26.2 x 50: Steve Runs a Marathon in Every State

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Steve has always been a runner. He ran cross country in high school with his buddy Kent Ferris. He ran his first half marathon in the 80s while in college. But his greatest athletic accomplishment, running a full marathon of 26.2 miles in all 50 states, didn’t begin until he was in his 40s. 

Running for Blair High
Run the Alamo in San Antonio

In 2008 he joined his colleague and friend Steve Hogen for his first out of state marathon in Utah. Work and other commitments limited the time for training, so future races were few and far between. The majority of the 50 marathons were completed after he retired in 2016. 

The quest to run in every state led us on an adventure that was shared with our closest friends and family. In Colorado and Alaska, Sam was there to cheer him on.

Anchorage Mayors Marathon
Aspen Valley Marathon

Kent ran two marathons (Iowa and Illinois) beside Steve.

Des Moines Marathon
Starved Rock Marathon

Our friend Sheri joined us in Hawaii. Gary was there for the celebrations in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Massachusetts.

Honolulu Marathon
Omaha Marathon

Our RV buddies Gail and Jeff were at the finish line in Hartford.

Hartford Marathon
Cheering Steve on!

The Lawsons joined us in San Diego and San Antonio, where Tina and I did the half while Steve did the full.

Waiting for Steve at San Antonio Marathon
Waiting for Steve at Rock and Roll San Diego

My Dad cheered him on in Prescott for the end of the Whiskey Row Marathon.

Steve’s parents were there in Omaha and Kansas City, and Steve’s mom, cousins and I did the half at the Rock and Roll Arizona while Steve met us all at finish after the full. 

Omaha Marathon
Rock and Roll Arizona Marathon

Finally, our sweet girl Mia crossed the finish in Steve’s arms at the Cheyenne Marathon. Marathoning is indeed a team sport!

Steve finished his 50th 26.2 mile race in Cape Cod, Massachusetts on October 11, 2026. We celebrated with Gary, Mitch, Lauren, Caleb, and Will with a lobster dinner and plenty of toasts to our Superman. 

In Falmouth MA
Crossing the line for #50
Finish line chowder
Lobster celebration
Steve, Mitch & Will
Caleb, Lauren, me, Gary, Steve, Mitch & Will

We’ve polled friends as to what the next challenge should be. Steve doesn’t have any plans to continue racing but he is considering his options . His favorite idea so far is “visit a distillery in every state.”  Time will tell what’s next for our runner. 

Along the way, people have asked a lot of questions about this venture. Here are Steve’s response to the most frequently asked questions:

What was your favorite race? They are all unique but the New York Marathon, with over 50,000 participants and millions of spectators along the route, stands out as one of the most memorable. Fellow high school principal Greg Milbrandt joined Steve for this epic race.

New York Marathon
New York Marathon

What was the hardest race Right in our backyard, the Whiskey Row marathon was one of the most challenging. It has over 3,000 feet of climbing at elevations of 5,200 to over 7,000 feet. Steve has finished this race twice.

What was the most beautiful course? The Fly to Pie Marathon in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, run during peak leaf change season, couldn’t be beat. 

Were they all 26.2 miles? Actually, Steve’s rule was that the race had to be 26.2 miles or more. Three of the races he completed, Arkansas, North Dakota, and Oklahoma, were considered ultra-marathons, over 26.2 miles each. 

Mah Dah Hey Ultra Marathon
Winning his age group at MDH

You’ve really run 50 marathons? Well, he’s really run over 60 marathons. Those extras include multiple Arizona and Nebraska races, three international marathons (Greece, Iceland, and Cuba), and two races where he did not finish. 

Athens, Greece
Havana, Cuba

We have many race-related photos and will post many of them below, mostly so we can remember each experience more clearly. Steve says thanks to all the people who showed up to support him, who checked in when he struggled through injuries, and who cheered him on via Facebook. The accomplishment is even more sweet sharing it with all of you. 

Jackson, MS
Huntsville, AL
Louisville, KY
Indianapolis, IN
Gladstone, MI
Duluth, MN
Green Bay, WI
Seattle, WA
Portland, ME
New Orleans, LA
Prescott, AZ
Missoula, MT
Reykjavik, Iceland
Brookings, SD
Knoxville, TN
Asheville, NC
Ft Lauderdale, FL
Fayetteville, AR
Charleston, SC
Severna Park, MD
Coeur d’Alene, ID
Newport, RI
Keene, NH
Rehoboth Beach, DE
Jersey City, NJ
Cincinnati, OH
Tulsa, OK
Eugene, OR
Philadelphia, PA
Arlington, VA

A Daisy of a Summer

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We still have a few more weeks here in Traverse City, Michigan at our version of “summer camp.” Our home at Traverse Bay RV Resort is truly our favorite place to spend the summer. 

Outdoor seating area with a grey sofa, coffee table, and a red umbrella, surrounded by green trees and an RV in the background.
A sunny garden scene featuring a pot of vibrant yellow marigolds in the foreground, with a hanging basket of light yellow flowers nearby, and a wicker chair to the right. Lush green bushes and trees are in the background, along with a glimpse of a driveway.

