The Road To Guinness

In the "Spotlight" with Jessica

2012-02-10T09:11:00.000-08:00

Meet the ambitious and beautiful Jessica from Denver!

1 John 4:4...........Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world.

It is only through Gods almighty grace and favor that I have been blessed with the ability and the privilege to pursue my dreams. I am currently a third year student at the William M. Scholl College of Podiatric medicine in North Chicago, IL. A 2002 graduate of Montbello high school in Denver, CO I have never let go of Gods unchanging hand, and never will…

Throughout my life my parents reiterated the importance of faith, school, hard work, manners, responsibility and service. Along with my three brothers I was raised in a household that encourage surpassing the previous generation in every aspect of life, we could not make bad grades, college was not an option, and my parents practiced constant admiration and encouragement. Although my father worked two jobs, when he was able he would regularly drive by the house of an African American Surgeon and say “see Jessica, he went to Southern, and one day you can have all of that.” I thank God for my parents and the sacrifices that they have and continue to make on my behalf. I can never repay them but I can pass on all that they have taught and instilled in me.

2002 - Bachelor of Science degree in Biology , Southern University and A&M College - Baton Rouge, LA

2007 - Graduate biomedical engineering research - Debakey Institute at Texas A&M University

2009 – Master of Health Care Administration, University of Memphis - Memphis, TN

2013 – Doctor of Podiatric medicine, Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine @ Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science – North Chicago, IL

Even though I had great mentors and incredible parents and a very supportive extended family, medical school hit me like a brick academically, emotionally and financially. In the future I pray that I can prevent this from happening to as many aspiring students entering the medical field as I can reach through unwavering community involvement. It is invaluable for children to have someone to come to with their questions and concerns, someone to educate and guide them through their future and with God’s help I pray that someone is me.

Thank you for allowing me to share my story and if I can be of assistance to anyone pursuing a similar career please feel free to email me at Jessica_richason@yahoo.com .

God Bless,

Jessica M. Richason

Surf City Marathon - 2-5-2012

2012-02-06T17:03:00.000-08:00

I love Surf City Marathon! February 5, 2012

What a beautiful day in Huntington Beach California. I finished 5:56:22.

2012 Surf City Marathon

www.youtube.com

The 2012 Surf City Marathon was a beautiful race along the Pacific Ocean. Come and run all 26.2 with Joe "The Marathon Show".

ROCK THE CANAL MARATHON - February 4, 2012

Rock the Canal Marathon was held in Riverside California. The course was run on the canal with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and orange groves. I finished 6:45:31

Set your sights high,

the higher the better,

Expect the most wonderful

things to happen, not in

the future, but right now.

-Eilleen Caddy-

In the "Spotlight" with GWR holder Larry Macon

2012-02-05T19:08:00.000-08:00

Meet 3 time Guinness World Record holder Mr. Larry Macon!

At 67 years young Larry breaks three world Records! Larry broke the record for "Most Marathons Run in a Calendar Year" by a man three times!!! He ran 113 marathons last year. Congrats Larry on an amazing accomplishment.

67-year-old marathon runner breaks 3 world records - Fox News Video - Fox News

video.foxnews.com

Larry Macon on his love for running

GREAT ACHIEVERS

I am fascinate by other people's

creativity and productivity.

I am in awe of their dedication

and determination to fulfill

their talents and desires.

Great achievers are those who

follow the yearnings of their souls.

They are those who challenge themselves

with daily sacrifices

and relentlessly endure the

inconveniences and consequences

that occur as a result to their goals.

They are focused on developing themselves,

mastering their unique abilities,

and making their dreams a part

of their lifestyles.

They create their own lives

by never wasting a single day

and possessing the inner strength

to carry on through all of life's changes

with an open mind

and a hopeful heart.

-Deanna Beisser-

Desert Classic Marathon - 1/28/2012

2012-01-31T07:09:00.000-08:00

Desert Classic Marathon - Surprise, Arizona - 1/28/2012

Desert Classic Marathon is an Arizona original. It's an easy out and back course and the weather was great too. I finished 6:15:18

Here's a nice article that was published on Active.com.
http://www.active.com/walking/Articles/Breaking-the-Guinness-Book-of-World-Records-by-Walking.htm?cmp=1747

Run in the Sun Marathon - Lake Forest, CA - 1/29/2012

Run in the Sun is one of my favorite local races. I finished 6:40:07

I had the pleasure of walking with the legendary Mr. Jim Simpson. Jim's has run 875 lifetime marathons! Jim celebrated his 70th birthday and hopes to reach 1000 lifetime marathons within the next two years. That's amazingly awesome... Congrats Jim!

DREAM THE IMPOSSIBLE

All who have accomplished great things
have had a great aim
and fixed their gaze
on a gaol which was high -
one which sometimes seemed
impossible.
-Orison Swett marden-

In the "Spotlight" with Shannon from Southern California!

2012-01-29T15:00:00.000-08:00

Meet Shannon an amazing Chef from Southern California!

This week featured in the spotlight is Shannon owner and chef of City Chick Premiere Catering and Personal Chef Service, armed with a passion for cooking. She's an inspiring chef with big dreams. Checkout City Chick Catering's website.

www.citychickcatering.com

People Who Achieve Success...

