50 half marathon, 50 states, one HUGE accomplishment. Sean Grady is just one half marathon away from completing a half marathon in each state. The 2022 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon will be Sean’s 50th half marathon finish, in his 50th state!
Running is nothing new to Sean, having grown up playing sports, fitness and running were naturally a part of his life. A childhood filled with athletic competition resulted in an opportunity to play collegiate football. It was several years after graduating that he picked up running as a stand-alone activity. His job at the time required a lot of travel across the county and he used running as a chance to explore those cities, while also staying healthy.
He ran his first race, a 5K, in October 1998, to support his girlfriend who was putting on the event. Once his effort was officially attributed to a finish time, he was hooked! Slowly, he began a more structured training regime to improve his time. It took him six years before he felt ready for the half marathon distance. His first half marathon in Dallas, TX, gave him the confidence to attempt his first marathon in 2005.
Being very competitive with himself, Sean stays motivated by striving for faster finish times. His motivation also stems from the desire to lead a healthy lifestyle. Fortunately, Sean has a fantastic support system of family, friends, and fellow athletes. He also has raced several times to support local charities such as Ally’s House in Oklahoma and The African Leadership Bridge in Texas.
The biggest challenge of Sean’s 50 states goal is the logistical planning behind it. Even after the races are chosen, he has to research rental cars, airfare, lodging, and dining options. This was especially true on six occasions in which he ran back-to-back’s – a half marathon on Saturday and again on Sunday: Virginia/North Carolina, Mississippi/Alabama, Washington/Oregon, Delaware/New Jersey, New Hampshire/Vermont, Massachusetts/Rhode Island.
One he’s completed the training; the physical aspect takes care of itself. Sean says being physically prepared also helps with the mental aspect of running a half marathon. His confidence is built by the many small victories along the way and race day is when it’s time to have fun!
Throughout his 50 states journey, Sean has traveled solo, with friends, with family, and with running partners. He prefers to share the race with someone, but the races he has planned and finished running by himself have given him a different perspective. With more time to reflect, he realizes just how thankful he is to everyone who supports him.
The 2022 Indy Mini will be the culmination of Sean’s 50 races in 50 states accomplishment! He originally chose the Indy Mini in 2020 to represent the state of Indiana, based on feedback from past participants and its iconic lap around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Sean also admires that the Indy Mini is so woven into the community and the city of Indianapolis. His family and friends will all be at the finish line cheering him on as he completes his 50th half marathon!
Sean’s advice to other Indy Mini participants is to keep moving forward! Whether in the back-of-the-pack with a costume or an elite wave Olympian, he says to enjoy each day you get to run or walk. Celebrate your victories, even the small ones. Learn from your mistakes, but move past them.
“I’ve learned so much about myself on my 50 states journey, but you can also be content just circling the block around your home. It’s about leading an active and healthy lifestyle, accomplishing goals, and sharing that with your loved ones (and even complete strangers). We’re all in this together! Oh yeah, and smile…I often forget that, and the race photos don’t lie ;)”