50 States Challenge: Year 4 Recap

My birthday was at the end of January, so that means we are due for a 50 States Challenge recap! I honestly cannot believe I am 4 years into this challenge.

This year was a down year in the challenge for me, but with my surgery I knew this would be the case. Considering I didn't do any races for 4 months, I'm pretty please I was able to get 3 states done!

My states for 2016 were:

- Michigan: Detroit Half Marathon
- Nevada: Rock n Roll Las Vegas Half
- Delaware: Rehoboth Beach Half Marathon

These 3 states brought my total up to 27 states (54% completed).

I am gearing up for 2017 and my goal of getting 5 states done. I haven't signed up for anything yet, but I have two races/states planned for already. Those two states are:

- West Virginia (Marshall University Half Marathon in November)
- Arizona (Tucson Half Marathon in December)

I am excited for the one in Arizona, not only to be in warm weather when it's cold here in NYC, but because I'll be visiting my cousin while I am there (her and her husband live there). I always love when I can combine a race with a visit to someone I love.

I have a couple of other races in mind - 1 (possibly 2) in April and 1 (possibly 2) in May. It's just about finalizing plans now. So basically, between April and May, I'll get 3 states done!

I am always looking for races in states I haven't done yet, so if you have any suggestions, please share!

And of course, my updated map!

50 States Challenge: Year 3 Recap

Since we just passed my half birthday, I figured it was a good time to get my recap for Year 3 of my 50 States Challenge. Better late, then never, right?!?

Year 3 was a good year for the challenge - I got 5 states completed! Those 5 states were:

- North Carolina: Rock n Roll Raleigh
- Wisconsin: Madison Half Marathon
- Washington: Rock n Roll Seattle
- Maine: Shipyard Old Port Half Marathon
- Oklahoma: Route 66 Marathon

These 5 states put me at a total of 24 states - so close to being half way there (47%)!

In 2016, I won't be able to complete as many states. I knew I'd be having surgery at some point during the spring and I didn't know what the recovery time would be. I didn't want to register for too much until I knew how long recovery would be.

I am currently registered for 2 states and I have a 3rd I am planning on. The two I am registered for are:

- Michigan: Detroit Half Marathon
- Nevada: Rock n Roll Las Vegas

I am also planning on doing the Rehoboth Beach Half Marathon in December, which will check Delaware off the list.

I am already starting to think about 2017 states, I'm hoping to get 5 done again in 2017.

I've updated my completion map as well. Still a lot of blue on that map (orange means I've done the state).

As I think about 2017 races, any race you'd recommend? A great race in your state that I shouldn't miss? Let me know in the comments!

50 States Challenge: Year 2 Recap

As I mentioned briefly in this weeks training recap, my birthday was this past weekend.  As I get another year older, year 2 of my 50 States Challenge comes to an end.  Which means, it's time for my annual recap.

I started this year with 14 states done and was able to get 5 more states completed in 2014.  Those five states were:

- Kentucky - Run The Bluegrass Half Marathon
- District of Columbia - Nike Women's Half Marathon DC
- Minnesota - Grandma's Marathon
- Oregon - Eugene Half Marathon
- Maryland - Baltimore Half Marathon

With the completion of these 5 states, I am officially 38% towards my goal.  So close to being half way done!

Per my 2015 goals, I want to complete another 5 states this year.  I already have 2 states on the calendar (North Carolina and Washington).

This feels about as good as a time as any to announce 2 more states.  I'll be running the Madison Half Marathon (Wisconsin) during Memorial Day weekend.  My cousin and her husband are living in Madison right now, so it will be a fun weekend for sure!

I am also going to be running the Route 66 Marathon (yes, marathon) in November, which is in Oklahoma.  I haven't registered yet - registration doesn't open until February 9th, but as soon as it does, I'll be signing up.

Still have 1 more state to go for this year.  I have a couple floating around and my Rock n Roll Tour Pass still has 1 state on it, so would like to combine those if possible.  I'll let you all know once it's decided!

Completion map has been updated as well!  Definitely need to work on my states in the middle of the country.