Plenty has changed for Sandy Lightner since she took up running 30 years ago. What started as a way to lose a little weight after kicking a smoking habit has now led to a goal to run a marathon in every state.

And she’s well on her way to the finish line, clocking in at 31 states so far.
“Once I started running, I wanted to challenge myself to finish with a faster time,” Lightner began. “That eventually led to longer distances.”
In 2003 Lightner ran the Chicago marathon, and again in 2006.
“As I was always looking for a new challenge, and learned more about the running world, I realized that I wasn’t that far off from qualifying for Boston, based on my finish time from 2006.”
Determined to succeed after more attempts at qualifying and adjusting her training schedule, Lightner ran the Boston marathon in April of 2011. It was only after attempting to improve her times in three more marathons did she have a realization.
“I wasn’t able to improve my time but realized that I had now ran in four states. I really enjoyed seeing the beautiful sites and decided that it would be fun to see more of the U.S. and be a great challenge to run a marathon in every state,” Lightner said.
Not that running 26 miles isn’t challenging enough, some of the courses are made especially difficult considering the terrain. For Lightner, San Francisco along with the Angel Fire in New Mexico and the marathon in Colorado Springs, Colorado topped the list of most challenging.

“There are a few marathons that were quite challenging,” Lightner admitted. “The most recent, Hatfield and McCoy Marathon was voted as one of the top 10 toughest marathons by the Weather Channel.”

Have goals, will run
Community members might see Lightner at her workplace in Rochelle or doing some strength training at Anytime Fitness as she prepares for the next marathon in Pennsylvania on Sept. 9. In October, Lightner has marathons back to back in Delaware and New Jersey.
How does Lightner stay on track to the finish line?
“I tell myself to stay focused and keep my mind on the finish, don’t slow down because you’ll regret it when you’ve finished. I picture crossing the finish line with my goal time,” Lightner said. “I don’t always accomplish my goal but it helps me keep pushing forward.”
She also said it’s important to keep a pace and not start out too quickly in the beginning to avoid burn out.
Lightner says there are some days when she might not be motivated but a little reminder of her goal and the benefits that come from running are often enough to get up and hit the ground running.
There have also been many times Lightner has heard others say they couldn’t even dream of running two blocks, let alone miles and miles in a marathon. She offers encouragement for those that might be thinking about beginning a running regimen, although it’s not for everybody.

“Learn to run at a slow pace,” Lightner said. “It’s never too late to start, just make sure there are no medical issues and start off slowly.”
Lightner is not alone in her goal as a member of the 50 State Marathon Club — which consists of those who have ran or want to run marathons in all 50 states.
“There are runners that have higher goals. I am happy with my goal…I need to balance family life too,” Lightner said. “I’ve enjoyed going to different states and getting to see the sights.”