State #50: Boston Marathon, Massachusetts

I have some exciting news to share, I am running the 2023 Boston Marathon on Tedy's Team as state 50 in memory of my dad! 

I 've made a commitment to raise $10,000, to bring awareness for stroke and heart disease while supporting survivors, giving them the means for a comeback. 

Please support Tedy's Team here: https://www.givengain.com/ap/elizabeth-trask-raising-funds-for-tedys-team/#timeline

More details to come, but save the date for the Boston Marathon - April 17, 2023!

State #49: Anchorage Runfest/Humpy's Marathon, Alaska

Well this was a marathon of a trip to Alaska. I left Portland, Maine for a bus down to Logan (Boston) then flew to Chicago and onto Anchorage.  The time difference is -4 hours in Alaska.  It didn't get dark until after 9:30pm each night.

My law school best friend, Tradia, from Birmingham, AL met me in Anchorage which I was really grateful for.  Tradia and I hadn't seen each other in years and it was really great to have time together to catch up.

We ended up resting a lot on this trip due to jet lag and the time difference.  We took a bus down to Seward and did a glacier tour which was an interesting experience.  The seas were choppy and a lot of passengers were sea sick which was sad to see.  It rained the entire time we were in Alaska!

Alaska has a lot of beautiful mountain ranges and delicious salmon, but there is truly no place like home.

During the marathon, I felt great the first half and then the second half I really didn't feel too good.  The humidity was 93% and it was raining.  I found two female runners (Michelle and Emily) from Alaska.  We teamed up together to make it to the finish line.  I am grateful for having met them because we really supported one another during the hardest miles.

As I am writing this it has been almost a week since the marathon and it doesn't really seem real.  The finishing time might have not been the result I wanted, but I finished and had a long journey there and back home.

My focus now is getting to The Boston Marathon for #50.  I have wanted to run Boston since I was in high school.  I will apply to run on a charity team (typical fundraising minimum commitment is anywhere from $5k-$10k).

I appreciate all of your support and I hope you've enjoyed following the journey.  The best is yet to come - BOSTON. #shippinguptaBOSTON

   

State #48: Cowtown Marathon, Texas

 This was an adventure, all of these marathons have been adventures! I actually trained for this marathon and tried Spring Energy for electrolytes and energy. Best stuff ever throughout my training and for the marathon.  The Awesome Sauce and Hill Aid are my favorites!

I didn't think I'd make it out of Boston to Dallas.  Dallas had an ice storm which ultimately shut the whole city down.  Boston had an approaching snow storm.  I was able to reschedule my flight and make it out of Boston.  Thanks to my colleague and friend Tina for helping me, I was able to park at her house in MA and she brought me to the Logan Express!

This trip was special because I was able to see my local marathoner friends in Texas.  Thank you Nancy, Alan, and Patrick for being there.  We went to Cowtown Brewing, Second Rodeo Brewing, and Velvet Taco.  

The marathon had plenty of spectators, some hills, and lots of beer and fireball shots.  Thank you to all of the volunteers and spectators on the course.  Overall, it wasn't the finish time I had been hoping for, but I made a lot of progress.  I had stopped within the first 5 miles to go pee which really messed up my pace and then I decided to just have fun and drink beer, lol! I was able to pass several runners on the second half of the course.

I am looking forward to Alaska next and then Boston.  Thanks for all of your support and I hope I am inspiring you all to test your limits and step outside of your comfort zone! :)

State #47: Missoula, Montana

I was able to see my friend Candice again at this race and we ran together! Montana was absolutely beautiful.  I went to Glacier National Park which was amazing.  I saw a bear and a mountain goat! I also went on a boat cruise in the park.

I went to the 1,000 Buddhas Park which was very beautiful and peaceful. I also went to a nice winery with my running friends Larry and Marina.

This was a special solo trip that I will never forget.

State #46: Fargo, North Dakota

I had a great time in Fargo with my friend Julie.  Julie introduced me to her friend Candice.  The race was cold, windy, and did not warm up at all. We had a blast despite the weather conditions. 

It was a dance party the whole time! The neighborhoods and residents of Fargo were amazing, they stayed out in the rain the entire time! 

State #45: Bataan Memorial Death March, New Mexico

I joined by best from high school and her husband for this trip.  I flew into Phoenix and we drove 7 hours to New Mexico.  It was a long trip, but it was so fun.

The Bataan course is beyond challenging mentally and physically.  The terrain is strenuous.  It was extremely inspiring to meet one of the Bataan survivors and to see all of the veterans and military members on the course.  It was an experience that I will never forget.  The survivor that I met is 1 out of 7 Bataan survivors that is still living.  Most of the Bataan survivors are in their 90s.

We also had the chance to see The White Sands National Monument which was amazingly beautiful.

It was a great trip and I am very excited to be closer to finishing this journey!

State #44: Colorado Springs, Colorado

My best friend from high school, Martina, met me in Colorado.  She flew in from Phoenix.  It was such a great girl's weekend, but we both felt sick from the altitude.  The run was very difficult due to the altitude.

Some highlights of the trip were going to the Garden of the Gods and driving to the top of Pike's Pike.  The drive to the top of Pike's Peak is unreal and scary! I am glad to continue this journey and looking forward to 2019.  Thank you for following my journey!