Updated 11.8.2021
Some time ago, I am not sure exactly when (many years ago), I hatched the idea of racing in all 50 states. I revisited the idea one day when I got curious to know exactly how many organized races I have done in my lifetime. So I dug out my old High School and College scrapbooks & training logs and starting putting together a log of all the races I have participated in over the years.
Wow, it was so neat to look back at all the old newspaper clippings and photos. Although I discovered I only had a few pictures; just the ones given to me by other team members parents and the ones in the newspapers. I am so thankful for them now! I was a poor college student (thank goodness for scholarships). I didn’t own a camera and quite frankly it’s hard to get a picture of yourself in a race, and my “in the zone” running pictures aren’t so glamorous if you know what I mean. I was also fun to look through some more recent photos. 
As I looked through the albums I logged each race listing the date, race name, location, distance and results. Wow, I have raced a lot over the last 30 something years! It was fun to re-live some of those great race experiences and see how many states I had raced in. High School and College running has taken me to many of the western states, but I still have a lot of states to visit. I have always wanted to see more of America and what better way to do it than racing in all 50 states!
I know I have a lot of people that visit my website from all over America and I’d love to hear from you. I am looking for well established Friday or Saturday races (that won’t be cancelled) and are not super long (5K, 10K, ½ marathon, night runs, and possible Sprint/Oly triathlons). I am not opposed to throwing in some 1/2 IM or IM events in there, but they are just a bit more expensive and harder to get to. It would be great if the race covered more than one state too.
All the states not marked off are the states I still need to do (lots, I know):
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Nebraska, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin & Wyoming
After racing in Africa at the Ironman World Championship 70.3 event I decided to add doing all 7 continents to my list: Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America.
What races do you think I should do in each State/Continent? Do you any travel tips about the best months to visit, or bad weather months I should avoid. (Weekday or Saturday races only, I prefer not to race on Sunday). If you know of any deals on hotels, race discounts, discounted flights, host families willing to help please let me know. There is no particular deadline for me, I just want to accomplish this in my lifetime. I am excited about this adventure!
~ Coach Lora Erickson
Support me on my quest?
Donate Frequent Flier miles, or funds to help with travel, hotel and race entry expenses. If you or your company would like to help out or sponsor me please message theblonderunner@gmail.com. Thank you so much for those who have already contributed to support me.
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Updates (race reports):
Vermont – Age Group Nationals
Ohio & Kentucky – Double Saturday events (a.m. 5k & p.m. Glow Run). Read More
Ironman Maryland Read More
2016 states – Hawaii Honu 70.3, Soldiers Marathon (Georgia & Alabama) 
Tennessee – Ironman 70.3 World Championships Sept. 9, 2017 – Read the IM703WC race report
Ironman Texas – April 28, 2018 – Read the IMTX Race Report 
Ironman World Championships 70.3 – Port Elizebeth, South Africa – September 1, 2018 Read the report
Mt Hoot Half – Sandy, Oregon. June 29, 2019
November 8, 2019 – Run to the Lights 5K at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri – First Place Division
Sept. 25, 2021 – Jackson Hole – Quarter Marathon – Jackson Hole, Wyoming Learn More
November 6, 2021 – Garmin Marathon 10K – Olathe Kansas, First Place Division Learn More
