Steph's 50 Marathon Challenge

Friday, December 22, 2000

Marathons by Race (State #)

Marathon Run-Downs, Thoughts, Reviews & More...

2010 Dallas White Rock Marathon #45

2010 Philadelphia Marathon (Repeat)

2010 Marshall University Marathon (Repeat)

2010 Spinx Run Fest Marathon #44

2010 Bimblers Bluff 50K #43

2010 Detroit Free Press Marathon #42

Chicago Marathon -October 10, 2010 (#41-IL)
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings 3.7/5.0

Omaha Marathon - September 26, 2010 (#40 - NE)
~Race RUNdown
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings 4.4/5.0

Mesa Falls Marathon -August 28, 2010 (#39 - ID)
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings 4.5/5.0

Humpy's Classic Marathon (Big Wild Runs) - August 14, 2010 (#38 - AK)
~Day 1 and Race RUNdown
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings 3.9/5.0

HURL 50K - August 7, 2010 (#37 - MT)
Race RUNdown
Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings 3.7/5.0

University of Okoboji Marathon - July 17, 2010 (#36 - IA)
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings 3.0/5.0

Dawg Gone Long 50 Mile Race (my first 50-miler!!) Note: Repeat State - OH
~Gear up T-3 Days
~Gear up T-2 Days
~Gear up T-1 Days and Race RUNdown
~Post-Race Thoughts

Foot Traffic Flatt Marathon - July 4, 2010 (#35- OR)
~Race RUNdown
~Post-Race Thoughts (back 2 back BQ's!)
~Race Ratings 3.9/5.0

Seattle Rock'n'Roll Marathon - June 26, 2010 (#34- WA)
~Race RUNdown
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Sony (sponsor) Product Test and Review... Seattle Marathon!
~Race Ratings 4.0/5.0

Wyoming Marathon -May 30, 2010 (#33- WY)
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings 2.9/5.0

Sheels Fargo Marathon -May 22, 2010 (#32- ND)
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings 4.1/5.0

Delaware Marathon -May 16, 2010 (#31- DE)
~Pre-Race Thoughts
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings 4.8/5.0

Mizuno Free State Trail Marathon and Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon Double
- April 24th and 25th (#29 KS and #30 OK)
~Race RUNdown
~KS Post-Race Thoughts and More
~OK Post-Race Thoughts
~KS Race Ratings 4.5/5.0

GO! St. Louis Marathon -April 11, 2010 (#28-MO)
~Race RUNdown
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings 4.6/5.0

Ocean Drive Marathon -March 28, 2010 (#27-NJ)
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings 2.7/5.0

Bataan Memorial Death March - March 21, 2010 (#26-NM)
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings 4.9/5.0

Little Rock Marathon -March 7, 2010 (#25-AR)
~Race RUNdown
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings 4.9/5.0

HMRRC Winter Marathon -February 21, 2010 (#24-NY)
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings 4.2/5.0

Mississippi Blues Marathon & First Light Marathon Double (#22-MS & #23-AL):
~Race(S) RUNdown
~Post Race(S) Thoughts
~MS Race Ratings 4.8/5.0
~AL Race Ratings 3.1/5.0

Northern Central Trails Marathon- November 28, 2009 (#21-MD)
Rating: 2.9/5.0
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings

RI 6-Hour Ultra - November 15, 2009 (#20-RI)
Rating: 4.9/5.0
~Race RUNdown
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings

OBX Marathon- November 8, 2009 (#19-NC)
Rating: 4.8/5.0
~Race RUNdown
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings

Louisville Marathon - October 18, 2009 (#18- KY)
Rating: 2.5/5.0
~Race Ratings

NH/ME Double ~ Post-Race Thoughts
Peak Performane Maine Marathon - October 4, 2009 (Part 2 of Double-#17 ME)
Rating: 3.8/5.0
~Race Ratings
New Hampshire Marathon - October 3, 2009 (Part 1 of Double- #16-NH)
Rating: 4.0/5.0
~Race Ratings

