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.
Brigitte Fasciotto(MM16221) – Marathon State #26, Washington 
After running about 1/2 mile, we ran inside a 2-mile long tunnel, so we all had to have our lamp! I had to be careful not to fall not just because it was dark, but of the many potholes and water dripping from ceiling!!!
This was a beautiful trail course; I managed not to fall nor twisted an ankle!!! I had to be careful despite being a Downhill course!!!
Featured Club Member: Natalie Passmore – Maniac 16145
As a kid, I was never an “athlete.” Sure, I was tall, so naturally, I played basketball because that’s what tall people do, right? Running was punishment in basketball. I hated running. It was dumb! Why in the world would anyone do this for fun?!
Then I grew up.
In 2014, I ran my first half marathon. I was way undertrained, but I finished. I returned in 2015 with slightly better training, but still nothing to get excited about, so I decided to hang up my shoes. My health wasn’t a huge concern. I was eating junk, not paying attention to nutrition, and I gained a good amount of weight.
Fast forward to 2019: I began training with a Couch to 5K program, eating better, and participating in local 5K races. We all know what happened in 2020, but that didn’t stop me from running. At the beginning of 2021, I was having a conversation with my son about running and how awesome it would be if, one day, I ran a marathon. He said, “I know you can do it.” With a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes, I knew I couldn’t let him down, I had to prove him right. If I can do hard things in life, then so can he.
Little did I know the monster this would create.
I somehow found the courage to sign up for my first marathon in 2021, knowing it would be a one-and-done scenario (insert eye roll here). I met my training partner, Jennifer, on a whim at a local 5K virtual t-shirt pickup in 2021 and asked if she’d be interested in running a marathon with me. Hook, line, and sinker. We’ve been training and running races together ever since. If there’s a terrible idea out there involving running, one of us is about to text the other to see if we’re in or out.
I finished my first marathon and loved the experience, hungry for more!
Since then, I’ve completed 15 full marathons (17 if we’re counting virtual ones). I’ve lost nearly 80 lbs and am the healthiest I’ve ever been. Running has become a great passion. In 2024, I became a Marathon Maniac. I’ve been blessed to run two of the six World Majors. By the end of this year, I’ll have two more to add. Then London in 2026, which will leave just one shiny star: Boston. Never in a million years did I think that would be possible but here we are, blessing after blessing.
I wouldn’t be the runner I am without the support of my incredible husband, Glen. He is absolutely wonderful, the best stuff holder and my number one fan.
Marathon Maniacs are a special kind of brave. A little wild. A lot determined. You’re not just running races, you’re rewriting your limits again and again. You know that the finish line isn’t the end, it’s the start of what’s possible.
Amy Sea(HF18410, DA3652, MM15648)
Today I completed Half #184 San Francisco Half in CA. There are two different half marathon options. The first option is the bridge half and goes over the bridge where the second option is the city half and runs through Golden Gate Park and more of the city. Most people choose the bridge half but the second half starts later and has a longer time limit so I went with the second half since I didn’t want to stress about time limits and I saw Lady Gaga the night before the race so also wanted to sleep in more. However the race isn’t very strict about time limits so I’d probably be fine with either race. Overall I thought this was a good race but it has a really high price tag and is around $200 and I’m not sure it’s worth the price compared to other CA races. San Francisco is an expensive city so I get why it is expensive but there are some wonderful half marathons in Southern California such as the Beach City Series that cost about half the price. I did absolutely love visiting San Francisco and running a big city race in cool weather in the summer especially with the heat we are having in New England this year so I’m glad I came. Production was mostly good but they did run out of water at one aid station and there were some minor communication details that were unclear. Nothing that would have bothered me too much for most races but if you are going to charge around $200 for a half marathon then production should be perfect. Scenery is mostly good especially the second half of the second half where you run through Haight-Ashbury and in the city. Of course it’s San Francisco so there are hills but it wasn’t unmanageable. Overall this was a very good race but it’s one of the 3 most expensive half marathons I’ve done (the others being NYC and Disney) and I’m not sure it lived up to the cost. I would recommend it if you want to run a race in SF or looking for a cool weather race in the summer but there are equally good races for half the price in other parts of CA.
