ending hills or the humidity or the outright pain from step one or my L leg constantly buckling. (This hasn’t happened since before spinal fusion surgery 2 years ago).😳 It was just a bad day out there in Michigan. I’m so glad I finished! I’m so happy it’s over! I’m truly surprised they didn’t call 911 on me! 😅 Hallelujah!
Charlotte Corriher(MM3514) – YAY ITS MARATHON DAY !!!
Yesterday I ran the Never Forget 9:11 Endurance Run in Greer SC. It was a 9 hr 11 min race run by the 2Slow4Boston RDs Don Carpenter and Adamy Damaris Diaz.
We lucked up on the weather as it was a cool morning. I lucked up having my buddies Sally Sauer and Christelle there to run with.
Marathon Maniacs gathered at the Holland Haven Marathon this morning,(September 8) enjoying favorable weather conditions and a beautiful point-to-point course.
Jennifer Clark (HF16743, DA3643, MM15623)– Half # 300 is in the books!!!
Saturday morning I ran Beat the Blerch Half in Carnation WA just outside of Seattle. Seattle/Black Diamond is where my oldest son and family live.
We had heard this was a fun race and our son had done it a year before. So, we signed up right away, especially after hearing from other running friends how cool it was!
Joining us were our family and there were a number of fellow running friends from the area plus some who came from afar!!
There was a lot of communication from the race organization in the weeks prior. Packet pickup was easy. Kim McCandless actually picked my packet up and she was able to get me a bib with the number 300 on it!
This event was created after an internet conic book series called Thr Oatmeal by Matthew Inman, a cartoonist. One of the characters is The Blerch, an anatomist in the series… hence Beat the Blerch! He (Matthew) was at the race as well as several people dressed up as a Blerch chasing or trying to get you to lie down on couches for a nap!
The race was well organized, especially when they had to change the course at the last minute due to construction. There were 3 Aid stations along the course. Since this was an out and back, it gave you six chances for hydration, energy gels, along with their famous Nutella sandwiches and cake, lots of cake!
Also at each Aid Station were couches where a Blerch would encourage you to stop and take a nap. You needed a nap because of all the cake you were eating. This is what makes this race unique and a lot of fun!
The course is a hard packed pathway that is a rail to trail course. The scenery along the course was pretty nice.
As you came to the finish, you had one last Blerch to chase you across the line. The After Party started with the BurritoNut stand! Here is where you got to have a burrito with a donut on top and a selection of toppings. The toppings were not your normal taco toppings. Your choices included gummy bears, bacon, marshmallows, potato chips and candy sprinkles! You could also top it off with ranch dressing or chocolate syrup.
The runners were treated to the normal food in the Barn such as bananas, chips, water, Gatorade, etc. They also had a great merchandise table!!
This was an exciting day and I’m glad I was able to do it with family and friends. I couldn’t have thought of a better way to celebrate half #300! I look forward to coming back again!!
Marathon Maniacs & Half Fanatics at Beat the Blerch Half in Carnation WA, September 7, 2024
Teresa Clark Vincent(HF16573)-Medal Monday ~ ran the Hy-Vee Omaha Half in Nebraska on Sunday. The weather was beautiful and the volunteers were so great. This Half was an out and back, which I really like, but there were 2 loops in the course that I found a bit boring. I didn’t take too many pictures, because I got on the struggle-bus and just wanted the run done after mile 8.
Honestly, that was because there is construction going on and next year should be much better according to the Race Director. The post-race food and giveaways were awesome!
Even going slow the last 5 miles, I earned 3rd in AG and those Age Group medals are so cool!
Hank OnThe Hill Lopez (MM14044, DA3029, HF16561) – Home Town Race! The Half Marathon (#229) at The Pumpkinman Running Festival. GREATER LOWELL IS IN MY HOUSE?! Race Director Rachel Roy Martin puts on one of the best events ever! Way to go South Berwick!!!!
Because if the race goes by my mailbox…. I HAD MAIL !!! Funky Bow Brewery (local) G-String Pale Ale my yearly Pumpkinman official in race beverage.
