Running A Marathon In Every State
Posted: January 1, 2012 Filed under: Random | Tags: 50x50, Keystone 116 Comments »
I’ve had a goal since 2003 to run a marathon in every state. I’ve now run 21 marathons and feel like I’m finally transitioning from someone “trying to run marathons” to a “long distance runner.” As a result, I’ve decided to start writing more about my running, the experience, the challenges, and what I learn as long distance running has become a much more central part of my life.
I was going to blog more about running on my blog at Feld Thoughts but I decided there was probably a limited audience, and possibly a different audience, for my running experience. So I’ll still write periodically over there about my marathons, but I’ll save the workouts, the long rambling thoughts, the frustrations, the injuries, and the philosophy for over here.
Join me if you dare – including for a run sometime.
Another blog of yours I have to follow… Keep it up — definitely an inspiration to get out the door when I’m too tired, too lazy, too buzy, etc.
And if you’re ever in the DC area would be glad to go for a run…
I’ll be in DC on 2/1 and could do a run early if you are willing to come to me. Email me (brad@feld.com) and we can coordinate that way.
Good luck! I’m in training for my first marathon now. Looking forward to your tips and progress.
Cool! Where’s the first one?
Los Angeles is the plan
Have you run a marathon in Georgia yet? If not, look at the Snickers Marathon in March, The Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon in May, or the Chickamauga Marathon in November. Big city marathons are cool, but those three races are diamonds in the rough, especially Chickamauga.
I haven’t done one in George yet. None of those dates work this year – I’m already scheduled in May and November. Maybe 2013!
Brad – I’ve never ran a marathon (former pro hockey player here — obviously short burst sport) and set a resolution to run a half marathon this year. Signed up earlier today for the 1st Half of SF Marathon in July. This will be a fitting blog as I train. Next time you’re in the Valley and have a spare moment would love to pick your brain on running and how I may help you in the venture world. Happy running! @jeffhasselman or j_hasselman@hotmail.com
Awesome on the half marathon! Holler by email any time if you have running questions – happy to try to answer them. I don’t have an SF trip planned for a few months but keep your eyes open if you notice that I’ll be there and we can try to connect.
Great! My wife and I are doing all 50 states with a marathon or an ultra, mostly on the trails instead of the road. We’ve got an ultra in Florida next month. We try and plan a vacation around each trip, see a little more of each state. It’s a fun hobby!
My wife Amy comes with me on every one. She’s my “sherpa” and she loves the role. And I love that she loves it since I then don’t have to worry about anything but running. We’ve had a ton of fun with this so far.
Oh that’s great! We usually run the races slowly, but do anything over a half marathon together. I find the people who do marathons and ultras to be extremely positive for the most part.
Brad, awesome to read your quest. I was a 3-time marathoner until a few other fellow entrepreneurs decided to train for Leadville. I went from 3 marathons to over 50 in a year and finished my first Leadville in 2010. I loved it all. My critical pivot training run was in the Flat Irons down the street from you. Would love to catch a run sometime and pick your brain about your experience with TechStars. I am launching a new TechStars Network partner, SURGE, in Houston this Spring.
50 marathons in a year is just awesome. I’d be happy to go for a run – just holler when you are in Boulder. And psyched about SURGE!
50 marathons in a year is mental! Bravo! I’m settling for my first this year.
Looking forward to the updates! I just completed my fourth marathon–they were all NYCs. I actually proposed to my girlfriend Gladys at the end of the most recent one.
Would love to join you for a run in NYC. We run about the same pace. I’ll be working with TechStars NYC as an associate this spring, so maybe during the program if you’ll be around.
I’ll be in NY from 4/15 – 5/15 and hanging out at TechStars a lot so let’s do plenty of running together.
Sounds great.
Looking forward to following your running journey. If you make it up north to Montreal, I’d be happy to show you some great trails around the mountain. Happy New Year.
I don’t have any Montreal trips planned in 2012 but I expect I’ll be there again in the next year or two.
Excellent news, Brad! When you run in every state, you should also write in every state. Have you written in every state yet? Cheers, Ulf
I’ve written in every state I’ve been to, and certainly every one I’ve run in.
New York Lottery Opens today. Have you run one in New York yet?
I ran NY a few years ago. It was my favorite big city marathon so far. The run up 1st Ave is just awesomely powerful.
NY is a great city.
Air quality is cities is a bit of a hindrance though.
Excited about the new blog! Have you published your marathon schedule yet? Are you going to?
