Making a (Bloggie) Comback...

Welcome to Stephanie's 100 Marathon Challenge (brought to you by the producers of "Steph's 50 Marathon Challenge")! If you followed my old blog that covered my crazy journey of marathons across 50 states, you'll know what to expect-- mostly sitcom-esque moments strung together that make up my life. My inspiration-- this past weekend's marathon-- isn't any different, which inspired me to start a new blog. There is just too much good material to not share.

I've taken some time off from blogging... and racing (hard). After the 50 states I tried my hand at triathlons, training for a half-ironman only to have it turned into a short race due to heat. I was exhausted from all the training, I had changed roles at work, was knee deep in my MBA program and I bought a house- so you can imagine why I chose not to continue training tri-style. I could barely find the time to run, let alone all that crazy training. Besides, I realized that I HATE biking. I just don't get how people can ride for THAT long. I would get so completely bored and I just couldn't push myself the way I can running. I digress...

What is this Blog About?

• Marathons... Marathons... and many, many more marathons! For those geographically challenged... no, there are NOT 100 states! Crazy, right? I'm presently at 79 marathons (April 28th, 2013) so that leaves 21. The great part? I can choose whatever races in whatever states/countries/continents/planets (planets?) that I want! I have a little bit of constraints...
• 50 Sub 4! Running all 50 states in under 4 hours has been a goal I've checked off as I could. During my first go-round I wasn't able to get them all due to things like pacing, double marathon weekends, high elevation, and just plain rough days! This past weekend I picked up 1 more (KY) and only have 14 left. It won't be my primary focus but if good race options come up in those states I'll be sure to hit them up. Any suggestions?
• Getting my Groove Back! A little burn out from running and tri-training, mixed with an MBA program, have caused me to slack in racing. Running with a couple of fantastic girls at the race this weekend (much more on that to come later this week) has encouraged me to get back at speed/race training. I'll be done with my MBA in August and I'm mentally at a good place to get back to racing and putting in some quality training! Getting my speed back will be a big goal for the year!
• MB! Oh you know the crazy lady will be around. She finished her 50th state at the LA Marathon in March, 2012 making us the first (and so far only) mother-Daughter 50-state marathon finishers. It was her idea to get 100 in. We haven't set a time frame or a race but it doesn't seem like its going to take too long!

This week at Stephanie's 100 Marathon Challenge
There is a lot coming up this week so stay tuned. Some of you will be happy to hear I will be doing race re-caps and the return of full "Race Ratings." Besides the technical side, I'll also be discussing this crazy flower business. If you know me I'm not the type to mix flower-or general girly things- with sports, but after being well-informed (and slightly brain washed) I gave in.... and you will too! This past weekend was (unsurprisingly) very focused on unity, pride in marathon, and being #BostonStrong!

To find out more about these great shirts and the cause they support, stay tuned!

I'm very happy to be back and look forward to sharing a fun journey with all of you!

"Run to Win" - Meb
Stephanie