They have confidence in themselves

They have a very strong sense of purpose

They never have excuses

They always strive towards perfection

They never consider the idea of failing

They work extremely hard towards their goals

They know who they are

They understand their weaknesses

as well as their strong points

They can accept and benefit from criticism

They know when to defend what they arr doing

They are creative

They are not afraid to be a little different

They look for innovative solutions

that will enable them to achieve their dreams

-Susan Polis Schutz-

Carlsbad Marathon 1-22-2012

2012-01-23T09:07:00.000-08:00

CARLSBAD MARATHON January 22, 2012

Carlsbad Marathon was my very first half marathon back in 1998. Who would have thought that fourteen years later I would have power walked 307 full marathons??? Not me. I finished 5:56:34

I enjoyed walking a few miles with Paula and Sara!

I run/walk because it's so symbolic of life. You have to drive yourself to overcome the obstacles. You might feel that you can't. But then you find your inner strength, and realize you're capable of so much more than you thought.
-unknown Arthur-

Nothing can be done without hope and confidence!
Keep believing...
-Yolanda "Walking Diva"

In the "Spotlight" with Rich from St. Louis

2012-01-23T06:54:00.000-08:00

Meet Rich from St. Louis...He's awesome!!!

Hi, my name is Richard Anderson, and I am currently the president of the St. Louis Track Club, established 1970. Here's some brief facts about our club:

We have over 1000 members, and welcome all levels of participation at our events from elite runners, recreational runners & walkers, to casual walkers. Our annual memberships are $30, which includes everyone in the household. The change from "family" memberships to "household" memberships was an important step forward to include & embrace non-traditional households. The main benefits of our memberships are the monthly magazine, and discounts (more than $30 annually) to all our events. We are a 501(c)3 State of Missouri Not for Profit Corporation, and have (4) paid positions; Office Admin, Web Admin, Editor, and Treasurer.

Our most well known member, 3-time 10,000m Olympian Craig Virgin, was inducted into the 2011 USA Track & Field Hall of Fame December 3, and we stand very proud of his accomplishments. We also have 2 members, Adam MacDowell & Julie Lossos, who have qualified for the U.S. Olympic Marathon trials, and will be at the starting line to test their skills against the finest in the country in Houston in January.

Here's all about me in a nutshell:

I'm 54 years old, a St. Louis native, and have been involved in track & field for the last 40 years. I've lived here most of my life, with the exception of living in Southern California during the '80s, with a front row seat participating in the rebirth of distance running in the U.S. By education I'm an engineer/physicist, and have worked in the profession since college, both teaching at the college/university level, and in structural design & analysis for several major aerospace companies. I am currently a Senior V.P/Principal Engineer for a St. Louis-based corporation.

My passion has always been physical fitness, specifically running, and I still compete in such events as the Senior Olympics, World Masters Track & Field Outdoor Championships, and the USA Track & Field Masters Indoor Championships. Although my proudest honor has been to be elected to lead such an organization, steeped generations deep in running tradition, I will be ending my tenure as president of our club on Dec 31, 2011, but will remain on the board of directors to continue my position for the 3rd consecutive year as race director of our marquee race, the 2012 USA Track & Field Regional Half-Marathon Championship/33rd Annual St. Louis Track Club Half-Marathon. This race takes place the first Sunday each November. Our race attracts such international talent as Kenyan standouts Philip Lagat, Sammy Rotich, & Mica Tirop to name a few, but is just as well known as the "less than $50" race, considered by far the best value in our region.

Our race, although a USATF Championship, is also a walker friendly event, and will always be such as long as I am race director. Our focus is inclusiveness, and we have a walkers committee to help us archive this objective, which can get lost without proper attention and planning. We are proud to welcome all levels of ability, and wear this as a badge of honor, a distinction that not all races can claim. We are the only major race to still allow walkup, race day registration in the age of $145 mega races. We embrace our uniqueness

Our club's mission, in a nutshell, is to be the regional resource for providing health & wellness support to the St. Louis metropolitan area, which includes western IL. A second, but just as important part of our mission is to be an excellent community partner, and we do this by supporting charitable organizations with direct funding. We support the Special Olympics, Pathways to Independence, Girls on the Run, & Forest Park Forever, just to name a few. One of the best examples of our success in the region is not our elite races, but our winter "Frostbite Series", which is a 5-week (every other week) winter training/racing series which draws about 8,000 participants. We are proud to be able to provide a venue for our community to stay fit, even in freezing temperatures, from December through February. It is our most popular event, and we consider participation in it as feedback that we are doing something in our community worth doing.

Thanks,

Richard Anderson, President

St. Louis Track Club est. 1970

http://www.stlouistrackclub.com

6136 Southwest Ave.

St. Louis MO 63139

(314) 781-3726 (office)

(314) 435-8822 (mobile)

RNR Arizona - 1/15/2012

2012-01-16T11:55:00.000-08:00

Rock N Roll Arizona Marathon one of my favorite winter races.

