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 for fun
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
Future Runners
I just read a Wall Street Journal article (May 6, 2016, “The Running Boom Goes Bust”) that declared running was declining in popularity. According to this article, millennials aren’t running as much as baby boomers. The article stated 2013 was the peak year for finishers of foot races with 19 million. Since then, the number … Continue reading Future Runners
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?
World Records
A year ago we lost our beloved dog, Dillon, at the age of 6 1/2 years to hemangiosarcoma, a very nasty cancer. The weekend after he died, I decided to enter a 5K to help get my mind off losing him. Surprisingly, I got 2nd place in my age group. First place was awarded a pie (for … Continue reading World Records
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
The Most Feared Person in a Marathon
In general, the atmosphere at a marathon or half marathon is lively and full of fun. At the start, there is music playing and runners giddy with excitement and anticipation. I remember crossing the start line in Birmingham a couple of weeks ago, dancing and running to “Uptown Funk”. It isn’t easy to dance and … Continue reading The Most Feared Person in a Marathon
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
I Was Stranded
Runners pick races to enter based on a variety of criteria - location, course elevation, entertainment along the course to name a few. I don’t think too many runners would select a race because they hand out office supplies in the goodie bag. I needed to run a half marathon in Texas during winter because … Continue reading I Was Stranded
Adventures of a Funatical Runner 