Brian Johnson participated in the Cowtown Marathon in Fort Worth, Texas, marking his 64th marathon and 33rd state. He enjoyed the generous 7.5-hour cutoff as a back-of-the-pack runner. Arriving in Dallas, he experienced the expo and the vibrant atmosphere of race day, featuring entertaining sights and a commemorative mile for fallen service members. However, a wrong turn at mile 23 cost him 10 minutes, creating frustration. Despite this, he finished strong and appreciated the unique cowboy hat-shaped medal. He encourages others to try this Texas race.
Tag Archives: Back of the pack runner
Meet Club Member: Laurie Weiner
Laurie Weiner, a 62-year-old from North Canton, Ohio, has been passionate about running since participating in her first Half Marathon in 2010. Over the years, she has completed 165 Half Marathons and 21 Marathons/50K races, utilizing Jeff Galloway’s Run, Walk, Run method. After a total knee replacement in September 2024, she resumed racing in May 2025. Her favorite events include Disneyland Paris and the Chicago Marathon. Laurie encourages all runners, especially those in the middle and back of the pack, to keep pushing forward and enjoy the journey.
Sketchy Trails, Stellar Vibes: State #45 at the Run With Joy Half Marathon
Tahira Bland recounts her experience at the Run With Joy Half Marathon in Albuquerque, her 45th state race. Despite litter and a homeless presence along the high-altitude course, she appreciated the supportive aid stations and friendly volunteers. The race’s positive atmosphere and welcoming vibe made it a memorable event, especially for back-of-the-pack runners.