That is my 13.1 in 50 story to date.
Now that I have done a few running trips, I am finding myself becoming more selective. I don't want to just go run to say that I did. I want a quality experience. A race that is well organized, is small enough so the participants are not treated like a bunch of cattle and herded around aimlessly, and I want a good and scenic race course. Later this year, I have 6 more states scheduled, that I feel sure will met my criteria. I have spent countless hours researching and feel I have some excellent trips ahead of me.
I am doing Washington and Utah in July.
Ocean Shores Big Weekend Tri & Foot Fest Half Marathon, in Ocean Shores Wa on Sunday July 10th,
Bryce Canyon Half Marathon Bryce Canyon, UT, Saturday July 16th
In September I am doing another 4 race Odyssey. 4 races in 3 weekends. Pennsylvania, New York, Rhode Island, New Hampshire
Erie Half Marathon at Presque Isle................... Sunday, September 18, Erie, PA
Hamptons Half Marathon.................Saturday, September 24 East Hampton, NY
Ocean's Run Half Marathon....................... Sunday, September 25 Matunuck, RI
Smuttynose Hampton Half Marathon... Sunday, October 2 Hampton Beach, NH
I also have a few triathlons scheduled for this year.
I am doing Siverlake Sprint May 15th. That is were the whole triathlon thing started for me. I look froward to having a chance to return to my beginnings.
Memorial day in Austin Texas is CapTexTri, billed as the premier Triathlon of Texas, it is nothing less, and is my absolute favorite race ever. It's charity is the Wounded Warrior Project, and to see the various members of the Armed Forces competing without one or more significant limbs can only bring a lump to my throat.
August 7th I am going to do Rivercities Sprint Trithalon in Shreveport Louisiana. My sister and brother-in-law are coming up to do it with me. it will be a real family Affair. Should be a great time.
Finally I am doing Galveston 5150 on October 23rd. Ironman has began hosting Olympic distance races. Oly's are my favorite distance. This is just 2 weeks after my 4 half marathon odyssey in New England, I should be ready for the run by then
2011/04/23
States 9 & 10 Arkansas and Tennessee
As I mentioned, I also do triathlons. I did Ironman Texas 70.3 on April 10th 2011 in Galveston. In order to get ready for that race, I was running a lot every weekend. In amongst my other training, I wound up signing up for 4 half marathons in 4 weekends. I did Mardi Gras in Galveston Sunday Feb 20th 2011, Cowtown in Ft Worth Sunday Feb 27th, Little Rock Sunday March 6th, and Tom King Classic Half Marathon Saturday March 12th in Nashville, TN
Little Rock prides themselves on their finisher medals, and with due cause. It was definitely the nicest half marathon medal I have received. Mississippi runs a very close second. Little Rock put on a Great Race and is another I would highly recommend you add to you race list. Mississippi Blues, and 26.2 with Donna, being the other two.
I barely got to run this race. At work, We pick vacation around the first of February. After I had picked, my plans got scrapped and the week I had selected was now null and void. As an alternate, I decided to try and go run Little Rock and Nashville. I had to wait till 21 days before the day I wanted off, to ask for it, which was Feb 14th. On the 14th, I put in my request and got the OK to be off. I went home and signed up that night. The very next morning, I got an email from the race saying that Registration was closed, they were SOLD OUT. I had to have grabbed one of the last few spots available.
There was an after race party that was billed as one of the best, and again it lived up to it's billing. It was held that afternoon, several hours after the race. They had the party at the Clinton Library. It was free to get in, but you have to RSVP when you signed up, and they give you a bracelet in your packet. Without a bracelet it cost 20.00 to enter. If you do Little Rock you have to do the party.
In Nashville, we started and finished at Titian's stadium. It was a very warm day, and there was a 3 hour time limit. I normally run around 2:45 -2:50 so I wasn't real concerned. There was however, an option to start 30 minutes early if you felt you would go over 3 hours. Just to be on the safe side, I had decided to take the head start. When we lined up, we were told that the early start was only for those over 3 hours. If you started early and finished under 3, you would be disqualified and not receive a finish time at all. Decisions, decisions. I decided to go ahead and wait for the later start. Once I began running, I had all kinds of problems, cramps, weird pains, and just struggled in general. I had let myself obsess over the heat, and if I should start early or not. I finally had to stop and give myself a combination butt chewing/pep talk, and basically just get a grip. I knew that I could run, and make it in within the allowed time, and that is what I needed to do. After that I settled down, I started feeling better, and finished 2:47. Once again, there is so much of endurance sports that is purely mental.
At the end of the race we finished inside of the stadium, and I received my medal from one of the Titian's cheerleaders. All is well that ends well.
