Tales From Medal Monday Volume 4 Chapter 16

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.

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Brigitte Fasciotto(MM16221) – Marathon State #28, South Dakota ✅️
Great race for the scenery but man, it was cold, windy and the long uphill was something else!
I love the hand-made medal!
A special thanks to Jane Rahe for crewing and making sure I had all I needed on the course!
I ended up finishing 1st in my age group despite the fact that I almost finished last!!! It’s good to be old sometimes!!!

Ilse Werner Berube(HF18609, DA3702, MM15780) – Medal Monday:
Ran MO’ Cowbell Marathon in St. Charles, MO yesterday STATE #49 Marathon #50!!! Was quite warm, not fast or flat for this Florida gal but got it ✅ Met up with good friends Calah and Cole who live out here. They were wonderful hosts. One more marathon to go to complete the quest!

James Waddell(HF4476) – Crazy Horse 🐎 Half Marathon complete. The 39° temperature felt like 30° with the 20 mile per hour winds, but made for good running conditions. The very scenic race was mostly on the Mickelson Trail. I was very fortunate to run into Bob Whay, one of our Bataan Death March group members. I also met Pamela Massengale, Half Fanatic 17933, on the way back to the hotel. Hill City, South Dakota, Crazy Horse Memorial Half Fanatics SWEAT IT OUT. Run Crazy Horse 13.1 and 26.2

Alexis Davidson(MM926) – Walked the Koln Marathon yesterday. 50-52F windchills with 16mph winds and some drizzle. Wind was mostly perpendicular to the course, but brutal now and then. Course was point to point with finish 2K from start. Bag drop was at finish, so I went with 2 layers on top and no baggage. First K crossed the Rhine followed by 13K out/back along the Rhine. Then 15K tour of city near parks and university, which constituted most of the half marathon course. A final 10K out/back and then we rejoined the half course for the final 3K. Strava says 280 ft elevation gain, so pretty flat.
The start was pretty late at 10:30. I did something I rarely do. I ate a full breakfast at 8:30. This worked great as I only ate 1/4 of a banana plus sport drinks at the aid stations. I was on fire. 2:35 for the half, 5:16:16 for full and never above 7:52 for a K. There were 7900 marathoners plus 900 relay teams, so this was good experience for my upcoming NYCM. The aid stations were a cup strewn slip and slide like NYCM. At 34K, a plastic crowd control barrier got caught by the wind and tackled me thigh high. Ouch!! Survived, but I felt it for the next 2K. 😳. #marathonmaniacs

Karen Gordon(MM12170, DA2028, HF13486) – Half Marathon #93 is in the books. So grateful to help several first time half marathoners in my pacing group at the Pacific Beach Half Marathon. I feel so blessed to help other runners as a pacer and in the process get on the podium with a 3rd place division award as a pacer with @onpacerace. ♥️🏃🏻‍♀️ 🐇 🦞

Julia K Garling(MM3960, DA2566, HF15262) – medalmonday Marathon 334 was the Greenbrier River trail marathon in Cass WV. It was a lovely point to point rail trail, a flat course on soft crushed terrain, with beautiful fall colors all around us, a small but mighty race.

This was actually my 4th WV, and by far my absolute favorite. I love running distance because I get to emerse myself in the beautiful scenery of this race. Forest bathing is true medicine for my soul. The weather was wonderful until the last 5K, then it got a bit warm, 75, the volunteers were plentiful, the RD did a wonderful job with all the details, it was a fantastic race on every level that I would recommend to anyone looking for a race in WV.
I was honored to have been entrusted to pace the 5:00 group while Shane paced the 4:00 group. It was a wonderful weekend running in mother nature’s playground, seeing great friends, and helping make dreams come true.
Enormous congratulations to my love Shane for completing his 49th state Sub 4 hours and to Glen for getting a BQ in WV and to the 3 people who I paced who were running their first marathon, I am so very happy that we all had a good day.
As an added bonus, we got to break bread with my running protage on the way home, what a lovely serendipitous dinner party with a whole bunch of accomplished maniacs
“Most of us have enough areas of our lives where we have to meet others’ expectations. Let your running be about your own hopes and dreams.”
— Meb Keflezighi
16th Marathon of the year, check
Marathon 334, check
Pacing in WV, check
Helping runners achieve their goals, priceless

Sivabalan Pandian(MM13150) – Dear well wishers
Happy to finish 957 marathons ( Full & Ultra ) at
Sarmang Dehradun Marathon on 05 Oct 2025
( sarmangdehradunmarathon.sarmang.com )
Sarmang Dehradun Marathon is the first AIMS (Association of International Marathon and Distance Running) member event in Uttarakhand and nearby states like Himachal in India . It is also timed event by Racemate . I was happy to run a certified course and timed event – Boston Qualifier in India .
The course is road running with little elevation since Dehradun is a hilly area and cool greenery on both sides and river flowing in between . Ran with peace of mind at this age of 67.
Happy to see this marathon was organized like international standard with full support to last finisher.
As usual I was nearly last runner to finish this marathon with net timing of 6:51:11 but really enjoyed well and helping younger runner to finish his first marathon as usual .
Results of this event can be seen in the following link to plan for next year to do such a lovely marathon in India by runners .
Love to run more marathons and Ultra in India preferably to reach my goal of 1000 in 2026 which is near by .
My current marathon list of 957 ( including DehradunMarathon )