Why do I workout? I'm at a high risk for diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. I don't want this as my future. I found a workout that I enjoy and it comes with some great swags. Beautiful medals, traveling to some great cities, and I have met some of the most amazingly beautiful people!

"Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase."
-Martin Luther King Jr.-

In the "spotlight" with Daniel from New York!

2012-01-16T08:24:00.000-08:00

Meet Daniel from New York and see the face of determination!

2001 was the year that changed my life. I’ll never forget the pain that radiated throughout my chest. I’ve heard of heart attacks, I’ve never had one, but I knew something was happening that wasn’t quite right. I kept feeling pains in my left side and I was petrified. The pain was so sharp, that it would paralyze me with fear.

Unable to face this fear, I turned to my usual comfort, food. There I was, possibly having a massive heart attack, but lifting the lid of the pot to grab a spoonful of arroz con pollo (chicken and rice). This how bad my addiction to food was.

I realized I had to check myself into a hospital as soon as possible. I was overcome with emotion at the thought of saying goodbye to my daughter forever. I took a cab to the closest hospital and was immediately admitted. Extensive tests were run, and I was told that I was not having a heart attack. My relief was short lived as they found highly elevated sugar levels in my blood.

Right then and there, I was diagnosed as a Type 2 diabetic. I was grateful that I wasn’t having a heart attack, but still there was this dread. Diabetes meant to me a lifetime sentence. I was so angry with myself, with no one to blame but myself for my predicament.

I was in the hospital for 4 or 5 days. During that time the doctors performed a variety of tests, one in particular was the stress test. It was humiliating, because even the smallest of activity left me breathless.

A battery of health care professionals came to see me while I was hospitalized. They all seemed to have the same message, to change my life and my destructive habits.

Their change meant medication, but I wanted a different way. I didn’t want to be chained to a medicine cabinet for the rest of my life. I remember going over my test results with an endocrinologist, and his prescriptions. I could feel this wasn’t right, something inside me couldn’t accept this. I pleaded with him to let me try to balance my life. I would eat right and exercise for the first time in my life. The skepticism in the doctor’s eyes was understandable, but I was adamant.

So I started researching about diet, exercise, and diabetes. I wanted to become informed about this disease and how I could fight it naturally. The run/walk program from the American Heart Association’s website was a revelation. After pouring over the information from their site, I decided I would follow this plan. It consisted of an end goal of running for 30 minutes building up in increments. Initially, you run for 1 minute and walk for 29 gradually increasing the time spent running. I was fired up with idea of finally taking control of my life, running a minute seemed completely feasible. Then came the harsh reality of actually running that minute. The humbling stark truth was that even 30 seconds seemed more than arduous but impossible. I even wrote in my journal how can runners run for hours when 30 seconds seemed so long. But nevertheless I was determined to run that minute and succeeded. I finally was able to run 30 minutes in four months time, bringing tears of joy to my eyes.

I ran on my treadmill for a few years, afraid to run in the streets like “real” runners. But entering my daughter in roadrunner’s races sparked my interest in running in race for myself. With a friend’s added encouragement, I completed a father’s day 5-mile race.

The solace I sought in Chinese food and pizzas, I replaced with the serenity of running. Since starting this life style change, I have lost almost 200 pounds, reversed the effects of my diabetes and improved my asthma. I have successfully completed 9 marathons. I have gained a great new circle of friends that support this change. I have the security of knowing I will see my daughter grow up. I guess you could say that running saved my life.

-Daniel-

My Fair Wedding with Danica 1/15/2012

2012-01-13T12:48:00.000-08:00

Check out Danica on "My Fair Wedding"

WE tv, Sunday January 15, 2012

check your local listing

My beautiful friend Danica will be on My Fair Wedding! Congrats Danica!!!

www.chicrunner.com

My Fair Wedding: Danica & Bryan

www.wetv.com

David is skeptical about Danica's "barbecue picnic" theme but is very impressed by how well she has executed her plan thus far.

YAY another sneak peek for the episode on Sunday! Can't wait! http://www.wetv.com/my-fair-wedding/videos/my-fair-wedding-surprising-the-bride

My Fair Wedding: Surprising The Bride

www.wetv.com

David surprises Danica with a relaxing bridal shower, complete with facials, champagne and gourmet picnic food.

Check your local listing for time...

Camarillo & Running from a Angel Marathon - 1-8-2012

2012-01-10T17:53:00.000-08:00

Camarillo Marathon had winds gusting to 46 mph!!! I had ten miles of strong gusting head winds but I managed to finish 6:18:50.

Happy New Year Todd and welcome back Guillermo...we missed you...

Wishing you many marathons in 2012 Eddie, Charles and Hector!

Be at peace with yourself. If you are not at peace with yourself, you are at peace with nothing.
-Oprah-

Running from a Angel Marathon

January 7, 2012

Beautiful blue skies and perfect temperatures at Lake Mead. Running from a Angel is one of my favorite winter marathon. I finished 6:15:20

Keep going. That pain you feel? That's fear melting away. Like wax off a candle. That's weakness washing out of your pores like a monsoon. That's the old you being shed away like dead skin. That's the new you, rising out of the ashes of your former self.
- Author Unknown-

In the "Spotlight" with Valerie

2012-01-09T08:15:00.000-08:00

Here's an update on the beautiful and courageous Valerie!