I would love to run with you sometime. If you hit Ann Arbor in 2012, let me know (I read your blogs), and I’ll see if I can join you (I’m just a couple of hours away in Grand Rapids). Chicago might work, too.
Good running, everybody!
P
My marathon schedule is on http://www.feld.com/marathons although it seems like I should put it here as well! I’m doing Detroit in 2012 – 10/21/12 – Detroit Free Press Marathon
I’m attempting something similar, any race in every state.;-) Good luck, I’m looking forward to reading about your runs.
Awesome – good luck to you. Maybe our paths will intersect. I have a list of marathons I’m doing this year up at http://www.feld.com/marathons.
CJ – same here! I’m aiming for a half or full in every state. So cheers to all of us in our endeavors
This will be awesome to read about, Brad!
Hi,
I enjoy your blog. I am thinking about doing one myself. Do you mind if I ask you if any money can be made from doing one? And, if you don’t mind, how often do you write a blog.
Thanks much and all the best to you.
I don’t make any money off this blog. Nor do I try to.
Good luck! I have endurance, but not speed, so you’re on your own!
Good luck! I was training for my first half last year when I found out I was pregnant had have to stop. I’m just getting ready to start training again!
Wow best of luck! I just finished my second marathon today – that is quite a milestone to achieve!
Congrats!
Freaking awesome!
I really like your blog! Would love for us to follow each other in our journeys! I am chronicling 2012 with a photo a day and insight to follow.
http://aphotoaday2012.com/
How awesome is that! I ran a marathon once- just to cross it off my bucket list. I tip my hat off to you for having run 21 marathons and still looking forward to completing 29 more. You are the MAN! I have a few other feats I’m aiming to accomplish in every state, so I’ll just stick to those. But KUDOS to you!!
There’s another blog I follow, she has been to the Disney marathons lately. Check out lisasfoods.com
Good luck on your goal!
Amazing, I am looking forward to reading more about your journey to completing the 50 (as I struggle to complete one!)
Thats so cool! Well i run cross country at my high school and ever since then im addictede to running! But thats an awesome goal in life. really cool
Good for you. I hope you make your goal. You certainly are off to a great start!
I am training for my fourth marathon and my second state. Congrats on being freshly pressed.
I’m a second advocate for running in Georgia! Mainly because I run in Georgia. Okay…I stumble around in Georgia for a few miles at a time. Hopefully keeping up with your blog will help me transition from stumbling to running…even to marathon running someday! Looking forward to reading.
Pardon my ignorance here, but on top of 50 marathons you still have to workout separately? j/k
– Got the morale just not the motivation to pull even a single marathon off. The prep work is what brings me down. I am the one who’d divide a marathon into 50 parts and go for one at a time. Good luck with the gutsy endeavor.
Very impressive. I ran my first half marathon over the summer, and by next year I hope to conquer a full one. It’s difficult to schedule your runs around classes though.
You know, this was just the motivation I needed. Tomorrow is my first day back as I return from an extremely debilitating ankle injury that has kept me sidelined for more time than I even want to think about. After tearing every ligament in my ankle, putting on weight, and really getting out of running shape, I have found myself very tentative and downtrodden about running in general. However, I was determined to start tomorrow, and have it marked on my calendar.
Seeing your post has helped me come up with some goals, filled me with inspiration, and even made me think about running a marathon in every state. My first goal is to qualify for the marathon here (aka the NYC Marathon), and I appreciate you taking the time to write a post that adds a little fuel to my fire. Thanks!
Hey man, more power to you. I haven’t read all the comments/responses, but I did read Dean Karnazes “50 in 50″ last year. I recommend it. Quite ambitious. It’s cool to see someone else doing it. At least the all-states thing. He’s quite the animal…
As I cycle to work everyday and do other things to stay in shape, I don’t run at present. I will however take it up in the future when circumstances change. This is a life goal of mine.
Another awesome book on running is Murakami’s “What I Talk About When I Talk About Running”. It lines out the parallels between running and writing.
Again, I wish you the best and God bless. Josh
What an inspiration. I am running my first marathon in April – the London Marathon. Training hard for it and really enjoying it so far. Will be keeping up to speed with what your doing hoping I can learn from you!
21 marathons from 2003 to 2011. That’s awesome. How many marathons do you plan to do this year? Have you completed the one in boston?
Looking forward in hearing more about your run and training experience.
Cheers
Fan of your feld thoughts and loves running too
They say the human body was born to run,
so someone please explain my flat feet.