This season was punctuated with the usual TBRV activities. We coordinated and served breakfast four times for 100+, rode many miles on the bike, won at trivia, and spent many, many evenings enjoying happy hours with friends. 

A group of four women smiling and working in a kitchen, wearing aprons and gloves, standing behind a table with several pots and cooking utensils.
Our incredible breakfast servers
Two women working in a kitchen; one is smiling and wearing a red apron, while the other is preparing food at a counter.
Me supervising breakfast prep
Three individuals grilling outdoors under large umbrellas, with food on the grill and a grassy area in the background.
Steve grilling on 4th of July
A woman joyfully raises her arm while opening a gift at a gathering, surrounded by other attendees at a table with snacks and drinks.
Winning
A group of five people sitting in camping chairs, smiling and holding drinks outdoors, with a cooler nearby.
Year-End Celebration

Our buddies Michelle and Kunio along with Norb and Linda, Kari and Paul, and many others make our time in Michigan extra special. Together we celebrated birthdays, holidays, and just being in this beautiful place together.

A woman and a man enjoying wine tasting at a vineyard, seated at a table with various wine glasses, overlooking a lush green vineyard landscape.
Michelle & Kunio wine tasting at Brys
A picturesque vineyard landscape featuring rows of grapevines, lush green trees, and a distant view of a lake and rolling hills under a blue sky.
Winery views near home
A woman holding a young girl stands next to a decorated cake for a 60th birthday celebration. The table is adorned with party items, and several adults are visible in the background, while a camper van is parked behind them.
Michelle’s birthday
A group of six people smiling and posing together on a patio, with a large RV in the background and trees around them.
Marnie’s birthday

We were lucky to have visits this summer from some of our favorite Arizona peeps. Sister Mickie came to visit for the third summer in a row and our dear friends Dave and Peggy visited again as well. It’s always fun to have visitors to share our paradise with. 

A man and woman smiling in front of Moomers homemade ice cream shop, featuring a wooden exterior and a sign with a cow logo.
Dave and Peggy at Moomers
Two women smiling together outdoors on a sunny day, with green grass and trees in the background.
Sisters at Chateau Chantal
A smiling woman sitting on a sofa with a small, fluffy dog next to her, outdoors in a garden setting with trees and a shed in the background.
Aunt Mickie and Poppy

Every week around Traverse City there are festivals, events, and live music. Catching our favorite band, TC Knuckleheads, is a regular activity. 

A woman in a red shirt with a heart design is smiling and holding two cans of beer at an outdoor gathering, with people socializing in the background.
At TC Knucklehead Dave’s block party
A group of people gathered around a table at an outdoor venue, enjoying drinks and snacks, with live music in the background. The setting features colorful chairs and a blue building adorned with flowers.
At Mt Holiday
A group of people sitting around a table outdoors, enjoying drinks and food in a forested setting.
At Hop Lot
A live band performing at Shorts Brewing in Bellaire, featuring musicians with instruments, vibrant decorations, and promotional signs for TC Knuckleheads.
At Shorts in Bellaire
Group of friends enjoying drinks at a table under a yellow tent, smiling and socializing at an outdoor event.
At Shorts at Logan’s Landing

This summer we made sure to hit the National Cherry Festival, the Cedar Polkafest and the Elk Rapids Wine and Food Festival. And the crew we hang with always makes it fun!

A couple poses together in a red decorative frame that reads 'NATIONAL CHERRY FESTIVAL', with a festive background of people enjoying the event.
National Cherry Festival
A group of people enjoying a gathering outdoors by the water, sitting in folding chairs, toasting with drinks, and smiling. A musician is playing a guitar in the background.
Elk Rapids Wine and Food Fest
A dog leaping from a platform into a swimming pool, with a young woman on the platform and spectators in the background.
Air Dogs at Cedar Polkafest
A woman smiles and poses beside a humorous sign that reads 'TENT POLES ARE NOT FOR POLE DANCING! PLEASE FIND OTHER WAYS TO DISAPPOINT YOUR FATHER.'
Cedar Polkafest

Mostly, this summer will be remembered as the summer of Daisy. After our trip to Alaska with Nate, we stopped in Butler, MO to pick up our newest family member.

A man in a red shirt holds a small brown puppy, gently touching its face as the puppy licks him. The background features a wooden wall with a calendar and a framed photo.
First kiss
A person holding a small, fluffy, brown puppy with curly fur, wearing a smartwatch on their wrist.
First cuddle
A small, fluffy reddish-brown puppy with curly fur, standing on green grass, wearing a purple leash.
First portrait
A cute, fluffy brown puppy with curly fur, sitting on a table in a room with green walls. The puppy has big black eyes and a small nose, and is being held by a person whose hand is partially visible.
First vet appointment

Daisy Norberta Verde (named after our friend and neighbor Norb) joined us at eight weeks and just under two pounds! Eventually she’ll grow to around five pounds, about the same size as our beloved Bob. 

