#54-Chicago Lifetime Half Marathon

 I ran this half marathon with my husband in honor of my college cross country and track coach, George Towle. George was the type of coach that believed in athletes.  He provided guidance, support, and encouragement to help me reach my potential. He was there for me when my dad passed away suddenly.  I will never forget how he came to my dad's celebration of life and also drove to MDI with teammates for my dad's services.  He leaves a lasting impact on so many of us.  Run long, GT.

The half marathon was very hot and humid with not much shade along the Lakefront Trail.  We did not  have a plan to go for a PR, we simply wanted to have fun.  The logistics of the race could have been better as the trail became very congested and we had to wait for water at water stations.  There were a lot of runners encouraging each other which was amazing to see.

I'm excited for summer running and training for a full marathon with my husband.  It will be his first full! We will incorporate a couple halfs into training before our November 26.2.

Keep showing up, keep going, keep running.

#53-Maine Half Marathon-Portland, Maine

My husband, Jason, and I decided to run the Maine Half two weeks after our last half marathon.  There once was a time in my 20s when I ran full marathons back-to-back.  26.2 on Saturday and 26.2 on Sunday in different states.  

It was a very warm and humid day.  I started off on pace for the first half and then bonked the second half; the heat was brutal.  

Jason ran a PR, which was quite an accomplishment! I trained hard over the summer and have been dealing with some plantar fasciitis. My plan is to continue running and focus on strength training during the winter.  Looking forward to more half marathons in 2026!  Sometimes it is hard listening to your body and slowing down a bit.  I am proud for not giving up and making it to the finish line! 

I found my friend Brandi from USM running the full marathon. I chatted with her a bit during the run. I am quite proud of her, she went back to run the Maine Marathon again to beat her previous finish time, and she did it!

While running, the last 5-6 miles, I met a woman from Colorado that went to Nasson College.  My dad went there, so that was really neat.  We have been messaging on Facebook since meeting and sharing Nasson stories.  My dad loved college there.  Nasson filed for bankruptcy and closed in 1983.

I also found one of my best friends (Tamara) at the finish line, that was a nice surprise! 

Happy Running!

#52: Autumn and Ales Half Marathon-Scarborough, Maine

It has been a while since I've posted on here! I have still been running; it's a big part of my identity.  I have been so grateful and blessed to now be running races with my husband, Jason! Maybe I can convince him to run 26.2? 😁

We had hiked Mt. Adams 4 days before the half.  The hike is the 2nd highest peak in New England, and it delivers a punch! We had a long day of hiking, seasonably warm weather, and then we said, "Oh we have a half marathon to run this weekend, ouch."  We were quite sore leading up to the half and I had some stomach trouble around mile 10 of the half.  We still finished around my marathon pace, which was a success! 

The half was very small, easy logistically, and we love running the Eastern Trail! Since July 2025, I have started to get involved as a volunteer committee member for the Eastern Trail Alliance.  The Eastern Trail is close to my heart because it's where I have run a lot of long runs, and a lot of miles!

The Sunday after the half, we did a 2 mile walk for Maine Brain Tumor Awareness with my family in memory of my cousin, Kelly Lord.  Kelly sadly passed away quickly in 2024 due to glioblastoma.

We'll be running another half in October soon!

#51 - Sedona Half Marathon

 I ran the Sedona Half Marathon with my boyfriend Jason.  It was his first half marathon! 

The race started at about 5,000 ft.  The course was challenging, hilly, high-elevation race.  The views were breathtaking with some snow on the red rocks.

Sedona is rated as one of the Top Ten most beautiful places in America.  It did not disappoint us.  We enjoyed the beautiful red rocks, the friendly people, and exploring.  The hiking trails were well preserved and they even had a free shuttle to access the trails!

We went to the Grand Canyon and hiked to the Ooh Aah Point and also did some hiking in Sedona.  We also went to Flagstaff where many elite marathoners are made, training at 7,000+ feet of elevation.

I am excited for Jason to keep running and hopefully he will run his first 26.2 someday! :)

100 for Billy!

 Since completing 50 states, I've given thought to what is next.  

I've had people ask me when I will run another marathon. 

 I've decided to change up this journey to 100 for Billy.  I will complete the last 50 with a mix of half marathons and full marathons.  

My grief journey is ongoing and my running goal is to continue to run for life! 

I will go back to states where I can run, hike, practice yoga, and adventure.

I appreciate all the support and look forward to having fun with this! With love, Elizabeth

The BEST for last - State #50: Boston Marathon, Massachusetts

We did it, Dad!! We finished 50 states and we finished in Boston, your favorite city, with all of the other Red Sox fans.

Thank you to all of my family and friends for your ongoing support.  Special thank you to my mom, my brother, my boyfriend Jason, and my best friend Martina.  Without all of you, none of this would have been possible.

We raised $18,191 for Tedy's Team, we gave hope and support to stroke and cardiac patients and their loved ones! https://tedysteam.org/the-organization/

Thank you to Tedy's Team for this life-changing experience and for another family!!

The Boston Marathon was truly the best marathon of my life and one of the best days of my life.  I didn't sleep well the night before the marathon because I was so anxious about friends and family being on the marathon course.  

Thank you to Steady State Performance Physical Therapy for their help with a strength program. I never thought I would be deadlifting 195lbs while training for a marathon. https://www.steadystatehealth.com/

Thank you to The Chirichiello's for coming to support me on Marathon Monday and for celebrating with Tedy's Team!

I ran this marathon on adrenaline.  It was truly a celebration the entire 26.2 miles.  I saw several friends along the way - Colleen, Erik, Daphne, Kate, Alison, Kip, Rolinda, Hobby, Julie, Judy, Ken, Dave and Tamara Goodrich, Tina, David, Martina, and Jason.  I am forever grateful for your support and for showing up!

I felt my dad in Kenmore Square near Fenway Park.  He was there.  I was holding a picture of him celebrating the 2004 World Series win.  He was with me.

Thank you to each and everyone of you for your support of this journey.  My life has forever been changed by the people I have met and the kindness that has been shared.

I still get chills thinking of April 17, 2023.  10 years after the marathon bombings. There will never be another marathon like BOSTON. There is only one BOSTON.

I am onto Ireland now, time to go international to the Dublin Marathon - October 29, 2023 with American Cancer Society.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Love,

Elizabeth Trask

Mission Accomplished - 50

Martina and I

Tears of joy

At Mile 27 - Fenway Park - Jason, Me, Martina

Martina, Tina, Tedy, Me, Jason

Brought my medal to Tony C for my Dad

BOSTON CHANGES YOU

Dad came with me

MDI - where we started
Boston - where we finished

Tedy's Team Night of Inspiration (night before Marathon Monday - the "Super Bowl of Marathons"

Tedy and I

 

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 $15,550; 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!