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.
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 Mainly Marathons Heartland Series Day 1 and Day 2 in Hicksville, Ohio and Niles Michigan on July 11 & 12 2026.
Tahira Bland(HF18830) – Lifetime Half Marathon #85/100 (repeat state). I did Day 1 of Mainly Marathons Summer Camp near Rice, Minnesota.
This was my 3rd Minnesota race. My only motivation for doing the race? The Prince Rogers Nelson inspired medal!!! What can I say, I’m kind of a fan of his. 😉
The location is about an hour outside of Minneapolis. This race is the first day of a series of 4 races Mainly puts on to celebrate the end of the race season.
The course was on crushed gravel and one of the prettiest Mainly courses I have done so far. Good amount of shade and some river views. Weather started off fantastic then got hot/humid.
Setup is the same as other Mainlys in that you go in loops with one large aid station at the start/finish line. No need for #TeamSloth worries as no runner is left behind. Best part, met a few new 50 staters and saw familiar ones as well. 😊
Swag included cute shirt and THE medal I did a ton of driving for. 😁
Wish I could’ve stayed longer. I hate that I probably missed making Smores and friendship bracelets with y’all. Maybe one day I can return to do more than one day of Summer Camp. Thanks again, Minnesota AND Mainly Marathons! 💜
Up next, Madison Mini-Marathon in a few weeks.
Amy SeaHF18410, DA3652, MM15648) – Holy Smokes! Today I finished Half #225 Shoreline Half in Hamlin, NY outside of Rochester. Wasn’t sure this one was gonna happen due to air quality and it was a toss up on race morning if we were going to have to switch to the 5K but the air quality while not great stayed in the moderate range and the half marathon happened! Race company very good about options and communication about the air quality. This is my 4th time running this race. It is a pleasant and flat course with the first couple and last couple along the lake and the rest through farmlands. It is flat and it’s usually one of my fastest courses of the year but I took it pretty easy with the smoke so it was my slowest year for this race. There is a 3.5 hour time limit and I’ve never had any issues with this race. There are breakfast burritos at the end. There are more iconic NY races but this is a nice one if you want to knock off NY in the summer.
Pam Whittington Begnaud (HF18927) – Mainly Marathons Heartland Series 7 States, 7 Days, 7 Half Marathons. Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Heat was brutal, courses were flat and beautiful, runners were amazing ❤️. Next up Summer Camp Series. If you haven’t ran a Mainly race, what are you waiting for?❤️
Tonisia Billups(MM12110, DA1998, HF10011) -#MedalMonday… Mad Marathon (Half)
Vermont ✅
𝗙𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁/𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: JAX (Jacksonville) / BTV (Burlington)
One of THE smallest airports I think I’ve been in. Absolutely nothing noteworthy. There may be ONE ☝🏽 restaurant/coffee shop gate side, once you go through TSA, but NOTHING outside security.
I think it’s in a neighborhood too lol 🤣
Even checking in for departure seemed eerie! It was so quiet… far from the hustle and bustle of most airports.
Others flew into Rhode Island (Providence) and drove into Vermont.
𝐀𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥: local airport rentals were HIGH! Luckily I ended up sharing rental this time
𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹/𝗹𝗼𝗱𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴: Fairfield Inn Burlington/Williston
Approx 40min from race and 10-15min from airport, so it was conveniently located… not a lot of chain options though, and everything is a bit pricey, but it was clean and comfortable, so we managed well.
The race has quite a few bed and breakfast lodging options, which I think is more of the norm maybe in this area.
𝗣𝗿𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗼: picked up by fellow runner(s) but it was small.
𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗲: 7:00AM start for all distances (5K, 10K, Half and Full) it was a pretty small race overall.
But… OMG, where do I start!! 😳
If you weren’t going up, you were going down… seemed to be very little flat anywhere!
And when I say UP, the inclines had INCLINES! 😰😅😮💨 I guess that’s why they call it MAD Marathon. I wanted to ask someone, who are you so mad at, cause that felt like punishment lol 🤣
I kept thinking, my Lord and my God! Help me to this finish 🏁
The good part of it all is, because you are running in the mountains, there’s some really great views again like Oregon’s Sauvie Island Half (Foot Traffic Flat) was last weekend!