What an honor to update my story! On this blog in April 2011, I shared how running helped me overcome anorexia. The truth is, I have struggled with both sides of the weight issue. When I was around 10, I started to gain weight and became a chubby girl. I was made fun of by the majority of my peers, and I grew to hate my body and hate feeding my body. Later, in my teenage years I started to think about nutrition and naturally began to lose weight. At some point, though, after losing a lot of weight my healthy eating turned into a game of restriction and self-control. I lived my waking moments continually calculating how many calories I had eaten that day. I still hated my body and feeding it, and this was how I felt control in my life. As family issues surfaced, I dealt with them by eating even less and feeling powerful for doing so.

And, then as I described in April, I decided to become a runner in 2000. This truly freed me and my need to restrict. The dramatic change in my life and health is encapsulaated ina quote by one of my favorite ultrarunners ( and ex-anorexic) Pam Reed in her novel The Extra Mile:

‎"And when change did accour for me, it wasn't in the context of treatment for anorexia. It was in the context of running. When running (which I very much wanted to do) came into conflict with eating (which still made me uncomfortable), something had to give."

I am grateful that the running "won" and my life forever changed. Since my original Spotlight in April, my personal life has been rough. Family issues resurfaced, and my marriage went from bad to worse. This eight-month period has been one fo the most stressful in my entire life. In the past, I would have dropped 10-20 pounds from this stress- turning to physical hunger as a comfort.

Remembering back to this August, there were about 2 weeks when I went hungry...thinking I was a bit too big which stemmed from the stress I was dealing with. I lost 5 pounds in 2 weeks and during that time I felt too weak to run. My muscles ached even though I was not running. This scared me, as it was the closest I have come to sliding down the dangerous anorexia slide in a really long time. Fortunately, a race was approaching that I had had my eye on for several months. After some encouraging words from many including Yolanda, Ed FancyPants, and the race director Rajeev, I signed up for the 50 miler a few days before the race. My desire to run this race pulled me out of the funk I was in and stopped my restrictive behaviors. For me, running really cures all.

My main way of coping during this time of stress has been to set higher goals with my running. Since my first Spotlight in April 2011, I have completed 4 ultras and 5 marathons. This included my longest run ever of 55.8 miles in a 12 hour timed race July 2011 and winning 1st place female in a 50-miler August 2011. I just completed my biggest achievement yet: 4 marathons in 4 days at the Savage Seven Marathons. Yes, Marathon Maniac #1057 now has 6 stars!!! My times ranged from 4:57 to 5:22 for the four marathons. I am incredibly proud of myself. With running, I like my body even though I am not stick thin, I like feeding my body, and I love what my body can accomplish.

When I was anorexic, I was so self-centered: my entire focus was on my self and my eating and getting thinner. Now, even though I do spend "me" time running, my main priority is my 2-year-old son Sebastian. I provide for him and am present with him in ways I could never have been when my eating was disordered. Running has helped me become a healthier, kinder person and I believe a great mother.

-Valerie-

Please forward to all the girls and young women in your life.

In the "Spotlight" with Chris

2012-01-04T09:06:00.000-08:00

My awesome & handsome nephew Chris graduated from Piedmont High School in San Jose California and is now attending The American Academy of Dramatic Arts!

Chris to accomplish great things, we must not only plan, but also believe. The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined. Dream big Chris!!!

My brother Rodney, a very proud father! Congrats Rodney you did it!

Good luck Chris. We love you!

Chris and brother Alex with Samuel L Jackson.

BELIEVE

Believe in the power of believing. Say, "I believe", and believe it. Believe in something, anything, that gives you the courage and strength to continue on when it would be so easy to give up. Believe that you're beautiful. Believe it when someone tells you, "You deserve to be happy". Believe that you have choices and that you can choose wisely.

-Rachel Snyder-

Across the Years 72/48/24 Hour Run

2012-01-01T20:21:00.000-08:00

ACROSS THE YEARS 72/48/24 HOUR RUN

Across The Years is a fixed-time multiday running event celebrating the New Year. Runners have 24, 48, or 72 hours to cover as much distance as possible. I walked the 48 hour event. Each runner is free to run, walk, stop, eat and sleep whenever they wish, but the clock is always running. I met this amazing young woman, Jameelah, stay tuned for her story. Sneak preview: She drove from Atlanta to Phoenix, was 10 hours late, got out of her car and started running and ran the first 12 hours non stop at a 9-10 minute mile pace!!! Unbelievable...

The race was held at Camelback Ranch in Glendale Arizona. Camelback Ranch is the spring training facility for the Chicago White Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers. The course is a 1.05 mile loop on primarily gravel path with short sections of asphalt and concrete. The course features beautiful desert landscaping, lush greenery, and a lake with waterfall.

Congratulations Tony "Endorphin Dude"! Tony made Titanium! 52 marathons in 52 weeks! You are truly an inspiration.

Congrats to Cyndie, second place Marathon Maniac of the Year!!! You are awesome my friend!