Wow, congrats! I wish I had the physicality to do that! Maybe I’ll watch a marathon in every state, lol. This is amazing though, keep trucking!
Love it when I see folks who have this mission. The Grizzly Marathon is a good one in Montana that won’t kill you with elevation.
It took you 21 marathons to finally feel like a long distance runner?! If I could finish ONE I’d say I was a pro. ^_^
I’m just trying to run my very first marathon this year and your story, and you are totally inspiring.
Very cool! I need to start running around the block to get in shape for tennis season. Whew!
Managed the Edinburgh marathon 2 years ago…knee pain during it sickend me of marathons but i’m back in the nikes stretching the legs again and after vowing never to run another one I’ve signed up to run it again! albeit as part of a relay squad of 4…Never say never!
Now following…brilliant stuff
Crazy thing to do. Good luck, though!
Run, Forrest, run! …
http://midnightwatcher.wordpress.com/
Best of luck on your quest. I have tried running in the past and I am not cut out for it.
This is an impressive goal! I ran my first marathon last year and am yet to decide whether or not to run marathon #2 this year.
I look forward to following your journey. Good luck!
Kudos to you and your endeavor! Just finished another long-distance race (see last post) but I admire those who can run – really, really run. Hope to see you in Mobile’s 1st Light Marathon next year!
Keep running happy and healthy! Best of luck and best wishes =)
Wow! Lofty goal, congrats! My first marathon was Midnight Sun in AK, I noticed you did that one, too. I would have suggested the “Top of Utah” marathon (my best time), but I see you’re slated for St. George which is always great. I’m working on training for a half in June, not sure my old body can handle the full any more! Maybe if I trained more consistently…anyway, best of luck to you! Enjoy the journey. -MoSop
Agree that both Top of Utah and St. George are great races. I haven’t done TOU since 2007 but have done it 3 times (2000, 2003 were the others); SGM- have done it 8 times most recently in 2011.
Good luck on your endeavor and enjoy the journey. What a terrific way to see the country.
This is a great idea to run a marathon! I was about to take part in one of the marathons in China, but then felt like i was not ready for such a big challenge at that time. I hope i can get ready for the next one!
What an inspiration! I’ve done two half marathons (2009, 2010) and discovered triathlons last year and did 5 in 2011 (LOVE them). I’m determined to get back to the goal that started it all…running a full marathon. I’m set to do Chicago this October. I look forward to keeping up with your journey while I build my own!
Also, I’m an Iowa girl…I could recommend a couple options for you when it comes to knocking our great state off your list!
Cheers and happy running!
Brad, interesting post. Also had ambitions for the longest time, but…..
Well when you have reached your goal, may I suggest that you then finish and seal your accomplishments by running the MOTHER OF ALL MARATHONS.
I have just blogged about it, you can take a look and see if you think you could make that the final goal.
Here is the shortlink to my blog: http://wp.me/p1LWhS-aI
Otherwise you can view it here: http://thisthatandthenextthing.wordpress.com/2012/01/16/the-mother-of-all-marathons
Wow, I’m actually going to do my first run/jog today. I may actually be joining you on this quest later this year except I’m from the Philippines. Anyho, I wish you all the best on this dream of yours!
Keep it going mate, your an inspirational person!
What a cool goal. I’m hoping one day I can eventually make that transition as well.
Congrats on your awesome goal. I just completed my first ultra and now I have the bug to keep going. How do you deal with injuries?
Sara from http://www.losingtogether.com
This sounds like a very healthy and fulfilling life goal. Best of luck, and can’t wait to keep up on the experience!
Great post and good luck with your quest! Stumbled upon an interesting opportunity in the midwest too (if you haven’t already made it through there yet)……..
http://www.omahamidnightrun.com/
Neat suggestion – Omaha at Midnight!
Hello, bfeld. I recently joined wordpress.com and am glad to read your post as I did my first half marathon yesterday. It was 2012 Aramco Houston Half Marathon. The half marathon was a great experience including the 6-month of preparations. I bet yours is a great one too. Keep up your good work! I will follow your postings. Hana.
I AM DOING THE SAME EXACT THING, SAME GOAL, EVERYTHING!!!!
http://www.nixietale.com
When is your next??!!
Awesome – just saw your blog. Congrats on a dozen! My next one is next month in Myrtle Beach.
A marathon in every state. I can only imagine what that would be like. I have run three half marathons, with two currently planned for so far this year. I want to do a full marathon and trying to decide which one to do. That is my goal by the time I turn 40. I have a little more than two years to knock it out.