Half Fanatics at the Rapid City Half
Bryon Solberg(HF18903, DA3819, MM12350) – MedalMonday (Early…it is almost Monday in Australia.. 😅)
12 Days/12 Half Marathons In July
(7 States, 5 “New Half Marathon States” For Me.
**When Journeys that began in the previous 10 months and 23 years ago respectively come together.
**Many thanks to the
Mainly Marathons Family of Owners, Super Supportive/Kind Athletes, and #AidStationAngels
(Kelly Shank, Sue Courmeyer, Tracy Patton, Tonya Pick, Cullen, Barbara, Ellie).
Heartland Series Summer Camp Series
Jack n Jill Downhill Half Marathon club photo.
Darlene Schuman(HF17507) – medal monday. Half #154 done! It was hot! But God is good! Lol, even got 2nd place yes it was that small of a race..
Happy Birthday to the “Prez” Steven Yee (MM1, HF1, DA1) (July 23)
Meet Ietta Parrott(MM15646) – In all my years of living I’d never thought I’d run a marathon., I recently discovered the meaning behind a world major marathon race. When I ran Chicago, I had absolutely no clue as to why I was fundraising for a race which was just like all the other ones that did not have a fundraising page.
For over 20 years of my life, I struggled with drugs and alcohol, always looking for a quick fix and instant healing from the trauma and suffering of mental instability. I finally surrendered to the pain of mind-altering substances in 2018 and never looked back.
I began finding other ways to fulfill the void and enhance endorphins within my mind. I began using fitness and running as major coping skills. To gain more positive friendships, I joined Atlanta Track Club in training for Peachtree Road Race and engaged with like minded people that loved to run and train for racing events. The next training after that was Thanksgiving half marathon training, and next up was Publix Marathon Training. I initially trained for the half but was coerced by another member to train for the full marathon. As I made this choice, I was unaware the decision would be an eventful life changing moment.
I ran my first full marathon in March of 2020, which was one week before the world shutdown and COVID era began. After that first marathon I was hooked. After reading several articles and books on Marathon running and training, I made the decision I was going to run 12 marathons in 12 months in 12 states. The journey started in April of 2021. I was destined to prove I could do it, despite all the negative backlash I received from many people. After I completed the 12 marathons in 12 months journey, I was featured in a local news channel in Atlanta which praised my accomplishments.
People started asking me to run in different states with them and I met more people on my journey which escalated into seeking out running 50 marathons in 50 states.
I have currently, completed 52 marathons in 42 states within-less than 5 years of my marathon journey. I will continue the marathon path.
One thing I have learned from these experiences is If someone tells you that you cannot do something… do it twice and take pictures!! I have currently got over 52 pictures to prove it!! You can follow Ietta on Instagram at :@iparrott17
Lynne Kilirnr (MM12242, DA2065, HF13464)– Jack and jill half marathon in washington is in the books.
#45 state towards 50 States HALF Marathon Club.
5 to go. (Alaska, Connecticut, Georgia, new hampshire and new jersey)
I haven’t researched the last 5 states yet. Recommendations welcome. Easy logistics and not too hilly. 
Aaron Stevens(MM14034) – Jack and Jill’s Downhill Marathon (day 2). We had a fantastic day pacing the 5:15 group along with my running partners Ellen Sullivan Banthin and David Brandl (who signed up yesterday and completed his first double!!) We had a solid group of 12 runners with us through mile 23 and about 6 finished with us and the others shortly after. I absolutely love this run!
Today’s run was my 10th time pacing Jack and Jill, 10th marathon in Washington, 10th marathon double, 12th marathon of 2025, and 94th lifetime marathon.