Maricris Lu(MM12438, DA2188, HF10592) – Marathon number 76.
30 mins of sleep. 😴
An hour and a half drive to Long Beach.
Met some runner friends on the course and happy to meet Caroline and Grace. The course is beautiful. We started 530am and i saw the sunrise.
Fast forward, I am thankful I crossed the finish line and glad my family and love ones texted, and runner bestie Tonita called to encourage me when I was cramping all the way to the finish. She was cheering on the phone lol.
Praise God for the strength to do this. 🙏🏻❤️have a good evening. God bless.

From Emil Cheng(MM1971)

For REVEL Reno Tahoe on 5/17/26, I’ve created a group called, Marathon Maniacs & Half Fanatics. Joining the group will get you $5 off. Plus you can use promo code, EARLY, by 9/28 for $20 off. [https://www.runrevel.com/rrt](https://www.runrevel.com/rrt…)

Karin Evans(MM7466) – Twin Cities Marathon 2025 🍁
It’s always a great time to see great friends on the course! It really helps in times of need to see familiar faces who want you to succeed.
The heat about did me in, but luckily the rain saved me from questioning my performance.
Special thank you to all the spectators who handed out bananas, oranges, and other food. When you are hungry, it is a huge help.
Special thank you to my “believers.” A number of people from various aspects of my life watched my 50 state journey and continued to watch my IM/World Abbott journey. Nothing is ever done alone. Extra special thank you to my husband, Josh, who constantly believed in me when I thought I wasn’t good enough. 🥰
On to Chicago…🤗

Olivia Medina(MM7842) – Haunted 26.2 – Ocala, Florida
Florida Marathon #5 of 51 | October 4, 2025
This past Saturday, October 4th, 2025, I ran my fifth Florida marathon, Haunted 26.2 in Ocala, Florida. The race was hosted by US Road Running, a group I only learned about this weekend. The announcer mentioned they organize events across the country every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, and that caught my attention immediately.
I realized I might’ve already crossed paths with them before last year’s Viking-themed race rings a bell. Back then, I didn’t think much of it. Funny how things come full circle.
Now, this race might not count as an official marathon under Marathon Maniac criteria only six of us ran the full distance, and the rule calls for at least fifteen finishers. But that didn’t matter to me. I still showed up, conquered the miles, and added another chapter to my personal challenge “The Chase for All Florida Marathons.”
The Course
The event took place at Baseline Trail Park, a beautiful, forest-lined bike path that felt both peaceful and secluded. The soft rustle of leaves and the quiet rhythm of my footsteps became the day’s soundtrack. There were several race distances 5K, 10K, Half, and Full Marathon with only five of us brave (or maybe crazy) enough to tackle the full 26.2.
The course itself was straightforward: a 1.75-mile turnaround loop we’d complete eight times. I used the RaceJoy app for tracking and loved the little voice that chimed in after each loop, letting me know where I stood. At first, I tried to keep track myself counting laps in my head but somewhere along the way, I stopped. My body fell into rhythm, my mind drifted off, and I was just there, running.
The Moment of Rest
Someone at work recently asked me, “Olivia, when do you rest?”
I thought about that mid-race, smiling as the drizzle began to fall.
This is when I rest, I realized.
I rest when I run.
There’s something about being out there just me, the rain, and the road that brings me peace. The drizzle never turned into a downpour, just a steady, cool reminder that nature was running with me.
Fuel & Finish
My husband showed up around mile 16 just when I needed a lift and handed me an ice-cold Coca-Cola. That simple gesture powered me through the final miles. My race fuel lineup was simple: pickle juice, water, and a Honey Stinger peanut butter waffle. Sometimes, simplicity works best.
When I crossed the finish line, I found out I had placed 2nd overall out of five runners. Not bad for a small, local event. Hopefully, more participants will discover these USA Road Running races in the future so they can count toward official marathon lists.
Reflections
It might not have been a major race with cheering crowds and medals the size of dinner plates but it was mine. Another marathon done. Another trail explored. Another reminder that the journey is about showing up, even when no one’s watching.
Florida Marathon 5 of 51 complete.
On to the next one.