Good luck with your quest.
Pick a flat one in a cool place! Good luck with your running.
Congratulations. I have yet to run a marathon and it would appear unlikely now that I ever will. I am in admiration of those who do however. Good luck with your quest.
Very very cool. I myself haven’t run on a regular basis since my days of cross country in high school…which was over a decade ago. Best of luck in your endeavor. If you ever find yourself needing motivation, Running the Sahara is a very inspirational movie. I won’t go into it too much…but it’s a documentary about 3 guys running across the Sahara Desert nonstop (except to sleep)….
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I want to know rech
I just want to say good luck. It’s an amazing idea, and I hope you have every success.
marathon has become as a great corporate culture now. the company where i am working currently, conducts marathon every year. best wishes for your next marathon.
TechSmartLife
Good luck – if you need one in MN try the Twin Cities Marathon in October – one of the prettiest in the country they say, running around lakes and along rivers ending up at the Capital. Mom ran it last fall and said it was pretty but hard – most of the last 6 miles were up hill which was a bear but she did it. Trained with us dogs and dogs love to charge hills so she had the strength to keep going up hill even at the end.
That is a really ambitious goal and I’m already really impressed that you’re almost halfway there. Good luck!
I am so following this
I am looking forward to competing in marathons after I’m done competing in college. This 50 Marathons in 50 states blows my mind, keep it up
Hi,
Very nice blog you have here. I have just started running myself and this blog inspires me to continue running.
i am 47, learned to love running in 2008 only, quite a late bloomer i call myself. never had any physical activities prior to that, was a smoker, is overweight, but i have been running 10km distances in local races and i super envy all you who finish half or full marathon. what passion!! not that i am scared to try, i just know my capabilities. so, kudos to you and happy running!! have a safe run and hope you achieve what you wish for…
Good luck with your adventure! You are brave just to take it on!! Courage to start!
I think this is such a huge but very inspirational thing. I have not yet run only one marathon, but I love reading the stories of those who do. 21 marathons is a huge number. Especially for 9 years, I really could not do it. All my respect goes to you! I will definitely follow your story. Hope you can keep it up and finish your goal proudly!
All the best,
Anna
Quit a good one
This is a great idea! I recently completed my first 5k, I felt really proud, but looking at your blog I know I still have a long way to go yet. Small steps though!
50 marathons in 50 states by age 50 is a great goal! I’m running my 21st marathon in two months (DC Rock n’ Roll) and my goal is to eventually catch up to my age. I think I’ll be able to get 40 marathons by age 40, and then just keep on going! My races have been mainly concentrated in CA and DC/VA/MD; I need to branch out!
Really nice blog thank
This is Awesome! I’m a D1 tennis player and I want to transition to running. I’m just unsure of how to train. I have a 5k this weekend, nothing like a marathon but it’s a start!
This is inspiring to me…kind of. I think the worst part of running is the part where every single moment of doing it feels like you are dying. (The best part is when that feeling stops)
haha so freakin awesome!! lovin this
http://www.LoveandIDo.wordpress.com
After you are done come to Australia! Best of Luck
I love this idea. I’ve only run one half marathon, but would love to run more. Good luck!
I got tired just reading it, but dammit good luck on it!
Good luck on your endeavour; that’s quite an impressive schedule! The idea of running halfs, not fulls, in every state came to me during my last half marathon race (someone was wearing the 50 States & DC half marathon shirt). I wish I could be as aggressive with my schedule as you, but that’s not possible (just yet), and will be shooting for my 60th birth year.
I see you tackled Ohio already with the Pig’s marathon; pretty hilly huh?
I was going to suggest the Columbus Marathon; it is much flatter!
Again, good luck! I look forward to reading updates.
j
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Congratulations on 21 marathons. That’s wonderful!
Perfect post great!
I gave up smoking and put on lots of weight. The most I run is from the sofa to the bathroom. I really admire your efforts.
Wow! This is incredible. I’m still trying to find time to train for my first marathon. Good luck to you!!!
What you’re doing is amazing and shows true dedication. I ran a mile in gym class, when I was in high school…but only cause they made me!
[...] 4. Running a marathon in every state [...]
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I’m in!
This is incredible. I’m in training for half-marathon number 2 and am thinking about perhaps trying for the full one in the not too distant future. I struggle to find the time to train since I work long hours and is often dark by the time I get home. But I shall be using you as inspiration – I can only dream of getting to a level like this! Keep it up – truly amazing effort