Steve Walters(MM338, DA9, DA21) – Crushed it! The Jack and Jill Marathon today was my fastest marathon in nearly ten months and my first sub-3:40 of the year (previous fastest time of 2025 was 3:48). It’s always fun running through the Snoqualmie Tunnel, a 2.3 mile long tunnel then all downhill to the finish (2,100 feet of decent). Kept pushing the whole way and kept getting faster. Ran negative splits (1:51/1:47) and my last five miles were my fastest. Coming back tomorrow to finish off the double, not expecting to run as fast since I won’t have fresh legs. Marathon/ultra #566.
Day 2
That went well! Jack and Jill Marathon double completed. On day two my time was only 4 minutes slower than yesterday. I pushed from the start expecting that my pace would fall off at some point. It never did. I once again managed negative splits (1:52/1:50) with all my mile splits between 8:11-8:43. I’m sure my quads will feel it tomorrow. But well worth it. Marathon/ultra #567 in the books.
Robert Manon(HF3646, DA431, MM6700) – Medal Monday.
Mainly Marathons Heartland Series and Day 1 of the Summer Camp series.
Scott Pearson(HF18577) – Finishing up a fun weekend of running and sightseeing with . We ran the Mesa Falls Half marathon on Saturday. State number 24. Half 65. This was a very scenic and well run race. The first three miles were a long a double track path through a river valley. Then onto roads where we climbed 300 feet or so over the next two miles. This part was not as fun. Then the balance was through fields of potatoes and grain. As one of the rewards for the race we received a huckleberry shake. They provided a potato sack for a drop bag. Around the race we found some delicious food and did sightseeing in Yellowstone National Park. We saw so many cool things in the park.
Sarita Kinney(MM15083) – Well, I completed another full marathon in the state of Washington! What a beautiful breathtaking course! We ran through a historic tunnel and along a trail in dense forestry. I will admit, I was concerned about a bear or cougar coming out of the woods. A snake crossed in front of me. Ugh!
This was full #26! This was my comeback marathon after being off for two years due to injuries. My time was slow, and I realize I need to continue to train hard. I am not done yet with fulls, but need to be better prepared.
Overall, fantastic weekend in Washington! I love it here! ❤️
Gregory Rouson(MM12723, DA2354, HF8068) – Lifetime half marathon #251 and Jack n Jill Downhill Half Marathon #3…DONE!!! This was my first time running the exact same course back-to-back (double for a downhill course) but #YaBoi got it done. As it turns out, I wasn’t the only crazy person running this morning. On the bus ride to the start line, I sat next to a man who finished the marathon yesterday and ran the half this morning. We bonded over how sore we both were. 😂 Thank you again, Run Super Series for an excellent weekend of racing! 😎
Sivabalan Pandian(MM13150) – Dear well wishers ,
After Running 10 marathons in 10 consecutive days at Bad Blumau ( Austria) from June 27 to July 6 and then attempted to run back to back marathons in US .
Successfully finished only 6 marathons out 7 in Heartland SERIES at 6 different states from July 12 to July 18 and then tried and successfully finished Summer Camp series of 5 marathons in 5 consecutive days from July 19 to 23 organised by again Mainly Marathons at St.Clouds- Minnesota state with Bib No 130 .
The finishing time results of SUMMER CAMP IS AS FOLLOWS. (
https://share.google/vRnDcKIogMG1uhotr )
RACE DAY 1, JULY 19 – 7:28:11
RACE DAY 2, JULY 20 – 7:28:50
RACE DAY 3, JULY 21 – 7:39:39
RACE DAY 4, JULY 22 – 7:26:57
RACE DAY 5 , JULY 23 – 7:41:51
I was happy to receive 50 th Mainly award in this series .
Now I reached 939 and only 61 left to touch the goal of official 1000 marathons ( 42.195 KM and above – Full and Ultra only ) by an Indian.
Happy to ran 21 marathons in 27 days travelling to Austria and United States from India to get more number of Full Marathons.
