About me

I caught the running bug early on. I started running a 1-mile trail with my dad in middle school. I was running faster than him, so I started running around the neighborhood so we would finish at the same time. I joined cross country my freshman year of high school, and made the varsity team. Unfortunately, I did not handle the stress well, and did not formally run after my freshman year.

I continued to leisurely run through high school and college, gradually adding on miles. Before my first half marathon, 10-miles was my longest run. I ran my first half marathon in 2010, and ran 2 more. I pushed myself to either match or beat my previous time, which got harder each time. I had a half-thought after each race about completing a marathon, but could not fathom running the course a second time.

One weekend run, I saw a runner with a long-sleeve finisher shirt. I WANTED THAT SHIRT, and only marathoners had that option. I decided to push myself with distance rather than try to obtain another half marathon PR. So I ran my first marathon and got my shirt… and it wasn’t as bad as I thought.

I was looking for a medal rack when I stumbled upon “Run 50” chalkboards. I really wanted to buy it. My husband reminded me that I actually had to run 50 states to complete it, and the task seemed daunting at the time. I scrapped the idea. COVID hit a month later, and I filled my time with more running… which ended with 2 knee injuries. After about 6 months of rehab, I was able to run again, and determined to color in that chalkboard.

I was going to do 2 a year, but that would take me well into my 60’s, so I settled on 4 a year. At that pace, I would complete my 50 when I’m 50… and I plan to do it in the 50th state.