It was a pleasure to walk a few miles with Western State 100 Mile finisher Tammy from Maryland.

It was fun camping out but at night it dropped down to the low 30's. I finished 105 miles in less than 36 hours. Across the Years was an awesome race and an excellent race for first timers. The food was the best. I have four buckles!!!

Never say never, challenge yourself, dream big, set goals, believe you can and you will achieve your goals. Happy 2012!

-Yolanda "Walking Diva"

New Year Wish - 12-31-2011

2011-12-25T23:21:00.000-08:00

NEW YEAR WISH

As I look back on 2011, I thought to myself that I didn’t do anything amazing…In 2010 I broke the Guinness World Record “Most Marathons Run in a Calendar Year” by a woman. The record was held by a woman in Italy and she ran 100 marathons in 2002. I broke her record and set a new GWR of 106 marathons. In 2011 I did some pretty amazing things too.

The first amazing thing I did in 2011 was I met some of the most amazingly beautiful and inspirational people and I put them in the “spotlight” on my blog. I want to say THANK YOU to everyone that shared their amazing stories. Your stories inspired and motivated many people to get fit and get healthy. Thank you to all and keep inspiring.

The second amazing thing I did was I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried some new adventures and I checked a few things off my bucket list. I did 31 races total and two were 100 milers. Each ultra marathon is different and you’ll never know what’s going to happen unless you give it a try. The Run-de-Vours 100 miler I finished in 25:47and EC 100 Miler I finished in 29:57 with three minutes to spare. I did a Mud Run, and was one of 8,123 runners that participated in the Santa Run that broke the Guinness World Record for the most Santa’s. There were lights and cameras on the red carpet at the Stiletto Dash.

Another amazing high light was my 300 lifetime marathon at Catalina ECO Marathon on the beautiful Catalina Island and I finished off the year with a 48 hour run at “After The Years 48 Hour Run" in Arizona and I completed 105 miles.

My wish for you in 2012, get fit, be healthy and find your own “happy”. Wishing you a healthy and happy year and May all your dreams come true. You are the creator of your own destiny. You have the power to plant your own garden and find peace and serenity in places most people don’t or can’t see. I wish for you to have the courage to live a life true to thyself and not the life others expect of you. Life is a choice and it is your life. The amazing thing about life is that you choose what you allow into it, you choose how things affect you, and you choose how you react. Choose wisely, choose honestly and choose happiness. Happiness is a choice and you create your own happiness.

Keep believing in yourself and your dreams. You’re never too young to try something new. Start today living your dream and to accomplish your dreams you must not only act but also dream and not only plan but also believe. To be successful you must shine your own light, follow your own path. Leisure walking is one of my favorite escapes and opportunity to reflect on my life issues. You are an amazing person and may God continue to shine his light and blessing on you in 2012.

-Yolanda”Walking Diva”-

In the "Spotlight" with Keira from Southern California

2011-12-17T17:22:00.000-08:00

Meet the gorgeous elite Ultra Marathoner Keira from Southern California...She's strong, fast, and amazingly fabulous!!!

My name is Keira Henninger and I am the race director of Top notch Ultra-Marathons & Trail Races all across Southern California and I am also a competitive ultra-marathon runner ranking in the top 20 women in the United States. I strongly believe in the positive mental benefits of running, as it has played an important part in my own emotional healing through life.

I was raised in a house that backed onto a large open space reserve, with miles of trails, but it was also an extremely abusive household. Both physically and mentally it was never a peaceful place growing up. Given that the house was a scary place to be, myself and my siblings spent all day on weekends playing outside on the trails. I was a huge tomboy, and started running cross country in middle school. By the time I reached high school I had tried every sport I could get to, but it was always running that I was most talented at. I cannot imagine living and not running, and to me the sun is God's medicine. I love to play outside running on trails.

But it wasn’t just running that got me through the hard times, I quickly learned to mentally separate myself from the situation, and pray. Most would think that God was never answering my prayers by letting the abuse always happen, but I believe the total opposite: If it wasn’t for God I would have never made it out of my childhood alive; He was my saving grace as a child, and my strength and rock today; He answers every single prayer I ask of him. Do not ever be afraid to pray bold prayers, and have faith.

I also became used to making responsible decisions from an early age. At 19 I had a baby, but I was determined to not let that shape the course of my life. We are the choices we make. It’s OK to make mistakes as they are learning tools, but it’s not OK to continually make the same mistakes. Learn from your bad days, and move on. Forgive, forget, and just move on. Hard work coupled with consistency and determination will only lead to success. I have overcome challenges and experiences that would give many people an excuse for failure. But in my case, they have only made me more straightforward. I am a fighter, and if one door closes I look for a better one to open.

I am big on integrity, and really meaning what you say to people. Do not say things you cannot back up, as it will only end up hurting you in the end. I also think it’s important to love the heck out of yourself. Be your own biggest fan: so many people destroy their own success by cutting themselves down everyday.