Also, as a side bar, I have to mention that in between Little Rock and Nashville, I happened to stop and visit a friend from High School who lives in Memphis. We went out to eat, and had the absolute best Fried Chicken I have ever ate. I realize fried Chicken is not on the Menu of the elite athlete. But I am not one of them, and I was on vacation, and it was Fat Tuesday. So There !!! Thanks Tim and Anita
I did finish my Ironman Texas 70.3 race. I was lucky in getting an early start. I was in wave 6 of 22, and started at 7:25 vs 8:45 which was the start time of the last wave of women. It was a tough day, it was hot and humid and the wind was roaring off the seawall. My primary goal in any race is to finish, to cross the line without needing to be carried, revived, or hearing the words "CLEAR" right before I feel the electric shocks trying to restart my heart. A secondary goal, is to not be the last one in my age group to finish. In Galveston, after I got off the bike, I struggled on the run, and walked more than I would have liked. The run is a 3.257 mile loop, that you have to complete 4 times. The 8 1/2 hour allowed finish time is from the start off the last wave, so with my 1:20 advantage, I actually had almost 10 hours to finish. However, I was determined to finish in 8 1/2 which was required of those who went last. On the last lap I had to push it, and did so despite blisters, cramps, and sunburn. But I got in at 8:25:19. Of 99 men in my age group, I was 91 with one man finishing behind me at 92 and 7 DNF. Yippee...I wasn't last !!!
Little Rock prides themselves on their finisher medals, and with due cause. It was definitely the nicest half marathon medal I have received. Mississippi runs a very close second. Little Rock put on a Great Race and is another I would highly recommend you add to you race list. Mississippi Blues, and 26.2 with Donna, being the other two.
I barely got to run this race. At work, We pick vacation around the first of February. After I had picked, my plans got scrapped and the week I had selected was now null and void. As an alternate, I decided to try and go run Little Rock and Nashville. I had to wait till 21 days before the day I wanted off, to ask for it, which was Feb 14th. On the 14th, I put in my request and got the OK to be off. I went home and signed up that night. The very next morning, I got an email from the race saying that Registration was closed, they were SOLD OUT. I had to have grabbed one of the last few spots available.
There was an after race party that was billed as one of the best, and again it lived up to it's billing. It was held that afternoon, several hours after the race. They had the party at the Clinton Library. It was free to get in, but you have to RSVP when you signed up, and they give you a bracelet in your packet. Without a bracelet it cost 20.00 to enter. If you do Little Rock you have to do the party.
In Nashville, we started and finished at Titian's stadium. It was a very warm day, and there was a 3 hour time limit. I normally run around 2:45 -2:50 so I wasn't real concerned. There was however, an option to start 30 minutes early if you felt you would go over 3 hours. Just to be on the safe side, I had decided to take the head start. When we lined up, we were told that the early start was only for those over 3 hours. If you started early and finished under 3, you would be disqualified and not receive a finish time at all. Decisions, decisions. I decided to go ahead and wait for the later start. Once I began running, I had all kinds of problems, cramps, weird pains, and just struggled in general. I had let myself obsess over the heat, and if I should start early or not. I finally had to stop and give myself a combination butt chewing/pep talk, and basically just get a grip. I knew that I could run, and make it in within the allowed time, and that is what I needed to do. After that I settled down, I started feeling better, and finished 2:47. Once again, there is so much of endurance sports that is purely mental.
At the end of the race we finished inside of the stadium, and I received my medal from one of the Titian's cheerleaders. All is well that ends well.
Also, as a side bar, I have to mention that in between Little Rock and Nashville, I happened to stop and visit a friend from High School who lives in Memphis. We went out to eat, and had the absolute best Fried Chicken I have ever ate. I realize fried Chicken is not on the Menu of the elite athlete. But I am not one of them, and I was on vacation, and it was Fat Tuesday. So There !!! Thanks Tim and Anita
I did finish my Ironman Texas 70.3 race. I was lucky in getting an early start. I was in wave 6 of 22, and started at 7:25 vs 8:45 which was the start time of the last wave of women. It was a tough day, it was hot and humid and the wind was roaring off the seawall. My primary goal in any race is to finish, to cross the line without needing to be carried, revived, or hearing the words "CLEAR" right before I feel the electric shocks trying to restart my heart. A secondary goal, is to not be the last one in my age group to finish. In Galveston, after I got off the bike, I struggled on the run, and walked more than I would have liked. The run is a 3.257 mile loop, that you have to complete 4 times. The 8 1/2 hour allowed finish time is from the start off the last wave, so with my 1:20 advantage, I actually had almost 10 hours to finish. However, I was determined to finish in 8 1/2 which was required of those who went last. On the last lap I had to push it, and did so despite blisters, cramps, and sunburn. But I got in at 8:25:19. Of 99 men in my age group, I was 91 with one man finishing behind me at 92 and 7 DNF. Yippee...I wasn't last !!!