Plus the live stock 🐄 🐄 and corn fields 🌽🌽! These races are on opposite coast, but shared a lot of similarity’s.
If you like the challenge of a hilly race, THIS is definitely THE race for you!
𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐞: We took a tour of Ben & Jerry’s which was short and sweet 🍦😋😜😉
We also dined at Prohibition Pig… if you’re a brisket lover, put it on your list.
State #45 ✅
Gregg LeBlanc(MM13039, DA2537, HF4564)– Lifetime Half #286
Fueled By Fine Wine Half
Sunday was my 12th time running the @fueledby_finewine Half Marathon since toeing the line for the first time in 2012.
This race is definitely a love hate for me. I don’t line trail running and this race traverses through vineyards along dirt trails & gravel as much as it goes across pavement. 2,100+ feet of elevation gain isn’t chump change either.
The vines, views and wines are all stunning. Of course I had to sip some rose’ at fueling stations when offered. Check out the view from the Four Graces tasting room.
I also bumped into many of my running friends along the way – before, during, and after.
Loo Phoenix(HF8011) – Narragansett Summer Running Festival for half #276. Truly one is my favorite days of the year
Ann Malz(HF18995)– Finished the Heatwave Half in St Paul, MN this morning and it was toasty!
Laurie Weiner(MM15681, DA3668, HF9266) – Today I ran half marathon #175 at Akron Trail Half Marathon! It was tough as the temp rose to 80 degrees with 77% humidity. This race is part technical trail and part crushed limestone. The hills on this race are no joke, nothing like last month at Tuscazoar Raw, but still a challenge. As I started to get tired in the hills, I thought about those runners running Hardrock 100 and told myself to suck it up and get moving! Now time to jump in the pool!
Jennifer Durenberger(MM16038, DA3842, HF18959) – No medal, but check out this amazing finisher poster from this weekend’s Wildflower 22K at Grand Targhee 😍
Mihaela Mann(MM9676, DA832, HF4295) – Medal Monday! This weekend was overflowing with happiness — a half marathon with my wonderful husband, gorgeous weather, long hikes, and celebrations filled with great food, family and friends. Feeling grateful for every moment.
Lorinda Hagstrom(MM3865, DA1981, HF13328) – #medalmonday since I’ll forget to post tomorrow – Popsicle Half and Kaboom Half Friday and Saturday respectively, in the beautiful PNW!
Brian Johnson(MM8807, HF7287, DA707) – And then this happened today.
Half Marathon 31 complete.
State 11 (New State: Michigan)
Volkslaufe Half Marathon, Frankenmuth, Michigan.
Its a fun little race on a lot of country roads.
The humidity was not fun by the end of the race.
Besides the medal, they gave out Popsicles.
This prompts the question, can we normalize post race Popsicles in the summer time?
Brenda Folkerts(MM15695, DA3674, HF18068) – Lil’ Firecracker Triple in Washington State. My first time doing 3 back-to-back marathon
Dr. Bryon Solberg,(MM12350, DA3819, HF18903) – #MedalMonday
A journey that began 4.5 years ago has now officially “finished” — with an epic final chapter of 11 days, 11 states, and 11 half marathons (142+ miles) across Maine.
Bryon Solberg has now completed 50 States with Mainly Marathons, including his 50th Half Marathon state. He also finished his 50 States of Marathons back in June 2024.
To cap it all off, Bryon was inducted as a Mainly Marathons Legend!
I’ve included some close-up photos of the medals so you can better appreciate the incredible creativity and beauty of these designs by Daniel Rueckert.
Mainly Marathons Legend Induction Day Memories After a heartfelt and touching induction ceremony, Bryon still had to pull it together and run those final 13.1+ miles — true legend behavior!