I always remind myself if I made it through my childhood I can make it through anything. Always look at the worst you have been through, and then think about how bad the situation is now you are in. There is nothing wrong with showing yourself some love! Just by trial and error I started going out of my way to compliment myself everyday. I made it a point to catch myself whenever I said anything negative, and would replace it with positive words. I try and just remind myself that I am a great mom, strong, kind, fit, and am capable of anything I set my mind to. The craziest thing of all? In 2005 I ran my first marathon, and it took me almost 5 hours to finish. In 2010 I won the Angeles Crest 100 mile race in the high mountains of the Angeles National forest. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, and sheer determination. The world can be yours if you just reach for the sky. All my information can be found on my website at: www.keirahenninger.com/
-Keira-

Keira Henninger
Leona Divide 50LLC
949 322~2048http://leonadivide5050.com
http://Lospinos50k.com
http://leonavalleytrailraces.com
http://RAYMILLER5050.COM
http://griffithparktrailruns.com
www.keirahenninger.com
http://keirahenninger.blogspot.com/

In the "Spotlight" Pvt. Ronnie D Hampton II

2011-12-17T10:51:00.000-08:00

Pvt. Ronnie D Hampton II

I am honored to spotlight my nephew Pvt. Ronnie D Hampton II. Pvt. Ronnie graduated from Marine Corp Recruit Depot San Diego, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion. Platoon 2125!

Pvt. Ronnie will be going to Carolina to study "Combat Engineering". Good luck Pvt. Ronnie!

As we pray for America, we also pray for the soldiers, airmen and sailors who help keep our nation free. The brave men and women in our military sacrifice each and every day to let Americans live a life where they are free to worship God and to be safe from our enemies. We should never forget the sacrifices that they have made, not just today, but in years past. And not just those serving in the military. The families of our men and women in uniform give to our country as they make hard decisions that allow their loved ones to serve.

Thank you Pvt. Ronnie D Hampton II and the Hampton family!

In the "Spotlight" with Violeta

2011-12-10T16:58:00.001-08:00

Meet the amazingly beautiful and determined Violeta from Southern California!

I wasn't always so active, I started running because of my stressful life stye, it was a dream to me to run a full marathon, I could barely run for 15 min without running out of breath. My dream came true on May of 2009 my first full marathon, never ran 8 miles before that and with only 3 weeks of training, I crossed that finish line at Los Angeles Marathon after almost crying at mile 22, but never giving up. It was such a great feeling of accomplishment that I will never forget!

That same year on December coming back from my second life time marathon Las Vegas Rock and Roll, we had a car accident at the junction of the highway 215 and 15, ice on the road, raining conditions, wind blowing too strong, who knows what caused our car to go off the road and down the cliff, the car rolled down more than 3 times landing upside down, I was trapped and just wanted to get out to see if my kids were safe. When I got out they were already out and safe with minor scratches, I had no idea how bad my injuries were at that time, right after seeing my 2 girls safe I passed out, waking hrs later in the hospital with 7 fractured bones in my spinal cord, 2 head concussions, a black eye, bruises and cuts all over. The most essential tasks like sitting up from my bed, walking to the restroom, reaching to put on my socks was a challenge itself. The injuries kept me from running for about 4 months, God knows how many times I tried to run before that only to stop after a mile because of the excruciating pain.

April of 2010 and after one and a half month of hard work and dedication reached my first 10 miles. Finally signed up for a half marathon on May of 2010 which i finish at 2:11, my next half marathon was the following month June of 2010. I had woken up to a new me, the following month I ran San Francisco Marathon finishing at 4:51. When I crossed that finish line at SF it was more than just getting a medal, it was believing in myself that if I wanted it and worked for it I would achieve it. October I ran Long Beach Marathon, December ran Las Vegas Rock and Roll, went back to celebrate my survival, since, its been my reborn Anniversary Marathon, also in December ran Operation Jack Marathon.

In 2010 I ran 2 half marathons and 4 full marathons coming back stronger than ever from a horrendous injury with the most positive attitude and coming across very wonderful people along the way, these marathons also qualified me to become a Marathon Maniac, my new running family!

I set a goal for 2011 of running 12 marathons in 12 months but I exceeded my goal and I'm about to complete 20 marathons on December 26th of 2011.

Now, people ask me "why do you run so much" ... I run because I can, because I was given a second chance at life, to live it to the fullest, to encourage those who can but wont, I run because I know its a gift for me now and because I know how it feels to want but can't. ""I don't live to run, I RUN TO LIVE""

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my story, I hope that this could motivate other people to never give up, never underestimate themselves, to work hard for what they want and that believing is achieving.

-Violeta-

Rock N Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon 12-4-2011

2011-12-05T17:01:00.001-08:00

This was the first year the Las Vegas Marathon was run at night. I did the half marathon because of the strict cutoff. I finished 2:47:06

This was my first year of really enjoying me. The Santa Run, Stiletto Dash and a half marathon in one weekend was awesome. I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried something new and loved it!!!

You Can Be Anything You Dream Of
Every day has its own rewards and its own unique challenges. None of us has the same exact worries or responsibilities, because life is shaped around each of us as individuals. It's important to remember that we all create our own worlds. Who we are and the way we act are how we control our lives. There are endless opportunities for us to change and rearrange the day-to-day moments we are given. It's up to each of us to decide which way we want to go; how far or how fast we go in life are the choices we all must make for ourselves.
Deanna Beisser-

Rock N Roll Stiletto Dash 12-3-2011

2011-12-05T16:26:00.001-08:00

The Rock N Roll Stiletto Dash had lights, cameras, red carpet, glitter, glamour and a lot of fun!!! WOW!!!