States 7 & 8 Mississippi and Alabama
This was another Back to Back set of races. The Mississippi Blues marathon in Jackson Ms on Saturday, and Mobile First Light Marathon in Mobile Al on Sunday. These two were actually linked together, and offered discount for doing both races, as well as a commemorative plaque for completing both.
I really enjoyed the Mississippi Blues race in Jackson. It was Elvis's birthday and he was the theme. "Without the Blues, there would be no King of Rock and Roll" They had great swag as well. There was an engraved harmonica, a CD of Mississippi Blues Music, and a pair of plastic Elvis sunglasses with fake sideburns (too Cool). At packet pickup, there was an elderly black man, who was sitting and playing the harmonica. He did have a guy backing him up with a guitar, but that was it, no singing, nothing but mainly the harmonica and a little of the guitar. He was fabulous, I sat and listened to him for about an hour. Definitely a great example of American culture. Also included was a pass for the Blues pub crawl for the night after the race. There were about 10 bars with blues bands playing in them. Each runner was given a wristband for free entrance into the bars, as well as frre rides on a bus that continuously made the loop, dropping people off at the bars, or back at their hotels. I'm sure it would have been a blast, but I was running Mobile the next day and couldn't stay.
The First Light in Mobile was special for me in that my sister ran it with me. It was her first half marathon. I say she ran it with me, actually she ran it ahead of me. She took no mercy on me at all, and finished it about 40 minutes before me. The finisher's medals were unique in that they were made of wood. The race benefited a home for mentally challenged people, and the medals were painted and decorated by the residents of the home. Likewise, the plague I received for doing the two race challenge was made by a woman who resided there. On the back of the plague was a picture and brief story about her. It put a human face on the reason for the run, and was a nice touch.
There really is something to the saying that 90% of being active is mental. I talked to a man in Jackson on Saturday. He was doing both races as well. He told me that while Jackson was indeed a hilly course, the next day had fewer hills but they were much bigger. While running Jackson, I was trying to do well and pushed hard up the hills. After the race, my legs were very sore and stiff. They were still very much that way the next morning. When we got to the race in Mobile, we had to go upstairs in the hotel to packet pickup. I had trouble climbing the stairs. I was thinking about the bigger hills coming up, and wondering if I was going to be able to finish. Once we got in, one of the race volunteers was explaining about the course map to a couple of women. He was saying, the full course was hilly, but the half was flat. I asked him, "What was that you said"? He told me, the half was very flat, and even pointed out a street and said that there was a speed bump there, which was the biggest hill on the half course. Suddenly, I felt so much better. After he told me that, my legs immediately improved, and I went on to have a good run.
I really enjoyed the Mississippi Blues race in Jackson. It was Elvis's birthday and he was the theme. "Without the Blues, there would be no King of Rock and Roll" They had great swag as well. There was an engraved harmonica, a CD of Mississippi Blues Music, and a pair of plastic Elvis sunglasses with fake sideburns (too Cool). At packet pickup, there was an elderly black man, who was sitting and playing the harmonica. He did have a guy backing him up with a guitar, but that was it, no singing, nothing but mainly the harmonica and a little of the guitar. He was fabulous, I sat and listened to him for about an hour. Definitely a great example of American culture. Also included was a pass for the Blues pub crawl for the night after the race. There were about 10 bars with blues bands playing in them. Each runner was given a wristband for free entrance into the bars, as well as frre rides on a bus that continuously made the loop, dropping people off at the bars, or back at their hotels. I'm sure it would have been a blast, but I was running Mobile the next day and couldn't stay.
The First Light in Mobile was special for me in that my sister ran it with me. It was her first half marathon. I say she ran it with me, actually she ran it ahead of me. She took no mercy on me at all, and finished it about 40 minutes before me. The finisher's medals were unique in that they were made of wood. The race benefited a home for mentally challenged people, and the medals were painted and decorated by the residents of the home. Likewise, the plague I received for doing the two race challenge was made by a woman who resided there. On the back of the plague was a picture and brief story about her. It put a human face on the reason for the run, and was a nice touch.
There really is something to the saying that 90% of being active is mental. I talked to a man in Jackson on Saturday. He was doing both races as well. He told me that while Jackson was indeed a hilly course, the next day had fewer hills but they were much bigger. While running Jackson, I was trying to do well and pushed hard up the hills. After the race, my legs were very sore and stiff. They were still very much that way the next morning. When we got to the race in Mobile, we had to go upstairs in the hotel to packet pickup. I had trouble climbing the stairs. I was thinking about the bigger hills coming up, and wondering if I was going to be able to finish. Once we got in, one of the race volunteers was explaining about the course map to a couple of women. He was saying, the full course was hilly, but the half was flat. I asked him, "What was that you said"? He told me, the half was very flat, and even pointed out a street and said that there was a speed bump there, which was the biggest hill on the half course. Suddenly, I felt so much better. After he told me that, my legs immediately improved, and I went on to have a good run.
