[kpugh]

My current goal (although it runs into May now) is to finish the task of completing 3 marathons in 7 weeks. I did Shamrock (VA) on March 16th, Salt Lake City (UT) on April 19th, and will do Fargo (ND) on May 17th. It will be my 7th state completed on my quest for finishing a marathon in every state before I turn 50. I'm 36 now, and did my first marathon when I was 30 and decided to start running. Obviously, I got kinda hooked!

In the process, I'm learning some amazing things about the importance of listening to my body, customizing my training and recovery, and the value of keeping a detailed training journal. I'm also meeting some great people around the country...like Ron Knecht.

I met Ron during the Shamrock Marathon last month. We ran together for about 13 miles and I learned that he decided to take up running at age 60, having never run a step before in his life. He took it slow and gradual, and eventually entered (and finished) his first marathon that year. He is now 63, and this was is 76th marathon!! he did 28 marathons in 2007, all in different states. He is retired and this is his new hobby...driving around in his RV and taking in the scenery in the supportive and fun atmosphere of the marathon. How inspiring, eh?