Boulder Backroads Marathon - September 20, 1009 (#15-CO)
Rating: 3.4/5.0
~Post Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings

2009 Erie Marathon at Prasque Isle

Park City Marathon - August 22, 2009 (#13-UT)
Rating: 3.0/5.0
~Race RUNdown
~Post Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings

Leading Ladies Marathon - August 16, 2009 (#12- SD)
Rating: 4.3/5.0
~Race RUNdown
~Post Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings

The San Francsisco Marathon - July 26, 2009 (#11- CA)
Rating: 2.8/5.0
~Race RUNdown
~Post Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings

2009 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon

Dances with Dirt- Devil's Lake Marathon- July 11, 2009 (#10-WI)
Rating: 4.2/5.0
~Race RUNdown
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Video Footage!!!
~Race Ratings & Results

Sunburst Marathon- June 6, 2009 (#8-IN)
Rating: 3.0/5.0
~Training for the Race
~Post Race Thoughts & Race Rating

Vermont City Marathon- May 24, 2009 (#7-VT)
Rating: 4.5/5.0
~Training for the Race
~Post Race Thoughts
~Steph's Race Ratings

Flying Pig Marathon (MB) and Half-Marathon (Stephanie)
~Post-Race Throughts and MB's Ratings...

Nashville Country Music Marathon- April 25, 2009 (#6-TN)
Rating: 3.2/5.0
~Training for the Race
~Post Race Thoughts
~Steph's Race Ratings

Xenia Half Marathon- April 5, 2009

ING Georgia Marathon- March 29, 2009 (#5)
Rating: 4.1/5.0
~Training for the Race
~Post Race Thoughts
~Steph's Race Ratings

Mercedes Marathon (Did not Run)
~Training for the Race

Walt Disney World Marathon- January 11, 2009 (#4)
Rating: 4.5/5.0
~Training for the Race
~Training II: Jax Galloway
~Post Race Thoughts
~Steph's Post Race Ratings

Flying Pig Marathon
~ May 3, 2008 (#2b... OH)
Cincinnati, OH
~Results

Marine Corp Marathon
~October 28, 2007 (#3)
Quantico, VA
~Results

US Air Force Marathon
~September 15, 2007 (#2)
Dayton, OH
~Results

New Las Vegas Marathon
~ December 10, 2006 (#1 State)
*Is now the "Rock N Roll Las Vegas Marathon"
Las Vegas, NV
~Results

2005 Athens Marathon
~ November 3, 2005 (#1 Marathon)
Athens, Greece
~Results

Thursday, January 1, 1998

Welcome to my Blog!!!

Running 50 Marathons in 50 States by Boston 2011!

In an attempt to stay on task, I created a blog to track as I made my way through a marathon in all 50 states. There is, in fact, a "club" for this sort of crazy endeavor. The 50 States Marathon Club!

STATE-us...

Challenge... COMPLETE!!! I have finished 62 Marathons in 50 States + D.C. (Listed on the right menu). I have repeated a few states and my first marathon was in Athens, Greece-- although I tried to pass it as a "City-State," I don't think they would approve.

What's Next?
I'm training to take on Western States 100 this June (2011) as well as repeating some of my non sub-4:00 marathons in hopes to make the 50-sub 4 club!

Where is All Began...

I started distance running in the 3rd grade-- completing my first 5K through the guidance and encouragement of "Coach C" alongside with another couple dozen 3rd and 4th grade girls. Each year Mr. C would get a few girls to train for the Freihoffers Run for Women 5K in Albany NY.

In 7th grade - 9th I ran XC and track for my high school... Columbia High School in East Greenbush, making varsity in the 7th grade. I got a little bored with running year round and ventured off into other sports starting with Lacrosse (which I went to college to play), then Field Hockey and eventually in college (Union College) switching to Rugby where I dumped LaX and played through school and eventually onto the women's team in Cincinnati. Which I would later dump for to circle back to running and start my life of extreme marathoning!

Marathoning....

In college I continued to run to keep in shape, but never going further than a few 10-15K's and one less than stellar attempt at a New Years Day half marathon while ~~still drunk~~ less than fully prepared.