I got interviewed by the beautiful Heather Ford!

Marathon Maniac Marcia made it to the second round.

There was pretty ladies with pretty dresses!

I didn't fall or lose my shoes...I survived the first "Stiletto Dash" and had a good time. I loved it!!! My dress is by "Running Skirts"

www.runningskirts.com

We received a tote bag, stiletto key chain and a necklace.

Las Vegas Santa Run 12-3-2011

2011-12-05T15:55:00.001-08:00

LAS VEGAS SANTA RUN

Las Vegas regained the Guinness World record for the most runners dressed in Santa suites at the Las Vegas Great Santa Run! This was the seventh annual event and I was one of 8,123 participants that ran the 5K and one mile walk. The World Santa Challenge record was previously held by Liverpool England.

Monica of Fox 5 News was the host and also interviewed me last year when I broke the Guinness World Record.

Larry is one of the guys in the show "Divas" at Imperial Palace Hotel.

And our own Maniac celebrity "Angie" from Utah!!!

I was apart of history!

Long Beach Interview 11-29-2011

2011-11-29T11:34:00.001-08:00

Long Beach Interview

2011 International City Bank Long Beach Marathon (Part One covered by Long Beach Voices)

www.youtube.com

Host/Writer Bianca Blanco Executive Producer/Writer/Editor: Stephen Metz Producer/Marketing: Jorge Rivera

In the "Spotlight" with Jennifer from California

2011-11-27T11:38:00.001-08:00

Meet the amazingly fabulous Jennifer from Northern California!

Rounding the corner I see the cones and know I’m close. Down the small embankment to hit the pavement of the parking lot. There it is the finish line. No crowds, no cheers most of the finish broken down. One foot in front of the other I crossed. 6 hours and 28 min I did it. Years ago this would have never been a thought let alone a reality. At age 19 I had back surgery. Changed my life forever or so I thought. Cautious is how I lived my life. 2008 became the year to start the change. I quit smoking after 20 years. 2009 I dug up the courage to join a gym. It was a small gym in the strip mall by my office. Unfamiliar territory that was scary and exciting at the same time. Big frumpy clothing feeling like everyone was watching me. When I started I could hardly walk on a treadmill. I was so out of shape. At that time I had no other goal then to get healthy. I was shedding the pounds quickly. My confidence was building and the energy was galore. A friend got me a complimentary membership to 24 hour fitness so that I could workout with her. I was more then ready to make the move. Sadly life evolved and she moved away.

This new world I had stepped into eventually embraced me. I was meeting new people and trying everything in the gym. No more frumpy clothes and looking around to see who was watching me. I felt great. In January 2010 I wanted a new challenge. I couldn’t hardly run for 2 minutes but there was an draw to running. So much time on the treadmill watching people just run and run. That is when it came to me. I would do a half marathon. Most people thought I was crazy. Research was needed since I had no idea what I needed to do. Found a flat course and signed up. For months I gradually built up to be able to run/walk for hours. Last minute I signed up for a local 5k. It was another new world to me. Starting horn went off and there was a huge surge forward. This was not an easy course with a couple of very steep hills and trail running. Both of which I was not prepared for. My friend told me it is ok to walk, just take your time. So I did just that. Before I knew it I was headed up this dirt path where there where many people looking down. The voices where coming from left and right. “Your almost there” and “The shoot is right here”. Hit the top of the hill and banked to the left. There it is the finish line. As I crossed they announced my name. I loved it! Soon followed up with a 10k. September 5, 2010 came quickly, Disneyland , 13.1 miles, my big day. My only goal was to finish. Which I did in 3 hours 4 minutes.

The feeling of pride was explosive. The medal didn’t hurt either. I did small races for the rest of the year and loved everyone of them. 2011 Set two goals of a half marathon in February at Disneyworld and another in September at is Disneyland.

July 2, 2011 my life changed. I was up early and out the door for my training run. After my run I hit the shower. As I was washing my hair I noticed that there was huge clumps of hair in my hands. It just kept coming out more and more. Within 3 weeks I had lost all my hair. Doctor after doctor I was not getting any answers. Hormone levels, vitamin levels, and organ issues. Still no one can tell me why I lost my hair or what was going on with me. It is hard to explain how most days feels like my body is just shutting down. I just wasn’t going to give up. I signed up for another half marathon on 10/2/2011. Ultimate challenge of a full marathon is what I needed. Signed up for the Malibu marathon. Only goal was to finish. Tore up my feet pretty bad that day but I finished which was all that mattered. Since then I keep thinking about the next run. Safe to say I am addicted to running. Even possibly that I am running for my life.
-Jennifer-

In the "Spotlight" with Steve

2011-11-20T10:08:00.001-08:00

Meet the strong, confident, and amazing Steve from California!