States 5 & 6 North Dakota and Montana
September 18th and 19th 2010, I did two states in two days. On Saturday the 18th I did Kroll's Diner Bismarck Marathon in Bismark North Dakota and Sunday the 19th I did Montana Governor's Cup Marathon in Billings Montana. I wanted to be able to do more than one race per trip, and began looking for two races in the same time frame, that were within a favorable distance of each other. My requirements were that they be half marathons, they have to fit my vacation schedule, (I am the last to pick vacation at work due to seniority, any week with a holiday is out) and that they give a finishers medal at the end. Normally, I am not that concerned about finishers medal. I have a bunch and am not sure what to do with them. Other than the 5 Cowtown medals that will form the big star. If I get all 5 of them I will get them framed or something, that will be worth commemorating. Most people say hang the medals up some where, but I am not sure just how or where to do that. With the 50 states though, I do want one for each state. I will find something to do with them. Of the 10 I have now, some are really nice, one or two not so much, but they are all part of the big story, and I am proud of them all. After researching for quite a while I finally found Billings and Bismark which were about a 5 hour drive apart.
So, the trip was on. I flew into Montana the Tuesday before the races, and stayed just outside Yellowstone park for 3 nights. While in Yellowstone, I got to see some wildlife (including a Mammoth Elk, and a Bazilllion Buffalo), I visited "Old Faithful," and I had what seemed at the time, to be a brilliant idea. I decided to go mountain biking down one of the ski slopes in Big Sky Montana. Turns out it wasn't such a good idea after all. I missed a turn, and ended up on an advanced course. I took a spill, which resulted in the loss of my glasses, and as I found out later, I cracked a rib. Not a real bad crack, just enough to be uncomfortable until I started running. About halfway through each race it would begin to throb. Luckily, I had some bio-freeze, and was able to finish both races. When I left Houston Sept 14th, it was 95 degrees, and that was in the shade with a ceiling fan blowing. I think the low at night was in the 80's. I got to Montana and it was in the 40's. Friday, the day I left Yellowstone, they got 6 inches of snow and I drove through snow flurries all through North Dakota. Quite a difference from Texas weather. I think that if I had been running in 90 degree heat the rib problem would have been much worse. I definitely like cold weather to run in. But not to cold. Frigid sux too.
So, the trip was on. I flew into Montana the Tuesday before the races, and stayed just outside Yellowstone park for 3 nights. While in Yellowstone, I got to see some wildlife (including a Mammoth Elk, and a Bazilllion Buffalo), I visited "Old Faithful," and I had what seemed at the time, to be a brilliant idea. I decided to go mountain biking down one of the ski slopes in Big Sky Montana. Turns out it wasn't such a good idea after all. I missed a turn, and ended up on an advanced course. I took a spill, which resulted in the loss of my glasses, and as I found out later, I cracked a rib. Not a real bad crack, just enough to be uncomfortable until I started running. About halfway through each race it would begin to throb. Luckily, I had some bio-freeze, and was able to finish both races. When I left Houston Sept 14th, it was 95 degrees, and that was in the shade with a ceiling fan blowing. I think the low at night was in the 80's. I got to Montana and it was in the 40's. Friday, the day I left Yellowstone, they got 6 inches of snow and I drove through snow flurries all through North Dakota. Quite a difference from Texas weather. I think that if I had been running in 90 degree heat the rib problem would have been much worse. I definitely like cold weather to run in. But not to cold. Frigid sux too.
