Tales From Medal Monday Volume 5 Chapter 1

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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2026 National Meet-Up at the OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon

Join your fellow Half Fanatics for our 2026 National Meet-Up at the OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon in Columbus, Ohio!

We’re planning a full weekend of fun, including:

 Pre-Race Dinner – connect with other Fanatics and get race-ready together

 Post-Race Party – celebrate your finish with the Fanatics community

 Hotel Discounts – special room blocks coming soon

 Race Discounts – register now using code from the race calendar to take 10% off!

 Sign up today through the Half Fanatics Race Calendar to secure the best pricing and guarantee your spot at this can’t-miss event.

The Cap City Half Marathon course is open and fully supported for 3 hours and 45 minutes, featuring eight Coca-Cola Refueling Stations and a GU Gel station at the 6.5-mile mark — everything you need for a great race day!

Stay tuned for more details on dinner reservations, hotel links, and meet-up plans.

We can’t wait to see you in Columbus, April 25, 2026! Website HERE

Christopher Riff Browning(MM16116)- 26 was for a Greek messenger named Pheidippides. This was number 26, in the year 26 and the distance of 26.2. He is the whole reason that the marathon was created. He ran to Athens without stopping to deliver the message of victory before collapsing and dying. During the first couple marathons I felt like collapsing… The original marathon distance was around 25 miles the later was changed to 26.2.

The Louisiana Marathon was a big party involving a run. Although it was cold, the course was great. The volunteers and spectators helped with getting through the cold and distance. You couldn’t run more than a half mile without a table set up that had anything from water and donuts to mimosas and cake. If you became dehydrated on this course there’s a problem! The paper race party was fun with a local brewery and fresh gumbo and jambalaya. I couldn’t stay too long due to my flight leaving. On the shuttle ride to the airport I ran into a runner I met up at the Hartford marathon. I also met a runner that was from Morgantown that knew my family members. It’s a small world. Next up is Alabama and back at the beach.

Michael Hall(HF16228, DA3242, MM14514)- Did half number 139 in Baton Rouge, La today 1-18-2026. New state capitol in the background. #got2keepmovn #HalfFanatics #MarathtonManiacs #50statesmarathonclub #100HalfMarathonClub

Gregg LeBlanc(HF4564, DA2537, MM13039)- This was the 5th time I’ve run the Cascade Half Marathon. It’s not often dry on race day, and sometimes ridiculously cold and wet. This morning the temp was in the upper 20s at the race start. We were lucky that it was sunny and warmed up as we ran the very flat course.
My friend, Michael, decided earlier in the week to run and for us to run together. This was another race that I finished under 2 hours; this one 2 minutes faster than two weeks ago.
It was fun to run into and past a number of running friends.
Lifetime Half# 280

Maricris Lu(MM12438, DA2188, HF10592)- Half marathon number 134, done✅ grateful for another finish.
Happy to see my running sis Aracely Beardsley , running brother Scott and Bryon Solberg.
It was fun having brunch with them after the race.
Lesson learned:
-Sleep early -2 hrs of sleep ( watched a movie and two episodes of shows)

• Do not use new shoes – Saucony was awesome for up to 5K and was really good, need to size up.
• Hokas Wide still best for those with bunions.
• Always tape areas that would hurt later on ( thought a half would not bother me).

Jun Ulama (MM12617)- The Louisiana Marathon marked its 15th anniversary today and I was thrilled to have completed it for the third time. Friends from the Marathon Maniacs and 50 States Marathon Club were well-represented. The weather was unusually cold but it was still so enjoyable! I’d also like to extend special congratulations to my good friend and runner par excellence Cade Remsburg, who finished the 50 States Marathon today for the sixth time. You’re awesome!!!👏🏽🎉

Pam Whittington Begnaud(HF18297)- State #49 Hawaii❤️ (supposed to be State #50) So proud of our kids for finishing this goal with me❤️. I know Wayne Bubba Begnaud ran with us❤️ the kids picked up a 50 state medal for Bubba because in our eyes he finished the race❤️— at Maui Oceanfront Marathon.

Pascal Radley(MM2051)- Good day for a marathon! Cold but tolerable. Louisiana Marathon is in the books. My 9th marathon in the state of Louisiana and lifetime #509.

Steve Walters(MM338, DA5, HF21)- First marathon/ultra of the year. Completed Jill’s Birthday 50k in Kirkland, Washington. Goal was sub-5:00 and I got it with 2.5 minutes to spare. Ran a pretty solid pace. Started cold (34°F) and foggy, but once the fog burned off it was sunny and warmer (47°F). My 226th ultra (585th marathon/ultra).