Annie Adkins(HF13772, DA2461, MM12913) –Escape From Turkey Mountain 2024 – Trail Race- Did the Escape from Turkey Mountain trail race this morning and had such a fun time. It’s an uphill battle (literally lol), little tough but soooo much fun! I placed 2nd in AG and got a cool coaster. The weather was great also! It was definitely a good day! I really enjoy these trail races put on by Fleet Feet Tulsa 😊
Thank you to Tim, fleet feet Tulsa for an awesome race and all… See more
Tim Mullican(MM7665)- Post-run photo at The Blood Run at the Good Earth Farm in their barn which doubles as the main aid station at the run. The barn was originally built in the 1890s, but has been all rebuilt except for the stone foundation. I struggled a lot during the heat of the day with a high near 88 degrees, but felt better after the sun went down. Start time was noon. Volunteers put a marble in a jar each time you finish a loop and then they give you the jar of marbles when you finish. The race is near Lennox, SD.
Sadie Smith(MM12709) – Today’s Green River Marathon was my first in eight weeks, and it was all of the things: I got my sub 3 for Vermont (2:56:34) and was first overall female, but far more importantly I was able to run an absolutely beautiful course and spend some time remembering my friend, Bob Kennedy, who would have run his 300th marathon today. The race director gave the nicest tribute at the start line, and listening to the birds sing during the moment of silence that followed was just perfect.
This was a challenging race on a fairly humid day. I am 100% confident that my extra push during the last six miles was all Bob. I’m so grateful I had the privilege to meet such an extraordinary man, and we continue to pray for his family and community.
Karen Johnson Derrick(MM12489, DA3640, HF18426) – I successfully finished the Kaua’i Marathon this morning, overcoming the hot and hilly terrain. The week preceding the marathon was filled with enjoyable activities such as snorkeling, tubing, and beach trips. This finish is my 186th marathon finish, the third in Hawaii, and the 33rd state completed in my third round. I attached a few pictures.
Ed Toews(MM9501, DA3146, HF16852) – Made it out to Regina for the 2024 GMS Queen City Marathon to run the marathon. I love this race as it is a top event organized by runners who care about what makes a great event. I ran this event as my first marathon 12 years ago and I love coming back. By the way, we got to see The Bombers beat Regina in the Banjo Bowl. A very satisfying result. Thank you Regina!
Pascal Radley(MM2051) – Oh Canada, why did you give us 92° today? Tough day at the Queen City Marathon due to the heat but an otherwise great event. This makes Saskatchewan Canadian province #2 (yes new goal). There are 10 provinces for those who are Canada challenged.
Now for some poutine before traveling home tomorrow
Marathon Maniacs, Half Fanatics and 50 Staters at the 2024 GMS Queen City Marathon in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada 🇨🇦 September 8, 2024
Photo by Lyndon Smith
Michelle Migneault Cox(HF17353)- Half 125 ✅
3rd Canadian Province ✅
Royal Saskatchewan Museum ✅
Local Brewery ✅
Post Race Hot Tub ✅
It was a long day and now I’m off to bed since I have a super early flight!
Today on this #medalmonday I’m proud to say I finished my 125th half marathon in Regina, SK @runqcm This race was my 3rd province for my 10 Provinces Challenge with @halfmarathonclub There were lots of Half Fanatics/Marathon Maniacs there, but I was the only 50 stater. This run was great although it was very warm. There was more shade than I thought, but just wish all races in the summer would start at 6am! I had a good time, visited the capital building and the @royalsaskmuseum which was the best natural history museum I’ve been to
Marcus Carmicle(MM15632, DA3648, HF17428) – I had a pretty successful 5K and half marathon in the Smokies this weekend at the 2024 Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon & 5k. 1st masters in the 5K on Friday evening. 1st in my age group on Saturday morning at the half and 2nd place team overall.
Patty Z Bishop (HF12118) – Finished Canadian Province #9, in Newfoundland/Labrador and Half Marathon #226, at the Capital Subaru Uniformed Services Run…
Gregg LeBlanc(MM13039, DA2537, HF4564) – Another fun morning running through Vancouver for the 2024 PeaceHealth Appletree Marathon, 1/2 Marathon, We had a fun group of Foot Traffic Pacers out supporting the Half Marathon Runners.
Lifetime Half #255
Marathon Maniacs & Half Fanatics at the Appletree Half Marathon
Ron Childres(HF15628) – Half marathon 133. Hadn’t ran a half marathon since Miami Marathon
Half Fanatics at the Mellow Trail Race Half Marathon (September 8, 2024)
Amy Seagroves ( HF18410, DA3652, MM15648) – Completed another double this weekend! Saturday was Half #146 Bird-in-Hand in PA. I have done several races in PA and while many were great this one was the absolute best. Beautiful course through Amish country. Tons of Amish children and families cheering you on. And the best part so many farm animals including a camel! The course has some hills but it’s not too bad. It’s also a very back of the pack friendly race. I took so many pictures and had so much fun this was one of my slowest races. You also get a super cool horseshoe medal. There is also a nice picnic at the end. I just wish there were more vegetarian options. Overall this is an awesome race that you should try to do!