Need only mental support to this old man of 66+ to touch 1000 .
Happy in Running Back to Back Marathons
With a fellow Marathon Maniac at the start of the San Francisco US marathon today.
Annie Adkins(MM12913, DA2461, HF13772) – Jack N Jill Marathon 2025 – Finish Time 3:28:59 🦄
Never lose sight of how far you’ve come.The trials you’ve endured, the obstacles you’ve overcome—none of it was easy, yet you made it through. When doubt creeps in & you question how much further you can go, look back. Look at the battles you’ve already won, the fears you’ve faced down, the moments you pushed forward when everything in you wanted to stop.
You kept going. Day after day. Even when it was hard. Even when it hurt. Even when you weren’t sure you had anything left. That strength? It didn’t just show up one day. You built it. You earned it. And you carry it now with every step forward. I am super proud of myself! ❤️ Philippians 4:13
🎉 I did it! I gave it everything I had and finished strong. With a new marathon PR & a faster Boston Qualifier time!
Finish Time: 3:28:59 🦄🎉
After my April marathon (3:39), I knew I wanted a bigger buffer time for Boston, so I signed up for two more. The larger the buffer time the more guaranteed you are. I didn’t hit it at Grandma’s (see my post on Grandma’s) last month—but this time, I left nothing in the tank.
It was a trail marathon (my first!), and definitely more technical. Rocky sections, a dark tunnel for 2 miles with potholes & dripping water and miles of stunning scenery once you’re through. Starting temp was a perfect 47°F and the gradual downhill stretches helped. I wore my Nike Alphaflys 1 and they handled it like a dream—no rocks in the shoes, thank goodness.
Was it tougher than road races? Definitely. But also unforgettable. My first trail 26.2, in a new state, on a course that tested everything I’ve trained for.
Awesome job, to everyone out there today! Congratulations, to my brother Craig and Sarah for their BQ also 🎉 Awesome job, to Joseph! Awesome job, to Amber and it was so great seeing you! Also so great seeing Stephanie 😊 Thank you, to all the volunteers out there and to @jackjillwashington for an awesome marathon! Such an amazing time out there!
Marcus Carmicle (MM15632, DA3648, HF17428)- Ran the Deseret News Marathon in Salt Lake City, UT this morning.
Was not my best finish time, but was definitely not my worst. Placed 2nd in my age group. I will end it with this quote “Everything you ever wanted to know about yourself, you can learn in 26.2 miles.”
Tony Phillippi(MM3, DA3, HF3)- Fun day running the well organized Lakefair events in Olympia WA. I paced 2:00 for the Jerry Miller Half. We had a big group and a lot of personal bests were had. Good times with good friends!
Sue Stevens(HF8593, DA2452, MM12891) – Back to 13.1 miles this week with the Olympic Lakefair Half Marathon. It felt tough today, though I was 7 seconds faster than last year 🙂. Great seeing lots of friends out there and another one is in the books.
Stephanie Healy(MM16219, DA3816, HF18801) – Congratulations to Stephanie Healy for reaching Everest Status. She ran 30 states of full marathons and 30 states of half marathons in the last 365 days or less, earning her both Sun status and Titanium status in the same year. She’s only the 27th Marathon Maniac to complete this!!!
Tony Phillippi’s corner(MM3, DA3, HF 3)
I recently ran the Newport Half Marathon, and if you’re looking for a great ocean getaway on the Oregon Coast, this might be the race for you. The course features a few rolling hills in the first three miles, then heads inland along the scenic shores of Yaquina Bay. It’s a super-fast out-and-back route on smooth, flat asphalt.
After the race, there’s live music, a beer garden, and some excellent clam chowder. The event supports the Newport Booster Club, which makes it even more meaningful.
We stayed right at the finish line at the Embarcadero Resort & Marina. You can even drop crab pots right off the dock, which the hotel provides. While in town, also be sure to visit the world-famous Rogue Brewery for a great burger and beer.