I majored in Economics, but was a little ahead of myself in credits, so I opted to pick up a minor-- classical history. With this minor we were encouraged to take a class or term abroad... to Athens, Greece (go ahead... twist my arm). The summer prior to going abroad, I found out there would be a marathon (THE marathon) taking place while I was there and I started straining. With the help of MB--who had done a few marathons by this point-- and a training schedule I found online, I started training alone with no idea what I was getting myself into.

I would complete my first marathon in Athens, Greece in 4:06:45! This was 2005! In 2006 I would follow it up with the New Las Vegas Marathon... running with MB (and almost killing each other). In 2007, having graduated college and moved to Cincinnati, I ran 2 more (both in Ohio). Finally in 2008 I was pretty involved with rugby and running very little. But the Flying Pig Marathon came and I couldn't say no... completing the race with pretty much 0 training (woops).

Mega Marathoning!
Leading up to 2009 I moved to Jacksonville, FL for work (on a 6-month role) and trained for the Disney Marathon in January. Once I did that I decided to pick up another in March (ING Georgia), then another in April-- the most I had done in a year, let alone a few months. Then... it was all downhill.

I decided it was time to go after the 50-states. I knew it was something I wanted to do from the first time I finished a marathon... I just never had the time or motivation. Once I started picking up on my races, Pete (a fellow Cinci Galloway runner) asked me if it were possible to be the youngest female? Well I looked into it and found out it was. This was what started pushing the pace of my races even more. I mapped out a plan and realized that I COULD be the youngest... but better yet, IF I could qualify for Boston (which was a big 'IF' at the time) and I kept completing racees at a fast pace... I could FINISH at the Boston Marathon... in about 2 years!

Since starting this blog, the youngest female record has been made, and will very likely be smashed again within a few months. I've kept on pace because the first goal is to finish the 50, the second goal is to stay on task and complete them all by Boston! Fortunately I was finally able to make Boston in March of 2010 and have done so again 4 times in the year. I'll finish about 30 marathons and ultras this year (repeating couple of states) and a few more in 2011 to (hopefully) finish my goal!

What can you find in this blog?...
~Tips/Tricks on Training, Distance Running, Recovery, Marathon Club/group information, etc
~Marathon Race Ratings/Reviews from Stephanie and Friends (Race Rating link in top bar)
~What is SURE to be a great story!

*NOTE!: As of June 2, 2009 all marathon race #'s have been changed to reflect the # of states completed rather than the number of marathons completed

Friday, May 2, 1997

CB's Vermont City Race Rating!!!

CB's Vermont City Race Rating!!!

Overall Race Rating (Weighted): 4.5/5

Oraganization: 4/5
~Perfect amount of water stops, gatorade mixed perfectly (sounds silly but after the Cytomax disaster of Nasvhille you learn to appreciate it). Didn't get a full five because it was very difficult to read all the different maps they handed out.

Course: 5/5
~Absolutely amazing. Lots of hills and trails, but an overall intersting course. I would run it again.

Spectators: 5/5
~So supportive! People everywhere (except on the highway - but it was so early in the race it was ok)

Pace Groups: DNE

Expo: 4/5
~Very cramped.

Results...
Carey
Chip Time: 4:28:50
Overall: 1586/2410
Age: 75/122

Thursday, May 1, 1997

Sacco's Vermont City Race Ratings!!!

Sacco Vermont City Race Rating!!!
**May's Race Review of the Month**

Overall Race Rating (Weighted): 5/5

(Average Rating: 4.75)
~ I really enjoyed this experience, it felt much more personal than other races I've participated in!

Oraganization: 5/5
~Packet pick up was easy. Getting to the start was a little confusing, I knew where it was, but was unsure where to line up (which side of the start banner).

Course: 5/5
~Loved it!! Beautiful course. I did notice that medical support persons were on bikes along the course, this was nice. Better than one tent at the half way point and finish only.

Spectators: 5/5
~Super friendly locals, there was great crowd support and where there was not a crowd there were beautiful views to take in.

