Tales From Medal Monday Volume 3 Chapter 20

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.


Tony Phillippi(MM3, DA3, HF3)– Ultra/Marathon 306. Revel did another outstanding job, Inaugural Las Vegas Marathon. Jojo and I have the same Boston qualifying times (3:50).
We had a couple of unplanned stops but still came in under 3:49. Next up, the Seattle Marathon. I’m looking forward to a few more hills this time out.
I’m as competitive with myself as the next person, but sometimes, sharing 26.2 miles is just as rewarding.
Eventually, I hope to meet the Marathon Maniac Hall of Fame criteria (333 Ultra/Marathons). I think I Can Do It!!! #marathonmaniacs

Marathon Maniacs gathered for the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon

Sivabalan Pandian(MM13150)- SPICE COAST MARATHON- KOCHI – 2024 .
UNIQUE EXPERIENCE OF RUNNING CLOSE TO WATER WITH HIGH HUMID ATMOSPHERE – ONE OF THE BEST MARATHON IN INDIA.
SOLES OF COCHIN ORGANISED SO WELL WITH LOWEST REGISTRATION FEE IN WHICH EVERYTHING WAS INCLUDED .
I CAME ALL THE WAY FROM CHICAGO TO DO THIS SPICE COAST MARATHON WHICH WAS 7TH TIME SO FAR .
2014 Finish Time is 7:14:57
2016 Finish Time is 6:57:06
2017 Finish Time is 6:20:45
2018 Finish Time is 5:38:02
2019 Finish Time is 6:26:18
2023 Finish Time is 5:55:15
2024 Finish Time is 6:22:32
FLAG OFF WAS DONE BY SHRI. TENDULKAR AT 3.30 AM WHICH WAS ENERGIZED TO ALL FULL MARATHONERS.
Please watch the video where Mr.Tendulkar was encouraging the full marathoners on the route around 34 KM .
857 completed and 143 only left to touch 1000 which is my ultimate goal . Need your support in all means to this old man of 66+
PRAYING GOD TO ALLOW ME TO RUN AGAIN AND AGAIN THIS SPICE COAST MARATHON.
HAPPY RUNNING .

Kenny Thomas(HF5697, DA1955, MM12037)- I too ran the Yeti Endurance Half Marathon, and rainy for about the first hour and a half.. I seen a few of you out there! This was my 100th Half.. and managed a 3rd in Age Group!

Enid Crawford(HF11285)- Medal Monday Yeti Endurance Half Marathon rained almost the entire race no PR but received 2nd in my Age Group! #brc #halffanatic #bgr

Jennifer Clark(HF16743, DA3643,MM15623)- Medal Monday!
I did two races this weekend and I would recommend both for anyone wanting to run in Atlanta or Mississippi !
Half #303 – Madison Station Half Marsthon, Madison MS ( suburb of Jackson) Saturday Nov 2nd. It is a really nice scenic course!
Half #304 and State #31 (3rd round) – Alpharetta Women’s Half Marathon, Alpharetta GA (outside of Atlanta.) Sunday Nov 3rd. Check my review in Half Fanztics! Very nice race with a beautiful greenway!

Amy Sea(HF18410, DA3652, HF15648) – Today I completed Half #154 Colt State Park Half in Bristol, RI. This is a nice, smaller race that is a double loop course through the park. Normally I’m not the biggest fan of double loop courses but this was a very scenic course with lots of waterfront views and fall foliage so I did not mind doing it twice. It’s described as an “old school” race and it doesn’t have all the fancy schmancy stuff some of the bigger races have but had everything it needed. I liked how they had flags all along the course making it very well marked. It was also quite flat for New England with the only difficulty a headwind on some parts of the course. It was also Rhode Island Comic Con weekend making this a fun weekend to visit RI. I wouldn’t call this a must run race but it’s a solid option for RI. Also has a 3:30 time limit which they did not appear strict about.

Michael Neff(HF18434) – Half Marathon number 172 in my hometown of Santa Barbara. I’ve watched this event grow over the past few years, and today it had over 4,000 runners. It was very well organized and a great crowd. I managed a second place in my age group. It was a great event, but I wish I didn’t smile for the picture.

Christabelle Sapphire Carpenter(HF3501) – I don’t usually post any of my races on this main page…..but TODAY was the day…
I got sick in mid October after finishing a half marathon in the heat. Did a set of race stacks in September in extreme heat that took alot out of me but didn’t make me sick.
Today was the first half marathon come back after being sick and I got under the wire of what I set for myself….2hrs 30 mins.
Nevermind that 100 yrs ago I was busting out half’s in 2 hrs 8 mins. As the years have passed, I’ve slowed down.
But today, I got in at 2 hrs 29 mins….slithered in under that 2 hrs 30 mins after battling the rain for the 1st 6 miles.
This was half #108 lifetime for me at Basspro in Springfield, MO. 48 yrs old.
The next race is Rte 66 in Tulsa.
Sometimes you just need one comeback race to get yourself right.