My last marathon was Boston, but next weekend I’ll be pacing the Lakefair Half and running the August Tunnel Marathon.
Hope everyone is enjoying their summer — keep on running!
Congratulations to Bruce Goulart(MM10949) for reaching his 50th State at the Mainly Marathons Heartland Series
Julia K Garling (MM3960) -Medalmonday
On a very hot and muggy Satuday, Shane and I ran the Sri Chinmoy half marathon, in flushing meadows corona park queens, This was my 9th time on this course. I appreciate the race organizers, the volunteers, the free race photos and the smoothies this race gives out at the end and I have had some fast times here, but this weekend was NOT one of them. I was grateful to just finish upright, period. I am so proud of shane who took 2nd in his AG. He is so fast and not bothered by the heat at all while I’m literally dying as the sun is cooking my already hot menopausal body.
But who you are is defined by the values you are willing to struggle for. While I struggled on 2nd half of the race, when the sun came out in full force, I never thought about quitting. I kept putting one foot in front of the other, one mile at a time, and I got it done. Half marathon 230 is in the books. I am swearing off summer races until I’m through this stage of my life. Menopause is teaching me. I used to think that rest was a 4 letter word, now in my legit 50’s, I see things differently. I am so grateful I was able to finish and not pass out. I wanted to crawl inside my freezer when I got home but I settled on a cold bath instead. #100halfmarathonclub #halffanatics #srichinmoyhalfmarathon #runlove
Nathan P. Adams(MM6388) – Last year I completed my second double in Mainly Marathons’ New Hampshire and Maine marathons. I was hoping to level up this summer and do 4 in a 8 days, but hernia surgery (twice this year) got in the way. My wife and I discuss and review both races in the second episode of our new travel and running podcast, Marrying Your Passions Would love for you to take a listen. Happy running everyone. Stay safe out in that heat!!
E Del Favero (MM11749, DA2901, HF16046)– Medal Monday – Candlelight 12/24 Overnight Ultra in Rush NY.
E Del Favero & Debbie Del Favero(HF18611, DA3782, MM16014) – Notchview Ultra Windsor Massachusetts
Stefanie McKinney-Holliday (MM14386, HF 17442, DA 3313) Another training weekend here in Colorado. Left my Breck home to head to the front range, which at almost 6,200’ elevation is almost half of where I live. Fun half marathon in Castle Rock just to train and enjoy! Prairie Dog Half. I’m counting four weeks away from Anchorage RunFest Marathon-will be the first full marathon since I almost succumbed to COVID and HAPE in April at age 55. Having long COVID, your legs feel like jello, and heart rate is way sporadic. Add livibg at extreme altitude, I cant seem to get to 100%, I have faith I will! I’m waiting for the day my runs get better! But, I’m still out here!! On the half-marathon side, this was #62. 💕🏃🏻♀️
Claire Gladstone(MM12421) – Medal Monday
Hi from MM #12421 on the beautiful course at Notchview Ultra! 6,24,48,72 hour race options at this beautiful venue in Massachusetts. 1.9mile hilly loops through the scenic woods. Great aid, timing by the wonderful Mike Melton, some camping on site, easy parking…. My 3rd year at this event, and it just gets better and better!!
135 and counting!🐞
Lea Reyes(MM13731, DA2891,HF16015) – 119 marathon complete. SF marathon. Up at 3:30, crossed the start at 5:20. Great 1st half. Everything was working great and I was feeling fabulous. 2nd half was a mess. I had to pee like every hour it seemed. PP lines were long and took forever. Since I was all out of wack, I walked a lot, listened to my beats, sang, and just enjoyed the rest of the race.
My best moment of the day. I was starting to cross the bridge. Looked to my right, saw a beautiful sight of the runners, Coldplay came on, I was thinking of my son, had to stop for a minute, and had a therapy moment. It was a perfect morning.
Thanks Emil Cheng for waiting for me. Great to see friends at races.
