Tales From Medal Monday Volume 4 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.

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Amy Sea(HF18410, DA3652, MM15648) – Today I completed Half #200 Jingle Bell Half in Haverhill, MA. This is a local half ~20 minutes from where I live and it was my third time running it. It is one of my favorite half’s in MA with a longer time limit. It is always really pretty if it snowed the week before like it did this week. It mostly goes through the suburbs and past some farms so lots of farm animals. It is moderately hilly but not bad for New England and has a fun Christmas theme. Some of the roads are open but they are all quiet or coned off. There is a 3:30 time limit which is generous for MA and they aren’t strict and will keep course markings and finish line open for the last runner you just might be unsupported if you go slower than a 3:30 half pace. I’d recommend this race for MA if you need a longer than 3 hour time limit. Luckily today though I didn’t as I had my fastest half of the year and broke 2:45!

Laurie Weiner(HF9266, DA3668, MM15681) – Today was a spectacular day for a half marathon. I ran Cayman Island half marathon in George Town Grand Cayman. It was in the 80s at the start, which is why it started at 5:00. I got in as many miles as I could before the sun came up. The first 8 miles were in the dark and then the sun came up. My goal was missed as I had to make a porta potty stop. So as the sun came up it was too beautiful it to take pictures and enjoy for a minute. Cayman Islands Marathon is a well run and fun race. Bev saw me at the finish and cheered me across. I just love this race and getting away from snow for a few days is so worth it! The fun part of the morning was riding my high tech coaster brake bike to and from the race. I cheered for runners on my way back to the hotel. Now to ice my knee and sit by the pool/ Caribbean Sea!#medalmonday, #caymanislandmarathon

Charlene Mercer Board(HF7024) & Anita Burns (HF7613) – Half Marathon #146
Today I ran the Raleigh Holiday Half Marathon (race #146) since my flight was cancelled to Jamaica and we had to defer our race over there.
What was missing you asked?
A: The HEAT, it was a freezing 34 degrees at start and 37 at the finish 🥶
The race was on the Greenway out and back but there was a few steep hills and way too many wooden bridges.
My goal time was under 2:40 but I didn’t quite make it but I was pleased with my time considering those hills and the temperature.
The blessing was since the race was in Raleigh, NCI was able to make it to my Granddaughter’s basketball game.🏀❤️
Well that’s a wrap for 2025, only 19 races this year🤷🏽‍♀️🏃🏾‍♀️🤷🏽‍♀️🏃🏾‍♀️🤷🏽‍♀️🏃🏾‍♀️

HalfFanatics #7024 HM#146

Meet Club Member: Gavin Anderson (HF14007)

Gavin Anderson HF14007 – My race story is sort of an accidental story. I hope that when you read this, you will say to yourself, “If he can do it, I can, too!”

One day, as I was hiking with friends, one of the doctors in our group asked if anyone would do the St. Jude Memphis Half Marathon with her. It was the first Saturday of December 2015. She explained that the person who was going to do it with her had bailed on her. “I don’t know,” I said. “I don’t think I can do a half marathon.”

I had done my first 10K in 5th grade and a couple of 5Ks and 10Ks since, but I’d never thought about doing a half marathon — it had never been on my “bucket list.”

“Come on,” she replied. “If you can do half the distance in training, you can do the full distance on race day!”

I was skeptical, but I thought, “Okay, we’re doing 7+ miles on these hikes….” At the time, I was co-organizing a hiking group and leading two 7+ mile hikes every month. So, I agreed to join her for this “one-off” experience.

Even with tendinitis in both knees, I completed the race in 03:46:43 — plenty of time to spare. If I remember correctly, the finish line had a 6-hour cutoff time because there was also a full marathon being run concurrently. There, done! Well, sort of…

As many of you have found out, this is addictive. You finish one race and you think to yourself, “Whose crazy idea was this?!” And then the next day, you hear about another race, and you think, “Hmmmm. That would be fun. Who wants to do this one with me?”

So, for that first year, I did a half marathon every month for 13 months straight. In March 2016, with 3 half marathons in 3 months, I joined Half Fanatics. Unfortunately, I don’t remember who introduced me to the group. But, at some point, I “graduated” to Life Member.

Yes, I went a little crazy — some might say half crazy. These days, I do a more reasonable 4–5 half marathons a year, including running the St. Jude Memphis Half Marathon, which I’ve continued to do every year — the race that started it all for me. I’ve even done 2 full marathons, a 30K, and other assorted distances.

For my first half marathon, I was under the impression that you had to wear “race clothes” — whatever that meant — so I dressed in running shorts and a T-shirt. But during that race, with over 26,000 runners, I saw every sort of attire. Ever since, I’ve run in full Scottish attire, celebrating my heritage, and have earned the nickname: Kilted Celt.

