A Thanksgiving getaway to Florida turned into state #8 on the 50-state mission — the Space Coast Half Marathon in Cocoa Beach, dolphins on the Banana River, and cold chocolate milk at the finish line.

Starting running at 40 with zero experience — how two months of training, free online plans, and learning to ignore the comparison trap led to a first half marathon finish.

How a family member's half marathon sparked an unexpected lifelong passion for running — from never running a kilometer to 14 half marathons, a full marathon, and dreams of an Ironman.