Sandi Googs(HF9218) – Paced with a first time pacer, ran in a snow globe and finished my 178th lifetime Half Marathon this morning at the Time Travel Half Marathon. It was so awesome getting 13.1 miles under my feet again…. I’ve missed my happy distance. First place in my age group was pretty awesome too.

Sarita Kinney(MM15083) – Completed marathon #27 at Dafuskie Island. Still slow but one hour faster than NYC. Baby steps! This is also a new state for a marathon. State #23

Deo Jerome(MM22)- Finished Doha Marathon . Ran and walked it ( 1/3 run 2/3 walk) I just like to beat the cutoff. 2 out and back loops for the 42K . Beautiful Doha Skyline

Gina ForestieriMM16172, DA3808, HF18136) – State 33 done! Louisiana marathon.. hoped for sub 5 and got 4:46. Was super chilly but a gorgeous sunny day…and the few windy spots were minimal!! Nice race! Even made it back in time to catch my questionable shuttle and flight to the airport… which I for sure thought i’d miss… only to find my flight was delayed by 2 hours.. the hotel gave everyone 2pm checkout so i got to take a shower… next up two local halfs next weekend then a week at gabi’s!

John Pitzel(HF4598, DA3650, MM15640) – The Louisiana Marathon

Quarter marathon: 1:20:20.8
Half marathon: 2:46:51

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 Louisiana Marathon in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on January 18, 2025.

Meet Club Member: Nita Sweeney

Nita Sweeney(HF4789) – My journey to becoming Half Fanatic #4789 began while I was sitting on the sofa. There may have been bon bons.

When a high school friend posted on social media “Call me crazy, but this running is getting to be fun!” I thought we should do a wellness check. But she lived in Florida and I was glued to the couch. Instead, I watched her progress. She appeared to be enjoying herself while I felt miserable. At 49, I was overweight, chronically depressed, grief-stricken, unmotivated, and desperate. I’d tried nearly everything as evidenced by the dust-covered, mini-trampoline and various other abandoned equipment in the basement as well as the unused gym membership card in my purse. I was also in therapy, on meds, meditated, had friends, a loving husband, and a dog. But I had never seriously considered running.

I got brave when our central Ohio winter turned to spring. After I leashed up our yellow Labrador retriever, Morgan, as a decoy, I pulled on trail shoes (the only thing close to sneakers I owned) and carried a digital timer down into a hidden ravine so the neighbors (who weren’t even home) wouldn’t see me try to run at my age, size, slowness, etc. My plan was to “jog” for sixty seconds as the training plan my friend had followed instructed. I hit the timer and—surprise—didn’t die!

I made the mistake of telling my sister I’d taken up running. She suggested we participate in a charity 5k. Appalled at the thought of running anywhere but my safe neighborhood, I told her, “No way! I’m a private runner.” But the race supported sarcoma cancer research. My sister’s only daughter, my niece, Jamey, had died from osteosarcoma. After some deep reflection, I got over myself and did the race.

What a fabulous surprise! Not all runners wear spandex. Participants came in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Some brought children and dogs! The music and laughter made the event feel like a party. I was hooked.

This began a journey beyond anything I could have imagined. As the months passed and I continued to run, I lost weight, my depression lifted enough that I could reduce the many medications I had been on, and I felt stronger than I had in decades. I joined a local running group, Marathoner in Training, and completed my first half marathon. No one warned me that I’d actually joined a fellowship. My running companions are simply the best!

In addition to emotional and physical progress, my professional life improved. After many failed attempts with other books, I was able to complete a book manuscript and find a publisher. Depression Hates a Moving Target: How Running with My Dog Brought Me Back from the Brink hit bookstore shelves in May of 2019. Stamina built through long-distance running made this possible.

At the spaghetti dinner the night before the Ohio River Road Runners Club Marathon, my fourth half, a man at the table explained that he was using the race to level up to “the Sun” as part of the Half Fanatics group. Intrigued, I joined right away, earned Uranus status, and claimed my number.

I’m also one of those 50-staters. In October, I checked off state number 26 with the Savannah River Half in North Augusta, South Carolina.