State 4 Flordia
After running in Nevada, the idea of doing all 50 states was born. When the thought first occurred, it seemed far fetched and more then a little intimidating. But, like any race, you have to start one step at a time. The miracle isn't that I finished, the miracle is that I had the courage to start
My first step was Florida. I signed up for the "26.2miles with Donna, The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer " which was in Jacksonville Fl on Feb 19th. I had a week of vacation. My plan was to leave Friday Feb 19th and drive to Biloxi Ms, there, I would spend the night at my sister's who lives in Ocean Springs, which is right outside Biloxi. I planned to get up and drive Saturday to Jacksonville, do the race on Sunday, and then spend a few relaxing days in Florida. Wednesday, I was going to drive back to Biloxi, stay again over night, and be back in Texas and visit my Mom who lives near Ft Worth, before doing the Cowtown race on Feb 27th. (I am doing the 5 year series of the Cowtown marathon in Ft Worth, if you run 5 consecutive years from 2009-2013 the 5 finishers medals form a large star, its my 5 year plan) After Cowtown I was returning home. That WAS my plans, funny how these things seldom work out. Thursday before I left, I got a call that my father had passed away, and would be buried in Enis Texas(near Dallas) on Tuesday the 23rd. I decided I just had time to drive 2 days to Jacksonville, do the race, and drive back in time for the funeral. I figured that if I did all 50 states, each one would have it's own story, and this one was going to be a Duzzie. Somehow, It all worked out, I drove a lot more, in less time than I would have liked, but it is all part of the story
When I signed up, I just wanted to do a race in Florida, so I could scratch that state from my list. To that point, I had not encountered Breast Cancer. I have lost several people that I cared deeply about, to other forms of cancer, and I have worn a Yellow LIVESTRONG bracelet since my Stepfather passed away from colon cancer, a number of years ago. (I now wear a Pink one too for Breast Cancer). My "Run for a Reason" Charity in the 2008 Houston marathon was the American Cancer Society, in memory of Papa Ray, and a close friend of mine Kerry Malone (King Bo) However, when I went to Jacksonville, I didn't really know anyone suffering from Breast Cancer. Little did I know the force of the impact it was about to have. Once I got to Jacksonville, I think it must have been one of the most Humbling experiences of my life. As I said, I went just to run in Florida. When I got there, I encountered so many people, with so many tragic stories. So many women with shaven heads due to Breast cancer Treatment. Everywhere you looked, people had signs proclaiming Who they were Running for, and Who they wanted to remember. I have never seen more PINK in my life. Early in the race I passed a man on crutches, he had lost his left leg below the knee to cancer. He said cancer had knocked him down, but it didn't kill him, he was doing the Half Marathon and doing it WELL. We ran through a neighborhood, and it seems every block, the spectators had created their own aid stations. The crowds lined the entire course and the runners were treated like heroes. I felt like a member from some conquering army retuning to a victory parade, and yet, I was just there to run in Florida. It was overwhelming. I have never seen a run more supported by the spectators. There were so many survivor shirts (people who had beat cancer), they were loud, and they were vocal, they were banging on noise makers, and they had organized Cheering sections. If you couldn't be inspired by them, you were never going to be. At one point, a woman came up to me while I was running, she told me how proud she was of me, and that I was doing a Great thing. She said she lived in the house next to us, and offered to let me use the restroom, or come in for water. I felt a little more insignificant. I couldn't tell her I was just running so I could say "I ran in another State". Instead, I told her I was OK, and thanked her for her generosity, and her encouragement. At the finish line, they were picking out people and asking them their stories, and putting then them up on a Gumbotron Screen, some stories were heartbreaking, others inspiring, all were unforgettable.
After doing this race, I knew my decision to run all 50 was indeed a good one.
I would strongly recommend this run. It should be a MUST DO on everyone's list. If you have only one Race left in you, Go Do "26.2 With Donna"
My first step was Florida. I signed up for the "26.2miles with Donna, The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer " which was in Jacksonville Fl on Feb 19th. I had a week of vacation. My plan was to leave Friday Feb 19th and drive to Biloxi Ms, there, I would spend the night at my sister's who lives in Ocean Springs, which is right outside Biloxi. I planned to get up and drive Saturday to Jacksonville, do the race on Sunday, and then spend a few relaxing days in Florida. Wednesday, I was going to drive back to Biloxi, stay again over night, and be back in Texas and visit my Mom who lives near Ft Worth, before doing the Cowtown race on Feb 27th. (I am doing the 5 year series of the Cowtown marathon in Ft Worth, if you run 5 consecutive years from 2009-2013 the 5 finishers medals form a large star, its my 5 year plan) After Cowtown I was returning home. That WAS my plans, funny how these things seldom work out. Thursday before I left, I got a call that my father had passed away, and would be buried in Enis Texas(near Dallas) on Tuesday the 23rd. I decided I just had time to drive 2 days to Jacksonville, do the race, and drive back in time for the funeral. I figured that if I did all 50 states, each one would have it's own story, and this one was going to be a Duzzie. Somehow, It all worked out, I drove a lot more, in less time than I would have liked, but it is all part of the story
When I signed up, I just wanted to do a race in Florida, so I could scratch that state from my list. To that point, I had not encountered Breast Cancer. I have lost several people that I cared deeply about, to other forms of cancer, and I have worn a Yellow LIVESTRONG bracelet since my Stepfather passed away from colon cancer, a number of years ago. (I now wear a Pink one too for Breast Cancer). My "Run for a Reason" Charity in the 2008 Houston marathon was the American Cancer Society, in memory of Papa Ray, and a close friend of mine Kerry Malone (King Bo) However, when I went to Jacksonville, I didn't really know anyone suffering from Breast Cancer. Little did I know the force of the impact it was about to have. Once I got to Jacksonville, I think it must have been one of the most Humbling experiences of my life. As I said, I went just to run in Florida. When I got there, I encountered so many people, with so many tragic stories. So many women with shaven heads due to Breast cancer Treatment. Everywhere you looked, people had signs proclaiming Who they were Running for, and Who they wanted to remember. I have never seen more PINK in my life. Early in the race I passed a man on crutches, he had lost his left leg below the knee to cancer. He said cancer had knocked him down, but it didn't kill him, he was doing the Half Marathon and doing it WELL. We ran through a neighborhood, and it seems every block, the spectators had created their own aid stations. The crowds lined the entire course and the runners were treated like heroes. I felt like a member from some conquering army retuning to a victory parade, and yet, I was just there to run in Florida. It was overwhelming. I have never seen a run more supported by the spectators. There were so many survivor shirts (people who had beat cancer), they were loud, and they were vocal, they were banging on noise makers, and they had organized Cheering sections. If you couldn't be inspired by them, you were never going to be. At one point, a woman came up to me while I was running, she told me how proud she was of me, and that I was doing a Great thing. She said she lived in the house next to us, and offered to let me use the restroom, or come in for water. I felt a little more insignificant. I couldn't tell her I was just running so I could say "I ran in another State". Instead, I told her I was OK, and thanked her for her generosity, and her encouragement. At the finish line, they were picking out people and asking them their stories, and putting then them up on a Gumbotron Screen, some stories were heartbreaking, others inspiring, all were unforgettable.