HOW I GOT STARTED:

My first steps in running a marathon began when a friend of mine asked if I wanted to run a marathon in the year 2008 and raise money for Aids Project Los Angeles (APLA) . At first, I was a little hesitant, but quickly realized this was a good motivation to lose weight and raise money for a good cause. It was also a commitment of 6 months, and at this time I was going through a divorce, so this couldn't have come at a better time, Something to keep my mind off my personal life and use my energy to help others.

The experience I encountered with the APLA group was amazing, They truly supported me through the start of training to crossing the finishing line.(2008 San Francisco marathon) To this date, they are still friends of mine and frequently communicate with them.

Thus, my passion for running marathons began, soon after my first marathon, I joined the Jeff Galloway group in Santa Monica, CA. There I learned even more about running long distance and my coaches were Larry and Patty Goldman (program directors) who were instrumental in pursing my passion to run more marathons. The Galloway method is a run walk method of running a marathon. In 2009 I ran 12 marathons, the first six I ran run walking, but after the 7th marathon I had ran my first one without run walking. The feeling was amazing, never in my wildest dreams that I could ever imagine running 26.2 miles without stopping, the following 5 marathons I ran straight through and couldn't believe it, the feeling was forever life changing. During the latter part of the year 2009 I started to feel like 26.2 wasn't enough once a month. I had heard from one of the my other group members about a club called Marathon Maniacs, and they briefly described how insane they were for running 30 to 40 marathons a year. I thought to myself, there is no way that I would ever be able to run that many marathons but it would be interesting to know one of them to find out what drives a person to run so many marathons. I'm seriously bad with dates but I took the opportunity to meet a Marathon Maniac during the 2009 Las Vegas rock n' roll marathon, it was 28 degrees and freezing and this guy had a smile on his face like he couldn't wait to start. I thought to myself there is no way I am in the same league as these crazy people. ( the guys name was James Hong) When I asked James about how many marathons he was planning to finish for the year he said that he would finish 28.(I thought to myself what planet was he from) So I asked him how he did it, and he just simply said that he just showed up to a race the following day(double) and would run another one and his body would adapt. I thought to myself, that's it, just keep running and let the body take over.

So following the race I couldn't wait to tell my running group that I met one of those maniacs, and that I was convinced that I would never be one, because running that many marathons was insane and frankly not possible in my DNA.(at least that was what I thought) I told the group if they new of any back to back marathons that I could do, and one of the other runners (Becky Wagner) told me about a Charlie Alewine Racing races that were affordable and that were doubles and triples. So for the year 2010 I decided never to be a Marathon Maniac because that was absolutely insane but I wanted to see how many marathons I could run in a year. I figured, if I could do 20 that would be a miracle in itself. So I immediately contacted Charlie Alewine and discussed a new years triple he was having and asked if there was any room left because the website stated that it was sold out. He continued to tell me that it was, I kinda begged him to let me enter the triple and that I would pay in advance and really wanted to start the year off trying to do three marathons in a row.( at this point, I had no idea that I even could finish all three, just believed in me).

So on the first day of the triple I ran across, guess who? yup happy James Hong. I finished the triple to my amazement and pursued my goal of 20 marathons. To my surprise I finished 61 marathons, and completed over 70 races in the year 2010. It was one of the most amazing years of my life

surrounded by so many positive and amazing people that made me feel so limitless like anything is really possible. One of those amazing runners I ran with is Troy Lavosky who I had incredible conversations with and off the chart running ventures.

Today, Charlie Alewine is one of my best friends and supporters. He has encouraged me to continue my passion and made me believe that I could finish a hundred mile race. This year 2011 in November after my 9th attempt, I finally completed my first hundred miler (EC100) Corona to Santa Monica Pier. That really doesn't even sound real, but it is true, if you surround yourself around positive incredible people, positive incredible things can happen, I truly believe that, you have to believe in yourself and your journey is yours and no one else's. You never know what your capable until you go out there and attempt it, I did and found that anything is possible. MANIAC #2597 God bless!

-Steve-

Malibu Marathon - November 13, 2011

2011-11-13T17:36:00.001-08:00

We are Fabulous! Not only are we fabulous but we are amazing too! We did a double marathon this weekend. Catalina Eco marathon on Saturday and Malibu marathon on Sunday. This is Helen's (in middle) first double marathon. Cat has done many marathons including ultra marathons and 100 milers. Congrats Helen you did it! I finished 6:03:51

All of us did a double including celebrity Maniac #22 Deo! I met some amazing people today. This is Jennifer's first marathon and she has an amazing story stay tuned. Congrats Jennifer!

I enjoyed talking with Lori and Nina and what I found out about these two ladies is that Nina is celebrating her 50th birthday and told Lori we are running a marathon for my 50th birthday next week. They did what I call "suicide"! Congrats ladies and happy 50th Nina!

I love this race and it's Malibu's 3rd year and mine too! It's a must do for your bucket list...

Congrats Violeta on your first double! You are amazing!

Malibu marathon gives a finisher's beach towel and a nice medal.

Believe in what makes you feel good. Believe in what makes you happy. Believe in the dreams you've always wanted to come true, and give them every chance to.
-Dena Dilaconi-