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.
Alexis Davidson(MM926) – Walked the Vatican Express Marathon on Monday. 43-62F windchills and light winds. Went conservative with 2 layers on top. Course started in St. George SQ and went .48M to the Tiber River. Then 13 1.98M loops on the bike path along the river. 423 ft elevation gain as per Strava. 18 crazy globetrotters did this double.
I’m not good at doubles. It was the first day of a cold for me, and my legs were beat from the day before. Figured I’d try for sub 6:30. I was toast by the end of the 7th loop. The last 6 were a Triumph of the Will 😜 over common sense and survival instincts. The path had a big camber which kept knocking me off the bike path into the wall or paving stones. Splits were 3:07 and 6:42. What we’ll do to add a country! I was 15th of 18. Shout out to Alexandra Molina for being out there with me. #marathonmaniacs
Sue Stevens(HF8593, DA2452, MM12891) – After last week’s run was cancelled due to flooding and deferring the week before due to snow, I was delighted to run the new-to-me Spring Run for Fun at Bridle Trials Half Marathon this morning. Beautiful, well-marked course and decent weather. I enjoyed this one!
Jennifer Clark (HF16743,DA3643,MM15623)-Medal Monday!!
Sunday, March 8, 2026
Half #388
Zydeco Marathon/Half Marathon in Lafayette LA.
This was a wet one with a downpour around Mile 9 for me! Still, it was a very nice race as it always is. Good Cajun food at the finish. This is probably my 5th time doing this race and I will be there next year!
Always good to see fellow 50 Half Fanatics and Marathon Maniacs!
Gysel Parajon(MM8995) – Some race days are great while others don’t go how you might have expected. This past Saturday I attempted the Rattlesnake Dick 50k, a beautiful out and back trail race from Cool, CA to the Rattlesnake Bar at Folsom Lake and back. I wanted to run a more local race, go farther than my usual 26.2 miles, plus it had a generous time limit of 10 hours, which I thought was perfect for a hot day.
I started out at a pace that I thought I could maintain throughout the day for the first couple hours, but then slowed down by mid-morning when the heat really started rearing its ugly head. I had enough water on my person, put ice around my neck, back, and chest, and kept moving. Time-wise I was doing okay by the second and third aid stations, but then I ran into a couple runners who warned me about rattlesnakes they came across and that honestly scared me. I have never seen rattlesnakes in the wild. I didn’t know exactly what I would or should do if I ran across one so I walked and scanned my surroundings for far longer than I should have. Once I realized I was in danger of missing the first cutoff I got over my fear right-quick and hauled ass to the turnaround point. I made it there 4 minutes too late. The RD, Martin Sengo was sorry but explained why I couldn’t keep going and although I was disappointed, in myself, I understood. I did have the pleasure of finally meeting @davidlateano at the aid station who gave me a refreshing drink and @trailrunningadventures volunteers who gave me some great snacks for the ride back to the start. Thank you!!
Despite not finishing I had a great and fun day and will be back next year! On another plus side I got to run long again with Brad and Mary, who had also volunteered on the course of the race! Later on they introduced me to the world of pedicures! No, never have I ever!
Thank you @auburnultrarunner and volunteers for taking care of us runners, the ice was very, very helpful, @facchinophoto for the runner photos, my friends and family for the support, and my son for letting me follow my passion. It won’t be long before he joins me at these events. 😊
2026 National Meet-Up at the OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon
National Meet Up Schedule – Capital City Half Marathon Weekend (Race on Saturday, April 25, 2026 – events kick off Thursday evening!)
Follow the link below for more detailed information
Official Race Info More details: capitalcityhalfmarathon.com/event-info/schedule-of-events/
Edward W Broadnax Jr.(MM5931, DA908, HF9253) – Well it’s been a while 50 miles complete at the Pistol Ultra! Great weather and friends. Congratulations to all the 100 miles finished.
Ilse Werner Berube(HF18609,DA3702,MM15780)
Ronita Bland(MM12368, DA2131, HF8514) – Rome….an experience I never thought I’d have; yet,here I am🏃♀️🏃♀️
Sathy Gunawardhana(MM15385) – Virginia Marathon 2026 in the books!
Hot and hilly, but this is what we pay for. The views are amazing.
Shani Waite(MM15086,DA3483,HF17863) – Another state checked off by way of the Race To Space Marathon in Huntsville, Alabama 🤗
Michael Hall(HF16228, DA3242, MM14514) – Okie Half 3-14-26 Muskogee, Ok did not do a PR. This is my PR course for Half Marathons but I finished Half number 145. This makes 9 halfs this year. Oh, coffee cup is first in AG. Actually the only one in my age group. #Got2KeepMovN #RT66ambassador #100HalfMarathonClub.