Jen Merkel(HF18545,DA3791, MM16126)- I finished my 40th lifetime half marathon today at City of Oaks, Raleigh, NC. I love this race for so many reasons – although I could do without the hills. Course support is great & the locals are amazing. They play “Sweet Caroline” as you cross the start line and everyone sings along. ❤️ It’s a beautiful course that goes along the NC State campus for a short time – right in front of the school library is where my son (an NC State sophomore) was waiting for me! Fantastic morning in Raleigh!

Marathon Maniacs and Half Fanatics at the Marshall University Marathon/Half Marathon.

Pat Wren(HF13327, DA3127, MM14286) -My 💯th Half Marathon (officially) completed. Mid-South Races for Hope, Wynne, Ar. 5th female overall and 1St in my age division. Special thanks to the race director for letting me have the number 100 racing bib for this event. Race officials provided breakfast before the race, BBQ plate lunch, and hot showers for the runners. So glad to see Carol, Teal before the race, they are usually doing TRI’s so I seldom see at my races.

Kelli Cardaras(HF12510,DA3800, MM16153) –Marshall University Half, Huntington WV.
The second medal is the “Thundering Feud” challenge medal for running both the Hatfield and McCoy Half and Marshall.

Marathon Maniacs/Half Fanatics at the Salina Crossroads Marathon and Half Marathon

Dn Shown(HF4557, DA565, MM8045) – And that’s a wrap of 50 States + DC Endurance Round 2. Completed Salina Crossroads Half Marathon this morning. It was in the 50s but absolutely poured the whole time. I was literally dripping wet 😊. But I’m done. Feeling happy and grateful on this side of the finish line. Saw a lot of Maniacs and Fanatics out there! Photos are before and after. Everyone was soaked BEFORE the race started 😂. Good times none the less. Good luck to everyone running NYC tomorrow.

Sue Lawlor(HF11482) – It was a beautiful day for the hilly Harding Halloween Half Marathon this weekend! Lifetime half #57 (chasing 60 by year end).#superheroevents #medalmonday

Stefanie Holliday(MM14386, HF17442, DA3313)- What an absolute B-E-A-Utiful day for the Marine Corps Marathon! Even though I finished in 2018, I was able to redeem and enjoy this one not being sick and running this time-but more importantly, honor those who serve our country as well as those who have lost their lives…you cannot be on that Blue Mile without slowing down, kneeling or crying. It took me a bit to regain my breath. Something about the soldiers inspired me to run faster-I finished almost an hour faster than what has been my most difficult marathon in my home of Breckenridge, CO two weeks ago.
Love seeing our group out there, the crowds, and the overall race! So happy with today-it is one I will run again -next year for the big 50th!!
Stefanie McKinney-Holliday
(MM14386, HF17442, DA3313)
Marine Corps Marathon 2024
Age 54
5:13:48

Michelle Migneault Cox(HF17353) – My 126th half was completed today at the Good Life Halfsy in Lincoln NE! I finished faster than I thought and faster than my last several races at 3:30. If you need a Nebraska race, this one is pretty dang good!
We took a Halfsy team photo (had 36 total on team) and then a 50 States half Marathon Club photo! It was a great day. Last night we had a 50 states pre race dinner at Napoli’s in the Haymarket with a great turnout.

Krista Shuler(HF18241) – Here’s my medal: My family and I just finished a 7 day running adventure through Japan with Vacation Races. We ran 7 trail races in 7 days, starting in Tokyo and finishing in Osaka. We made so many new running friends and our hearts are so full! 💝 We were immersed in Japanese culture and ran through a bamboo forest, 🎍 through shrines, ⛩️ past temples, by Mount Fuji… 🗻 sooooo many different types of terrain! A truly daring and amazing adventure. We even extended our trip to get more sightseeing in. I will post the blogs as soon as we get over the get lag! 🥰

Marathon Maniacs at the Ocean State Marathon in Narragansett, RI 10/27/24!

Khder Hernando(MM15808) – Fun race in Indianapolis (2024 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon)

Carla Simon (MM14304, DA3133, HF13789) – Lifetime marathon/ultra number 38 is in the books! I finished the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon today, which also marked a new state for me. This was the 22nd state where I’ve completed a race of half marathon distance or longer. My finish time was around the usual 5 hours and 41 minutes, but it was faster than my marathon time last month in Chicago

Carrie Kelley(MM16054) – Bears Ears Marathon yesterday 🥵 I ran this on the exact same day as my L4-L5-S1 spinal fusion surgery done 3 years ago! 🥳 Not a big deal to anyone but I seriously never thought I’d be able to do a 5k after this surgery let alone marathons! Now I’m finally doing some 13 minute miles! I’m slow, in the back of the pack but I’m still out there! REDEMPTION MARATHON!!! 🥳

MarathonNumber122 🥳

SoGratefulForMyNeurosurgeonAtIHC 💖

Gina Forestieri(MM16172, DA3808, HF18136) – Another one for crossroads marathon and I hope Pascal does not mind me posting the picture of both of us, I didn’t get any pictures of me alone, I am officially wearing my new marathon maniac tank top, but was too cold underneath my hoodie to see it

Carrie Q. Kilareski(MM13317, DA2954, HF16250) – Marshall University Marathon, my #22 marathon and #12 state…and first time I’ve run back to back marathons only one week apart! (I ran MCM last Sunday). It was great to see other maniacs today!