Katie Applegate(HF18527) – I ran a marathon. Actually, it was the 7th time (officially) that I ran a marathon.
I felt like I had a really great training season, until I didn’t. First, the foot slowly started aching after each run. And then it started aching all the time. And then a few weeks before Berlin my hip wanted in on the pain party.
I didn’t have a time goal for this race except to finish. I figured it would be between 5 and 5.5 hours but I wasn’t tied to any of those times. With the way my hip was feeling the day before during the 5k, I honestly didnt know how I would run 26+ miles. I was in pain and hurting with every step. But I downed some Advil and just tried to focus on each mile. It was the hottest on record for the Berlin Marathon and I started running at 10:40am so it was full heat and full sun in the 80s. It was hot. Thankfully our hotel had an ice maker and Kody had our water bottles filled and was able to meet me every 3 miles with both ice water and a cold coke. Once I got to the halfway point I was getting more confident in finishing, knowing I could run 13 miles. Once I got to the 33k mark, which was the cutoff point, I was even more relieved. Out of all the races I have done, this is the only one that I’ve gotten so emotional over finishing. I cried when I got within sight of the finish line because I honestly didn’t know if I was going to be able to make it.
I’m thankful for Kody who made sure he was at every 5k for me to get me what I needed and got me through with ice cold drinks on such a hot day.
I’m thankful for all the training miles that friends put in with me so I didn’t have to train alone.
I’m thankful for all the messages I had when I was running and congratulatory messages once I was done.
Running might seem like a solo sport, but it truly takes such a tribe of people to make it enjoyable.
Ideally I have 1 more marathon to run here in a few weeks (assuming the government shutdown gets their act together and my hip allows me to do a few more miles) and then I shall rest. A much needed and deserved rest.

Lea Reyes(MM13731, DA2891, HF16015) – Marathon #121 complete. Long Beach marathon. Weather held up really nice today and the sun didn’t come out until mile 23 for me which was fabulous. It was nice and cool up until that point. I was in no hurry today considering I ran a marathon last weekend and I have a 50K coming up on the 11th. Plus, I wasn’t able to get in a run this week because of travel. Didn’t get home till late Wednesday night.
Placed second in my division again yesterday at the Long Beach 5K . If only I could keep up this pace for 26 miles that would be freaking awesome. I was 25 seconds faster than last year so I guess that’s a good thing.
Saw Eddie Hahn for a brief second. It was so dark in the morning. Started at 5:30. I barely noticed him.

Sandi Googs(HF9218) – So many pictures to post but the most important thing is that Lifetime Half #174 and state #38+DC is complete. Made so many new friends, met so many 50 staters and Half Fanatics and kept a kid from Texas company on his first Half ever.
That’s a wrap on 4 Half Marathons in 4 weeks and in 4 states all while at the top of Marathon training. I’m burnt out but now I’m finally in taper!!!!

Steve Walters(MM338, DA9, HF21) – The Portland Marathon is my hometown marathon (I live about 20-30 minutes away). Today I ran it for the 13th time (sixth consecutive). The race is so much better since Brooksee took it over in 2019. Today my only objective was sub-4:00. Pushed the pace early on and notched off a 1:52 in the first half. From there I knew there would be hills in the last quarter of the race that would slow me down. But I did a pretty good job of maintaining a sustainable pace. A 3:53 is solid for me right now. My 26th marathon/ultra of the year and 576th career marathon/ultra. Next weekend I’ll be heading south to run the Rogue Marathon in Medford which I haven’t run since 2016.

Pelicano Monte Pascual(MM438, DA32, HF99) – Oh my…I completed my 200th Half Marathon at Poulsbo Washington Half. Now joining Steve Walters for LEVEl 1 of HMU.
My current count: 200 Half Marathons, 648 Marathons and 237 Ultra-Marathons. BOOM 💥 💥

Hank OnThe Hill (MM14044, DA3029, HF16561) – CLARENCE DEMAR MARATHON #116/5th NH. Started out like a really nice day. Arrived very early to get settled in. Opened car door and oh hello skunk 🦨 – who startled who – ?? oh and you tried to spray me … you missed -HA! Ran the half a few years ago and this time needed a comeback Marathon, this was it. Something was odd when I packed a jacket to the start line that was not needed. The start was an “early fall” New England morning – around Mile 17 it became a “late July” New England day topping off at 88 degree finish.
Mile 23, Missed me, I own it and it got emotional ….
Yes both the 13.1 and 26.2 run thru a cemetery, did not see any new customers.
Overall got it done with a few distractions.