My husband, Ed, and I enjoy planning trips around a combination of museums he wants to visit, conferences he wants to attend, and races. After the New Orleans Rock n’ Roll half, we visited the World War II museum. After Little Rock, we toured the Clinton Presidential Library. We saw both Bush Presidential libraries in Texas and attended a convention in Austin before I ran the Fort Worth Half. To finish visiting all of the existing presidential libraries, we saw the Truman and Eisenhower libraries before and after I completed four Mainly Marathon halfs in five days.

To date, I’ve finished three ultra marathons, three full marathons, thirty-nine half marathons, and more than 100 shorter races. I’m not a Marathon Maniac, yet, but, stay tuned!

Julie Smith Maxwell(HF7805) – OMG!!! That was so FUN!!!! More photos to come, but these girls have finished!! Off to the after party!!

Gysel Parajon(MM8995, HF18751) – I’m not sure where the energy came from to run the Redding Marathon, (#94) on Sunday, but it was there and I went with it! I can say I was excited to finally run this course, which I was supposed to run last year but missed due to my injured right foot. But, I think this was meant to be. I was not in the same mindset a year ago nor was I running as consistently as I have been. And although I essentially just napped after a long day Saturday I felt really good.
The race began at the Shasta Lake Dam and descended for two miles down a winding road and I just felt elated. I was running with maybe a hundred other runners experiencing this beautiful place along the Sacramento River doing something I love. And the momentum lasted through mile 15 when my glutes and hammies told me how upset they were so I walked the next mile. However this made me realize that my running has improved as it hurt more to walk than run. And so the remainder of the race I pushed it and ran, granted at a slower pace and made it to the finish at the Sundial Bridge, which was also beautiful.
I had the pleasure of seeing fellow Maniac, Sharon, who helped get me my bib, and met another, Mike, at the start of the race who told me how much he loves this race as well as ran with another runner for a period of time downhill. Later on with the two out and back portions it was nice to see all the runners on the course. I do like when that happens. It’s great to see everyone out there.
As always thank you to my beautiful son, his papa for accepting that my running keeps me sane, my family, and my amazing friends for the support, community, and helping me see the light again and overcome some grief recently. ❤️ And many thanks to the race director, Tori and all the wonderful volunteers.
Three marathons in two weeks and so far just some soreness and tightness in my calves and right metatarsals. 💪🏽 Next up a trail marathon in Northern Florida!

Sheri Fulton Camp(HF16294)- Completed my first race of the year at State 47 Las Cruces Half Marathon yesterday. It’s my 13th state in my third round and #240 lifetime half. Not sure I will complete a third round or 300 half marathons, but it’s fun counting them. The course was a flat out and back trail along pecan orchards and scenic views. We even followed the Rio Grande River for a while (not much water though). When we ran into the finish area, we got to run around the track twice before crossing the finish line line. Running on a track is much easier then gravel or dirt. Next up — a weekend off (not sure what I will do with myself), then the following weekend is RNR Arizona, a 5k and half marathon.

Sivabalan Pandian(MM13150) –New Year 2026 Greetings to all my well wishers ,
In the calendar year 2025, I accomplished 119 full and ultra marathons in 7 countries, despite being 67+ years old and dealing with a frozen left shoulder for over 2 years, which affected my timings to sub 8 hours for most races.
My achievements included series of 10 marathons in countries like the UK, Spain, Italy, and Austria, and 15 marathons in
15 consecutive in India. Also did 11 in 12 days in US too .
The detailed list is accessible via
https://docs.google.com/…/1MWUdt3QNYi3zwRzssM8f…/edit….
BUT IN THE YEAR 2026 , I COULD WALK 4 FULL MARATHONS ON 3,7,10&11 JAN ONLY ON FULLY COVERED WHITE SURFACE OF SNOW AND ICE IN THE SURROUNDINGS OF HAMBURG – NORTHERN PART OF GERMANY .
Frank Schmidt Marathon- 3 Jan , Finish Time – 8:44:58
OZ Marathon- 7 Jan , Finish Time- 9:31:07
Aparte Außenmühle Marathon – 10 Jan , Finish Time – 9:28:49
Leroy Sané Marathon – 11 Jan , Finish Time – 9:34:35
THESE 4 MARATHONS WERE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT FOR ME BEING ROAD RUNNERS WITH NEW WINTER SHOES AND SPIKE ATTACHMENTS. MOSTLY I WALKED WITH ALL PRAYERS AND FINISHED SUB 10 HOURS .
I couldn’t see any soil surface during these 4 marathons and temp was around minus – 15 C which was first time in my life .
I live in Mumbai and also Southern part of India where no snow is possible because of warm climate but with all God’s support could able to complete these 4 full marathons on snow/ice which will remain as memory in my life time .
I will do very well the similar kind of ice/ snow marathons in the winter with all kinds of preparation by accepting the new challenges.
Wishing all runners happiness and success, even in challenging conditions like snow and ice with proper preparations.

