20 Verbs for 2020

As I contemplated the approaching new year and the beginning of a new decade, thoughts of what goals I might attach to this significant moment bounced around in my mind.  A few years ago I tried something new for 30 days throughout the year. The experience was entertaining and enlightening.  But not wanting to repeat […]

Celebrating 40 Years and 40 States: Skinny Raven Half Marathon in Alaska

As soon as we entered the terminal at the Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage, we knew we were in Alaska. Of course, that was where we planned to be but the surroundings instantly confirmed it. Even though our plane had landed in the middle of the night after traveling from Maine, we were mesmerized by […]

Horses, History, and a Hot 10,000 in Kentucky

When we realized that we had signed up to run a race in our 39th state on our 40th wedding anniversary it became clear that we needed to squeeze in another race before then so that we could keep the numbers copacetic. A stash of Southwest Airlines gift cards and some travel tips from our friend, Erik, […]

Diary of a Winter Warrior

What follows are the chronicles of my adventures as a “Winter Warrior” when I accepted the Runner’s Alley challenge to run or walk outdoors every day in January. January 1 Yay!  I started my Winter Warrior Challenge with the Hangover Classic 5K.  It was 50 degrees and sunny!  There were winds that gusted up to […]

Minneapolis

We arrived in Minneapolis a day before running the Boom Island Brewery Beer Run in July. A few weeks before leaving home we had booked our hotel through Hotwire. We frequently take advantage of excellent deals on hotels that are listed by star level, area, and price but without the actual hotel name revealed until you officially […]

True Love in Tennessee

After considering a number of options for our run in Tennessee we decided the Zen Evo Chocolate Lover’s 5K  would be a good choice.  Our goal was to coordinate so that Amelia could run a race with us.  Knoxville is about a 3.5 hour drive from their home in North Carolina so it was a […]

10 Reasons to Do A Quest

Doing this quest to run a race in every state has literally been life-changing. When Mike suggested it at the Philadelphia Marathon seven years ago we had no clue what an amazing adventure this would become.  We have become passionate about sharing our experiences and encouraging others to join the fun because we LOVE it! If […]

The Gift of Kindness

A couple of years ago our extended family decided to scale back on Christmas gifts. The plan was to exchange homemade gifts instead of purchasing more items. I think we were partially inspired by Marie Kondo and her book, The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up. I loved this concept and my family members created thoughtful, […]

Thanks, Big Guy

I am a worrier. It’s an unfortunate family tradition. But when we brought our big guy, Bentley, home from the shelter I had no worries-except how to get him in the car. But we did. He tolerated his bossy little “sister”, Abby who frantically announced in a decidedly unwelcoming manner that she was the boss.  […]

Run for Texas

  Although we live in Maine, far from Harvey’s path of devastation, we have close family and friends living in Houston. As the days of destruction unfolded while Harvey bore down on Texas, I found myself completely wrapped up in the events.  I eagerly awaited the emails from family recounting their experiences. Facebook posts marking […]

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