You may think that every half marathon is the same no matter where you go. I am finding that races can be as unique as snowflakes. The last two races that I have run illustrate how true this is. A few weeks ago I went to Carnation, Washington (just outside Seattle) to run the Beat … Continue reading A Tale of Two Races
50 States
Getting Up Again
You may have noticed that I haven’t written on my blog for the last couple weeks. I was trying to come to terms with my latest injury. I didn’t want to talk about it, write about it, or even think about it. While running two and a half weeks ago, I tripped and broke … Continue reading Getting Up Again
R & R
One thing I have never done well is take a break to rest and recuperate. I have some sense of urgency about achieving my goals, running as much as I can, checking races off my “to-run” list. Maybe Transverse Myelitis is making me feel that way, making me not want to waste a moment being … Continue reading R & R
Running with My Heart
Happy National Running Day! And Happy Anniversary to the Funatical Runner blog. I started writing this blog in 2014 on National Running Day. When I started writing, my goal was to run a marathon on all 7 continents. The blog was going to be a way for my friends and colleagues to track my running … Continue reading Running with My Heart
Running in a Football Stadium
As I was looking over the races I have done, I noticed I have run through several iconic stadiums and tracks, places where famous races and sporting events are held. It is one of the more enjoyable aspects of running races - I get to go places I would otherwise never see. This past weekend … Continue reading Running in a Football Stadium
Racing Meb
Last weekend I headed to Indianapolis, Indiana to run a half marathon - State #30 on the road to running in all 50 States. I picked this particular race - the Indy Mini Marathon - because the course included a lap on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. There isn’t any other way I would be able … Continue reading Racing Meb
How Do You Define Adventure?
A couple weeks ago I was looking for an interesting film to watch on the long flight to Utah for the Zion Half Marathon. I found a documentary called “The Five Elements of Adventure.” Given that my goal is to have more adventure in my life, I was curious to learn what Matt Walker, a mountaineer … Continue reading How Do You Define Adventure?
Miracle at Mile 4
My latest half marathon was the Zion Half Marathon outside Zion National Park in Utah. The race was put on by Vacation Races, the same folks who organized the Rocky Mountain Half Marathon that I ran last year in Estes Park, Colorado. Of all the races I have run, the Zion Half was in the prettiest … Continue reading Miracle at Mile 4
Running in N’awlins
I recently crossed off another state in my quest to run an endurance race in each of the 50 States when I ran the Rock ’n’ Roll Half Marathon in New Orleans, Louisiana. I had visited New Orleans many years ago but didn’t really enjoy myself. I know many people who rave about how exciting … Continue reading Running in N’awlins
Running in ‘Bama
One of the benefits of belonging to a running club like the 50 States Half Marathon Club is you get great feedback on races. Let’s face it, there are plenty of races out there to choose from. It is helpful when you can hear what other people thought of the races they have run. I … Continue reading Running in ‘Bama
Adventures of a Funatical Runner 