Tales From Medal Monday Volume 4 Chapter 21

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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A few of the Maniacs before Rehoboth Seashore Marathon & Half Marathon! (Passed more along the route)

Steve Walters(MM338, DA9, HF21) – The Holiday Half Marathon today caps off my 2025 half marathons. It’s the 12th time I’ve run this race (my 312th half marathon). Ran a solid 1:54 with splits of 57:33/56:42. A bit of rain, but not too cold 45°F).

Lea Reyes(MM13731, DA2891, HF16015) – 206 half marathon. ABWR Holiday Fun at Griffith Park. They hook you up with awesome medals for completing the multiple locations they have. It’s so awesome to run in different places with ABWR. The turnouts are great and a lot of runners continue to return. Such a great atmosphere and running community. Couple New first time half marathoners this morning and that’s awesome.

I’ll get in two more half marathons for 2025 and then I’m off to Arizona for Across the Years! Yikes!

Gina Forestieri(MM16172, DA3808, HF18136) – Lifetime marathon 33, state 32 Rocket City in Huntsville, AL.. glad i did it but COLDEST RACE I’VE DONE🥶 you’d think id go faster but didn’t.. 5:14.. not even sub 5😢😢 no car so no sightseeing.. and it looks beautiful blue but omg it is cold and they are expecting freeze warnings tonight!! Saw some 50 staters.. both half and full people!

Clyde Shank(MM1386) – Did the Dallas Marathon today. 78th Marathon of the year matching my age. My time was my fastest since 11/24/2017 and good enough for 2nd place in my age group. Temps were low 30’s at the start with wind chills in the mid teens. Warmed up into the mid 40’s at the finish. Thankfully the wind was not as strong as forecasted.

Debbie LaFond- Walking to the start at 4 am this morning not 100 ft from the hotel it turned into what seemed like monsoon! We had ponchos but our feet were wet before we even started the race. I did the Start to the Park 10k and Maurice LaFond(MM13948) ran the Honolulu Marathon, his 3rd here and his 57th marathon. Rain and wind stopped before we started but the humidity was terrible. I was able to keep with my 1 minute run/1 minute walk for the first two miles moving back and forth through the crowds. At the two mile water stop the roads became very slick so I thought better of it and I just fast walked to the finish. Went back to the room and took a shower and then back for his finish some two hours later. The humidity was so bad just standing still the sweat was running down my back and arms. He didn’t get the time he wanted but we still had a great time. As soon as we got to the hotel the skies opened up again! Still better than snow and cold back home.

Tina Torun(HF16109, DA3665, MM15672) – 8th Honolulu Marathon was a crazy experience! Only got 2 hours of sleep the night before. Torrential downpour walking to the start. Ended up hanging out in the Ala Moana parking garage. I couldn’t find my cousin or other friends. My toes were wet to start the race. I got in the start corral. The humidity was 100% after the rain stopped. I made the mistake to skip first to aid stations. I should of threw water on myself to cool off. I was ahead of last year’s pace. I saw the top 5 men’s finishers and actually the 2nd male I saw won the race. High humidity, no trade winds, some sunshine, but mostly cloudy this year. My feet were like prunes and I changed socks at mile 17. That helped some. Used porta potties 5 times and lost some time. Torrential downpour with 1.2 miles to go. Soaking wet, running to the finish 7:19:20 and I beat my time from last year by 2 hours 9 minutes 7 seconds. I had a great time seeing some friends and was so grateful to Hawaii Running Project for having an personal aid station at mile 22.5 for their run club. I got a cold coke and iced towel. It pumped me up for another mile. At this pace, I was running with a lot of people the entire race! Soaking wet, but I got my malasada!

Christopher Riff Browning(MM16116) – 25 was for the Achilles organization. They serve people with disabilities that want to enjoy the fun of running. I see a lot of the athletes and the guides at the races I go to. Hopefully one day I will get the privilege to be a guide.