Pace Groups: DNE

Expo: 4/5
~Expo was in a small space, but had the essentials. re a decent price too! I know they also had a foot rub station that MB took advantage of!!!

Results...
Hillery
Chip Time: 4:46:25
Overall: 1838/2410
Age: 118/158

Friday, April 4, 1997

Running Financially Sound

People often ask me how I afford to run 2-3 marathons per month, especially when that involves flying all over the US. I've been pulling together a few tid-bits to help if you want to start traveling a lot to run, or even if you are just planning a single running adventure... hope it helps!

(Click the Pink links to bring you to the various sections)
1) Sell a kidney! You only need one to run with!!! Ok ok I'm JK... but it would definitly cover at least one entry fee (don't judge me... you know you were thinking it too!)
2) T-Shirts, dixie cup, and gotarade fees... Registration!
3) Planes, Trains and Automobiles... Getting There!
4) Hotels, Motels, and... Walmart parking lots??? Lodging!
5) General Travel Ideas
6) Or you can just win all your races and use the winnings to pay for the next one. When that starts to happen, let me know-- I'll be your manager!

Registration:
1) Register Early! Keep an eye on their website and see when they indicate the fees will go up.
2) Running Giveaways—We all love the freebies in our race goody bags, but next time you’re hunting for your free samples of GU, Skin Lotion, & Body Glide, take a look at those funny papers that usually float to the floor or garbage. Those are ads for different races and a lot of them have discount codes.
3) Join groups that have discounts for their members
~ Marathon Maniacs
~ 50 State Marathon Club
~ Jeff Galloway (usually local races)… to name a few.
4) Discounts! Use a search engine with the name of the marathon and “discount.”
5) RockNRoll—Never pay full price for a Rock N Roll marathon—there are always discounts to be found.
~Places to find: Google the Name, Runners World, Race Ads
6) Pace! If you’re planning on doing a lot of marathons and don’t want to race them all, volunteer as a pacer. Write to the race director and ask if there is a pace team/leader and their contact information. The sooner the better!

Tranportation:
Driving...
Your Car:
1) First, if you're traveling within 5 hours, drive! Gas has gone down, but the airlines act like it hasn't... leaving a car as the best option!
~ Don't like to drive far? Bring a friend! It's a great way to get them into marathon running... there is nothing more inspiring than actually seeing the finish of a marathon
2) Check the avg price of Gas in the areas you're going. If you're going to a bigger city marathon, plan your fillups in the burbs or highway on your way in.

Other Cars:
1) Have a Clunker? Gas too much? Look at car rentals- they may be cheaper than a flights.
~ Note: If you're going outside of the initial rental state there are usually additional insurance fees that they may or may not tell you abous. Advice? You don't have to tell them where you're going!!! Just beware, if you get into an accident in Wyoming and you rented in New Jersey they MAY figure you out!
2) Check your Business Perks! A lot of larger companies have set fees with certain rental companies. You don't have to be traveling for business to use those. I would, however, advise NOT using your coporate card to rent a car for a marathon... tsk tsk.
3) Keep an eye on that Mileage! A lot of rentals have a limited number of miles. Most are $0.25 per miles after and that can add up.
4) Fill your own Gas Tank before you return. They usually offer you a low price for a FULL tank fillup, but you're not likely to come back completely empty.

Air Transport...
1) So you're going more than 5 hours away? If not, you obviously did not read the first note! SCROLL UP!
2) Timing: Plan about 2 months ahead. Any more and the airlines still have they're original prices and will likely go down. Any less and seats start filling up-- when that happens, the airlines pull their 'deal'-- pssh, deals?? Ok, what they call deals.
3) Price/Timing: Prices tend to drop Tues-Thurs. If you see a price on Sunday, it will likely be $25-$100 cheaper the next Wednesday.
4) Kayak.com: If you haven't been, GO! It consolidates all the big sites that typically have the same prices anyway. There are a few they don't pull from (cheap tickets.com), but you'll likely see the best prices here.
~Also, If you're going to a small city/area, they have a quick airport search on the front page to see all the airports within a range you specify. This can also be a way to find alternative airports if the main one is giving you no luck. On the front page, select the "to" link.
5) DON’T check bags if you can help it. Bags are going up to around $15-$20 to check. If you MUST check, check ONLINE—there is usually a $5 discount vs. scheduling the bag at the airport. Packing Considerations…
~ Do you have special pre-race drinks to bring? Coconut water, pickle juice (that’s right, PICKLE JUICE), etc?
~ Electrolyte packs: They come in powder form for a reason, bring them that way and put them in empty water bottles. When the race is over (or right before) fill it with water.
~ Gels: Deo & body glide? Get them in small enough containers

