Grandma’s Marathon: June 2014

Grandma’s Marathon 2014 - Duluth, MN
Finishing Time 4:12.

I rolled up to my first 26.2 start line so ready for the victory lap that is race day. My best friend had flown across the country to surprise me for the weekend, and in the moment she walked through my front door I have never been so surprised. Unfortunately as we toed the start line, the race was cancelled due to thunderstorms. Devastating. So much effort and excitement had built in the months prior, and it was a complete let down. After I cried ugly tears and day drank with my cheer squad, I frantically emailed the race director of Grandma’s Marathon - a popular midwest race in Duluth MN scheduled only a few weeks out. Luckily I got a bib and continued an extra long taper, heading to the North Shore a few weeks later for take 2.

I was totally hooked. My mantra through this one was “you’re running a f*cking marathon” and the high of the accomplishment stuck with me for weeks after crossing that first finish line.