Eddie Hahn(MM184) – WARNING: Long Boring Runner Post, Devil After Dark Lovell Canyon NV. Recap
I signed up for the Devil After Dark about 6-9 months before the race. I hoped to “albi” a did not start (DNS) from 2024. I went to a concert and stayed out too late,
I had run all of Joyce Forier’s Calico events at least once-except this one. However, in April 2010 I ran the same course under the banner “Lovell Canyon Marathon.” I reported in my notes that I ran while sick and was using a decongestant. It took me 5:51. Judging from my other marathon finishes around that time frame, I was likely not in very good form then either.
From my last marathon in San Francisco July 27.I would have about 7 weeks.
I avoided the temptation to run any other potential marathons between the two because of needing to be nearby with mom’s health this year and not wanting to go out of the way to run a summer marathon which I am not a fan of as it is. I also committed to register about 6 months in advance,
I developed a routine of running about an hour a day on most days. I train at 4900-6000 feet, slightly higher than the race elevation of 4,000. I tried to add a few days of heat training in Rancho Cucamonga or San Bernardino at the lower 1,000-1200 feet . I also tried to add one day a week or so of speed work-where I ran my normal course at a speed about 12 minutes faster than I do on maintenance runs. To supplement that cardio, I work 10 hour shifts 4 days a week in an Amazon Warehouse moving and lifting freight. I also did a fair amount of late night running in the dark.
I looked at the course map: an 11 mile out and back with a 4 mile out and back lap at the turn around. I noted that there was more than 2,000 feet of ascent and descent, generally rolling throughout with a paved surface.
I viewed the results from prior years. Generally the first three finishers were well below 4 hours. Taking an educated guess and looking further into age group-it seemed like if I could finish in about 4:20, I could probably win the men’s 50-59. Since the marathon race field ranged between only 20 and 40 finishers there would only be one award per 10 year group.
I guessed that I would need to place between 4th and 10th to win 50-59.
Race start was about 80 F and seemed to be about that the entire first half-except a few occasions where the setting sun was blocked by some peripheral lone mountain outcropping. Aid was every mile and a half with heed and water and every 5 miles were-gel-so I opted not to carry anything. Most of the aid stations were staffed, though a few weren’t.
We wore reflective vests and were required to use a handheld flashlight or headlamp.
As we assembled for the start, I commented to one runner how different this was from a “big city” marathon where people sometimes bowl each other over to get close to the line. Despite instruction from the RD, all of us were standing 10 meters behind the start line. No one wanted walk up to it.
One male runner quickly bolted to the lead and I settled in eventually at what seemed like about 200 meters behind him. I was trying to avoid going under 9 minutes a mile (9:09 is needed to average for a sub 4 hour marathon and I suspected there was no way I could average that on this course).
After 2 miles the runner in the lead began to fade.
My first thought was “am I going too fast.I really don’t want to pass this guy. “ I didn’t feel like I was overexerting myself despite averaging close to 9 minute pace, since the first couple miles were only a very slight grade. As the gap between us shrunk, I realized I would be passing him and assuming the overall lead.
After four miles and finding myself in the unanticipated position of being in the lead, I decided I would discontinue checking mile splits and just run to an even effort since the course was wildly undulating.
Mile 5 to 6 ¼ was ominous and foreboding. It was a steep downhill descent. This naturally suggested a steep ascent from 20-21 on the out and back course. As I neared the turnaround on the out and back internal loop between mile 11 and the half marathon represented the last vestiges of sun rays as the shadows from the trees were absorbed into darkness and I turned on my small strap free headlamp that I used as a handheld light the rest of the way. (I can’t tolerate anything strapped to my head.)
At the internal turn around lap, I observed the next participant behind me was a lady, about 400 meters back.
When I reached 20 miles and began to climb the steepest section of the route, I tried to draw on memories in my mind of all the training runs I had done-one has about a quarter mile ascent in two different sections. At about 20 3/4s the grade became the most pronounced. I passed through two large dirt berms on the left and right where the road had been cut through. My breathing was extremely labored and my stride was pathetically shortened. I was suddenly reminded of the Indian Trails 15K in New Jersey in 1993 when I worked hard to catch a runner who was walking before the crest of a hill, and I fell just short. He took off, never to be seen for the rest of the race. Lesson learned. I opted to “power walk” about 50-100 meters-as it seemed more effective.
I considered running a section, power walking a section the rest of the hill, but once I got beyond the steepest section of grade, I was able to get back into running rhythm.
At mile 22, both quads started getting crampy. I was thinking of all my friends that run promotionally for Heylands legs cramps and wishing one would have been nearby with aid. I tried to just mind-over-matter the annoyance when, at 23 miles, my right front foot struck a pothole, and that sent right calf into a lock/knot.
I had no choice but to stop and try and message the cramp out. I was again forced to try and power walk until I could establish a running gate.
“I am doing everything I can to lose this race, and “snatching defeat out of the jaws of victory” The mind was willing, but the body was unable.
Twenty-three and a half was my final crisis.
From there on I managed a strong, solid gait, and as if I might be able to fight off any runner who approached to pass.
Though I didn’t download Garmin race data, I estimated that I slowed about 6 minutes overall thanks to the two stops. I also got a small but somewhat weighty rock embedded in my shoe that added a few ounces which I inadvertently carried for the last 6 to 8 miles. I won, finishing in 4:14.
Second place was 63-year-old Maria Rene in 4:18 and third was 21-year-old Ethan Lombardo in 4:20.
In the end, finishing first out of 23 can be added to my small list of marathon “wins”. I dedicated the win to my mom Gay Leisure and my kids Julian Hahn Francis Ruben Hahn and Sam Hahn

