50 State Challenge Map

50 State Challenge Map
States completed

Saturday, December 31, 2016

2016 year-in-review

2016 was not just another great year of running and travel but my final year in my quest to complete all 50 states.  Completing Michigan in October put me at 49. That leaves just one to go.  So I’ll be flying to Hawaii next month to complete 50!

The final tally for 2016 came in at three states/half marathons. These were Montana, Alaska and Michigan, completing all states on the mainland.  Joining me in Hawaii will be 15 of my friends and family.

It was a great year. Now I look toward 2017 not only to complete this challenge but begin my next.  More details on that to come.

Following is my year in photos where I selected some favorites from each trip.


Montana


One of the best Airbnb I've stayed in to date

Missoula


White Fish













Alaska

Downtown Anchorage

Eklutna Lake

Driving the Seward Highway


Seward



Whittier (Prince William Sound tour)









Race day

Gov Bill Walker


Time to celebrate completing 48

Flat Top Mountain




Michigan


My cabin just outside Traverse City


Downtown Traverse City


Driving Old Mission Peninsula




Sleeping Bear Dunes




Great friends who came to cheer me on for #49


Sunday, October 9, 2016

Michigan Day 5 - race day

I've had four really pretty mornings on this trip in Michigan.  But - I have to say - this morning was perfect. Cool but not cold. Sun was out strong to help warm things up a bit.  It was great.

The course was awesome.  Mostly flat with a hint of hills. The views were absolutely gorgeous, showing Old Mission Peninsula landscapes along the way.  Anyone looking for a very picturesque course should look no further.

And of course my good friends Andy and Kerry were waiting for me at the finish line with their adorable daughter Joey to cheer me in.  That was really awesome.  Thanks for coming, guys!

So this was it.  This was state/half marathon 49 for me. That just leaves one more to go.  And that will be in January when I fly with friends and family to Hawaii (Maui). That gives me 2 1/2 months break.

It's a bit surreal that I'm actually going to complete this challenge.   But I'll save all my sappy thoughts for January when I cross that finish line.

For now, enjoy the pics ...


Sunrise over Traverse City



Ready to go





My little cheerleader Joey

A great trip with great friends