Huge thanks and gratitude to:
Mrs. B and Stephanie Healy for planning such a meaningful ceremony
The entire Mainly Marathons Family for all the miles and smiles over the years
#261 EC Elizabeth Carrie for the photos and videos
San Diego’s #ForeverOurCoach Jessica Thibault, who traveled to Maine to be there for this special day
Donna Sarasin(MM15364, DA3562, HF6371) – Happy to report that I have achieved Venus level with 13 halfs in 79 days at Town & Country half in Newburyport MA. Half #155 🙂🙂🙂
Lynne Kilirnr(MM12242, DA2065, HF13464) – Bad Bass half marathon is in the books. Tough course with lots of steep hills.
Started early so i can beat the 2 critical checkpoints at 10 and 11:30 am.
Took my time navigating the terrain and enjoying the views.
Probably killed a few toenails in the process, too!
My back was cranky for a couple of days before the race due to helping my mom get up after she’d fallen on Wednesday. She’s doing ok now. Me, on the other hand, is still sore from that.
I guess I need to rest and maybe stretch it a bit to get relief.
My knees didn’t like the downhills at all. It’s swollen again. 😆😭😢
But it was fun running with my friend Chau Smith again. We took several pictures during the race. She’s such an amazing athlete. We both volunteered at set up on Friday, lifting heavy stuff like water and sandbags, etc. Then we did the race Saturday. 😬🤪🤣
Sandi Googs(HF9218) – Lifetime Half Marathon #192 is in the books. The course was hard and after a week with zero running and over 1.5 months since long distance it was even more challenging. However, helping escort a first time Half Marathoner into the finish line is always the motivation I need. Always a great time when I get to see my friends 🥰🥰🥰 #LifetimeHalf192 #HF9218
Steve Walters(MM338, DA9, HF21) – The Foot Traffic Flat Marathon is a 4th of July tradition (my 597th marathon/ultra), it was overcast and bit on the humid side. didn’t have as much speed as I would have liked, but I settled in and ran to a sub-4:00 finish. Three more to go to get to 600!
598 – 7/25 – Jack & Jill Marathon – @runsuperseries
599 – 8/8 – Angry Owl 6 Hour Ultra – @angryowlrunning
600 – 8/30 – Apple Tree Marathon – @why_racing_events
Gina Forestieri(MM16172, DA3808, HF18136)-Marathon 44 done, iowa’s Mainly Marathon knocked out state 42.. the people are so nice but 12 freaking out n backs about killed me… not to mention 70 degrees at the early start at 5 am and about 90 at the finish… and so Humid,,my longest marathon to date, except when my foot was broken back in 2016, that was longer, everybody did the early start I think, and quite a few people that I knew downgraded from the full marathon to the half because they had done marathon days before and it was so hot with no shadetoday.. I was lucky enough to get standby on a flight. The left three hours early, I drove like a bat out of hell to get from Iowa to O’Hare, had to get gas, had to take the train from the car rental to terminal five to terminal three to terminal two, TSA pre-check line is crazy busy, and of course gate E 16 was the very back one that I had to run to catch, I was one of the last people to board, but at least I’m on the plane and get home three hours early
Rick Albanese(MM11181) – Marathon or Ultra State 40 finished in grand style!! The Mad Marathon in Vermont has been on my radar for many years. The strong endorsement of Chuck Engle, the Marathon Junkie, sealed the deal that this would be my Vermont marathon! I enjoyed the greatest next level pre race salad and pasta dinner I’ve ever seen and some even more amazing fellowship and conversation with Chuck the night before the race at the historic Red Barn in Waitsfield. The stage was set!
