2023 Race Recap Grambassador: Shannon

My alarm went off at 4:45. I never seem to have trouble getting up the morning of a race, I’m usually too excited to sleep well and seem to always wake up a few times before my alarm. This was no exception. I got dressed, made some oatmeal, my morning staple, and grabbed all my gear. I had an extra long sleeve to wear to the start, a banana, a few S.I.S. gels, a couple Anderson’s Maple Syrup packets, and my Skratch in my running vest. I used some Squirrels Nut Butter on spots and KT tape on spots I knew would probably blister and headed out the door. It was only when I was almost to Superior that I realized I had forgotten my coffee. Oh well, I’d take a caffeinated gel early in the race.

I arrived at UWS to get on the bus at about ten to six. In the past, as soon as I got to the parking lot, the buses were loading. However, this time there was quite a wait. However, it was a nice morning, the people in line next to me were great to chat with, and I had time to use the porta potty one more time. I happened to be with quite a few Grandma’s Marathon first timers who were a little worried about the late start. I assured them that Two Harbors wasn’t too far and we should be there before 7:30, even if it seemed to take a while to drive across Duluth.

At the start I immediately got into a porta potty line-they’re are literally hundreds of bathrooms, more than I’ve ever seen anywhere else, but hey, before a marathon everyone has to go. While in line, I ate my banana, did part of my dynamic warm up, and thought about my marathon plan. I was running Grandma’s as a long workout, not all out racing it. I have a 50 miler and a 100k coming up this summer and this was a great training run. My coach had told me to take the first half easy, between an 8:50 and 9:10 pace, increase the speed a bit if I was feeling good at the half, and once I got over Lemon Drop, let it rip. 

By the time I got into the bathroom the race was starting, which I have also learned to not stress about. It’s happened to me before, and I’ve learned I’d rather be a little behind my pace group then have to stop in a bathroom line a little further down the road. I left the portapotty, tossed my throw away shirt in the pile of cast off clothing, and worked my way into the line of people progressing to the start. I ended up starting somewhere between the 4:30 and 4:40 pacer and knew that I wanted to work my way up the 4:00 pacer and see how I felt from there.

It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of the start and go out way too fast, and I did a little bit. However, I reigned it in and kept my eye on my Coros to make sure I was within the range I had planned. I love the first few miles, they always fly by and the atmosphere is incredible. Over the first several miles I was able to catch up with the 4:00 pace group and hung with them for a little while as the miles flew by. 

At one of the aid stations I somehow came out in front of the pace group and felt good, so I kept on going. The aid stations were all amazing. I made sure to grab water and a bit later ice and sponges. The day started to get warm and I am one of those people that get hot running no matter the temperature, even those twenty degree days. I stuck iced cubes down the back of my sports bra, held a few in my hands, and used the sponge to wipe my face, arms, and neck. It felt amazing!

We were met with cheering, signs, and a lot of motivation at Larsmont, Knife River, and many other places during the first half of the race. It’s such a great mixture of crowd support, beautiful scenery, and peace. Pretty soon we were at the half and I was feeling great, so I picked up the pace a little and continued to enjoy the growing crowd support as we got closer to Duluth, as well as spectacular views of the Lift Bridge.

One of my favorite stretches of the race is around mile 17 and down past Brighton Beach. I grabbed a couple Jolly Ranchers (this section always has amazing people handing out candy) and before I knew it we were rolling into town.

I love the serenity and beauty of the first twenty miles along the lake, but the energy when getting onto London Road is next level. People line the streets to not only cheer on the runners, but offer them food, drinks, and a whole lot of fun. Usually the few miles leading up to Lemon Drop Hill seem pretty hard for me. However, this time I was still having fun and feeling good. In no time at all I was at Lemon Drop. Before moving to the Duluth area, Lemon Drop seemed like a big hill, however, after living here for the past three years and training on the trails in the area, this hill now feels more like a bump. I got to the top feeling like I still had a bunch in the tank, so I picked up the pace again. 

At mile 24, Grandma’s had a screen set up, playing encouraging messages for the runners from loved ones and supporters. Sure enough, Dot popped up on the big screen telling me to keep going and how much she loved me. It was the best motivator! I turned to the runner next to me and said, “that’s my daughter!” I knew that Dot, my partner, Mike, and Mike’s parents were waiting to cheer me on by Pizza Luce, and was excited to see them. Mike met me a bit ahead of where they were waiting and told me I was doing great, I ran over to Dot, gave her a hug, and kept running. 

Before I knew it, we were crossing the overpass down to the harbor. There were so many spectators offering encouragement. Most of the runners looked strong and determined. They knew the finish was close. As I neared the turn up toward the finish line, I spotted Dot and Barb, Mike’s mom. They didn’t see me until I yelled, “DOT!” and was already past them. Dot yelled “GO MOM!” and tried to pick it up for the final stretch. I pushed the final few blocks, trying to pass as many people as possible. I crossed the line in 3:51:39. A PR by over ten minutes. 

A smiling volunteer placed the medal around my neck and another draped the obligatory space blanket over my shoulders. In the finishers’ area I grabbed some snacks and then worked my way over to the side to meet Mike. After finding Mike and his dad, Steve, we gathered up Dot and Barb and headed over to Bayfront to celebrate. After a quick car change into my new finisher’s shirt and less sweaty clothes, we made our way to the party! After ringing the PR pan and grabbing a few drinks we sat down and enjoyed the bands, the sun, and the Grandma’s atmosphere. It was the perfect ending for a perfect day. 

Grandma’s never disappoints-the race staff, the volunteers, and the entire Duluth community comes out to support the runners in this world class race. There’s the perfect mix of beautiful scenery and amazing crowd support, and it’s a truly remarkable course. It’s what kicked off my love of long distance running, helped to motivate me to move across the state, helped me find a running community, and still fills me with such joy. Thank you Grandmas!