Amanda-Paul Hoskins(MM7214) – TCMA St. Paddy’s Day Half Marathon 🍀 3/14/26
Went into this one not really knowing what the course had in store after a couple snowy, slushy days. My main goal was simple: race smart with Boston only 36 days away 💙💛🦄 no injuries allowed.
Around mile 5 I completely drenched my feet and spent the rest of the race running wet and cold, but honestly it was still a great day out there ☀️ It was awesome sharing the miles with our Tacoma Flex Runners crew. Having that group energy makes every race better.
The course had the kind of variation I love 🫶🏻 a fun mix that keeps things interesting the whole way.
Finished up placing 3rd in my age group and came home with a yellow ribbon ✌🏻🏃♀️ Feeling grateful and happy with my results & my heart full with a fabulous day spent with my people 🤩
Mary Miller (MM14657) – Tobacco Road (Half)Marathon in Cary North Caroliana ✅ done. I waited a year becaues it was first deferred for a knee injury and then deferred for weather in 2025.
This trip with Jamie Hotrod Miller(MM14478) – also included nature, history, art, and the make up half marathon
Steffen Schneider(MM4148) – Bound For Boston Running Series. Sunset Park, 7 minute drive from my house. Sundays 1/2 was absolutely great running weather started 6:30am with 61F and ended with 71F. It’s a certified 1 mile loop course primarily for faster runners wanting to BQ. The certified course didn’t matter to me as I was only running a 1/2 at my usual Snail shuffle pace. Absolutely Grateful to get some training miles in for the Weekend. PROBABLY the Smallest runner participation of ANY event I’ve ever run in LV. Less than 70 total runners.
My overall Masters win did NOT have great significance as I was the Only Masters male running. LOL
Julie Smith Maxwell(HF7805) – I DID NOT BAIL!!
Thanks to Melissa Heaton and Muna Rodriguez I WALKED the half marathon today. 3:08 finish time and 2nd in my age group. There were 12 half marathoners today.
.3 miles in and we had our first decline. Yeap. Knee pain. By mile 3 I was crying. I called Melissa and she answered on the first ring. I was bawling like a baby “I dont know what to do. The PT yesterday said it wasn’t an injury. So I feel like I should just keep running and deal with the pain. Its not an injury. What am I going to do during my ultra if I bail just because it hurts.” Melissa said “running and bailing arent your only options. Just walk. If there’s no pain walking, then walk. If there is pain walking, then stop.” She talked me out of my tears and then I saw Muna. Muna agreed. Just walk. I saw Kathy Nash a couple times on the course and she continued to encourage me and cheer me on EVEN though I was “just” walking. I saw Muna four times and she checked on me every single time. It wasn’t pretty and Im not sure what this means for my ultra training but I am so grateful for these three ladies for caring about me and my goals.
Next up, I’ve got to call a PT tomorrow and see how we manage the next 4 weeks… Im not prepared to say my ultra is off. Just another setback…again..🤞I hope!
Kim Michaux(HF16698, DA3744,MM15963), Woody Michaux.(HF18452, DA3736, 15923) – Texas is state number 36 (I think! I need to recheck! It may be number 37!)
Really windy and chilly but Woody is one tough cookie! We’re still at the campground here waiting out the weather and debating when to leave for Louisiana’s race tomorrow!
This is day 1 of a 10 states in 10 days series Gulf Coast Series with Mainly Marathons.
Kim Michaux(HF16698, DA3744,MM15963), Woody Michaux.(HF18452, DA3736, 15923) -Day 3 of Mainly Marathons Gulf Coast Series in Mississippi! State number 36 or 37.
Really awesome course along the shore of the Gulf of America. Woody had a blast as usual & a local tv station interviewed us (which confirmed his minor celebrity status that I tease him about! 😂)
Tomorrow: Pensacola FL!
Julia K Garling(HF3960,DA2566,HF15262) – UnitedAirlinesNYCHalfMarathon was simply amazing. We were graced with the Best running weather, thank you mother nature for the brisk sunshine!
When you do want you love, you feel an energy pulsate through your veins. When you encourage others to reach for their highest goals, you are living your bliss.
Running through the most iconic NYC landmarks, pacing the largest field of runners, with over 30K finishers, helping to make dreams come true, that is living my bliss, to me, this is everything!
Thank you #unitedairlinesnychalf for the fun memories 🥰
Thank you #nyrrpaceteam for the trust 👏
Thank you Universe for the 2nd chance to live a life of passion & purpose 🙏
Sarita Kinney(MM15083) – I did it!! I ran a half marathon on Antartica!! It was half #132 and 2nd continent! The race was very challenging running on rocks, pebbles, and in some mud. There were also a lot of hills, back to back. We ran from the Chilean base to the China base and back to the Chilean base. We also were near the Russian base. Some of the folks that live out here on these bases also participated in our race. How cool was that?! Also there are runners from all around the world on this trip with us. What an epic experience!! Oh, and we saw penguins in the water and on shore by the Zodiac boats. More adventure is yet to come. Relaxing now.
