Vote for the Best Race Medal for the Week of September 8, 2014(poll at bottom of the medal photos)
Posted on 15 September 2014.
Vote for the Best Race Medal for the Week of September 8, 2014(poll at bottom of the medal photos)
Posted in Bling, Half Marathon, Marathon, Medals, Running, Ultra MarathonComments (0)
Posted on 09 September 2014.
Here are the finisher’s medals from the Tupelo Marathon & Half Marathon that took place on August 31, 2014 in Tupelo, Mississippi.
MORE PHOTOS OF MARATHON/ULTRA MEDALS AND BUCKLES
[marathon medal photo submitted by RIF #4 Marj Mitchell – follow her on Twitter @marathonmarj and half marathon photo submitted by Daniel Butler – follow him on Twitter @RunDanRun26]
Posted in Bling, Featured, Half Marathon, Marathon, MedalsComments (0)
Posted on 05 September 2013.
This is the finisher’s medal for the Tupelo 14.2 Miler that was held on September 1, 2013 in Tupelo, Mississippi.
They always give out unique and interesting medals. This year they paid tribute to Boston. The marathon medals are in Boston colors and it says “TRC Remebers Boston” on the back of the medal.
MORE PHOTOS OF MARATHON/ULTRA MEDALS AND BUCKLES
[Medal photo submitted by Daniel Butler. Follow him on Twitter @RunDanRun26]
Posted in Bling, Featured, MedalsComments (0)
Posted on 15 January 2013.
42 Mini Race Reports: Joshua Holmes’ 2012 in Review
Here is a quick look at the 42 races I ran in 2012. That total is comprised of 32 ultras and marathons that averaged 50.50 miles and ten shorter races consisting of 10k’s, 5k’s, etc.
2012 Marathons and Ultras for Joshua Holmes
I want to thank all the great people in the Run It Fast family, my friends, and especially my family for all of their support in helping make 2012 such a great success for me. Remember that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. The mind is stronger than the body. – joshua holmes
Posted in Marathon, Race Reports, Running, Ultra MarathonComments (1)
Posted on 12 December 2012.
Registration for the Tupelo Marathon & 14.2 Miler has opened as of today. The race will be on September 1, 2013 in Tupelo, Mississippi.
The race is a Southern favorite with it’s early 5am race start in the dark (to help avoid heat) and killer Skull ‘n Crossbones finisher’s medal and long-sleeved tie-dyed shirt.
This race always sells out and is capped around 800 entrants.
Tupelo is the birthplace of Elvis Presley and it’s a very quick trip just minutes away from where the race takes place.
You can register and read more about the race on the Tupelo Marathon & 14.2 Miler Website (HERE).
Posted in Half Marathon, Marathon, RunningComments (0)
Posted on 04 September 2012.
This is the medal for the Tupelo Marathon that was held on September 2, 2012 in Tupelo, Mississippi.
Wild medal! Kind of scary and the motto is hardcore but I would run a marathon for this medal!
Here are a few more photos of some of the RIF – The Club members that were there, the back of the marathon medal, and the medal for the half marathon (actually 14.2 miles):
Love that the half marathon medal for this is a broken half of the marathon medal! Fun stuff!
MORE PHOTOS OF MARATHON/ULTRA MEDALS AND BUCKLES
[medal and photo submitted by RIF #1 Joshua Holmes – follow him on Twitter @bayou and half marathon medal submitted by Leigh Eoff Marsh]
Posted in Bling, Featured, Half Marathon, Marathon, MedalsComments (0)
Posted on 31 August 2012.
Here is a look at where everyone is running this weekend. We had 51 responses this week. Good luck to everyone and Run It Fast!
To join Run It Fast – The Club then click HERE to read more details.
Storified by Joshua Holmes · Fri, Aug 31 2012 19:28:06
Posted in RunningComments (1)
Posted on 05 September 2011.
Here is the much anticipated finisher’s medal from the 2011 Tupelo Marathon that took place in Tupelo, Mississippi on September 4, 2011.
The Tupelo Marathon medal annually wins awards as one of the most popular marathon medals with marathoners each year.