Years ago as a marathon neophyte I questioned if I could even finish this race! A rugged, hilly combo of dirt and road! The 2700 feet of gain packed a punch with very steep ascents and descents throughout the entire course. At a faster road pace this race runs harder than most comparable trail 50ks. After my last 100 miler in March I was slow to recover mentally and physically. Between work, life, family and my golf passion I relied on an abbreviated training cycle for this race of maybe 6-8 weeks with no run over 13 miles and not nearly enough uphill or downhill work! At this stage of my running career a lot comes down to experience and the mental bank of memories, overcoming cancer and finishing hard things, that mental bank pays big dividends. My first goal as always was to finish but my sub 5 hour goal vanished 10-13 miles in. The sun, which could have been even hotter, really threw a curve in the second half on exposed stretches. My left hamstring and calf began seizing up around mile 18. I took some more electrolyte buffered salt tabs and got it mostly under control. I finished strong the last two miles really just wanting it to be over sooner, lol!! I’m real grateful and proud for this finish!🙏🏻🇺🇸🏃🏼♂️🏅
Claire Gladstone(MM12421) – Fun day running Indiana with Mainly Marathons! Tons of friends on the course, which helped to pass the time while running 26.2 miles 🏃♀️🏃🏻
Almost 90° by midday , but the course was shaded for at least 2/3. The countdown continues! State #46 race #143 🥳🤪
Gregg LeBlanc(MM13039, DA2537, HF4564) – Foot Traffic Flat Half Marathon
Lifetime Half #285
Continued the July 4th tradition by running the @foottrafficflat Half Marathon. The weather couldn’t have been any better for our @foottrafficpnw Pace Crew was out to support 1,000+ runners along 13.1 miles to get to the finish line. The crew rocked it!
This was the 12th time that I’ve run the Half (once for this Full). Seeing friends and meeting new ones is always the highlight of the day.
Julia K Garling(MM3960, DA2566, HF15262) – #MedalMonday I finally have a medal Monday to share! Half marathon 241 was the one and only Sri Chinmoy half marathon in Queens NY. It was my 10th time doing this race, I guess I really enjoy this course. It’s so nice to sleep in your own bed for a change and only travel an hour to the start vs. the 6 hours I originally planned for (VT).
I took a long time off of racing to heal my body a bit, give myself a real beak, I had 5 weeks off between races, first time in 5 years that I took that much time off, and I am so grateful that I did.
Even though I went very slowly and cautiously, I was able to run the entire way (I was testing my knees which have been bothering me after my spring season – 4 marathons and 2 halfs in 6 weeks.
It was super humid, a typical summer day in NYC, so I guess everyone slowed way down since, low and behold, I placed 3 in my Age Group!
The best part was running into a fellow 50 stater and #halffanatics friend I haven’t seen in ages.
“The real purpose of running isn’t to win a race; it’s to test the limits of the human heart.” — Bill Bowerman
My favorite part of staying in NYC is getting to play tour guide with my love! Shane and I enjoyed a nice summer day in NYC for a change. Seriously, Running halfs is just so much more conducive to having a life outside of running since you are done by noon #srichinmoyraces #100halfmarathonclub #pacerjulia #runandbecome
Sivabalan Pandian(MM13150) – Dear all well wishers
48 HOURS STADIUM RUN
FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE, TOOK PART 48 HOURS STADIUM RUN AND SUCCESSFULLY FINISHED WITH FULL SATISFACTION AT THIS AGE OF 67+ YEARS AND GAINED CONFIDENCE OF RUNNING FURTHER .
It was 48-hour stadium run at TRANCE LOOPS AT RANIKHET , Uttarakhand, India, located in the Himalayan region with a relatively high altitude.
IN THIS EVENT , I successfully covered 184.32 kilometers as per timing Chip ( But Garmin showed 197.84 KM ) , albeit ranking last among participants.
Notably, only five runners accepted the challenge of finishing the 48-hour stadium run.
Throughout the event, runners had access to nutritious hot food and full medical support.
Every four hours, runners underwent medical tests to monitor their condition, with results documented for comparison of time to time . Everyone must see medical test report in every 4 hours .
I was pleased to have covered the maximum distance and spent the most time on my feet in a single event
Aid stations provided electrolyte-rich drinks and various beverages as needed.
The weather was predominantly wet and overcast, with sunlight appearing only in the last few hours.
Minimum 2 Physiotherapists were available throughout the event to provide support.
Photographers captured moments from the event, serving as a motivating factor for participants.
Having completed my 1013th race of at least minimum 42.195 kilometers in each event , I feel confident about participating in numerous ultra-marathons in the future.
I was lucky to participate this 48 Hours race and very much thankful to Dr. Vinita and her team who gave an opportunity to accept this challenge of 48 hours stadium run.
Happy Running
Heidi Marie Hammond(HF18098)- Super fun race this morning! We walked the Buttertart Trot Half Marathon! Every aid station had buttertarts!