After doing this race, I knew my decision to run all 50 was indeed a good one.
I would strongly recommend this run. It should be a MUST DO on everyone's list. If you have only one Race left in you, Go Do "26.2 With Donna"
My Long Range Plan......13.1 Miles in all 50 states
I am on a Long Range Quest to run a Half marathon in all 50 states. I started it 2 years ago in 2009, and have no idea how long it will take me to complete it. I am faced with the very realistic possibility that I may never finish all 50, but intend to get as far as I can, and enjoy every moment of it. I have always had the desire to travel, and see new places and experience new things. I have found that destination Races are the perfect way to do this. Going to a new place and doing a race there, allows you to experience the location in a way that few others ever will. You meet a lot of really nice people, and you are doing something that is healthy and beneficial for you. I am blessed with longevity on both sides of my family. I expect to live to be at least 100. So, I have a while to get this done. I am far from an elite athlete. At any one of my races, you can find me at or near the rear of the pack. But that's OK, I am out there, both doing it, and enjoying it. I am thankful to be endowed with both the ability and the desire to continue be active. One of the sayings that I adhere to is "DAL... (Dead @ss Last), is much better than DNF (Did Not Finish) which is much better than DNS (Did Not Start). Another is "Run if you can,Walk if you need to, Crawl if you must." And my all time favorite "Weebles Wobble, but they don't Fall down." My long range strategy is to continue racing for another 20-30 years, outlive the competition, and DOMINATE my Age Group well into my 80's, and beyond.
Along my way, many of the people I have encountered have suggested that I chronicle or document my journey, so that I might share it with others. That is what I intend to do here. So I now have started 13.1 in 50.
I am presently 10 states in, so I will have to go back and catch up to present day. But first....How it all got started.........
Several years ago I went to the Dr, and proceeded to get read the "Riot Act". I was over weight, had High Blood Pressure, High Blood Sugar, and was told "You are as close to being Diabetic as you can be, without actually being one" Changes needed to be made. The next day I went out and ran down to the end of the block and back. Probably about a 1/2 mile overall. (It was a long Block). It didn't go real well, but I did fill a sense of accomplishment, and thus, a running career was started.
Not long after that I got up the courage to actually enter into an organized race. I did the Goblin Gallop 5k in Deer Park. A 5k is 3.1 miles. It was especially rewarding to finish, because we ran through an old neighborhood that I lived in years before while I was married. When I lived in Deer Park, I had a number of bad habits, and led a sedentary life style that resulted in the ugly scene at the Dr's office. At one point during the race we ran past the vacant lot where the little girls T-ball team I coached with my then Step daughter, had practiced. Running that day congered up a range of emotions and memories. To run 3 miles through the neighborhood which at one point I would have struggled to walk the block, was very fulfilling. It was self-validating, and extremely motivating. At that point I knew that I wanted to continue to run in races, and I DID.
I continued to do 5k's and an occasional 10k. Later on, I decided to get a bicycle to start riding as another way to be active. A friend of mine from the YMCA talked me into doing a sprint triathlon. (400 yds swim 10 mile bike ride and 3.1 miles run). It was the Silverlake triathlon in Pearland in May of 2007. I only agreed to do it because Theo was so insistent, and I thought it would be a good addition to the list of things I could say I did. I never thought I would want to continue doing triathlons. I was WRONG. I have finished two Ironman 70.3 triathlons (1.2 mile swim 56 miles bike 13.1 mile run), four Olympic distance (1500 meter swim 24 miles bike 6.2 mile run) and more sprints than I can count. But back to the Half marathons.