The hippy inspired ‘Skull & Crossbones’ medal and race shirt make this one of the more popular marathons in the South every Labor Day weekend.
Was the medal from the Tupelo Marathon a hit or miss this year?
RELATED: 2010 Tupelo Marathon Finisher’s Medal
[medal photo submitted via Daniel Solera, shirt- Jeff Matlock]
Posted in Bling, Featured, Marathon, MedalsComments (1)
Posted on 05 October 2010.
Injured
I remember a time not so long ago when I didn’t get injured from running. Even though I have never been a super fast runner, I have been able to run extreme distances without any problems; I guess I thought that I was gifted in that respect.
But, here I am 41 years old, done countless races including a 100 mile road run in Key West on asphalt and concrete, and had no problems as a result except for a few (or so) lost toenails. But a few months ago, I bought the wrong shoes. Who would have thought that buying the wrong shoes would cause so many problems-but it did and now I’m struggling.
After I read “Born to Run”, I thought, wow, I would love to run effortlessly with little on my feet. So, I went for a run on the beach without any shoes and felt what it’s supposed to feel like. It felt good. But, could I run a marathon barefoot like Matt Jenkins on the pavement day after day? I’m not sure.
But the day that my injury took a turn for the worse was when I ran with barefoot Matt in the Tupelo Marathon. I really wished I was him on that day. Running barefeet and feeling the Earth with every step looked so appealing. But, instead I was running with a bad foot and feeling pain with every step. I could have DNF’d the marathon and in fact, should have. It’s not like I really cared about the race or my time. But, something kept me running. I don’t know what it was but something kept me running.
Was it the shoes, my stubborness that wouldn’t let me slow down, or my age that caused this injury? Or is 5 years too long to go without an injury. Was I due? These are all questions that I want answered. But regardless, the reality is that I have a problem that is keeping me from doing what I love to do.
For now, I can’t run the way I used to run. My foot injury is a distraction from what I love. Unless you are a runner or athlete, you cannot truly understand how devasting this can be to a person.
My passion is running outside short and long distances. Right now, I’m lucky if I can run short. Meanwhile, I need to figure out what the lesson is that I am supposed to be learning as a result of this injury. Maybe I am a fool for thinking that I am indestructable. Maybe I care too much about running. Maybe I need to think about other things in my life right now besides when I’m going to run my next ultra. Maybe I need to be grateful that even with this nagging injury, I am still a runner and am blessed to be able to do what I love.
Posted in Injuries, Marathon, RunningComments (3)
Posted on 30 September 2010.
I recently met marathoner Dana Casanave at the Tupelo Marathon back in September. She is an extremely impressive woman, mother of three; who transformed her life by losing 70 lbs by running.
Now she is helping transform the lives of South African orphans. Dana is in the process of running 52 marathons in 52 weekends for 52 different South African AIDS orphans (read more here).
Dana is our first runner profile on Run It Fast. We are thankful for her taking the time to sit down and answer our questions about running and her 52 Beginnings. Her story will inspire you.
Have you always been a runner?
Absolutely not! I used to despise running with almost the same intensity that I now love it. I never would have imagined I’d become a runner! I started having weight issues at age 7. I was never involved in sports in school. I was overweight until I was in my early 20’s and it wasn’t until after I gave birth to my second child that I finally decided to get my act together. I’ve lost about 70 pounds and running has totally transformed my life
So what got you into running?
I honestly just wanted to get in shape and lose weight. As the weight came off, I gradually found that I enjoyed running, especially as I built more endurance and could run for longer periods. It was a great outlet, especially for a mom of 3 little kids.
What made you decide to run your first marathon?
After a year of doing half marathons, I did my first marathon in 2007 because I thought it would be really cool to do my first 26.2 while I was 26 years old. Plus I was completely amazed that people could run that far! I wanted to prove to myself that I could too.
What is the toughest challenge of running a marathon every weekend?
I have to say that traveling is honestly the hardest part and trying to keep everything organized with my schedule. I know that if I make it to the start line, I will finish the race, so the real challenge is just getting there.
