Somewhere in my two declarations about how I was “retiring” from the marathon distance, I’ve come back to it, realizing there is something about the hard work, commitment, and challenge of getting to the start line of the race – then being able to cross the finish line.
The idea of never challenging myself to another marathon didn’t sit well with me, even as I am a little older, somewhat slower, and my body a bit less healthy. I still have it in me to continue taking on long distance races, and enjoying them.
But I decided I needed a new goal to achieve to keep me motivated for the training, especially in those long stretches when there are no races in the immediate future, and my interest in running hours in the 100-degree temps wanes. Enter ’50 before 50.’
When I decided on this, I had completed my 39th marathon in Bergen, Norway. With some discussion with my friend Sarah and the unwavering support of my husband Chris, they encouraged me to look toward completing 50 marathons. But to make it interesting, I needed to do it before I turn 50 in September 2026.
With that new plan in mind, I’m working on a way to complete the 11 races needed. So far, I’ve run two more marathons (Hever Castle in the UK, September 2024 and Cayman Islands in December 2024), meaning I still have nine to go in one year and eight months. Piece. Of. Cake.
If these are my final ever nine marathons, I want to do some really cool ones – especially in places where I’ve never travelled, and I’m open to suggestions! What marathons do you think I should consider?
So far, here is what I have planned:
19 January 2025: Bermuda Marathon
16 February 2025: Split Marathon (Croatia)
23 February 2025: Malta Marathon (Malta)
27 April 2025: London Marathon
7 December 2025: Cayman Islands Marathon
5 September 2026: Patagonian International Marathon (Chile)
Robyn Runs the World 
Hi! – always love reading these! Outside of your running journey, I hope you and Chris have been well! Consider running the Lake Tahoe Marathon. You’d have a free place to stay with my wife and I – plus a free tour guide (me) if you choose to vacation for a few days after! Miss you!
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Hey Dream! Thanks for following along. We’re doing well – 15+ years in Cayman now and still enjoying the topical beach lifestyle (although we may have some fun plans up our sleeve for when Chris retires, so stay tuned!). I’ll definitely look into the Tahoe Marathon – I’ve heard the area is just so beautiful & worth doing a race there to appreciate the Tahoe area. Will let you know when I plan to be in the area. All I ask is that you meet me at the finish line so we can share a few beers together and really catch up if I can’t take you up on the tour guiding for any reason (which I fully would plan to do!).
I recently saw a documentary of a family hiking the AT with their young kid (“Beyond the Tree Line”) and it took me back to so many memories. I’m just happy our hiking wasn’t nearly as wet of an experience as theirs was. Made me a bit nostaligic and wishing I could get out there for a good long hike again soon.
Wishing you and your wife a wonderful 2025. Miss you too!
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Robyn,
I am in awe of your accomplishments in life. Your fearlessness of jumping in with both feet completing one challenge after another is truly inspirational.
Glenda Collins (Jayme Pohovey’s Mom)
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Robyn,
I am in awe of your accomplishments in life. Your fearlessness of jumping in with both feet completing one challenge after another is truly inspirational.
Glenda Collins (Jayme Pohovey’s Mom)
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Dear Glenda,
Thank you for your kind words. I always try to dream big and work hard to achieve my goals – however crazy they are! I’m not as motivated at the moment to keep up the long runs, which is why I put this out publicly – to give myself some accountability to those who support me and cheer me on. I appreciate your continued support, and while much of my running is focused on remembering my mom, I also carry those who have been with me on a marathon or half marathon journey. I know what it means for someone to dedicate time and effort to remembering my mom when they do something big; I try to also honour that by thinking about Jayme and James and Deana and Jordan and Geraldo and Hoss and Brian & Jesse and Jimmy and Bryan and Stoney – and hope you also take some comfort from the remembering of your son by a stranger.
I will do my best to keep moving forward and share here so you all can keep me honest with my efforts! Wishing you a very happy 2025.
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