What is a buttertart? My fellow Americans may ask…I had never heard of them but they delicious little pastries of shortbread crust and buttery, sugary creamy filling.
Apparently it is sort of the unofficial national Dessert of Canada. (Or the Nanaimo bars – depends who you ask!) We enjoyed them! And the course was beautiful! And the weather was perfect!
And we followed it up by attending the Buttertart festival and taste testing more buttertarts!
Pascal Radley(MM2051) – 3 marathons in 3 states in 3 days with Mainly Marathons. The important one for me was New Hampshire which became state #48 for round 8 of 50 states marathons.
Next up: Missoula Marathon on June 28!
Alexis Davidson(MM926) – I celebrated der achtzigste geburtstag des orange Fuhrer by walking the Midnight Marathon, which was part of the Sri Chinmoy 24HR/12HR/M/HM event. This was my 1st June Sri Chinmoy marathon, but my 6th Rockland Lake marathon. 73-66F with no wind, 59F dewpoints and high allergy count. Almost nine 2.95M loops around the lake. Gun time only with loops counted by volunteers and timing mats. Strava says 70 ft elevation gain, so very flat. No mile markers, so I lived off the GPS.
I wore a headlamp because I was worried about tripping on any uneven surfaces. There were few, as the run/bike path is still very new. I went out slowly, too. I woke up at 7am, and I was pretty sleepy by racetime. I was afraid I would fall asleep during the first short loop. My loops were very consistent for the first 7: 39:10-39:50. Once the dawn occurred during the 8th loop, I sped up. My last 2 loops were my fastest. Interpolated half times of 2:54:20 and 2:52:38. A 102 second negative split. Sub 5:47 finish. Found out the Knicks won after I stopped. Go Knicks!! 😀. I believe Dan Oh and Al Emma were there, but they left before I arrived. #marathonmaniacs.
Samuel Z. Lafaye(MM14775, DA3342, HF15562) – Completed my 45th state Iowa – The Hawkeye State.
Llyod Gracia(HF4976) – Ran a little race last weekend. So much fun at Breckenridge! 4th year in a row
Bob Strauss(MM7421) – Would my 250th marathon feel any different? Would it be any easier? A majority of the Maritime Marathon miles are run right along Lake Michigan. Pelicans were out in force as were families enjoying some beach time. Lovers of nature consistently rate this as a beautiful course and I agree.
I had the pleasure of pacing a small but fantastic group of runners who coalesced into a Don’t Stop Believing team. The runners included a father and daughter who I had paced last year for their first marathons. They returned this year for marathon #2. Other team members were a mother of 4 who was running her first marathon, a fellow doing 26.2 in his state number 33. We also had another father/daughter stick with us for a number of the miles. Another runner had lost nearly 80 pounds, over the last couple of years, and was now proving that he could tackle this challenge too. As a pacer, I get the pleasure of being a coach, support team, drill sergeant, mental therapist and time manager. Best of all, I get to celebrate others as they share their stories and accomplish something special, having helped them believe they could do it.
Thanks go to my orthopedic surgeon who has given me 235 bonus marathons on metal hips. There are so many friends that I recognize helped me become a runner, people who contributed, each in their own way. People who showed me how to pick up the pace, do the miles, listen to the body, enjoy the camaraderie, feel the inner peace of a runner’s high. Carl Ruzicka, Tony Ruzicka, Dave Cohn, Jeff Newcorn, Mitch Friedman, Brian Dembo, Dave Schuster, race directors, pace team coordinators and so many others. For years I had told all of those accomplished distance runners that I had no interest in and would never run a marathon. In a weak moment, I registered for my first race. Shortly before the first marathon, Lesley, my loving, supportive wife, says to me “Do you really think you ought to be doing this?” Now there’s a vote of confidence. lol Of course she also caught the bug, started running several years later, and has now run about 135 marathons.
Does it get easier? Nope, but the pleasure keeps on growing. It’s the doing… the embracing of life… the celebration of others doing something hard… the enjoyment of enjoying… experiencing the crazy with Lesley.
