A runner's life is dictated by numbers: how many miles you train, how fast you set a pace, what place you come in. The number Lichu Sloan has been waiting for is 100.
"When I crossed the finish line I got a little teary eyed because I couldn't believe I finished all hundred marathons," said Sloan.
A hundred marathons is an accomplishment in itself. But as in any race, getting to the start is just as impressive as the finish.
"It takes a lot of courage to make it to the starting line, it takes a lot of determination to follow that training regiment," said Sloan.
Sloan's start is a story in itself. She didn't even start running until she was 49. The marathon journey started a few years later.
"My first marathon was age 52," she said. "I was so happy when I finished my first one."
The feeling was addictive. Like Sloan used to collect stamps, she started collecting medals.
"Eventually the most marathons I ran in a year was 16 marathons," she said.
The more Sloan ran, the more she traveled. The running started taking her across the country and then the world.
2008 was a big year. Sloan ran seven marathons in seven continents in seven weeks.
"The most difficult marathon was Antarctica," she said.
That same year Sloan became a member of the
50 State Club, rounding it out with Alaska.
Flash back to 2011, Sloan's 100th marathon was in Newport, Rhode Island in October.
"It's not because you run 100 that it's getting easier, it's almost like the first one. It takes a lot of courage, determination and discipline," said Sloan.
But through the challenge she has become stronger.
"Mentally I'm much tougher," said Sloan. "I feel more inner peace, adventure and I feel a sense of accomplishment."
What started as a hobby has become a way of life. And at 63 with 100 marathons under her belt, Sloan says she's not done.
"Two hundred would be a reasonable goal," she said.
Sloan is not joking. She has already started her marathons in 50 states a second time around.
"When you run there you appreciate the opportunity, it's a privilege," she said.
An opportunity Sloan has more than earned, with each number she is striding toward next.
Sloan also coaches other marathon runners now. She says she plans to give some of her medals away to students who write about their favorite states.