Brrrrrr….. The Mississippi Marathon weather started out around the high 50’s. I ended up throwing my longsleeve shirt off around mile 4. That ended up being a mistake due to the temperature drop and the 15+ mph winds coming from the north. It was so windy at one point that you were just as fast walking as your were if you tried to run. The course went right along the gulf. The support was great with hydration stations all along the way. Around mile 14 my IT band went downhill but i finished. We finished inside the local baseball stadium where you were served shrimp gumbo and a local beer. The food and drinks were located up the stairs in the stadium. If you have ever ran a marathon you know that stairs are the enemy! I had to smile when I was watching runners go up and back down the stairs. As always I met a lot of nice people and the views were great. I met two runners that stood out to me. One of them has completed 507 marathons after Sunday. The other has completed 60+ marathons/ultras just this year. He ran Kiawah Island marathon on Saturday then flew to Mississippi to run. Biloxi was one of the hardest hit areas from Katrina Halfway there and still going strong. Next up is Louisiana.

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 Honolulu Marathon in Honolulu, HI,  on December 14, 2025.

Meet Club Member: Laurie Weiner

Hi, my name is Laurie Weiner from North Canton, Ohio. I’m 62 years old and I love running.

HF #9266, MM #15681, Double Agent #3668

I became a HF in October 2014 and MM in 2021.

I began participating in Half Marathons in 2010, where my first Half Marathon was Cleveland Rite Aid. I actually walked the whole race with my husband. I later discovered Jeff Galloway’s Run, Walk, Run method and have run intervals since.

I currently have run 165 Half Marathons and 21 Marathons/50K races. This would be more if it hadn’t been for COVID.
I have an unique feature as in September 2024. I received a total knee replacement. With hard work I was able to return to racing in May 2025. Of course, my first Half Marathon would be Cleveland, since it was my very first Half Marathon. Since May I have run 9 Half Marathons.
I would have to say overall favorite Half Marathon was Disneyland Paris in 2018. My favorite Marathon is Chicago, where I had the blessing to run in 2022.
Running is part of my life and I can find no better way to discover new areas and staying physically fit than by running.
I love the support that Fanatics/Maniacs give each other and I get excited when I see you all on the race course. Of course you will hear my yelling “Looking good Fanatics/Maniacs” when I see you.
I plan on running as long as I am able. I may not be an elite runner, but I get it done and have fun. I also like to stop on runs to take pictures as I see interesting scenery. Lastly I want to encourage those that are the middle/back of the packers. Continue to work hard as you put in the same miles as those who run fast. You also get more out of your race registration.
Keep running and never give up! Happy Running..

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 Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon in Gulfport, Mississippi on December 14, 2025.

Heather Zeigler(MM3086) – I ran the Hawaii Bird Conservation Marathon this morning!! I’m finally making progress with my second round of 50 States – this was 48 (AK and ME left!)!!! And it was fun to mark my 10 year anniversary of my 50sub4 finish with the same outfit 🤗😂 just a tad slower in those 10 years with a 4:37 🤷🏻‍♀️🤣 #50statemarathonclub #marathonmaniac #50sub4_marathon_club

Runner Mike Hk(MM3337) – Marathon number 328 finished
Chiangmai marathon

Karen Gordon(MM12170, DA2028, HF13486) – It was so fun sharing with my great running buddy Jamie Mazza who made 13.1 miles fly by. Thank you, Jamie! You rock, my friend. You made my San Diego Holiday Half #12 and half marathon #94 really special. Those who renew their strength in the Lord will fly high on wings like eagles. 🦅 They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not feel faint. Isaiah 40:28-31
Great to see fellow OnPace pacers, Roma Taliana, Tracy Cohen Roth, and Natalie Uyeno and fellow RADrabbit ambassador, half fanatic, and running skirts collector, Karen A Flynn and legacy runner, Bryon Solberg. My favorite Torrey Pines Trails San Diego Bar was a delicious post race treat. 🎄 🏃🏻‍♂️🏃🏽‍♀️🐇 ♥️💚

Robert Manon(MM3646, DA431, MM6700) – This morning I ran Santa’s Reindeer Run Half Marathon. It was my 679th lifetime half marathon and was put on by CaliFlow Runs . The weather was nice and cool. I ran a negative split. I didn’t feel too good the 1st 6 miles and was running a lot slower than normal. I felt better after that and picked up the pace quite a bit and managed to get a sub 2. When I was heading to the finish line I heard someone coming up fast behind me, so I picked up the gear and finished strong. Time to relax. Congrats to everyone.

