As the quest for 51 continues, one cherishes each run. Some more than others. Here is my personal ranking:

  1. New York (It's wonderful to run with the crowds, the roar coming into Manhattan is incredible, Central Park is lovely.)
  2. Washington, DC (Running along the Mall and into the mists of the Potomac is beautiful.)
  3. Maine (A nice, cool day on which I set my PR)
  4. Michigan (trail running is fun and easy on the body, Superior is blue and clear.)
  5. Montana (The cold mountain start in my home state with lifelong friends.)
  6. California (A milestone day in a magical place with Rachael.)
  7. Pennsylvania (A wonderful cool day in a fascinating town with family close by.)
  8. Alabama (An epic weekend with family and friends.)
  9. Indiana (Crossing the 50 yard line at Notre Dame Stadium at the finish.)
  10. West Virginia (They gave me a football at the finish.)
  11. North Carolina (A day with an unexpected friend ending with a hard lonely run through the sandhills.)
  12. Illinois (The crowds, the lake front and the city were beautiful.)
  13. Virginia (friendliest marathon in America)
  14. Ohio (The playful spirit of the Flying Pig.)
  15. Utah (I got to spend some time with family and some time coming into the valley. Finished on the parade route.)
  16. Massachusetts (Boston is Mecca for marathoners, but it was a hot frustrating run.)
  17. Minnesota (It was hard first run, but the leaves were beautiful and Rachael joined me at Macalester.)
  18. Wisconsin (The finish at the art museum is fun.)
  19. Florida (beautiful, unique city, well-planned).
  20. Maryland (Baltimore is funky, like Durham. Nice to know the city better.)
  21. New Jersey (smooth, laid back run with a great dinner)
  22. Tennessee (City of New Orleans to Memphis)
  23. Missisippi (friendly run)
  24. Delaware (too much concrete, but friendly organization)
  25. South Carolina (hot, great time with family)
  26. Vermont (too much of everything, but travel with Rachael is fun)
  27. New Hampshire (beautiful course, friendly small crowd, but tough personal run and too much traffic on course)
  28. Georgia (Oh Atlanta!)
  29. Texas (Austin is the nicest place in Texas)