Kate, Laura, Erin, and Tiffany picked me up Friday morning. We stopped at MOA for some quick shopping and lunch, and then continued on up to Duluth. The temperature dropped dramatically, and by the time we arrived at the expo, the outside temp was in the low 50s.
Bundled up at the Expo!
We didn't spend much time at the expo. It was very crowded, and we were anxious to get settled in to our UMD dorm. Staying in the dorms is a great, cost-effective way to do a marathon away from home. Our apartment-style accommodations had a kitchen, living room, bathroom and 2 bedrooms. It was perfect for the 4 us running the next day!
We enjoyed a great pizza dinner out and settled in at the dorm before it got too late. Kate surprised us with a special gift! We each got a necklace with 26.2 stamped in Roman numerals. I love it and have worn it almost everyday since the race!
The morning of the race we enjoyed coffee with our smuggled coffee pot (Erin took it from Tiffany's hotel room!), and got ready for the bus ride from Duluth to Two Harbors. Besides feeling sick on the bus ride, I also was very aware that all of these miles north, I would soon be running again going south!
The weather was perfect for running. Cool temps, slightly misty, and overcast.
At the start
Larua runs faster, so she lined up with the faster pace group. Kate, Erin and stayed together until mile 20 or so. We chatted and felt pretty good until then. Around mile 20, things started getting tougher. Music went in and the chatter died down. Around mile 22, I walked Lemon Drop Hill. This was the only time in the race, other than water stops, that I walked. I just couldn't force myself up that darn hill! I knew my goal of 4:30 or better was doable if I just kept moving.
It was hard, but I did it! I was thrilled when I crossed that finish line ahead of my goal! It was a great weekend with some very sweet girls, and my memories of it are nothing but great!
I doubt I've run my last marathon.
I pulled some pictures off the official picture site!
One of the few pictures where I look like I'm actually running.
Done!
PRs for all of us!
Awesome race!
Selfie with Kate
This shows what the weather looked liked during the race.
Official Results
When our family was in Duluth about a month later, the banners were still hanging downtown, and I felt nostalgic about the race.
I also noticed this "Grandma's Marathon Finish" stenciled on the road. I hadn't noticed it the day of the marathon, but if you look at my finishing picure, you can see me about to cross it!
