The Start Line: My Journey to 50 Half Marathons in 50 States
I started running in high school, on my own, but it wasn’t until college that I really started getting into running. I had recently broken up with a long-term boyfriend and wanted to try new things, while also looking for ways to stay active.
I was not a typical college student as I worked nearly 30-35 hours a week in addition to going to school full time. I worked at a coffee stand, so during my mornings I was slingin’ coffee, and in the afternoon I was taking classes to become a teacher (although I graduated from college, I didn’t become a teacher—life took me down a wonderful, different path).
I signed up for my first half marathon…the 2010 Seattle Half Marathon.
I printed out a weekly training plan, did all of the training, and tried my best to eat properly, hydrate. It was the perfect gift to myself after a long day of making mochas and writing papers. Running became my ME time. Something I could do basically at any time, anywhere, rain or shine. It made it really easy to not make excuses.
That first half marathon was brutal. When I crossed that finish line, I told myself I would never do it again.
The hills in Seattle were so hard. I walked way more than I wanted to and finished somewhere around 2:30:00 (I don’t remember the exact time). And even though, at that moment, I thought I would never run a half marathon again, here I am 16 years later…still running!
I’ve run more half marathons, 12Ks, 10Ks, and 5Ks than I can count—or even remember.
It wasn’t until 2021 that I set the specific goal to run a half marathon in each of the 50 states by the time I was 50. I was inspired to set that goal after seeing the quote, “A goal without a deadline is just a dream.”
I wanted this to be more than a dream. I wanted to commit to it because, first, it would guarantee that for the next nearly 15 years I would be consistently active. With the goal of running 3–4 half marathons a year, I would almost always be training, moving my body, and taking care of myself to ensure I could cross the finish line.
It also built in a great way to see the different states in our country.
Running. Travel. A healthy lifestyle.
Seemed like an epic thing to commit to.
As of September 2026, I have checked off 7 states: WA, OR, ID, MT, NV, AZ, and CA.
I honestly feel a little overwhelmed with how many I have left to do, but I am taking it state by state, with the hopes of doing the Dallas Half Marathon this December.
Truth talk: I am not a super fast runner, although I will definitely share any new PRs throughout this journey.
I honestly run for the challenge. I love pushing through the limiting beliefs of every race, proving to myself that I can do hard things—like run 13.1 miles.
I like the discipline and routine that running forces me into: committing to my runs each week, making sure I drink plenty of water, and getting enough sleep.
Running makes me prioritize myself more and ultimately makes me a better version of myself.
A little bit about me outside of running…
I am the mom of 3 (twins plus one), and my partner and I have a blended family of 6 kids total—my three plus his three—with ages currently 13–9.
We have two dogs, Cooper and Scarlet, and live in Washington, which I will forever be biased about being the best place to live in the whole world.
Maybe my adventures to each state will change that. ;)
My hope is that by following along, you feel inspired and empowered to do hard things.
Thanks for being here! ❤️
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