Where to Stay…
1) If you’re trying for the 50, reach out to friends and plan your races around the cities that you have friends located. You will not only be offered (likely) free room, but you’ll have your very own built in fans! Oh yes, they’re getting up at 5am and going to the start—they’ll thank you later.
2) Read your race’s website! They usually provide a list of accommodations with discounts, and usually there is a host hotel—but those are discounts on fairly expensive hotels. However, its also usually the location for the expo, free shuttles, and start and/or finish. Weigh your options!
3) Shuttle anyone? If you’re looking for hotels through sites like hotels.com, they will let you know if there is an airport shuttle. You can save big here by avoiding taxis and rental cars.
4) Free Bfast!? Oh yes! Most of them are continental breakfasts, but what more do runners need? Bagels with or w/o Peanut Butter (check), bananas (check), Juice/Water (check), cereal (check)…. Get my point?
5) Timing: Hotels on priceline/Travelocity/Orbitz/Kayak, run about the same way planes do—look on Wednesdays and Thursdays for price drops.
6) Don't want to waste money on a hotel and a car rental? Follow what Greg does and utilize a walmart parking lot. Bring some blankets and pillows and pass out-- I would suggest doing this in an SUV for comfort, unless you're a little person like me. I could probably fall asleep in a smart car.
~Note: Greg has had an incident with a street sweeper going through at early hours of the morning... very loudly!
7) To Sum it up, if you’re looking for a hotel try to find a reasonable one with…
~ Free Airport Shuttle
~ Race Start Shuttle Available
~ Free Breakfast
~ Marathon Discount
~ Pool or Jacuzzi is an added bonus

General Travel Ideas
(Some tips to keep in mind)
1) Corporate Perks! A lot of larger companies have corporate perks for travel. You don't necessarily have to be traveling for business purposes to use these!
2) Doubles & Triples. Some websites (like 50 States club) provide lists of double marathons-- 2 in 2 days!
3) Credit Card Perks-- Utilize credit cards that provide points for travel. A good one is a travelocity credit card.

Thursday, April 3, 1997

Upcoming Marathons...

Want to Join me for a marathon as a runner or as a spectator? ~Do you live in, know someone in, or would like to travel to... any of the following??? ~As I figure out my schedule I'll update the dates....

April Marathons...
Nashville Country Music Marathon
Nashville, TN~ April 30, 2011
Runners: MB, Aaron, Tony

May Marathons...
Flying Pig Marathon
Cincinnati, OH~ May 1, 2011
Runners: MB, Aaron, Dave, Juli, Tony

Green Bay Marathon
Green Bay, WI~ May 15, 2011
Runners: MB

June Marathons...
Minneapolis Marathon
Minneapolis, MN~ June 5, 2011
Runners: MB

Western States 100
Squaw Valley, CA~ June 25-26, 2011
Runners: Chad

July Marathons...
Missoula Marathon
Missoula, MT~ July 10, 2011
Runners: MB

Great Cranberry Island Ultra
Cranberry Island, ME~ July 16, 2011
Runners: Alison, Dave Mari, Elizabeth

October Marathons...
Chicago Marathon
Chicago, IL ~ October 9, 2011
Runners: Lauren, MB

November Marathons...
New York City Marathon
New York, NY~ November 6, 2011

Philadelphia Marathon
Philadelphia, PA~ November 20, 2011

December Marathons...
Las Vegas Marathon
Las Vegas, NV ~ December 4, 2011
Runners: MB, Lauren, Christine