In August this year, I completed one of my dreams. Even before ever thinking about doing a half marathon, while growing up in Tacoma, I was fascinated by the Tacoma Narrows Half Marathon — a race that crosses the Puget Sound on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. So, I signed up for the marathon and was trying to talk relatives into joining me when we found out my mom had cancer. Mom passed away on August 10th, just weeks before the race. Her funeral was on the afternoon of race day, so I asked my family if they thought I should drop out. They encouraged me to go ahead and run the race. I ran the race in my mom’s clan colors. It was so neat to have family members welcoming me at the finish line. And I went straight from the race to the funeral, where I played “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes at her graveside service.

This month, I completed my 50th half marathon, and I brought along two fellow hikers for their first half marathon.

I’ve never hit any land-speed records. My fastest time was 03:10:19, and my slowest finish was 06:08:57. I’m not fast, but I finish. So far, I’ve never had a DNF.

I have one more half marathon this year — yep, you guessed it — the St. Jude Memphis Half Marathon. And I plan to continue running half marathons as long as I’m able. You can, too!

Official race photo from my 50th half marathon (Summit 2 Summit Half Marathon, Hot Springs, AR)

Gavin AndersonHF#14007

Patty Z Bishop(HF12118) – Finished Half Marathon #236, at the
Route 66 Marathon, in Tusla, OK…

Jennifer Clark (HF16743, DA3643, MM15623) –The Texas Quad
What a way to celebrate Thanksgiving weekend!
4 half marathons in 4days!
David and I packed up our Thanksgiving dinner and headed to Dallas on Wednesday. The first was on Thursday morning. Afterwards we went back to the Residence Inn for dinner including Turkey breast, green beans, sweet potatoe casserole, dressing and more!
Friday we were back out on the course, as we were Saturday and Sunday! We had a great time seeing a lot of friends and eating A Thanksgiving dinner everyday!
Halfs #368 – 371

Mihaela Mann(HF4295, DA832, MM9676) & Jules Mann(HF4294, DA475, MM3509) – My wonderful husband and I ran the Turkey Revenge half marathon on Friday and the weather was beautiful! We saw many running friends and had some delicious Key Lime Pie! Thanks to
Jill Hudson for hosting this race. Next race, see you in Honolulu!
#medalmonday #halffanatics

Before hitting the starting line, we always try to snap a ‘Family Photo’ when possible. The Marathon Maniac and Half Fanatic running family—spotted at races nationwide—grabbed a quick group shot ahead of the Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon in Norfolk, VA on November 23, 2025.

Before hitting the starting line, we always try to snap a ‘Family Photo’ when possible. The Marathon Maniac and Half Fanatic running family—spotted at races nationwide—grabbed a few quick group shots ahead of the Route 66 Marathon/Half Marathon in Tulsa, OK on November 23, 2025.

If you are on the fence about the new holiday gear, here is your sign!☃️
A group of Okie Half Fanatics sporting the holiday gear as they rocked the Route 66!

Gregg LeBlanc(HF4564, DA2537, MM13039) – BlingAndBrew

Run To Stay Warm – Eugene, OR
Lifetime Half #276
Beowulf
American Brown Ale
Viking Brewing Company
Eugene Oregon

Jackie James(HF17621) – Hey fam, It’s Medal Monday! I had awesome Route 66 Weekend❤️👏🏾5k & Half Marathon + hills. I can’t wait until next year! It was great seeing everyone, always a reunion! Congratulations on rocking the route for the first time & all before. Shout out to the volunteers!!!

Angela Creighton Beyette(HF7674) – Medal Monday Route 66 HALF MARATHON!!!

Christabelle Sapphire Carpenter(HF3501) – Rte 66 double down challenge complete. 5k and then half marathon #115. HF 3501, 49 yrs old.

Carol Alvarez Brown(HF18859) – Another Route 66 Half Marathon completed! This is such a fun race. I even got a special half fanatics medal!! The crowd support at this race is unmatched. Such great neighborhood parties and it’s so encouraging! #medalmonday

Suzie Gayhart Coker (HF11134) -Route 66 Half Marathon. My 11th running of this race and my 60th Half Marathon overall. #MedalMonday

MedalMonday #HalfFanatic #HF11134

Mike Staudinger (HF4282) – Medal Monday 🥇
2 half marathons • 2 states • 2 days (and 3 halfs in 8 days!)
Saturday: Pumpkin Spice Half in Fort Worth, TX — flat course and perfect weather.
Sunday: Route 66 Half in Tulsa, OK — rolling hills on tired legs.
State #24 complete and the run streak rolls on: 2,290 days strong.

Jacqueline Schreiver(HF17811) – Running Kansas with one of my besties!!
Half – 89
2025 – 9
State – 37

Randy Riley (MM14470, HF16432, DA3218) – Fall Classic Half Marathon in Strongsville, OH. A beautiful but chilly morning start. This double out and back is one of the flattest road courses anywhere. There are some very slight up and down elevation grades but not a single hill, not even an overpass. My Garmin watch showed only 82’ ascent and 69’ decent over 13.1 miles. In road running that’s pancake flat. The roads are totally closed to traffic which is nice. Water stations are regularly spaced and well manned. This race always has great volunteers. Last weekend I noted I gave it my all and it wasn’t enough. How do you respond to those days? You lace up your running shoes and give it all you have again. Now days I don’t run like a Thoroughbred but clump along like an old plow horse yet this week it was enough. 1st place AG.
Half Fanatics 100 Half Marathons Club #medalmonday MM 14470 HF 16432 DA 3218. 16 YTD Half Marathons. 256 Lifetime.