Jun Ulama(MM12617) – The Jailbreak Marathon in Wisconsin is a small, double loop race on a course that goes on local roads and streets, with police officers securing runners at all intersections. It has enough race volunteers and support at about every couple of miles. Race starts and ends at the Waushara County Fairgrounds. Call it a sequel to Minocqua’s race last month, I signed up again on a whim as the venue is just another 4-hr drive from my place. I registered online at 10 pm, left at midnight, and arrived in time for the packet pick-up and the race start. “All’s well that ends well” and got another race in the books. No sleep, no worries, I guess.😅
✅Jailbreak Marathon no. 1
✅Wisconsin State marathon/ultra no. 15
✅Marathon/ultra YTD no. 33
✅Marathon/ultra total no. 294
✅1 marathon a month streak: 38 consecutive months
✅1 marathon a year streak: 11 years straight
🔆Average no. of marathons done yearly since first marathon in 2014: 26.73 marathons

Karen Johnson Derrick (MM12489, DA3640, HF18426) – I successfully completed the Twin Cities marathon today, which was a point-to-point course from Minneapolis to St. Paul. Although it rained, the temperatures were ideal for running.
✅ Lifetime marathons – 221
✅ Minnesota marathons – 6
✅ Visited with old friends
✅ Met some new running acquaintances
✅ Visited with two runners wearing different insulin pump/glucose sensors that I wanted to learn more about!

Tonisia Billups(MM12110, DA1998, HF10011) – The Race Half Marathon ❤️💚🖤 ✅
Time to resume my 50 States/50 Half’s journey…
I actually ran this same race last year on a labrum hip tear!! 🥴
Due to the pain, it was shortly after that race that I actually was forced to get an Arthrogram (MRI under die) to confirm the tear.. 🤕🩼
Well… 12months later, I returned to the scene of the crime and attempted to put 13.1miles on the pavement again, while in the middle of a 12week training program (that includes PT) in preparation for Detroit Free Press International Half in a couple of weeks!
This weekend was a scheduled 9mi training run, so I figured what the heck… what’s another 4miles 🙄
So yes, I jumped the gun a lil 🤏🫣🤭
By God’s Grace, and a lil PATIENCE, I was still feeling good, so I kept going (while on a conference call at that 😏) and just took it on in, nice and steady!
Moral of the story!
Trust the process, accept your NEW NORMAL (speed-racing days are over🥹) and be GRATEFUL for the MOVEment you have! Fast or slow… a mile is a mile!!
Half Fanatics #10011
Marathon Maniacs #12110
Double Agent #1998

Jennifer Clark (HF16743, DA3643, MM15623)- September 29 – October 4
Center of the Nation series by Mainly Marathons. This series included 6 races in 6 days covering 6 states:
Wyoming
Colorado
Nebraska
South Dakota
North Dakota
Montana
Half Marathon count is now
360 and I added two new states… bringing my third round of 50 States to 42!
The Center of the Nation series had 6 days of awesome running weather and the courses were absolutely beautiful. Each morning we were greeted with inspiring sunrises!
I will try to write a more detailed description of the week David and I had driving through the plains of our nation!

Sonja McLean Williams (HF7486) – I’m still trying to get in the miles, though a little slower! I completed The Race in Atlanta this weekend and saw other Half Fanatics!

Sloan Dinkelkamp Taylor(HF3348, DA3346, MM14791) – Medal Monday 🏅
Half #122 in Portland, Maine

Deborah Coleman(HF10247) – New Mexico, State 39 completed!

The Great Balloon Chase Race.

Scenes from this morning’s race! Overall, enjoyed the race. I started a little late because i was stuck in the bathroom line, as the lines were very long. But I didnt mind, as I didn’t want to be cramped since course was narrow. Several different surfaces were run on and it was pretty much and out and back. Well organized for the most part, my only gripe was the water stations were not spread out well. 3.5 miles (more actually) is too far apart for this climate, as it’s low humidity and dry. I wished I had carried my own water, so I struggled a little with hydration since I sweat a lot. Also didn’t think to put on sunscreen 🤦🏻‍♀️ (probably would have sweated it off anyways) Seeing the hot air balloons made it worth it. Medal is awesome! The middle balloon spins and the side balloons go up/down!

Sharon Sunshine Sou(HF12101) – Cary Greenway Tours Half Marathon Race 10-04-2025 official free photos and certificate. I found out I actually came in 1st place in the 70-74 age group and was the only one female 70-74.🤣 Well, my pace was a bit slower than my Garmin, but it did show more than 13.1 miles. So many trees there, that effect GPS. I am still so proud my time was much better than the Sizzling Soles HM in July and am still recovering from 5-31 leg injuries. Next up will be the City of Oaks Half Marathon in November.

Gina Forestieri(HF18136, DA3808, MM16172) – Lifetime half 121 …didn’t know if i was going to run it till yesterday but i did.. shhhh. Don’t my Dr.. i don’t think I’m worse for running, phew… The inaugral Run for the Gnomes in Maple Valley Washington… 1st in my ag but not fast…lol. The change in the temp was nice from the last races I’ve done. I froze before and after the travel it was only like 62 degrees tops and sprinkled the last hour or so. Nice to see Patti and meet a few new people!

