She’s A Maniac! #12104

After the Walt Disney World Marathon, I said that I was one and done. Then I got into the 40th Marine Corps Marathon. At that moment, I knew that I wanted to become a Marathon Maniac. I wasn’t sure when or how. Then the opportunity stared me right in the face. I said to myself, “It’s now or never.” I knew it would be hard and take a lot of work. That would be a lot on my body in a short period of time, but I toughened up and said, “I don’t care how I get there whether I have to run it or walk it!” I knew what I needed to do.

You probably remember the lyrics from the movie Flashdance….”She’s a maniac, maniac on the floor. And she’s dancing like she’s never danced before.”  Well, I am absolutely dancing like I’ve never danced before, because… “I have found refuge, a place where you can call home, where the Maniacal can feel Normal again!” I have officially qualified for Marathon Maniacs, the fanatic group of people who love distance running (or wunning) full marathons!You may remember when I shared that I qualified for Half Fanatics last year. Mercedes Half Marathon 2014 and the Disney Princess Half were my qualifying races (2 half marathons within 16 days, I qualified in 8 days) which landed me on Neptune. I qualified for Marathon Maniacs on the Bronze level by completing 2 full marathons within 16 days. What I love about both clubs is once you’re in…you’re in for life! I could hardly contain myself when I received my welcome email.

My qualifying races for MM were the Magnolia Marathon (Meridian, MS) and the Eau Palm Beach Marathon (West Palm Beach, FL). Recaps coming soon! I qualified by completing 2 full marathons in 15 days. The second way to qualify on the Bronze level is by completing 3 full marathons within 90 days. Even though I qualified within 16 days, I still consider Marine Corps Marathon 2015 a very special part of this journey. Do you know what being part of Half Fanatics and Marathon Maniacs means? I am now a DOUBLE AGENT (#1993)!

Half Fanatic #6579

In case you were wondering, each member is assigned a number and it’s also a formal way to greet fellow Fanatics and Maniacs! I love being a part of this group for so many reasons. I have made forever friends and created memories to last a lifetime. If you want to learn more or if you want to know if you are Fanatic or Maniac, you should read here and here!This process took A LOT of guts and heart, but I did it! It all started with a dream and a mouse. I still can’t believe it…4 marathons in 2015! I never thought in a million years I would be a Marathon Maniac. I stayed focused on my goal and I’m so grateful that I did NOT give up! Every setback and challenge was totally worth it. I have met so many amazing people on this journey and I’m grateful for all of the love and support! To God be all the glory!

I’ll see you on the pavement!

Signed,

Double Agent #1993
Marathon Maniac #12104
Half Fanatic #6579