A woman sitting on a chair outdoors, smiling and resting her chin on her hand, with a small sleeping dog on her lap. The background features green trees and an outdoor grill.
First happy hour
A smiling man wearing sunglasses holds a small, fluffy brown puppy in his arms while sitting on a wicker bench outdoors on a sunny day.
Meeting Uncle Kunio
Two small brown poodles play on a pile of soft toys, one holding a light blue toy in its mouth.
Playing with sister
A close-up of a small brown poodle with curly fur lying on a couch, resting its head on a gray surface, looking directly at the camera.
Being sweet
A small, brown puppy relaxing on a person's lap, partially tucked into a green sweatshirt. The puppy has a yellow collar and is comfortably being held by the person's hands.
Belly rubs at another happy hour
A small, fluffy brown dog lying on its back on a soft, brown blanket, wearing a harness. A blue and white stuffed toy is nearby.
Who me?
Two small poodles sitting on a red and black blanket, each holding a stick in their mouths.
Sisters sharing

Daisy joined her sister Poppy for a fun Michigan summer filled with treats, cuddles, kisses, and some wrestling. The two of them are thick as thieves and very popular around the RV resort. We are so in love with our new baby. 

A small, fluffy dog peeking out from between two cushions on a couch.
Peekaboo
A small brown poodle puppy lying comfortably on a soft bed, holding a playful toy drink with a straw and a lime slice.
I love my margarita
Two small poodles sitting inside a playpen with blankets and toys.
Poppy and baby sister
Two small poodles sitting among a pile of colorful stuffed toys and a black container, one holding a stick toy.
Sharing all the toys
A small, fluffy brown puppy lounging on a gray couch, with a chew toy nearby and a backyard setting in the background.
I’m getting bigger!

And as our summer comes to a close we are planning additional travels and adventures this fall before returning to Arizona for the winter. Stay tuned and we’ll keep you up-to-date on Steve’s quest to run a marathon in all 50 states!

Nathan’s Alaska

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As we’ve done with nieces and nephews in the past, we offered 16 year old Nathan a trip of his choosing. He chose Alaska. In just a week we hit three National Parks, caught our limit of halibut, and had incredible wildlife encounters.

The travelers
Goodbye Mom
We made it!

We met Nate in Omaha, where the boys got in a round of golf before flying to Anchorage. In Anchorage Steve and Nate got in another round. We explored a bit of Anchorage including Costco, Ship Creek and Earthquake Park, where we saw a moose and explored the beach.

At the Hatchery on Fish Creek
Obligatory Costco stop
Moose in Earthquake Park
On Cook Inlet

Our visit to Denali National Park was via plane. We drove to Talkeetna and enjoyed a spectacular flight into the park where we landed on the Ruth Glacier.

Talkeetna River with Mt Denali in background
Ready to fly
Nate and the plane
Incredible views
Rivers of ice

We were also able to see the climber’s base camp and Mt. McKinley’s (Denali’s) neighboring peaks, Mt Foraker and Mt Hunter. There’s really no way to describe the majesty of these mountains but hopefully you get a sense from the photos.

Nate on the glacier
Steve on the glacier
Standing on a glacier
Majestic views

Next we headed southwest towards Seward with a brief stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. There we got a quick introduction to some of the animals we’d see later in the trip, including the brown bear.

Steve and Nathan
Moose
Talking to the bear
Grizzly
Elk
Muskox
Reindeer
Serious conversations

In Seward we spent our time on the water. Our little cabin was steps from Resurrection Bay, which made it easy for the guys to catch their early morning fishing boat. They both caught their limit of halibut and rockfish and Nate caught five cod to Steve’s four. So, Nate won the fishing contest.

The fishermen
The boat’s haul
Morning coffee on Resurrection Bay
Ready to fish
Pulling in a big one
Good thing they had rain gear
One of two boxes of fish

Four years ago when we RVed to Alaska, we really enjoyed the Major Marine cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park. As we experienced before, we were able to see a pod of Humpback whales bubble net feeding. This rare cooperative feeding behavior is exclusive to certain Humpbacks and researchers are still exploring how the whales communicate in order to fish together. It’s really quite a site.

Bubble net feeding
Birds signal the event

On the cruise we also approached the foot of the tidewater Holgate Glacier. These were the highlights though we did see Dall’s Porpoise, Sea Otters, Mountain Goats, Stellar Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, Eagles, and various other birds.

Holgate Glacier

Our final big adventure was a trip to the little-visited Lake Clark National Park and Chinitna Bay. We flew from Anchorage past active volcanoes Mt Redoubt and Mt Iliana to land on the beach of the bay.

Co-pilot Marnie
So close you could touch the peaks
Landing on the beach

After a brief introduction we headed to a large marsh area where more than a dozen coastal brown bears were seen grazing. We watched a mother with triplets guard from attacks from male bears and enjoyed seeing others running and playing.

We stayed for a few hours. Others camped on the beach with the bears.
National Park stamp station

Seeing bears in the wild is always a thrill and Chinitna Bay did not disappoint.

Bear watching

After a final dinner (and DQ) in Anchorage we returned to Omaha at about midnight for a final goodbye.

49th State Brewing
Finished with a blizzard
Goodbyes at the airport

Nate got to see and experience things most people only dream about and we were happy to be along for the ride.