Glenn Richardson. Cowboy 200(MM14162, DA3076, HF16007) – Glenn is off… Cowboy 200 has started!

Crew update.
Saw Glenn at the first aid station. He lost his western states sunglasses. I went back and ran part of the trail, but no luck. 😥 I’m hoping someone handed them to their crew and they will get returned.
On the positive side, I got my run in!

22 miles complete. He shared some fun miles with Bri, which he enjoyed!
Glenn says he feels great. It’s getting hot, 11:30 am, 80 degrees already. He’s going to be slowing a bit more this afternoon. I’ll see him at the 50k aid station next.

He’s in and out again. 50k down. He did a full change because it was so hot he was soaked.
Still feels good. I won’t have another update until about midnight.
Now what can I get into in the middle of Nebraska??? My dad would probably recommend cow tipping! 🤣

100k down. Glenn got in a little nap, food and coffee before I kicked him out! He feels good still. The headlights are bothering him. The roads here are long and straight so you see them for miles. The weather is nice so he will get a couple hours of good running before it gets warm again.

Good morning, update Saturday….
Glenn had a great night on the trail. He pushed a bit. There was less traffic, so less headlight action. He’s through the 100k aid station and on to the halfway point.
He is reading your messages and appreciates everyone’s support!

104 miles completed! He feels strong.
He’s got food in him, rinsed off and is napping now. It’s hot and that sun is brutal. He’ll head out in a few hours once it cools off.
He was stoked about the sunglasses! 😎 he even brought me presents 😳

Glenn is off. Less than 100 miles to go!

Good night all, thanks for everyone’s support. Glenn is out for the night, still doing great, with 20 miles to get to me. I’m getting some shuteye. 😊😴

Good Sunday morning!
Glenn got some food, a nap and back out. He actually ran off! He’s definitely feeling the miles and the night run, but rallying well. I’m waiting at long pine, a cute, tiny city, watching the sunrise. Mile 144.

I’m sure everybody’s tired of my updates by now!
Glenn is still looking amazing. He came through mile 144.4, ate quite a bit and then took off again. It’s only 7 miles to the next state station

Glenn has two big 20+ mile legs to go. He’s set out on the first, but it’s hot, so he’s planning to take it easy. Don’t worry if you see him going slow for a while.
He’s tired, but having a blast!
The wind is crazy today. This is helping him, but tossing the rv around like a toy!

Glenn arrived running. Incredible! He is resting now. 173.9 miles done. 😊

The final stretch…
Glenn got food and rest. He feels good. He has a small blister on his baby toe and sunburnt lips, but no other complaints.
Next stop is the finish!

200 miles!

Tina Torun(HF16109, DA3665, MM15672) – St. Joseph Missouri Half Marathon finisher! 37th state and 87th half marathon was such an amazing experience! I can completely say that this race was my favorite out of town race experience ever! They basically treated me like a VIP runner! I have never had such celebrity running status in a race because I am from Alaska! After I finished the half marathon, I was immediately asked to do two interviews for the 2 local news stations in St. Joseph. I was so shocked and so amazing! I didn’t beat the full marathoners today, but I did beat my time goal! I ran almost the entire race with my new running friend, Nicolette, from Tulsa. The night before, I found out that she is also in Half Fanatics and doing the double half races too! A more complete race recap will be later. I have 9.5 hours to prep and sleep before the Omaha Half Marathon! Cheers!

Meet Club Member: Ronita Bland

Ronita Bland(MM12368, DA2131, HF8514)- I began running in 2013. I was looking for a way to keep the weight off after losing almost 40 lbs!!! I joined a couch to 5K at the local rec center. I ran my first 5K and continued running short miles.

Then joined Black Girls Run Charlotte for another 5K training(Walk Before You Run). I completed it and from there I wanted to run longer distances. I trained on the hills of Charlotte.

I ran B2B HM’ in July 2014 in the Atlanta area and became a Half Fanatic. From there I met so many runners. It was a great community and so much support from everyone. I learned about the goal to complete the 50 States. To date I have completed the 50 States and run 208 HM’s. I reached the Sun status for Half Fanatics in 2016. I’m 24 states on the 2nd round for HM’s.

The next step along the way I decided I wanted try to run a marathon. I completed my first race in 2015 in at Foot Traffic Flat Marathon Sauvie Island, Oregon. It was the weekend of my birthday and the hottest the race had ever been. I picked it because I though Oregon would be cooler in July. It almost took the whole 6hrs with the heat but I finished. Today I have completed a Marathon in every state and 5 Continents. Presently at 78 Marathons and counting.