Chad M. Noblett(HF18764) – Tulsa Route 66 and first time with Ainsleys Angels.

Sloan Dinkelkamp Taylor (HF3348, DA3346, MM14791) – Ran Half # 124 at
Route 66 Marathon today in my home town 🎉

Scott Pearson (HF18577) – I ran both the Half Marathon and 5k this weekend at the Williams Route 66 in Tulsa for my 71 Half. And 5th in a row in Tulsa. This finishes out there signs medal series. Tulsa as always rolled out the welcome mat. I always feel welcomed at this race. Maniac corner does not hurt either. To have a nice lounge are at the end is awesome. Plus to get a chance to visit with other fanatics and maniacs is a nice way to end things. The weather this weekend was perfect running weather. The course as usual was full of enthusiastic crowds. And if you wanted more than enough alcohol to dull any pains you might have. The half is full of rolling hills, but the more races I run the more I realize these are actually pretty modest for elevation. If you get a chance u highly recommend coming out and running this race at least once

Gregory Rouson (HF8068, MM12723, DA2354) – Lifetime half marathon #257, Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon (and #getnauti challenge) #5, and Coastal Virginia Half Marathon Challenge #3…DONE!!! I managed to finish 3 minutes faster than last year’s time on this same course and 10 whole minutes faster than my last half marathon two weeks ago. I’ll definitely take it. 😎🏃🏿‍♂️ #HF8068 #MM12723 #DA2354 #jandaracing #getnauti

Ronita Bland(HF8514, DA2131, MM12368) – Norfolk Harbor Half to start this Sunday Morning🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

Half Fanatics and Marathon Maniacs at The Shiner Beer Run

Gavin Anderson (HF14007) – Medal Monday
Represented Half Fanatics with my 50th half marathon this past Saturday — the 10th annual Summit 2 Summit Half Marathon in Hot Springs, AR! #medalmonday #halfmarathon

Krista Shuler(HF18421) – I didn’t have my HF/MM banner today but Jorgina Sanders(HF16456) and I ran the New Braunfels Half Marathon today. Our second half marathon for the weekend.

Linda Hale(HF12980) – Medal Monday
Hf#12980
State #47 Richmond Virginia

Jorgina Sanders(HF16456) – Battle of Leon Creek Half #159
Race #4 of 4 for the Alamo Beer Series

Lisa Brookover Moore (HF9134)– medalmonday. Half marathon #100 done at the La Roche Posay Half Marathon in Queenstown, New Zealand.

A beautiful course along a river and the lake, snow capped mountains in the distance and blooming lupines on both a paved no car road and packed gravel trail point to point into Queenstown. Water/Pure electrolyte drink every 2 -ish miles. Post race offered the same drinks and bananas with food trucks standing by. Bling included a medal, any other shirts etc had to be purc6at the pre race expo.

Latonya MJ (HF17757)– State 31 🔵
Half Marathon #58 🔥
Pulled up real bold this weekend — flew into DC, hopped in the car, and rolled into Richmond like “let’s get this birthday runcation started.”
Packet pickup at the Richmond Speedway was smooth-sailing and organized. Small expo, zero chaos — my kind of vibe.
Posted up at the Courtyard off Broad Street, just 15 minutes from the start line. Parking at the start/finish was $27… but whatever, we came to RUN. 😤🏃🏾‍♀️💨
Race day? LISTEN.
I was locked in, fueled up, hydrated, and ready. The whole course was flat, friendly, and perfect for walkers AND PR chasers. If you’re eyeing a BQ… go ahead and add Richmond to your list. It’s giving “achievable.”
Closed the weekend out at Mama’s J’s Southern Cuisine because you already know — when in Richmond, you eat GOOD. 😋✨
State 31 done. #58 loading… and I’m still just getting warmed up. 💙🔥🏃🏾‍♀️

Half Fanatics at the Battle of Leon Creek Half Marathon in San Antonio, TX.

Alda Ollactillium(HF16784) – Summit 2 Summit Half Marathon

Robert Manon(HF3646, DA431, MM6700) – 665th to 670th Lifetime Half Marathons at the Mainly Marathons Southwest Series

Kathryn Oakley(HF18360) – 2025 Spa Running Festival Summit 2 Summit Half Marathon on 15 November in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Michael Hall(HF16228, DA3242, MM14514) – Southwest Series 5 States CO, UT, AZ, NV, CA also two are new states towards 50States Half. Just SC, DE, MA to go. Cheers #Got2KeepMovN will do Route 66 November 23.

Tammy Hodges(HF17340) – Mainly Marathons southwest series completed. 6 half marathons and one 5k completed in 6 days across 6 states.

Elizabeth Carrie (HF5013, DA378, MM16012) – Queenstown New Zealand: My first international half marathon! It’s truly one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been!

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