Jen D’Italia (HF 380) celebrated completing her journey of running half marathons in all 50 states at the Hapalua Half Marathon in Hawaii on April 13, 2025. Starting in 2010, she pursued this goal passionately, overcoming setbacks, and ultimately finished strong, now focusing on enjoying running without specific goals.
Tag Archives: Running motivation
Featured Club Member: Gregory Rouson
Gregory Rouson serves as the regional ambassador for the Washington DC Metro Area. He began running marathons in 2013, initially intending only to race half marathons. Rouson completed the 50 States Half Marathon Challenge by 2021 and aims to achieve his final Abbott World Marathon Majors star at the Boston Marathon.
Conquering Georgia: My Publix Atlanta Marathon Journey
Brian Johnson participated in the Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend in March 2025, marking his second trip to Atlanta since 2020. Facing cold and windy conditions, he completed the race, supporting another runner during the challenging final miles. Johnson enjoyed exploring Atlanta’s historical sites and achieved his goal of finishing the marathon.
Tales From Medal Monday Volume 4 Chapter 4
Medal Monday showcases inspiring achievements from Marathon Maniacs and Half Fanatics. Members share stories of completing multiple marathons across states, personal milestones, and camaraderie in their running journeys. Highlights include Karen Murray’s transformation into a 50-stater and achievements of others like Jennifer Clark and Gysel Parajon, celebrating continuous dedication in running.
Featured Club Member: Katie Jung W, Maniac #16080
In 2004, the author moved to America, leaving behind a childhood marked by bullying in Korea. Adapting quickly, they found strength through running, culminating in their first marathon in Raleigh. Despite injuries, each race became a valuable lesson, reinforcing that personal growth stems from within, not from past adversities.
Featured Club Member – Sarah Modlin MM 16050
Sarah Modlin’s running journey began in 2018 as part of her weight loss goals, gradually evolving into a passion for marathons. Overcoming early challenges, she finds fulfillment in the sport’s demands and the community it fosters. Becoming a Marathon Maniac ignited her motivation to tackle marathons across states, leading to personal growth and resilience.
Fall Classic Half Marathon: A Flat, Fast Course and a Personal Victory
Randy Riley participated in the Fall Classic Half Marathon in Strongsville, OH, a flat and wide course perfect for all runners. He achieved a personal best time of 2:25:42, completing the second half faster than the first. Riley finished first in his age group, marking his 21st half marathon of the year.
A Happy Coincidence: My Finish Line Moment
Patrick J. Ritsko humorously notes the accidental recreation of the MM logo on his latest finish, celebrating this coincidence. His post is accompanied by the cheerful tag #medalmonday, which highlights a fun and lighthearted moment in connection with his achievements.