I’m glad I found and grew to love the sport of running. I love the adventures I’ve been on and the people I’ve met along the way. I’ve traveled and become friends with so many on this journey. Races are like family reunions within this running

community. I may not be the fastest but it doesn’t matter. As the saying goes” You don’t have to go fast, you just have go”. I love looking at my medal display in amazement of doing what I once thought I couldn’t. 

Running combines my love for food and travel so why not add exercise?? I pick races based on where I’d like to visit. I plan to continue this running journey and can’t wait to see where it leads. See you on the pavement😊

Photo and Post Credit Marathon Maniacs Newsletter

Congratulations to Keenan Haga (MM9947) for conquering his 500th marathon and achieving his 100th marathon or longer in 2025 at the Mainly Marathons Northwest Series (September 20–25, 2025)!

Incredible achievement, Keenan!

Congratulations to Dr. Bryon Solberg (HF18903, DA3819, MM12350) and Lisa Rice Seidel (HF6155, DA699, MM9014) for achieving Sun Status at the Mainly Marathons Northwest Series (September 20–25, 2025)!

To earn Sun Status with the Half Fanatics, runners must complete:

• 52 Half Marathons within 365 days, or
• 30 Half Marathons in 30 different US states, countries, or Canadian provinces (any combination) within 365 days.

Click here to learn more about the criteria at Half Fanatics.

https://www.halffanatics.com/fanatic-criteria

A special shoutout to Lisa Rice Seidel for reaching Sun Status for the 11th time!

Amazing work, Lisa and Dr. Bryon!

Congratulations to Julia K Khvasechko(MM3960, DA2566, HF15262) for being a 2025 inductee into the Marathon Maniacs Hall of Fame. 

Congratulations and welcome to the class of 2025!

She reached Hall of Fame Eligibility by completing 333 – Lifetime Marathons / Ultras.

The criteria to be eligible for the Hall of Fame can be found here

Julia K Khvasechko(MM3960, DA2566, HF15262)

mealmonday like no other

Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. For nearly 20 years, I have been persistent in the pursuit of what sets my soul on fire. When you have the enthusiasm and the passion, you end up figuring how to excel.

Lifetime marathon 333 is done and dusted. Thank you #omahamarathon for the trust. I had the honor of pacing the 5:00 group and I got to check of NE as #pacerjulia. It was a new course and I think they did a great job, my watch lined up perfectly with the mile markers along the way; the course markings were clear and there were plenty of volunteers to help direct us if we went off course; there was plenty of water stations along the way and it was a mostly flat course. I feel very grateful that I got to help runners achieve their goal of finishing a sub 5 hour marathon and I got to spend the weekend with my brother from another mother, Aaron Stevens , who completed his 99th marathon, and I feel incredibly lucky that now I qualify for the #marathonmaniacs hall of fame.

Thank you to all my Marathon Maniac friends who have inspired me over the last 14 years. Since I became a Marathon Maniac, I have always marveled at what my new friends could do. No matter how many marathons I was running, there was always someone else putting me to shame. I feel so grateful that I had the courage to follow in their footsteps instead of all listen to all the naysayers who said I was crazy.

There is an ancient African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together”. This quote emphasizes the meaning of the Marathon Maniacs family. While individual efforts can achieve quick results, true and lasting success, especially for complex and distant goals, requires the support, collaboration, and collective effort of a group. I am so grateful for my MM family, for all the amazing friends I have made, for all the support I have gotten over the years.

15th marathon this year, check
state 48, check
being eligible for the MM HOF, priceless

Judy Laufman(HF17502) – A great weekend in coastal New Hampshire! I ran the Rockfest (formerly known as Smuttynose) Half Marathon in Hampton Beach, NH. State #44 for me, LTHM #70 and I got to meet fellow Fanatic Yinka for the first time! Flat course, well-run race, and stunningly beautiful weather. On to Des Moines in two weeks! #halffanatics #teamintraining #EveryMileIsAGift

Gregory Rouson(HF8068, MM12723, DA2354) – Lifetime half marathon #254 and #ShellYeahChallenge #4 (5K and half marathon)…DONE!!! I managed to run finish the Crawlin Crab half two minutes faster than last year and 5 whole minutes faster than the half I ran in Chicago last weekend. I’ll take it. 😎🏃🏾‍♂️ #HF8068 #MM12723 #DA2354 #100halfmarathonsclub #Crawlincrab #jandaracing

Stefanie Holliday(MM14386, DA3313, HF17442) – How wonderful of a weekend!
I completed state #28 with Minnesota-Medtronics Twin Cities Ultra Loony Challenge running the 5k and 10k on Saturday, and full marathon today.
Alexandra Molina and I were at the Maniac photo (missed seeing people!) today.
She enjoyed a birthday marathon, and I finished the total challenge! I absolutely loved the races, and I’m loving all the loot! Post race celebratory fun!