Ed Childress (MM10428,DA1019,HF9881)- 2026 Pistol Ultra
Glenn Richardson(MM14162,DA3076,HF16007) – I was fortunate to get the finish at LBL 50 miler. I decided to take on the 50 mile distance for the first time at this race. I had not attempted it before due to the intimidating to me 12 hour cut off but decided to give it go to celebrate turning 50 in a week. 50 for 50. The weather was unbelievable and we had to deal with warm temps which is very unusual for this race. The trails were perfect and very runnable. I knew it was going to get warm in the afternoon so I tried to prepare but still had some issues on lap 3. I did my best to keep moving while trying to deal with the warmth and was able to finish comfortably within the time limits. Excited I was able to get it done given that my hip decided to be angry earlier in the week which caused me to not run at all last week leading up to the race. I took a spill and I’m feeling a little banged up but I think I’m going to be just fine. It’s a great race that I would highly recommend.
Jacqueline Schreiver(HF17811) – Heart Mini half marathon – yowza, that was hilly!!!
Ran in honor of my Dad. He passed away at 53 from a heart attack.
2026 – 2
Ohio – 25
Lifetime – 91
Deo Jerome(MM22) – Rome Marathon . Second time running this race . The first was back in 2003, when i was younger and faster 😊. Beautiful tour of this beautiful eternal city. Perfect running condition. But very hard very of the cobblestones 😣
Karen Murray Anderson(MM8075,DA576,HF5492) – Glen Anderson(MM2674)
🌈🏃♀️ Had an amazing time at Run the Rainbow charity race for the Children’s Hospital of Jackson with our friends Patrick and Stephanie! Huge thanks for the warm hospitality and endless laughs. Big Congrats to Jennifer for running 100 miles! 🎉🥳 Mark this one on your calendar for next year—lots of hills, but those forgiving downhills and giving back to charity make it all worth it! 💖✨ #RunTheRainbow
Aaron Stevens(MM14034) – I had a great run this morning pacing the 4:35 group at the Tobacco Road Marathon. We had a fantastic group of runners with us through mile 23, and we sent everyone ahead by mile 25. I met some new friends who are 50-staters and saw some other friends from previous marathons. And the weather was great.
This was my 4th time pacing the Tobacco Road Marathon, my 5th marathon in North Carolina, my 2nd marathon of the year and my 104th marathon overall.
Lea Reyes(MM13731,DA2891,HF16015) – 132 marathon. #15 consecutive LA. #3 consecutive 5k. Let’s talk about it.
5k on Saturday. Almost missed it. Planned on getting up at 4:30 but was so tired from travel, woke up 10 to six. Quickly left the house, arrived at 7:25, parked and ran to get my bib. Whew!
I always get a room near the marathon finish for parking so I don’t have to get up at 3:00. The Hotel is 20 minutes away. I choose a little distance to save on costs otherwise you’re paying $100 more to get a little closer. I’m very familiar with the parking at Century Parkway and what runners need to know is that there are always two lanes for the parking garage. I saved 30-45 minutes passing cars in a single line waiting. Took me 10 minutes to park and walk to the shuttle. 1.3 miles was the line for shuttle but it moved very quickly. 25 minutes of waiting, not too bad. Volunteers were hustling getting everyone on buses. Our shuttle driver was badass! Passing cars and buses. Saved us at least 20-30 minutes waiting to enter the stadium.
Ran to hospitality and got ready. Had 15 minutes before the start which means I add a total of 25 before my corral crossed the start. I will always pay for hospitality. In and out, no crowds, cleaner porta potties, food, mats to stretch, everything you need.
Starting is always a little slow. You need time to get past the slower runners and that takes a bit. The views of thousands of runners as you go up and down hills is so beautiful. You have to be there to understand.
Knowing it was going to be hot and SoCal River kicked my butt, I chose the run/walk method and finished 42 minutes faster in 80’ weather. We were cooking out there. Ran in the shade every chance I got. Wasn’t as fatigue as previous. Four UCans, package of shot blocks, caffeinated jelly beans, 1.5 pack of salt sticks, four tangerines, energy waffle, 1.5 liters of electrolytes, and three ice pops the last four miles. And, I always run with a rag and plastic bag to fill with ice. Keeps me cool.
LA is eventful. Lots of spectators, food, volunteers, music, support. Everyone volunteers even if they are not there for you. Just wish they would give us a little more room to get through. Some areas are to crowded and you end up running up against others or stepping on their feet.
Mile 18…saw no one take a left. 🤣Everyone was talking crap, laughing, and we all kept going. That’s how you do it. Push through, run, jog, walk, or crawl.
