Finishing the 50 States was a HUGE personal achievement.
35 months from the time I ran my 1st marathon in Alaska, I completed 26.2 miles in every U.S. state plus DC. Not remotely on my ‘goal radar’ after I finished that first run in Anchorage – honestly, first thought was…one & done, never gonna do this again.
Received congratulations at work today – in the form of cupcakes PLUS a swanky gift certificate at Boulder Therapeutics (sports injury specialist). WOW – what a surprise, super appreciative.
Accolades also came from the 50 States Marathon Club – plus confirmation that I officially finished (all results verified). Planning my trophy presentation at our next reunion, being held in late August in Santa Rosa CA.
Newspaper coverage kinda fell through. My fault. Nothing, nothing – then 4 days before the Colorado Marathon, emails & phone calls. Solely focused on completing my final 50 State weekend (3 weeks after injury), I failed to follow-up. Didn’t meet the reporter at the Expo (because I was running state #49 in Illinois). Didn’t remember to look for him at the Finish – so caught up in the moment, I completely forgot/blanked entirely. In the big scheme of things, public recognition was never my run motivation.
Folks been asking, what’s next? Another round of 50? Heck no. I’ll continue to marathon – I’d like to see all the Canadian provinces & finish a marathon on each continent…but I miss climbing & the big peaks, miss backpacking, my dog, laughs with friends, rafting & kayaking, x-country skiing. So…I’ll get there, but no rush. Living a no regret life – but on my own time schedule 🙂
Keenan Haga in Boulder, Colorado.
May 4 at 11:35am ·
Look what happened at work today. Red velvet cupcakes – super nice!
Noel Amazing….Congratulations.
Preston Now they have to fatten you back up lol
Keenan HAHAHA — putting on pounds, that’s the easy part.
Laura Awesome!!!
Jill Virginia Did Ashton make those?
Keenan Yep — can’t beat homemade. Complete surprise!
Beth Ashton made them??? Wow that is phenomenal!! 🙂
Tammy Those don’t look gluten free so they were probably moist and delicious. Sigh.
Toni Congratulations!
Arun Superb. You deserve it Keenan. I am really happy!
Gwendolyn That’s great!
Joyce Congratulations!! 🙂
Hi Keenan,
I have kept track of your progress towards your 50 State finish, and I see that you just finished this weekend in Fort Collins, CO at the Colorado Marathon. I have printed up your results from that race. Congratulations on having finished the states!
What will happen now is I will let Paula know that you are a certified finisher. She will list you as such on the club website and will place you on the list for the next order of trophies. You can then bring it to any reunion to have it presented to you in front of the group.
Beth
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