As the quest for 51 continues, one cherishes each run. Some more than others. Here is my personal ranking:
- New York (It's wonderful to run with the crowds, the roar coming into Manhattan is incredible, Central Park is lovely.)
- Washington, DC (Running along the Mall and into the mists of the Potomac is beautiful.)
- Montana (The cold mountain start in my home state with lifelong friends.)
- Maine (A nice, cool day on which I set my PR)
- Pittsburgh (A wonderful cool day in a fascinating town with family close by.)
- Alabama (An epic weekend with family and friends.)
- Indiana (Crossing the 50 yard line at Notre Dame Stadium at the finish.)
- West Virginia (They gave me a football at the finish.)
- North Carolina (A day with an unexpected friend ending with a hard lonely run through the sandhills.)
- Illinois (The crowds, the lake front and the city were beautiful.)
- Virginia (friendliest marathon in America)
- Ohio (The playful spirit of the Flying Pig.)
- Utah (I got to spend some time with family and some time coming into the valley. Finished on the parade route...)
- Massachusetts (Boston is Mecca for marathoners, but it was a hot frustrating run.)
- Minnesota (It was hard first run, but the leaves were beautiful and Rachael joined me at Macalester.)
- Wisconsin (The finish at the art museum is fun.)
- Florida (beautiful, unique city, well-planned).
- Baltimore (Baltimore is funky, like Durham. Nice to know the city better.)
- New Jersey (smooth, laid back run with a great dinner)
- Tennessee (City of New Orleans to Memphis)
- Missisippi (friendly run)
- Delaware (too much concrete, but friendly organization)
- South Carolina (hot)
- Vermont (too much of everything.)
- Georgia (Oh Atlanta!)
- Texas (Austin is the nicest place in Texas)