Finishing Fifty: A Journey 16 Years in the Making - New Book Published by 50 States Half Marathon Club Member Christine Palmisano

By 50 States Half Marathon Club member, Christine Palmisano:

In May 2025, I crossed the finish line of the Hibiscus Half Marathon in Hawaii and completed a goal that had been 16 years in the making: running 13.1 miles in all 50 states.

Like many of you, I started with a single race. I had no grand plan, no expectation that it would take more than a decade and a half, and certainly no idea how much the journey would shape my life.

I didn't know about the 50 States Half Marathon Club when I started. In fact, I didn't join the Club until 2024, when I was nearing the end of my quest. Looking back, I wish I had found this community much earlier. During my final states, I benefited from the encouragement and advice of members I met at races, and I was inspired by the stories and accomplishments shared in the Facebook group. I've also enjoyed paying it forward by sharing race experiences and recommendations with runners looking for their next state.

Today, I'm excited to share that my book, Finishing Fifty, was recently published.

The book begins with a goal to run a half marathon in New York City—I had no idea it would turn into a quest to visit all 50 states--but it ultimately became a story about much more than running. During those sixteen years, I navigated divorce, retirement, and the uncertainty of starting over. Through each transition, running became my anchor. It gave me structure when life felt unsettled, confidence when I doubted myself, and purpose when I needed a new direction.

I wasn't an elite runner chasing personal records. Most of the time, I was simply focused on reaching the finish line. I was the runner who believed perseverance mattered more than pace. Along the way, I met Mike who not only became my new husband but also my running partner and inspiration to keep going when I wanted to give up. We encountered plenty of obstacles, setbacks, and unexpected detours—some that tested our commitment to reach our 50 state goal!

My hope is that fellow 50 Staters will recognize pieces of their own journey in these pages. The logistics, the friendships, the travel adventures, the race-day nerves, the challenges, and the incredible satisfaction of crossing another state off the list are experiences we share, regardless of how fast we run.

The paperback and hardcover editions of Finishing Fifty are available on Amazon now (https://a.co/d/0gTVQDsq), and the eBook edition is available for preorder for release in mid-August—all at a super low discount for two weeks.

Whether you're working on your first state, your fiftieth, or somewhere in between, thank you for being part of a community that celebrates persistence, adventure, and the belief that ordinary runners can accomplish extraordinary things, one finish line at a time.

Keep running forward.