State 1 Texas
I did my first half marathon in 2008 at the Houston Marathon in January. I have done a bunch within the state of Texas, notably Houston 3 times, Cowtown in Ft Worth 3 times, Seabrook, Waco, San Antonio, Galveston, and a few others, but Houston 2008 was my first. I actually signed up for the full marathon, but midway through my training, I realized it was not going well, and switching to the 1/2 would be better. That first half was a tough run. I struggled to finish and was sore for a week afterward. However, I did not lose my desire. I signed up for the Half again in 2009. At that time I was extremely fortunate to find Bay Area Fit (BAF) Marathon Training Group, a branch of the National USA fit Running Program. BAF is organized by Pete Rake and his family, they do an excellent job, and definitely changed my running experiences for the better.
State 2 Wisconsin
I had not decided to run all 50 states yet, I was just planning on going to visit a friend of mine who lives in Wisconsin. While planning my trip, I discovered the 2009 Lake Geneva Marathon and Half marathon. I decided that as long as I was going up there, I would do the half marathon. The race was on Saturday morning, I decided to fly into Chicago on Friday afternoon, rent a car and drive up to pick up my packet, then drive the race course before going to my friend's house in Janesville. No problem, I thought, since I booked my flight insuring that I would have plenty of time to accomplish that. Well, You know what they say about the best laid plans. (Or maybe that's the best plans to get Laid, I forget). Anyway, I got to Chicago and began the drive to Wisconsin. However, I was immediately stuck in bumper to bumper traffic, and was so for almost the entire way. Turns out the Milwaukee Brewers, and Chicago Cubs were playing in Milwaukee that night, and half the state of Illinois was making the road trip. Next time, when making plans, I will be sure to check the Baseball schedule. As it turned out, I barely made the packet pickup, and it was to late to drive the course and still make it to my friend's house, where they were waiting dinner for me.
The race itself was good, we ran partially along the lake, and through rural Wisconsin's dairy farms. It was a good race.
State 3 Nevada November 20 2009, was my 50th birthday. I wanted to do something memorable for such a lifetime milestone. I was looking at different races and found the Valley of Fire marathon in Nevada. It was run in a state Park which is composed of Mountainous deserts and fabulous scenic views. I had to fly into Vegas, then drive a couple hours to Overton Nevada, where the race was held. When people asked me where I was going for my 50th birthday, and I told them Vegas, they would smile and nod in agreement. When I told them I was not staying in Vegas, and wasn't gambling, but going and running 13 miles in the dessert, they stopped smiling and agreeing, and thought I was crazy. But I am used to that.
One year, I went to Alaska to go Salmon fishing, something I had always wanted to do. While I was there, I also went on a half day kayaking trip and I ran the 5 mile event of the Midnight Sun Marathon. (I wasn't doing halves then, so I will be forced to return to Alaska....damn the luck :0) Anyway, when I would tell people at work I was going to Alaska to go fishing, they would want to know why would I go all that way to fish. Why not fish here at home in the Gulf of Mexico. Because I wanted to catch a salmon, I would reply. Invariably, the cost of the trip would arise. It was an expensive trip, it was an all inclusive trip on Kodiak Island, and I was paying for prime time plus single supplement for going alone. When I told whoever I was talking to that I was paying about 4000.00 for the week, they would be shocked. I would let that settle in for a few moments, and then add "Not only that, I am paying extra to run 5 Miles"
Valley of Fire was a good race and a Great Experience. It was Big Hills and it was hard. Because it's a small race, I ran mostly by myself. It is a race I will always take pleasure in remembering, after all, how many people would do that on their 50th birthday? I would recommend it, if your in Great running shape, but I probably won't do it again. I have to many states to do, before I start repeating them
Along my way, many of the people I have encountered have suggested that I chronicle or document my journey, so that I might share it with others. That is what I intend to do here. So I now have started 13.1 in 50.
I am presently 10 states in, so I will have to go back and catch up to present day. But first....How it all got started.........
Several years ago I went to the Dr, and proceeded to get read the "Riot Act". I was over weight, had High Blood Pressure, High Blood Sugar, and was told "You are as close to being Diabetic as you can be, without actually being one" Changes needed to be made. The next day I went out and ran down to the end of the block and back. Probably about a 1/2 mile overall. (It was a long Block). It didn't go real well, but I did fill a sense of accomplishment, and thus, a running career was started.
