Grandma’s 2024: A Decade of Grandma’s
This year marks a full decade of participating in Grandma’s marathon races. I might be a slow runner, but the time sure flies. I applied to be a Grambassador to share my love for Duluth and this race including the course, the awesome spectators, and all of the amazing things that makes Grandma’s so special. I wanted to encourage others that you can participate in world class racing events regardless of your pace. The only race I missed in the past ten years was due to a high-risk pregnancy in my 40’s and even though I didn’t run that year, I had just as much fun spectating. When I think back over the past ten years, I may not have accomplished a huge increase in my pace and finishing time – but I have continued to show up.
Off the running course I can’t help but think about all I have done in the past ten years. I celebrated my 20th wedding anniversary and watched my husband retire after a 27-year firefighting career. At the time of my first Grandma’s race I had ten-year-old twins who are now 20. One is now a 911 dispatcher and the other is a junior in college. Over the ten-year Grandma’s span I drove them all over the state for hockey and also watched them in softball, show choir, track, Tae Kwon Do, volleyball, girl scouts, orchestra, community theater and completed all the necessary volunteer hours that goes along with those events. Our home was always the weekend place to host the kids for movie nights, dance events like prom and sweeties, and all the other get-togethers that go along with teenagers. Since I ran my first Grandma’s, I had a baby at the age of 40 who was born on that 20th wedding anniversary 14 years after the twins were born. He is now six and starting second grade in the fall. After my first Grandma’s race, I suffered a torn right hip labrum that required surgery and rehab. It took me all summer to get that diagnosis and surgery wasn’t until October. I returned to Grandma’s that very next June despite being told it might not happen. When I first started running Grandma’s, I was nursing faculty at a local college and recently started my 12th academic year. About four years ago I graduated with a doctorate degree and currently practice as a Nurse Practitioner at a small rural family practice clinic while still teaching nursing students who will care for future patients. We also can’t forget the last decade included the Covid years and the associated unexpected challenges that came along with the pandemic.
So what does this have to do with running? Well first, I am not bragging about my life. I have good days and bad days just like everyone else but this quick review of what a decade really looks likes puts running into perspective for me. The black and white photo shared in this blog was posted on the Grandma’s Marathon Facebook page with the caption “you should’ve seen it in color”. Like many women, I was immediately hyper critical of the photo because of body image issues and running body “standards”. Sometimes it is easier to see the flaws versus the strengths. I didn’t immediately see someone who completed ten Grandma’s races. After some reflection, I have grown to love this picture and everything it represents for me. I worked really hard in the 2024 race to leave my decade of running with Grandma’s the way I started it – right around the same pace. After pushing myself the whole time, I finished about two minutes under my first race time – a course personal record for me. Once I realized my time, I had an immediate flood of emotions and was tipping my head back because the tears were pouring out.
In my last blog post of the 2024 Grambassador season, I chose to share what my life has looked like the past ten years versus a detailed review of this one weekend because I want to inspire busy moms and dads who want to be active and running – regardless of their age, weight, and pace – to allow yourself time to engage in running now. Don’t wait. I have heard so many times in my personal life and in my role as a health care provider that “I am too busy” or – “my kids are busy and I will work on things I love when they are done with extracurricular activities”. I get supporting your kids – but you can do both. I never missed a game or event. For me to accomplish both running and my family obligations, I am ok being in the back. I found balance in being a proud back of the pack runner. I give what I can to running and in return, it has given me so much.
As I enter my second decade of running, I want to continue to share with others that Grandma’s weekend in Duluth Minnesota is truly for everyone. I completed the same half marathon course as an Olympian. So can you. You are not too busy – take it slow, find some extra minutes here and there because they eventually add up to miles and then you keep building from there. I am very excited to share the next ten years of Grandma’s with you and hope to see some new folks out there trying the course.
Carrie Alajoki
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Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory: I have so many amazing Grandma’s memories but my most recent favorite memory was walking/jogging the half marathon in 2023 with my cousin who had never run more than a few miles. Seeing her excitement for the course is exactly why I love this race. She wasn’t concerned about pace, time, or the “usual” running things – she was there to have fun and enjoy every moment. As soon as she was finished and we were walking through Canal Park she started talking about next year! It was a great chance for me to step back from my own training and just enjoy the course, the spectators, and watch someone else fall in love the Grandma’s!
A quote that guides, inspires, or embodies your training, racing, or life: I always tell my kids to “make smart choices”. This training season I want to live by that advice by being a smart runner. I need to be sure to make smart choices and hydrate, stretch, and foam roll.
Songs that must be on your running playlist: Finish Line by Skillet, A Warrior’s Call by Volbeat, most Shinedown songs, and lately – This is Me and From Now On from the Greatest Showman
Running Superstition: My best friend has to run on my left side. We don’t function the other way around.
2024 Running Goal: My best half marathon ever was the year the race was canceled because of COVID. I have struggled the past few years and my 2024 goal is to get back to feeling strong and confident. A PR would be great but I don’t want to carry that pressure. My main goal is to leave it all out on the course!