Do you run or train any during the week between marathons?
I do and the amount of running varies from week to week, but I find that active recovery allows my body to perform better. I keep my runs short (usually 3-4 miles a day) and also do upper body weight training to keep my core and back strong.
What is your favorite marathon to date?
I’ve had so many people ask me this question and I honestly don’t know that I could pick just one marathon. For small marathons, I love the Garden Spot Village Marathon in New Holland, PA. It’s through rolling hills in Amish countryside and it’s challenging, beautiful and peaceful. Leading Ladies in Spearfish, SD offered some of the most beautiful views for a woman’s only marathon event and Mesa Falls in Idaho was breathtaking as well. For you guys (or football fans) you must do the Sunburst Marathon in South Bend, IN. You get to start at the College football Hall of Fame and finish on the 50 yard line of the Notre Dame Stadium! The San Francisco Marathon has been one of my favorite big races this year and of course I love the Marine Corps Marathon, that I’ll be running for a 3rd time this year. Sorry, I didn’t do too well with picking just one did I?!
What marathon would you recommend to a fellow runner as a ‘must-do’ marathon?
I would highly suggest the Vermont City Marathon, Akron Marathon and Richmond Marathon along with the one’s listed above. They are all top notch events, with great support.
What is the toughest marathon you’ve done?
As far as physically challenging, I’d have to rank the Enviro-Sports Golden Gate Headlands Marathon up there. It’s 2 loops with some intense hills on trails near San Francisco. I’m not a trail runner by nature, and it was quite a challenge!
What is your hydration and nutrition like before, during, and after a marathon?
I don’t have a set standard for my nutrition habits. I try to eat as healthy as possible, but I don’t always eat pasta the night before a race, or have the same foods for my pre-race breakfast every time. I usually go with what sounds good and try to make sure I get a decent amount of carbs and salt. I drink whatever is offered on the course and will bring either a couple gels or a bag of candies in case I need it. I don’t have a system or plan for my eating, but I am careful to hydrate at every aid station regardless of how I feel. I will say that I’m a big fan of chocolate milk for pre-and post race recovery. I am a firm believer in getting protein as soon as possible once you cross the finish line and I find that’s a easy and quick way to do so.
So what made you decide to run 52 marathons in 52 weekends?
I wanted to be able to use my running to do something positive for others because running has changed my life in so many positive ways. I wanted to challenge myself to a physical height that very few people have accomplished, especially women. I also hoped it would inspire people to do what they are called to do, whatever that may be, to help others through something that they love. We all have something to give, we just need to go out there and do it!
Tell us more about your charity and where we can donate to it?
I’m running these marathons for the Virginia based charity 25:40. Their mission is to help orphans in South Africa, many of whom are orphaned because of the AIDS epidemic. I am trying to raise $26,000 for these children who live in severe poverty. All the money raised goes straight to help these children and will benefit over 1,500 orphans. You can go to my website at www.52beginnings.com to donate and follow along on my journey.
Will you still run marathons after completing your 52 in 52 weeks? If so, how often do you plan to run them?
Most definitely! I’ve already been struggling with the fact that next year I will have to cut down. It will be very bitter sweet to end this year of marathons. I look forward to not having to travel and have all the insanity that this year has been, but I know I’m also going to be doing a lot less. I’m still trying to decide what type of goals I want to set with running next year, and it may lead me in different directions (ultras or even trying to BQ) but I can’t see myself running much less than 12-20 next year.
What advice would you give to someone that is wanting to run their first marathon or half-marathon?
Train for your distance, and listen to your body. Go out and have a good time. If you enjoy it, you will most likely come back to do it again, and regardless of what the clock says you will get a PR! For the first 10 miles of the half, or 20 of the full, run at a pace that you feel like you could do all day. You will finish strong and pass people on your way to the finish line.
Favorite Running Shoes: Asics 20150’s
Click HERE to Check Out Dana’s Website 52 Beginnings
Photos of Marathon Maniac Dana Casanave
Posted in MarathonComments (0)