Scott Thompson(MM4623) – Merry Christmas Maniacs ! Here is the pic I took right after the finish line at Honolulu two weeks ago.

Ietta Parrott(MM15646) – Just completed the Panama City Marathon which is my final race for 2025 and marathon #57 as a 5:15 pacer. It was amazing helping others accomplish their goals and get to the finish line in 5:15 see you next month in the next marathon! #themarathoncontinues #beastpacing #marathonmaniacs #blackgirlsrun

Pascal Radley(MM2051) – Completed the 3 Bridges Marathon in Little Rock today with a 2nd place finish in the old man’s 65 – 69 age group.
Forgot to bring my Shokz head phones, so no music and thus I had to listen to whiny Pascal negative self talk when the miles got tough…sigh 😂.
Mississippi Gulf Marathon next weekend in Biloxi!

Nicole DeBord(MM15101) – Rehoboth Beach Marathon -✅ State 39!!!! Well JOY was spread! I loved how many smiles and giggles people shared with me as I ran past. I also LOVED seeing hundreds of geese migrating in V formation. The pictures don’t do it justice. Just remarkable!
Still not easy, but what a blessed life that I continue to get to do the things that push me! I’m so grateful to have been able to run 10 full marathons so far this year. Time to rest this body and gear up for state 40 next weekend.
Side note: If you have never traveled solo, especially speaking to my lady friends, DO IT! What an empowering feeling

Patti Randall Krebsbach(HF629, DA99, MM2584) – They say some of the toughest streets are in Memphis, and I agree 100%!! There are cracks, bumps, divots, and more! I wasn’t planning to continue the pavement streak, but St. Jude (the patron saint of lost causes… go figure! 😆) had other plans. I bit it before mile 3. 😩 Once again thankful to the person who helped me up. State 37 and half 299 are complete!

Christine Murasaki Ainsworth(MM13525, DA3296, HF17376) – Marathon #78 CIM (California International Marathon) happened on Sunday, 12/7/25.
It was a challenging hilly & chilly race. I’ve been trying to run CIM for several years but something always came up and I ended up deferring.
It reminded me of Boston, a “net downhill” course with lots of rolling hills. It felt “rollier”to me with more descents than Boston. It has a much smaller field with around 9,000 runners compared to Boston’s 32,000.
I stayed near the finish and where the buses to start line picked us up at WTH o’clock. I was there at 3:30 AM and we left at 4:30 AM, got to the start in Folsom and waited until 7 AM. There were free shuttles to and from the expo at the CA state Fair & Exposition. Bib & shirt pick up were a breeze.
The course was all on asphalt roads with the exception of a short section over a bridge in the last few miles. There were ample water & fuel stations and porta-potties.
I joined several pace groups 4:20, then the 4:35 when I fell behind, then the 4:50. They all helped me keep on pace. Running in a pace group is very different for me now that I have double vision and no depth perception. I have to be careful to not stumble into someone or get hit. You rely on each other running the same pace in your “spot.” Not a lot of “lane changing” until you have to work around a bunch of other runners and at water stops.
I slipped ( but didn’t fall…yaaay me) on a water cup at the beginning and had to walk for a few minutes until my ankle felt stable enough to run again.
Sadly around the half way mark, I saw a female runner on rhe ground who was in cardiac arrest and was having CPR administered. I was told she was revived and taken to a hospital. Thank god.
I stayed with the 4:50 pace group until mile 20 when I noticed I was tripping more, and my form was suffering because of pains in my neck ( from my broken neck 2017) and torn hip labrum ( since 2017. I was on target to finish a bit under 5 hours but I knew I had to run solo and finish upright and safe and not worry about tripping and falling like I did at Boston in April or bringing down another runner in my pace group. I finished in 5:02 so I was 18 minutes faster than Every Woman’s Marathon, I ran a few weeks ago. It’s the closest I’ve come to getting back under 5 hours since 2019 when I was consistently running around 4:30-4:35 and almost akways under 4:45. I also ran 16 marathons that year so I got faster and faster then the pandemic happened and all races got cancelled. So my “comeback” is taking time since I’m running with several recent medical challenges (Lymphedema in my left leg plus the vision problems. I’m lucky I can still run.
Many of the runners I met were seeking a BQ time. I knew going in I wouldn’t be able to execute a 9:45 pace for 26.2 miles..but I still lined up and started with the 4:20 group until they left me in the dust minutes later. 😉
Post-race we all received our finisher medal, a nice warm blanket, bottle, and a burrito. 🙂 We received our race shirts at the expo.
I’d recommend CIM even though it was a tough course with lots of rollers. I hope to run it again sometime.

