Creating my race playlist is one of my favorite pre-race traditions. Is a carefully curated mix of songs the reason I ran my best time? No. Did it help? Definitely! Here is a recap of my race as told by snippets from my GMAS24 playlist:
Confident
My plan was to average 8:45 min miles. I’d worked with my run coach, Bobbi, to train and set a strategy for the race. I knew I’d put in the miles and the hard work and I felt excited and ready. Demi Lovato’s “Confident” was in my ears as I strode across the starting line — trying to maneuver around other runners and get into a rhythm.
“I want to run…”
As I got into my groove a bit and Bono was in my ears with “Where the Streets Have No Name,” I thought about how lucky I am that not only do I want to run, but I can run, and I’m healthy and able to do this. Feeling a whole lot of gratitude those first few miles.
This Is What You Came For
I really wanted to PR this race, and I also know that around mile 8, I often start to feel the fatigue and start bargaining with myself and re-calibrating my goals. I knew that I needed to push a little harder during these tougher (for me miles). It was Calvin Harris & Rhianna reminding me that this is what I came for. I tried to power up Lemon Drop as best I could (and the incline that follows it) and then push it down the rest of London Road.
Rain On Me
We half marathoners (along with Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande) were ready for rain, but we pretty much stayed ahead of it. There was a light mist that actually felt great with the wind out of the northeast that pushed us down the course.
“My Body Tells Me No…”
Oof. That last 1.5 miles. “My body tells me no,” said Young the Giant in the song “My Body.” “But I won’t quit ‘cause I want more…” I know I don’t have much farther to go, but my legs are feeling it. I really needed that extra push as we turned into the wind as we came around the DECC.
Work B*tch
There’s no better song to give you that last push down the finishing stretch. As my calves started cramping, Britney Spears was telling me to “work it out, work it out, work it out, work it out.” And I did! I crossed the line in 1:55:12 — a personal best, and just as I finished, “Powerful Women” by Pitbull & Dolly Parton came on. I felt pretty powerful — and proud — at that moment.
Angie Andresen
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Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory: My Grandma’s Marathon memories go back to cheering on my Dad in the marathon in 1978. Since then, Grandma’s is a family holiday – where all of us are either running some of the weekend’s races and/or volunteering, and spectating. One of my favorite memories is last year (2022) when 14 of our family members participated in Grandma’s races – from the Whipper Snapper races to the 5k and Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon – and then we all cheered on marathoners!
Quote that guides, inspires, or embodies your training, racing, or life: “Without ice cream, there would be darkness and chaos.” – Don Kardong, world-class runner
Favorite post-race beverage: After Grandma’s, it’s a shake from Portland Malt Shoppe
Running superstition: I won’t wear a finisher shirt until I’ve actually finished the race.
2024 running goal: Stay strong, healthy and run all year