Half Fanatics at the Great Balloon Chase Half Marathon in Albequerque, NM

Pam Whittington Begnaud(HF18927) is with Wayne Bubba Begnaud.(HF18928) – State #46 Maine – Maine Marathon. Double State weekend w New Hampshire

Amy Sea(HF18410, DA3652, MM15648) – This weekend I completed a race in the US and Canada!
Saturday was Half #192 Mighty Niagara Half in NY. I chose this race despite having more local options as my brother moved to Buffalo so went to visit him and run the races. This was a nice race. Very flat point to point with a gradual downhill the first few miles. Well organized and pretty scenic with pretty views of Niagara River and Lake Ontario and it was cool running through Fort Niagara. No views of the falls on the course but it is very close to Niagara Falls so you can easily visit. The last 3 miles were hot but I finished under my goal of 3 hours by a few minutes. There is a 15 min/mile time limit but the race was not strict about it. No issues being closer to the back and the medals are huge to make up for the lack of medal last week!
Sunday was Half #193 Oakville 21.1 in Ontario about 1.5 hours from Buffalo. This was actually a repeat province but I needed a double this weekend for marathon training and it was the closest half on Sunday to Buffalo. This was also a pretty nice race. It was also flat and mostly an out and back. It was mostly through nice neighborhoods with some pretty views of Lake Ontario. Mostly well organized though there was one intersection without clear signage. It has 3:30 time limit but when I read the instructions closely it was from the first runner so I was a little nervous. It’s a small race and it took about 10 minutes for everyone to go through so consider it a 3:20 time limit. Luckily I finished just under 3:10. I didn’t have any issues being closer to the time limit but they did seem a bit strict as I didn’t see many finisher times over 3:20. Medal was pretty nice especially for an international race.
This was a very convenient, nice double if you are working on the states and provinces together and hoping to knock out NY and ON in the same weekend but with the time limits I’d only recommend if you can finish a half with a ~15 min/mile pace

Katy Fetzer(HF8306) – Half 91 is complete at the #sonohalf! Onto 92 next Saturday in Hartford!

Scott Pearson(HF18577) – Half number 68. State 26. An the mighty Niagara Half Marathon today. I loved this race. A mostly flat course that runs along the niagara river. The crowd support and volunteers were so awesome. I have had so much fun meeting Andrea Chapp Hess Brian Fesmire and Anna Fesmire . As well as seeing Wendy Smail Heather Walters King Lily Longoria and Jack Hatzenbuehler . Bandit Bashes are so much fun. I ran with Wendy for the race and we chatted away the miles. Time just flew by.

Are you able to help your fellow runners meet their fundraising goals?

Are you Charity Fundraising for a Run?

I have added to the club blog the only page that lists those who are currently charity fundraising. Fundraising posts on the club main Facebook pages are subject to immediate deletion.

RUNNERS HELPING OTHERS

Many marathons/half marathons have a charity partner that runners may help fundraise for.

If you are interested in helping, or in being added to the list, please follow the instructions on the page. Do not post to the club Facebook pages.

#runners helping others

Sue Stevens(HF8593, DA2452, MM12891) – Happy to be back on the roads for a beautiful day at the Poulsbo Half Marathon. Felt pretty good, saw several friends and placed first in my age group 🙂

Randell Hansen(MM 8508, HF16161, DA2931)- MM 8508/HF 16161/DA 2931: completed the Double Udder Challenge of this weekend’s
Urban Cow Half Marathon in Sacramento. I finished Saturday’s 5K in 20:18 and took 1st in my Age Group (M45-49); and Sunday’s Half-Marathon in 1:31:19. We had great running weather this weekend, particularly Sunday with the cloud cover.

Rachel Ross(HF6506) – BHM26.2 Half Marathon in Hoover, AL. 1,247 feet of elevation gain. Thank you, Tricia(HF18538) and Family for waiting for me at the finish!

Nick Mosher(MM14764) – I ran my first 50K yesterday! It was for a charity walk, The Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk. People donated so much to help with cancer research and treatment I thought I would go all out for them!

99.9% of people walk it and the distances you can do are a Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K or 5K. I decided to do something a little extra and added a few miles before starting out in Hopkinton at the Boston Marathon starting line.

I’d never done a 50k before and the temperature went up from about 58°F at the start to 80°F at the finish. It was a great run! Not a race at all but we did have bibs and there was a starting line and finish line. The volunteers at all the water stations, the lunch stop and the finish area were all awesome! I stayed in my Zone 2 pace for most of it, lol, I swear Garmin had my HR totally wrong. I wasn’t really sweating and had no problem talking or singing to myself.

It was a fun way to experiment with a 50K and also raise money for cancer research.

Jodi Gibson Moore(MM12047, DA2110, HF13699) – MedalMonday

Marathon #67, state #16 (WV).
Still getting over a cold, so the wheels came off in the last quarter, but I managed to place 3rd overall female, 1st in my age group. At 3:45:23 this was my fastest marathon since the eye surgeries started a year ago.
MM#12047 DA#2110

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Photo and Post Credit Marathon Maniacs/Half Fanatics; Facebook Pages, Instagram Pages, threads pages and the individual members listed above.