Debby Cannon(MM15148) – Marathon #215 and state #42 in Elkton Maryland. What a hot but super day! I was awarded the Titanium Medal for reaching titanium status in Marathon Maniacs. I had wanted to reach this top tier level 10 for forever. My plan was to do 52 marathons this year to do it- but then I got injured and didn’t think it possible. I didn’t even realize if you get 30 states within 365 days you also can qualify! So I hit it without even really knowing it was going to come! I had the best time celebrating with my Mainly Family! I only got pics with a handful of these amazing legends- but I’m always so inspired, encouraged, and lightened by every single person on these courses. Lucky to have such amazing friends.
Tonisia Billups(MM12110, DA1998, HF10011) – #MedalMonday… Missoula Half (BGR!/TTD Meet Up)
Montana ✅
𝗙𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁/𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: American JAX/MSO
While others opted to drive into Missoula from surrounding airports for better fares, I ended up flying directly into Missoula (MSO)
Small/efficient airport! Bigger price tag 🏷️ 🤑 💰
So pick your poison
𝐀𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥: N/A
Ubers/lyfts are available, but maybe not as plentiful as you would see in a major city, so just don’t expect a 2min arrival! lol
My average wait was 10min.
𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹/𝗹𝗼𝗱𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴: AirBnB
𝗣𝗿𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗼: outside in the rain! lol Apparently the weather was unusual. We made do and the race director did a great job working all the logistics out and pivoting real time. Bravo to her and her race crew 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Note: there’s some good hiking 🥾 at the University of Montana. Two trail heads, at Mt Jumbo (L) and Mt. Sentinel (M)
𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗲: It was WET! The rain drizzled at times and poured at times, but the race went on! Great crowd support and really nice course with views of the mountains ⛰️ along parts of the route. There were fireballs 🥃😋
𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐞: There was BEER 🍻 😋
Great race! Would definitely recommend if you’re looking to knock out this state.
State #43 ✅
Melissa Thigpen(MM11161, DA1293, HF9945) – Saturday sMiles….Ultra Marathon #5 (Marathon or higher #12)
Saturday I ran the Mulberry Mile 12 Hour Endurance Race! I didn’t hit my goal 🥺💔 and I crashed 3x 😭🙄 but…..I did it! 😉💪🏽😁
It was a cool start and very windy. We started with the Star Spangled Banner then I said the prayer for all of us then it was go time. 🏃🏽♀️
It started off really good, even starting in the dark which I do NOT care for. After the sun rose and it was light out…..I fell at 3.60 miles 🥺 , harder at 5.65 miles 👀 and even harder at 12.69 miles. 👀😭 I was bloody, scraped up on my knees, thighs, left hand and all up and down my right arm. My arm and shoulder were THROBBING. Not good that the arm that has the most damage with my torn rotator cuff is my dominant arm and the one I kept falling on. 🙄🥺 But God! Thankful, grateful and blessed to be able to get up and CONTINUE MOVING. 🙌🏽 Thank you Father God! 🙏🏽💜🙌🏽
Into mile 19 I had slowed down and lost my pace too much to meet the goal I had set in my heart. I cried almost the entire mile because I was SO UPSET. I was crying so hard I was hyperventilating. But then I pulled it together and focused on what I COULD do and that was FINISH running the 12 hour race TO THE END. I told myself, you don’t stop when you’re “done”. You stop when the race is finished. THAT’S when your shift is over! So I kept going! 🏃🏽♀️
At 21.6 miles in a gentleman walked next to me and was talking to me about the Lord, he shared his testimony and before he moved on he said he would pray for me and my healing. As he ran off, I could hear him praying. By the time I hit 42 miles, he was struggling and I told his wife to let him know I was praying for him as he did me earlier. She thanked me. He was trying hard to run the miles of his upcoming birthday next month.