Sunday I completed Half #147 Racefaster Half in NJ. This race was okay. It was a pretty no frills event. It was an out and back with a small loop at the end along a public bike trail. No major issues it was just kind of generic. Aid stations also just had water. It was however perfect running weather and a fast, flat course so I did Racefaster than Saturday and was almost 35 minutes faster lol. There were less animals to take pictures of though I did see some deer. Finish line pretty lackluster. No food just water and medal kind of cheap (mine broke). Overall this was a fine race for checking off another half. Not my first choice for NJ but it was convenient after Bird-in-Hand and very close to MetLife Stadium so I was able to go to the Giants game after.
Lorinda Hagstrom(HF13228, DA1981, MM3865) – One of my favorites and I got to pace amazing people! Love seeing so many friends running, volunteering, and pacing! Half #137 in the books at Cascade Express, enjoying the run in a demo pair of #mounttocoast P1s. Best shoe ever! #medalmonday since I’ll forget tomorrow
Michael Hall-(MM14514, DA3242, HF16228) – Moonlight at the Falls, Blackwater State Park near Davis, WV. Started August 24 and Finished August 25th. Sleep deprived and challenging elevation means a daybreak finish. Michael Hall,
E Del Favero (MM11749, DA2901, HF16046)
Debbie Del Favero shown. (MM16104, DA3782, HF18611)
Kim K. Groves(HF15235) – Medal Monday: I don’t often post, but this was a race worth shouting about. Dingle Marathon Half in Dingle Ireland. It was a hilly run & mile 11 really took me out. But such a beautiful course. Miles of coastal scenery & a great excuse for a vacation. The half sells out extremely fast every year.
Eddie Hahn(MM184) – Surfer’s Point Marathon, Ventura, California US. 9/8/24. This was the 3rd “version” of the Surfer’s Point Marathon and 5th total version of a repurposed course (2 named the “Shoreline” Marathon, as directed by Bill Escobar of Elite sports (whose claim to fame, among other accomplishments, is 8 Ironman Triathlons, with plans for 2 more for a decade of Irons).
I decided to register a week ago to avoid “rolling a doughnut” or “goose egg” again as I had in August (meaning ZERO August marathon finishes)
This venue is new-Bill moved the start from “Emma Woods” State Park to Solimar Beach. I surmised it was a challenge getting runners in and out of the campground.
For us this meant a shorter “out and back” necessitating 3 out and back loops instead of 2 as was previously designed, (going out and back three times on the same route is just more of a mental grind since my last 5 marathons here were double out and backs rather than triple)
I had concerns with the recent heat wave in the LA area with valley temps unseasonably high and nearby Santa Barbara reaching temps in the 100s a day or two ago,
Projected highs were for 83 for Sunday,
I checked in at 550 after a 2-hour drive for the 7 am marathon. Not opting for the 6 am early start would turn out to be a mistake.
My goal was to complete each section in 40 minutes (or each out and back in 1:20. That would have produced a 4-hour finish.
I monitored my splits between miles 1 and 10 which were between 8:38 and 9:25 (porta john stop). *(9:09s needed for a 4-hour marathon)
After 10 miles I got complacent and just ran an even rhythm and quit checking splits. (This is the “beauty” of not being a pacer, no onus on me to run dead even splits)
I felt pretty strong through about 18 miles, and I started getting very warm. The last hour of the race was somewhat toasty. I stopped and poured one water on me and drank one every hydration stop –which is somewhat time consuming here because Bill kept covid aid station protocols after covid, so I used the foot pedal for one cup, drank it, refilled and dumped another on my head).
Between 22 and the finish (home stretch)- I tried not to stop or I drank “on the fly”-I felt a little stronger than I had from 18-22, but unfortunately lost too much time in the 3rd quarter of the race and finished in 4:03. Oh well. I needed a long training run, for the new Original Las Vegas Marathon next month and to supplement the pathetic short summer 5 mile runs I have been doing.
Sarah Modlin(MM16050, DA3774, HF18797) – I had 2 PRs (one for my half marathon and the other for the marathon)! Both races were at Snoqualmie Pass, Washington on 9/7 and 9/8!
Photo and Post Credit Marathon Maniacs/Half Fanatics Facebook Pages
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