Karen Murray Anderson)MM8075, DA576, HF5492) – Glen Anderson(MM2674) – ✨ Late post ✨ The Rocket City Marathon was frigid!! However, the warmth of the incredible people around me made all the difference! 🌟 I had an amazing time soaking up the positive energy from Vicky as she is in her final 7 count down to her 50 States completion, and Hank, with 8 marathons left fpr round 2, throughout the race. It was also great to be passed by Heather and Bob Strauss, the pacer extraordinaire! 🏃‍♀️💨
This marathon marks my last of the year as I head off to celebrate my son’s birthday in Florida. 🎉🌞 Meanwhile, Glen is gearing up for another marathon in West Virginia this weekend—he’s on the brink of hitting his incredible milestone of 600 marathons at Farmdayz24! 🥳
Here’s to finishing the year strong and cherishing every moment on this journey! 💪❤️

Congratulations to Victoria Carroll(HF16390)- on her 100th half marathon of 2025 at the Four Corners Quad Keyah: Day 2.

Congratulations to Kevin Brosi (MM94) – who completed his 105th marathon of 2025 at the Four Corners Quad Keyah: Day 3.

Congratulations to Pelicano Monte Pascual “Monte” (MM438, DA32, HF99) – finished his 900th full marathon at the Four Corners Quad Keyah: Day 1.

Congratulations to Liz Gmerek (MM6413, DA383, HF382) – who finished her 101st marathon of the year at the Four Corners Quad Keyah: Day 1

Sivabalan Pandian(MM13150) – Adani Ahmedabad Marathon – Successfully finished on 30 Nov , 2025 with little improvement of Finish timing to 6:29:55 .
Being senior citizen of 67 years old , able to run last 12 KM ( after 30 KM ) with full control of traffic by the organizers and genuine support of aid station and medical support .
THIS AHMEDABAD MARATHON WAS TOTALLY DIFFERENT FROM ANY OTHER INDIAN CITY MARATHONS WHERE LAST BATCH OF RUNNERS WERE ABLE TO COMPLETE 42.2 K WITHOUT ANY ISSUES .
Also able to run with many first time full marathoners and they could complete with stress free because of support Adani Ahmedabad Marathon organizers and local Police .
I will surely run next year also ADANI AHMEDABAD MARATHON and it is really worth and safe running full marathon in India for international runners too by considering safely of runners by organizing team .
HAPPY RUNNING FULL MARATHON 🏃‍♂️🏆🎉😊👏💪

Jun Ulama(MM12617) – St Jude Memphis Marathon done!
It’s not just another marathon – it’s a race for a great cause; it’s a race for the survival of children with cancer; and a continuing battle to find the cure for children’s cancer.

Karen A Flynn(MM4024, DA158, HF1043) -Dan Delino(MM4049, DA161, HF1058) – MedalMonday #MotivationMonday from my 12th YTD, 222nd lifetime half marathon & 12th consecutive (would have been 13 but I missed the Covid year) @sandiegoholidayhalf on 12/20/25! So much fun with friends & the festive atmosphere, this race has become an annual tradition for me!

Elissa Schoening(MM14171) – Finished my #50states yesterday in Louisiana by taking first female in the 40 mile event at Loup Garou Trail Run . I cannot say enough good stuff about this event. Top notch!
Next year is the last running, y’all. Show ’em all the love and put this event on your 2026 calendar! You will NOT be disappointed.

Joline Cox(MM15462, DA3619, HF18373) – Finished marathon #30 3 bridges marathon in Little Rock Arkansas. It was so foggy. A little creepy but made for some fun photos.