Next up. 30k 8/2 and a half on 8/3.
Random photos of and with Marathon Maniacs and Half Fanatics and the Mainly Marathons heartland Series Day 1 in Hicksville, Ohio
Congratulations to Dr Bryon Solberg(HF18903, DA3819, MM12350) on reaching Sun status at the Mainly Marathons Heartland Series !!☀️☀️☀️. He completed halves in 30 states in a year-or less!!
Aaron Stevens(MM14034) –Some photos from pacing the Mad Marathon this morning in Vermont’s Mad River Valley. This marathon is one of the most beautiful courses I’ve run, and definitely one of the toughest.
I paced the 5:15 finish time and several of my Natick friends came up to the the full and the half. Congratulations to my running partner Ellen Sullivan Banthin for beating the Mad Marathon and taking away the age group winner award. I had one runner stick with me for the entire marathon and beat her previous PR by an hour — on a very tough course — and another whom we picked up at mile 20 and she finished great, taking 40 minutes off her time from this course last year.
This was my 4th Mad Marathon, my 6th Vermont Marathon, my 10th marathon of the year, and my 92nd lifetime marathon.
Congratulations to Kip Eldridge(MM7380) – for finishing 50th state for the second round at the Mainly Marathons Heartland Series!
Congratulations to Mary Albrecht(MM7231, DA770, HF8019) – Mary completed her Bingo a few years ago. A Bingo is a full, half, 10k and 5k in all 50 states! Today she received her long overdue medal (even though the medals are new🙂). at the Mainly Marathons Summer Camp Series
Heather Zeigler(MM3086)- Marathons on a Monday are fun!!! Especially Mainly Marathons 🤗 Also, my 319 marathons and ONLY doing one day of the series made me seem completely normal 🤔🤣#marathonmaniacs #mainlymarathons #heartlandseries
Alexis Davidson (MM926)– Walked my third Mad Marathon on Sunday. It was my 10th VT race, and VT is my 4th New England State with at least 10 marathons/ultras. This was a last minute addition to make up for a DNF in June. Hot, Hilly and Humid. 73-83F misery index with dewpoints in low 70s. Moderate winds. It threatened to rain all day, but it never really did. ☹️. Strava says 2192 ft elevation gain and loss and much of it was steep. The course was 2M out, followed by north 8M out/back and then a south 13M out/back with a square at the end, followed by 3M back in. It featured “The Dip” (a steep down up) which we did twice.
Given the temps and recent injury history, my goal was to keep it under 6:00. The first hill starts around 1.5M and it was a doozy. I felt the heat and humidity immediately and I spent all day hydrating as much as possible. Fortunately, there were 19 aid stations and all were well stocked with sports drink! Hit the 13M at 2:47 and wanted to quit so bad. Forced myself to keep going and reached the max elevation around 16M. It was more down than up after that, but of course, it was non stop rolling hills. When I got back to the covered bridge at 25M, I was done and I did the last uphill M in 13:47. Amazingly, I did 13-26M sub 2:49. Sub 5:39 for the whole thing. Got back in the car immediately and drove back to Hartford Airport. Long weekend, as I doubled with a NYRR 4M race on Saturday which I needed for 9+1 NYC Marathon credit. Good to hang with Ed Childress, Denis McCarthy, Kerri Haskins, Thomas Perri and JC Santa Teresa! #marathonmaniacs
Laurie Weiner(mm15681, DA3668, HF9266) – Today I ran Akron Trail Half Marathon, in Akron, Ohio. My goal was 4:00, but I ran it in 3:06:24. I was so proud of how I did. Those hills though, holy cow! Thank you Peter for having my trekking sticks ready for my at the beginning of the technical trail and took them at the end of the trail portion. I lost a gel along the way and only had 1 to depend on. No fuel after mile 5. Last 2 miles were tough, but got it done.
Photo and Post Credit Marathon Maniacs/Half Fanatics Facebook Pages and the individual members listed above.
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