Half Fanatics at the River Road Half Marathon Race in Comfort, Texas January 10

Krista Shuler(HF18241)- The Winter Dragon Half in San Antonio this morning was a challenging course with CRAZY weather conditions. Temps were only in the 30’s but the strong winds made it feel like 20! There was some light rain too. It was a double loop course and I seriously considered throwing in the towel after the first loop, but I hung in there.
Most runners stayed in their cars (to stay warm) until just before the start, so I wasn’t able to get anyone else in the MM/HF photo. 🥶

Half Fanatics at the Winter Dragon Half in San Antonio January 24, 2026

Mainly Marathons Aloha Series Day 1 of 4, January 22, 2026

Kerri Haskins(MM1336, DA836, HF8724) – Louisiana Marathon is a great race 🙂 267th marathon or ultra since Oct 2006.

Lea Reyes(MM13731, DA2891, HF16015)- 210 half marathon today with the ABWR crew. Happy New Year Fresh Wave. So many runners out today. Awesome! Following a new Garmin plan so I had to stay in zone two with a heart rate no more than 150 for 11 miles pacing a 10-10:15. I sped up to an eight minute mile the last two. Great run today.

Paul Vining(MM15580)- Late post, we took a detour on the way back home, but over the weekend Cheryl McLemore and I ran for the Louisiana weekend, Cheryl did the 5k and the half, I did the 5k and the full. I was shooting for 5:45 for the marathon, and without looking at my watch, came in with a official time of 5:37:07. I had a very fun time in the somewhat chilly temps, highlight of which was a guy pouring me a shot of Yamazaki 12 year aged whiskey ($200+ a bottle) very smooth.
Race details:
5 shots of fireball
2 shots of whiskey
6 cups of beer
1/2 a king cake
Handful of grapes
Some sour peach gummies
Lots of water
4 cups of power ade
NEXT UP : Miami Marathon weekend

Katie Galvin(HF18478, DA3721, MM15882)- I completed the Big Pecker Challenge at the Key West Runfest this past weekend. It was great to get a quick little escape from the cold and snow! This was half #57 and State #30. After a few canceled races last year, it was nice to finally get another new state completed! I enjoyed Key West, meeting up with some run club friends,and the medals are pretty good. Roosters crowing and running around everywhere! But, especially on a day that was pretty warm, sunny, and humid, they really should have had better aid stations for the half marathon. They ran out of water at 1 or 2, and very little electrolytes were provided during or after the race. I didn’t mind the out and back course because we got to run alongside the water for so much of the races. Overall, I enjoyed the race, the rum stroll, and listening to live music everywhere! The seafood was great, too! Plus, my ankle held up for all 3 races!❤️

Dave Lambert- Run Undead 100 miler for Amy Michele Lambert.(MM12758) – It was unbelievably cold for both mornings. Amy’s previous time here was 32:27

Brigitte Fasciotto(MM16221)- Marathon State #31, New Mexico ✅️
Due to lingering bronchitis, I had to take it easy today, and finished in 6:41:41!
It was a very flat course, on trail and then going through pecan orchards. Beautiful weather!
By the time I finished, they had run out of medals, so they gave me a temporary medal, they will ship me the real medal. I also receive a special “50 States marathon club” charm.

Sadie Smith(MM12709) – Today was yet another chance for me to showcase my unique skillset of being able to: “win” the first leg of a marathon, finish pretty damn well even with a ton of walk breaks, and invent new and exciting expletive phrases whilst walking….
This was Jim and my second Disney marathon, and it was both extremely fun and so incredibly difficult. Temps this morning were 62 degrees with 97% humidity. I started off strong— I led for the first 5.5 miles— but it got ugly fast. Still managed to pull out a 3rd place OA finish by the skin of my teeth. (Disney only gives awards for top 3 overall, no masters and no age groups.) Despite a truly painful race, I had a great time! Such a fun energy all morning with the most positive group of runners and NICEST staff. I am now looking forward to eating all the food and drinking all the drinks!

Deb Prince-Carrington(HF14991)– The weather is so cold and that mean wind is making it worse, but it’s time to get ready for my first half marathon of 2026, and my 20th state completed, oh and my 60th overall half marathon!

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