Michigan

Order in which state was run: 32

Order in which state was admitted into the union: 26

The design on Michigan's deep blue field has three mottoes:
On a red ribbon - "One Nation Made Up of Many States"
On a blue shield - "I will Defend"
On a white ribbon - "If You Seek a Pleasant Peninsula, Look Around"
On the blue shield the sun rises over a lake and peninsula, a man with raised hand and holding a gun represents peace and the ability to defend his rights. The elk and moose are symbols of Michigan, while the eagle represents the United States. Flag adopted 1911.

 

Date: April 6, 2008
Race: Martian Half Marathon
City: Dearborn
Cost: $40.50

Martian half was a race put on by the Half2Run 25 half marathons in 25 states challenge so it was fitting that I include this race in my state quest.  The dri fit race shirt was the most interesting, best themed,  and loudest race shirt I ever received.  This race was run with a case of Achilles tendonitis.

 

This was the first state run after I started blogging.  My race report including a pic of the race shirt can be found here.

 

Up next: Alaska

New Jersey

Order in which state was run: 31

Order in which state was admitted into the union: 3

The State flag of New Jersey is buff colored. The state coat of arms is emblazoned in the center. The shield has three plows with a horse's head above it. Two women represent the goddesses of Liberty and Agriculture. A ribbon at the bottom includes the year of independence in 1776 and reads: Liberty and Prosperity. The New Jersey state flag was formally adopted in 1896.

 

Date: October 14, 2007
Race: Boardwalk Runners Half Marathon
City: Atlantic City
Cost: $40.00

This was my first time visiting New Jersey.  The boardwalk area reminded me of the French Quarter in New Orleans.  Nice areas with seedy areas within a block.  We arrived at the Boardwalk, checked into the Comfort Inn a block or so off the boardwalk near the host casino and headed to the casino to pickup our race packets.  Included in the packet was a free buffet at the host casino.  Carb loading problem solved!

Race options included a 5k, 10k, half marathon, and marathon.  Three of the four races started in one direction with the marathon heading the opposite direction at a shared start line.  This made for the most unique race start that I have witnessed to date.  You had marathon runners lined up on the hotel side of the boardwalk with all other racers lined up on the ocean side of the boardwalk with one chip mat across the boardwalk.

I ran within a minute of my half marathon the day before on a much flatter course.  I experienced tightness in my back towards the end of the race.... may have been the hills from the Baltimore half the day before catching up with me.

New Jersey was my last new state run in 2007.  I would run one more 1/2 marathon in 2007 for a total of 13 half marathons run in 12 states (10 new states).  It was also my speediest year with my top 4 times and 9 of my top 15 times coming in 2007 half marathons.

Up next: Michigan

Maryland

Order in which state was run: 30

Order in which state was admitted into the union: 7

The Maryland flag contains the family crest of the Calvert and Crossland families. Maryland was founded as an English colony in 1634 by Cecil Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore. The black and Gold designs belong to the Calvert family. The red and white design belongs to the Crossland family. Flag adopted 1904.

 

Date: October 13, 2007
Race: Under Armour Half Marathon
City: Baltimore
Cost: $57.00

The Under Armour Half Marathon was the first leg of my second Saturday Sunday back to back multi state half marathon weekend.  The half for this race weekend started 2 hours after the full start at the 13.1 mile mark of the full.  Nice for sleeping in but tough for checking out of the hotel post race.  No late checkouts were given as the Ravens had a home game the next day.

Packed bags pre race held with the valet and use of showers in the swimming pool area worked out fine.  After a post race lunch at the Cheesecake Factory, made the 4 hour? or so drive to Atlantic City to pick up my race packet for the half marthon Sunday in New Jersey.

 

Up next: New Jersey

2014 Let's Geaux Run! - The Louisiana Marathon Story

Great promo for one of my favorite half marathons.

Pennsylvania

Order in which state was run: 29

Order in which state was admitted into the union: 2

 

Pennsylvania's State Flag is composed of a blue field on which is embroidered the State Coat of Arms. The first State Flag bearing the State Coat of Arms was authorized by the General Assembly in 1799. An act of the General Assembly of June 13, 1907, standardized the flag and required that the blue field match the blue of Old Glory.

Date: September 16, 2007
Race: Philadelphia Distance Run
City: Philadelphia
Cost: $43.95

A little over a month after hobbling through a half marathon with a hamstring pull/slight tear, I came into PDR not knowing what to expect.  Some days are just perfect race days; your body and weather conditions combine for a speedy day.  PDR was one of those days as I logged my 2nd fastest race time for a half on a crisp, cool morning.

This was my first visit to Philadelphia.  The plan was to visit several museums  and soak in the history.  Just like perfect running conditions came together that weekend museum touring wasn't to be.  I did see the Liberty Bell and then I lost interest and just walked around the area taking in the atmosphere rather than spending time in museums.

 

Up next: Maryland