Donna Sarasin(MM15364, DA3562, HF6371) – Salina Crossroads Marathon. No pics during the race due to rain. But I finished my first marathon outside of New England and I’m so happy I stepped out of my comfort zone to do it!

Karen A Flynn(MM4024, DA158, HF1043) – MedalMonday #MotivationMonday from my 5th YTD, 85th lifetime marathon & 21st BQ at the @rhoderacesri Ocean State Marathon in Narragansett, RI Sunday 10/27/24 powered by lobster rolls, clam chowda, stuffies & whoopie pies! Loved the fall foliage & beautiful ocean views of this race!

Dan Delino(MM4049, DA161, HF1058) – 2024 Ocean State Marathon, Narragansett, RI (26.2 miles/42 kilometers) 4:51:22. Marathon No. 83. State No. 48. #marathonmaniacs #sandiegotrackclub #medalmonday #pinoyrunnersusa #rhoderacesri

Randell Hansen(MM8508, HF16161, DA2931) – Medal Monday. First 50K race done at yesterday’s MCM event. We had great running weather and the crowd support was great. The only quiet part was the additional 50K “mileage route” in Georgetown but that was in the beginning and we rejoined the Marathon route the rest of the way. Kudos to the Marines for being at the Aid Stations and cheering us on. Excellent event and I’m glad I chose this race for my first Ultra Marathon.
(MM#8508/HF#16161/DA#2931, 50<4 Finisher #151)

Jamie Hotrod Miller(MM14478)- What a great weekend!!! Not only did mom and I conquer state 50 marathon, but I got to spend my weekend with family and some of my most favorite runner friends😂 as everyone says the support of the running community is just amazing! I got emotional thinking about this about mile 14 and just starting bawling not thinking of the quest being completed but everyone who came out to support us, or have supported us during this! A special thank you to Douglas Scalia, Jess Glass, Lisa Modrowski, CarolynRenee Newman, Katie Eaton,Meredith Landers, Mia Jakich, Michelle Cwetna, Jessica Speakman, Todd Bailey, Marianne Groth, Larry Spaeth, Andrew Minich, Kristen Wozniak, Amanda Stephany, Eric Stephany, Mary Carolyn!!! Thanks for making this weekend so special!!!

Mary Miller (MM14657) –I completed 50 State Marathons with daughter Jamie Hotrod Miller, friends and family! Thanks to everyone of you for supporting me through this adventure!!! 🏃‍♀️ 🏃‍♀️ 🏃‍♀️

Gregory Rouson (HF8068, MM12723, DA2354) – Marine Corps Marathon #7 and lifetime marathon #23…DONE!!! This was my first marathon in six months. I’m glad we had cool weather throughout the entire race this year. There were a few changes to the route this year because of construction, but I actually didn’t mind. At this point, I feel like I’ve run every square mile of the District of Columbia. 🏃🏿‍♂️😎
The TCS New York City Marathon is next up on deck! 👍🏾#HF8068 #MM12723 #DA2354 #GoBlue #ForTheFallen #purposefulsteps #wearblueruntoremember #runwiththemarines #MissionAccomplished

Marathon Maniacs/Half Fanatics at the Marine Corps Marathon

Karen Murray Anderson (MM8075, DA576, HF5492)- 🌟 Yesterday marked another milestone for me as I completed my 400th marathon at the TARC Stonecat in Ipswich, Massachusetts! The course was incredibly challenging, with leaves covering the very technical trails and a tough elevation to tackle. But what made this experience truly memorable was the incredible generosity of Julie Quinn!!
So let’s talk about the real MVP: Julie! After a night shift, she rolled in with coffee roll (life-savers!) and decided to stick around instead of heading home to bed. I told her she should catch some Z’s, but nope! She turned into our race concierge extraordinaire, cheering us on until the very end. 🎈🥳 She even brought balloons and a feast for our drive to Brookfield, CT. Thank you again Julie!! 😘😘
Also, a big shoutout to the race director for surprising me with a cake at the finish line—it truly warmed my heart! 🍰


Photo and Post Credit Marathon Maniacs/Half Fanatics Facebook Pages and the individual members listed above.


Discover more from ManiacsFanaticsMadness

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Published by Maniacs Fanatics Madness

This is the blog site for the Marathon Maniacs, Half Fanatics and Ultra Madness running clubs

Leave a Reply

Discover more from ManiacsFanaticsMadness

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading

ManiacsFanaticsMadness