Maniacs in Honolulu

Eric Tunquist(MM16044) – Marathon #109 in beautiful Chiang Mai, Thailand 🇹🇭!! 90% humidity was rough, but thankful for the 3am start time to beat the heat!

Shani Waite(MM15086, DA3483, HF17836) – A great time was had today and another state checked off at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon.it was a cooler start and the winds were blustery, but it was a very beautiful and scenic course.🤗

Vicky Tiburzi Bowman(MM16252) – Rocket City Marathon, Huntsville, Alabama. Wind chill of 11 degrees meant full-on Santa! Happy Holidays!

Rachel Ross(HF6506) – Final (and 50th) half for the year. Holly Jolly Half in Camarillo, Calif.

Tonisia Billups(HF10011, MM12110, DA1998) – Rehoboth Beach Half Marathon 2025
Great Race, great afterparty, great vibe!
Parking ✔️
Race course ✔️ (fairly flat w/ nice beach front scenic variation)
Post Race ✔️ (buffet, beer, blast.. cold weather, but warm tent w/ DJ) 💃🏽 🕺🏽 🪩
People ✔️
Highly Recommend
Probably one of the better, if not the best, post race jams 🎶)
State #26
Delaware
Rehobeth Beach half
Hf#10011, MM#12110, DA#1998

Linda Hale(HF12980)– State #48, Delaware, Rehoboth Beach half

Jorgina Sanders(HF16456) – BCS Half #163
The weather sucked! When we started, it was 51 with a wind chill of 45. By the time we finished, it was a 41 with a wind chill of 32. It took me forever to warm up even after sitting in the car with the heat on full blast. I didn’t even want a margarita after the race because I was too cold 😆

Yilda Garrido-Adams(HF14934) – MedalMonday, Completed half marathon #59 on Saturday at Kiawah Island Marathon & Half Marathon in SC.

Sloan Dinkelkamp Taylor(HF3348, MM14791, DA3346) – Half Marathon #125 for me!
Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon weekend
HF 3348 / MM 14791 / DA 3346
Started at 61 degrees with 15-18 mph wind … finished with 20-30 mph gusts and the temp continued to drop

Stefanie Holliday(MM14386, DA3313, HF17442) – Inaugural Phoenix Marathon in the books! Best part was sharing the race with other legends! So happy to see Keenan and share a mile! Very hot for me being from Breckenridge, Colorado. I’m too cold-weather acclimated. Certainly no PR situations here after being sick the month of November, but I didn’t want to miss it!

Sue Stevens(HF8593, DA2452, MM12891) – No medal, but I enjoyed running my 450th Half Marathon at the Reindeer Romp in Redmond, WA on Saturday. It’s a holiday-themed race on beautiful, well-groomed trails at Redmond Watershed Preserve with a fun and friendly vibe and we had the amazing bonus of no rain!

Devesh Khatu(MM10488) – After the Bajaj Pune Marathon in Pune, India on Dec 14, on the Pune University campus where it started/ended. It was the first year they expanded to a full marathon. While the course was mostly boring, two loops of an out and back on a busy road that they had closed for the event, it was decently organized. 15,000 persons toook part across all categories from 5K to the full marathon. This was marathon #162 and 11th of 2025.

Carla Champ Marie Simon(MM14034, DA3133, HF13789) – I ran in the Rocket City full marathon today. The cold weather almost made me lack motivation to start. But once I got offered a place to relax and shower afterward, it eased my stress and helped me focus and want to race.

I finished in 5 hours, 26 minutes, and 56 seconds. The first couple of miles sucked because my fingers hurt, but everything warmed up after that, and it was okay.

I also ran in the 10K and 5K races yesterday, and the weather was much better for those.

Barbara Leiser(HF15169) – I almost never remember to post on Medal Monday, but here it is! Rocket City Marathon. I did the hat trick challenge – 5K, 10K, half marathon! Boy, was Sunday cold for the marathon and half marathon! The low temps combined with cold wind was brutal. But it’s done and in the books!

Jennifer Clark (HF16743, DA3643, MM15623)- Medal Monday!, Half #373 and #374

Texas Double in Dallas TX, Saturday and Sunday! It become a yearly thing for us. Enjoy seeing our friends!!

Got a medal for each day plus a medal for doing both days! BLING!!

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