Friday:
My running partner, her fiancée, and I all made the trip from Fargo/Moorhead. We stopped in Park Rapids for Subway and got to the DECC around 4:00 pm, in time to meet the other Grambassadors and get a finish line picture taken. We met up with my parents and uncle who also ran Grandma’s. Then we attended the expo where we got some new running belts to fit all our gels, picked up our packets, and feasted on spaghetti. I have no idea how grandmas does it but the spaghetti dinner is so yummy every year and its always hot and tasty even though it seems to get busier and bigger every year.
After that we went to check into our villa at Spirit Mountain. It was the perfect peaceful place but also close to the action. We ate some pickles, played cards, and got all of our race gear set out for the next morning.
Saturday:
The big day was finally here! My running partner and I woke up at 4:15, ate breakfast, and had her fiancee drive us the 10 minutes to the DECC where we got in line for the train. On the train, we sat next to two women who were running 50 marathons in 50 states. Grandma’s was their 13th marathon this year!! We were able to visit with them and learn all their tips and tricks while taking in the beauty of the north shore from the train. We arrived at the start line at 7:15 got in line for the bathrooms and got out to the course right at 7:45.
The weather was perfect, the volunteers were amazing, and I ran the best race of my life! For the last 3 miles I was able to see my parents, my uncle, my brother, and his 6 friends who ran the half marathon, my co-teacher, and friends. It was so inspirational and magical there truly is nothing like a Grandma’s finish. I ran 04:55:00 which is an hour and 22-minute improvement from my first Grandma’s marathon time!
After we took the short drive back to the Villa. We showered and went and grabbed post-race food at OMC Smokehouse which never disappoints! We then met up with my parents, brother, and his friends for a celebratory beverage at Bayfront. The music was awesome, and nothing is better than celebrating with fellow runners! Afterward, we headed back to our villa, enjoyed some local brews, and worked on one of the puzzles our villa had.
Sunday:
Sunday morning brought the sad feeling that happens after another Grandma’s weekend is done. Until next year Duluth!!
Michelle Ziebarth
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Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory: This past year was my first Grandma’s and the train ride was simply amazing! So beautiful, unique, and such a great way to get to the start line!
If I had to define my running with the title of a song, it would be: The Climb by Miley Cyrus. Super cheesy I know but running is such an amazing sport and it truly is all about the climb!
I won’t run outside if: It’s hot and humid! I can do cold, rain, snow, and sleet but the heat and humidity gets to me real quick, guess that’s the MN girl in me.
Pre-Race superstition: I always have to set out my clothes the night before for every race. Last year I lost my pins and had people all over the hotel looking for pins for me.