Not long after that I got up the courage to actually enter into an organized race. I did the Goblin Gallop 5k in Deer Park. A 5k is 3.1 miles. It was especially rewarding to finish, because we ran through an old neighborhood that I lived in years before while I was married. When I lived in Deer Park, I had a number of bad habits, and led a sedentary life style that resulted in the ugly scene at the Dr's office. At one point during the race we ran past the vacant lot where the little girls T-ball team I coached with my then Step daughter, had practiced. Running that day congered up a range of emotions and memories. To run 3 miles through the neighborhood which at one point I would have struggled to walk the block, was very fulfilling. It was self-validating, and extremely motivating. At that point I knew that I wanted to continue to run in races, and I DID.
I continued to do 5k's and an occasional 10k. Later on, I decided to get a bicycle to start riding as another way to be active. A friend of mine from the YMCA talked me into doing a sprint triathlon. (400 yds swim 10 mile bike ride and 3.1 miles run). It was the Silverlake triathlon in Pearland in May of 2007. I only agreed to do it because Theo was so insistent, and I thought it would be a good addition to the list of things I could say I did. I never thought I would want to continue doing triathlons. I was WRONG. I have finished two Ironman 70.3 triathlons (1.2 mile swim 56 miles bike 13.1 mile run), four Olympic distance (1500 meter swim 24 miles bike 6.2 mile run) and more sprints than I can count. But back to the Half marathons.
State 1 Texas
I did my first half marathon in 2008 at the Houston Marathon in January. I have done a bunch within the state of Texas, notably Houston 3 times, Cowtown in Ft Worth 3 times, Seabrook, Waco, San Antonio, Galveston, and a few others, but Houston 2008 was my first. I actually signed up for the full marathon, but midway through my training, I realized it was not going well, and switching to the 1/2 would be better. That first half was a tough run. I struggled to finish and was sore for a week afterward. However, I did not lose my desire. I signed up for the Half again in 2009. At that time I was extremely fortunate to find Bay Area Fit (BAF) Marathon Training Group, a branch of the National USA fit Running Program. BAF is organized by Pete Rake and his family, they do an excellent job, and definitely changed my running experiences for the better.
State 2 Wisconsin
I had not decided to run all 50 states yet, I was just planning on going to visit a friend of mine who lives in Wisconsin. While planning my trip, I discovered the 2009 Lake Geneva Marathon and Half marathon. I decided that as long as I was going up there, I would do the half marathon. The race was on Saturday morning, I decided to fly into Chicago on Friday afternoon, rent a car and drive up to pick up my packet, then drive the race course before going to my friend's house in Janesville. No problem, I thought, since I booked my flight insuring that I would have plenty of time to accomplish that. Well, You know what they say about the best laid plans. (Or maybe that's the best plans to get Laid, I forget). Anyway, I got to Chicago and began the drive to Wisconsin. However, I was immediately stuck in bumper to bumper traffic, and was so for almost the entire way. Turns out the Milwaukee Brewers, and Chicago Cubs were playing in Milwaukee that night, and half the state of Illinois was making the road trip. Next time, when making plans, I will be sure to check the Baseball schedule. As it turned out, I barely made the packet pickup, and it was to late to drive the course and still make it to my friend's house, where they were waiting dinner for me.
The race itself was good, we ran partially along the lake, and through rural Wisconsin's dairy farms. It was a good race.
State 3 Nevada November 20 2009, was my 50th birthday. I wanted to do something memorable for such a lifetime milestone. I was looking at different races and found the Valley of Fire marathon in Nevada. It was run in a state Park which is composed of Mountainous deserts and fabulous scenic views. I had to fly into Vegas, then drive a couple hours to Overton Nevada, where the race was held. When people asked me where I was going for my 50th birthday, and I told them Vegas, they would smile and nod in agreement. When I told them I was not staying in Vegas, and wasn't gambling, but going and running 13 miles in the dessert, they stopped smiling and agreeing, and thought I was crazy. But I am used to that.
One year, I went to Alaska to go Salmon fishing, something I had always wanted to do. While I was there, I also went on a half day kayaking trip and I ran the 5 mile event of the Midnight Sun Marathon. (I wasn't doing halves then, so I will be forced to return to Alaska....damn the luck :0) Anyway, when I would tell people at work I was going to Alaska to go fishing, they would want to know why would I go all that way to fish. Why not fish here at home in the Gulf of Mexico. Because I wanted to catch a salmon, I would reply. Invariably, the cost of the trip would arise. It was an expensive trip, it was an all inclusive trip on Kodiak Island, and I was paying for prime time plus single supplement for going alone. When I told whoever I was talking to that I was paying about 4000.00 for the week, they would be shocked. I would let that settle in for a few moments, and then add "Not only that, I am paying extra to run 5 Miles"
Valley of Fire was a good race and a Great Experience. It was Big Hills and it was hard. Because it's a small race, I ran mostly by myself. It is a race I will always take pleasure in remembering, after all, how many people would do that on their 50th birthday? I would recommend it, if your in Great running shape, but I probably won't do it again. I have to many states to do, before I start repeating them
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