I really had a great time this year. Saw so many friends on course and finally got to see Gysel Parajon on the back end running her 100th marathon. Kudos to her.
Was so tired when I got home. Enjoyed a mani, pedi, food, packed for my work trip, and was in bed at 8.
Woke up refreshed, exercised, and felt great. Recovery is so important to avoid soreness.
I will always run LA. It’s crazy big, a challenge, and worth it.
Shout out to all my friends who finished. Badass!!!
Next up. Two half marathons with ABWR.
Happy running!
Amy Sea(HF18410,DA3652,MM15648) – Feel very fortunate to have been able to finish my favorite half marathon the NYC Half today! Felt pretty good for running it 2 weeks after Tokyo. Had a solid finishing time and finished 2 minutes faster than when I ran this race 4 years ago and even had time to take some pics along the way
Tahira Bland(HF18830) – United Airlines Half Marathon: New York, New York – March 15, 2026. This race was EPIC!!!! Never doing it again though, way too peoplely for my liking. 😂
4.0 Stars*** 🍎
Patti Randall Krebsbach(HF629,DA99,MM2584)-I ♥️ NYC! I registered to run the United NYC Half Marathon months ago with the goal of trying to get a NYC Marathon time qualifier for guaranteed entry into the November 2027 event. If you don’t know anything about the difficulties of getting a marathon entry, it takes a combination of time, effort, and money, plus blood, sweat, and tears, not to mention hopes, dreams, and prayers! After a rough patch last month of not feeling my best, I was a little worried about hitting my goal time of 2:12 – which normally is my easy race pace time. Luckily, I’ve been on the mend and feeling pretty good and will age up by Nov 2027. Beat my goal time with a 2:06+.
Paul Vining(MM15580) – Late post, but been busy.
Friday: Arrived in Rome, picked up race packets, attended pacer technical briefing, walk around a bit, went to bed a bit early to recover from jetlag. 27,500 steps
Saturday: Ran a 5k Fun Run in Rome, kind of a shakeout run, lots of families, kids, dogs, and all sorts of runner, great event, a great shirt and a quarter sized medal, but for $10 it was a GREAT deal, i would say ~8000 participants, still managed an easy 10:00/mile pace, had fun. 28,000 steps
Sunday: I woke up at ~4:30am, pacer meeting at 6:15, in corrals with balloons by 7:30. My pace group actually crossed the starting line ~9:20. Beautiful weather for a marathon, overcast and 45 degrees at the start, warmed up a little, a few sprinkles. Route this year had a few more cobblestones, a tunnel (but a redbull station with cups of redbull waiting for us at kilometer 37 🙂 ) Crowds along the last 5k or so were great. Lots of first time runners with us, one who hadn’t even run anything longer than a half previously, but he did great. A few in the group got a PR that day.
After the marathon, the entire pace team was treated to a nice ceremony with a Guiness Book of World Records representative, and we were presented with the record for the largest marathon pace team, 252 members, very proud moment. I finished with an official time of 6:14:23, just 37 seconds early.
Post race, Suman Silwal and I walked 2.7 miles back to our hotel and to stretch our legs. I gave my 2 pace balloons to some children on the way. We got to meet a guy that ran the race (and Lndon) in a full rhino costume, it was very humbling for him to tell us were awesome for pacing. Next we stoped by a shawarma spot we eat at every time we are in Rome, and the owner was happy to see us and gave us some free baclava for running he race. Finally, when we got to the hotel, Suman gave his balloon to the host at the hotel, we took photos with him and he gave us a couple of bottles of beer 🙂 Great day and feeling on top of the world. 78,000 steps
Monday: I just slowly wandered around Rome for a few hours, had some gelato, the place where I wanted to get some Tiramisu (Two Sizes) was sadly closed on Monday 🙁 . I got in 7.8 miles of walking and still managed to get in 20,000 steps. Headed back tomorrow, back to reality.
Jun Ulama(MM12617) – Nice to be Irish again on a chilly day at the St Paddy’s Marathon!😁 It’s a small race on a double-loop flat course, and a well organized event with good on-course support and with cheerful volunteers. And always a surprise treat to see the running legend Keenan on the course!🙌🏾☘️
Pascal Radley(MM2051) – Completed marathons in AL, GA,
SC, NC, VA, & WV at the Mainly Marathons Appalachian Series. Who would have guessed there are lots of hills in Appalachia? 😜
While 6 was plenty for me, some of these looneys ran 11 in 11 consecutive days in 11 states 😳
No more marathons in March for me. But 5 are lined up for April:
4/4 Salisbury (MD)
4/11 Horse Capital (Lexington KY)
4/12 University of Charleston (WV)
4/19 Jersey City (NJ)
4/26 Oklahoma City Memorial (OK)
Home? What’s that?
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