I placed 3rd overall and I won 2nd place for females yesterday. First place female wasn’t that far ahead. Y’all know me….i like to take pictures. I stopped to take a picture of a rooster. 🤣 My husband said they all saw me from the finish line bend down and they got worried like I was going to pass out. The race director asked him was I okay and my husband looked down towards me and focused then said, oh nawl, she’s taking a picture of that chicken.” 🤣😂🤣 I can’t even be mad because, that is SO ME. I am ALWAYS up for a picture during a race. BUT, had I of KNOWN it was THAT CLOSE, I would have booked it into the finish line. 🤣 I got the Best Spirit Award too! 😁🙌🏽
Anyway, 44 sMiles run yesterday. My husband ran yesterday also and he did amazing! He signed up last minute (at packet pickup) and he did 14 miles. It was awesome to run our own races yet get to run and walk side by side at times throughout the races since it was a 1 mile repetitive route. Our grandson called my phone at one point during the race and I told him we were running a race and that I was at mile 11. We talked to him for a bit then sent him a picture then parted ways again.
Anyway, the Mulberry Mile 12 Hour Endurance Race was AWESOME! The trail was great! Nice route, beautiful scenery, fun and challenging. The race director and his family were amazing. The race director even did a whole mile WITH me. Like WHO does that. He does! I would definitely go back and do this again and recommend it to anyone looking to challenge themselves. Even though I didn’t meet the “goal distance” for what was in my heart, I think I still did great especially considering I have been battling the flu for the past 2 weeks, I have a badly torn rotator cuff and I haven’t done anything over 13.50 miles since 2021. Thank you Father God for YOUR strength and endurance withIN me! 🙏🏽💪🏽🔥🦵🏽🙏🏽🙌🏽 To God be the glory!
I can’t believe that I ran 93.25 sMiles last week! 👀 Like WOW! Oh and yesterday I hit and passed 600 sMiles run/walked for the year.
The miles I ran today built the finish line moment I’ll never forget. 🏃♀️
I kept showing up.
I kept logging the sMiles.
I met them at the starting line and kept going until I saw them at the finish line. 🙏🏽💪🏽🔥🦵🏽🙏🏽😁🙌🏽
#ThankYouJesusForYOURstrengthWithINme
Have a great night and a blessed week ahead.
Karen Hohertz-Jacobs(MM15430, DA3716, HF18668) – Headed home after completing the Mainly Marathons Independence Series this morning here in NY! It was a blast running with so many Mainly friends in five states over the past five days. I did 4 marathons and 1 ultra…but can’t wait to get back to see my fam (kids both home for the summer now) and pooches!
John Shangin(MM15948) – I completed U.S. state 31 this morning in the Casper Wyoming Marathon. 26.2 miles completed as the 5:00 hour pacer✅️🏁🥳🎉🏃♂️ It was a scorcher at 89 degrees at the finish line 🔥 and the course was very challenging starting at 5,500 ft. Of Elevation ⛰️ I had fun and enjoyed helping the new marathoners meet their goals! #Running #onpace#runwylde
#runcasper#Marathoner
Lea Reyes(MM13731, DA2891, HF16015) – ABWR half marathon triple complete
229. Stars & Stripes Long Beach 7/3
230. Independence Day Long Beach 7/4
231. Red White & Blue Van Nuys 7/5
Day 1 perfect weather. Zone 2. 2nd in age group.
Day 2 a little sun. Paced with Mo and Robert. 2nd in age group.
Day 3 🥵 interval training.
Loved all the regulars, newbies, and others showing up. Such a great weekend. A lot of runners, a lot of conversation, a lot of friends!
Lots of work travel coming up every week this month.
Next up.
ABWR half next weekend before San Francisco 5k and marathon.
Happy running.
Gina Forestieri(MM16172, DA3808, HF18136)- Half 136 done! Hatfield and McCoy BlackBerry half, wow was today hot and humid so glad i did the full last year and not this year! Last weekend i did the deadwood michelson marathon in SD marathon 42 and state 40 (10 more states left by dec 5… 12 marathons though because i was dumb enough to repeat Air Force in sept and marine Corp Marathon in October!
Congratulations to Tim Mahaffey(HF18276, DA3585, MM13844) who finished his 50th state for halves and Lisa Rice Seidel(HF6155, DA699, MM9014) finished her 3rd round of 50 states at the Mainly Marathons Heartland Series in St. Could, Minn. on July 17th .
Photo and Post Credit Marathon Maniacs/Half Fanatics; Facebook Pages, Instagram Pages, threads pages and the individual members listed above.
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