With 26 states now behind her, Junette is still going strong. Her original strategy was simple: knock out the closest states first and work outward from there. Then one of her run groups introduced her to a game-changing strategy: running two states in one weekend. Her first “double” was Rhode Island and Connecticut, back to back. It was tough but doable, and it taught her a lesson she's carried through every “double” (or “triple”!) since: the first race is physical, but the second is almost entirely mental. By race two, she says, you have to tell yourself you can do it and believe you'll get through it, and you always will. (We're taking notes for our own next race weekend.) 

Junette has now completed six more “doubles”, pairing up Vermont and New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts, New Jersey and Delaware, and more. The strategy fills in the map faster, but it's also created some of the most memorable experiences of her running journey. She even took it a step further with the Bear Lake Trifecta this year (that “triple” we mentioned earlier): three half marathons in three days across Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho. That weekend wasn't about chasing a time. It was about being outside, soaking in the scenery, and appreciating the chance to run through three beautiful places.

One thing we admire most about Junette (besides the fact that she’s the most fashionable runner we know!) is how she approaches racing. Some starting lines are about pushing her limits and seeing what she's capable of, but others are simply about being present and enjoying the journey she’s on. That mindset showed up perfectly when she raced San Francisco this year, her favorite race so far. She loved everything about it: the energy of the city, the scenery, the whole vibe. The highlight? Running across the Golden Gate Bridge. Twice. (Wow, sign us up!)

And while she's already covered a lot of the country, one destination is being saved for last on purpose: Hawaii. Junette plans to finish her 50-state journey in Maui, home to a 50-state celebration that will turn her final race into the ultimate “runcation”. After years of miles, medals, boarding passes, and car trips, she can't imagine a better place to celebrate. Hawaii won't just be state number 50. It’ll be the finish line of this incredible journey, and the starting line of the next one.

Once all 50 states are in the books, Junette plans to give herself a well-earned break before taking on her next big challenge: a full marathon. She's purposely held off on the full distance to stay focused on her 50-state goal, but once it's complete, 26.2 is officially on the list. We have no doubt she’ll crush the marathon distance just like she’s tackled every other running goal she’s set. 

For anyone thinking about getting into running, Junette's biggest piece of advice is to find the version of running that feels enjoyable and meaningful to you. Run around your neighborhood. Sign up for a 5K. Train for a half. Or start crossing states, or countries, off your list. Whatever it looks like, know your “why”. Whether you run to stay active, improve your health, meet new people, or challenge yourself, that reason is what will carry you through the tough days, because there will always be hard runs and mornings when you'd rather stay in bed. Keep your “why” close, and it will keep you moving forward.

As for Junette's own why? Running has given her a challenge that keeps her sharp both physically and mentally, friendships she never expected, and places she never thought she'd see. Her running journey has become a coast-to-coast adventure, and with 24 states to go, there are plenty of finish lines still ahead. Eventually, she'll touch down in Maui, cross that final state off her list, and celebrate the full 50. Until then, she'll keep doing what got her here in the first place: finding the next challenge, enjoying the journey, and seeing just how far running can take her. We're so proud to have Junette as part of the Middle Trail community, and we can't wait to watch her tackle what’s next!