It was Saturday afternoon. I stepped off a small plane at Dallas Love Field airport and was immediately hit with hot, dry air. I checked my weather app. It was 102 degrees F. Typical end-of-August temps for Texas — the kind of weather that would make the Hottest Half live up to its name. Lucky me.
Category: races
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Going to Texas to Run the Hottest Half
#runningthestates: Texas! It’s been almost two months since my third half marathon in North Carolina. The last several weeks, my attention has been focused on training for the Marine Corps Marathon in October, so I haven’t been thinking too much about what my fourth state will be… until now.
I’m heading to Dallas at the end of August to visit a cousin who recently had a baby. I figure I might as well kill two birds with one stone and run a half while I’m over there. I mean, how often do I go to Texas? Considering this will be my first time in the Lone Star State, I’d say hardly ever. So, I’m doing it. I’m running my fourth half in the Texas heat… in a race called The Hottest Hot.
Just shoot me now.
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3/50 – North Carolina: Asheville Half Marathon
One of my criteria for selecting a race is how flat the course is — the flatter, the better (extra downhill portions are a plus). The Asheville Half Marathon was nowhere near flat. In fact, Ashville is located in the mountains, so more than half the course contained steep uphill sections. People were surprised I chose to do a race in Asheville instead of one of the many located along the coast. My reason?
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2/50 – Virginia: Alexandria Half Marathon
I faced the streets of Alexandria, Va. last week for my second half marathon — two down, 48 more states to go!
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1/50 – Maryland: Frederick Half Marathon
I completed the Frederick Half Marathon on Sunday — the first of 50 states in my #runningthestates challenge. It was also my first time doing a half marathon. I was definitely on the struggle bus.
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Running a PR at Pikes Peek 10k in Rockville, Md.
#RaceDaySelfie: Right before the Pikes Peek 10k in Rockville, Md. The very first race I completed was the Pikes Peek 10k in Rockville, Md., about 9 years ago. Nine years!! Wow.
Yesterday, I ran it again—my third time, and it was officially a PR—personal record. I finished the 6.2 miles in 56:05. Training does pay off. 🙂
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39th Marine Corps Marathon: I’m in!
I received an email yesterday saying, I “have reason to celebrate as one of the officially registered participants of the 39th Marine Corps Marathon.”
Pop the bubbly!
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#RunningtheStates: First three: Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina
It’s official. I’ve signed up for my first three half marathons, which means this 50 states challenge is another step closer to happening. -
Hello World
My challenge: Run a half marathon in every U.S. state by 2022.
I don’t love running.
Most days, I have to push myself to get going—to pump myself up, get my shoes on, and my butt out the door.
Running the States 