Grandma’s Marathon

The weather was forecasted to be cool and highs in the 60s — perfect racing conditions. It was just like that the days before (and after). But come race day, a storm blew in during the night, delaying the race 30 minutes, and giving us a starting temp of 68. And it just got hotter and more humid as time went on. … My body was not prepared for that. And as a result, tears were shed. Salt tabs were consumed. Goals were adjusted. And, I finished my fifth road marathon.

Grandma’s Marathon highlights …

I ran the entire race with Hannah Taylor by my side. Of all the races we do together, this was the first we ran and finished together. Thank you, Hannah, for keeping me going when I wanted to quit. If it weren’t for you, I’d still be out there walking it in.

The course was beautiful, especially when Lake Superior was in view. And when she turned on her “air conditioning,” it felt like a gift from heaven.

I got to run “out on Highway 61” and Bob Dylan Way.

Hannah and I (literally) ran into fellow Terre Haute runner Laura Fredendall along the way!

We stayed in the University of Minneapolis Duluth residence halls. They did a wonderful job hosting runners, having a nice hospitality room and thoughtful encouragement posters made by local elementary school students.

This is the first race I actually worked on my nutrition and fueled my body properly during the training period, including carb loading and consuming gels throughout long runs and during the marathon. And WOW, it made a big difference in my strength, endurance and recovery! I have Cortney Berling (@eatwell.runbetter on IG) to thank, as well as helping me with my training plan.

This was the 49th anniversary of Grandma’s Marathon. It also happens to be the last marathon of my 49th year. When I started this decade, I never imagined I’d be finishing marathons, let alone running AT ALL! What a gift to close out my 49 years.