Mommy's first (virtual) marathon

Hooray Mommy for doing that long race. I don't know how long it was. I forgot where I saw you running but you were running fast. I was holding my sign and my cowbells. I was cheering for you yelling "Go Mommy!" and waving my maroon and gold pom-poms. I knew when you ran under the balloons that you had ran a very long way. Goodbye.
- Marit

I had a sign that said, "Go Finish" and Mommy did finish a marathon, 26.2 miles! Mommy got interviewed by TV or newspaper at the end and then we ate pizza and dilly bars. The end.
- Theo

For the past 12 weeks, I have "run" alongside over 13,000 runners across the country at part of the Un-canceled Project on Facebook. Despite all our races being canceled, we kept running and shared our COVID19 pandemic stories and ran to earn "bibs" for different races (5k, 8k, 10k, 15k, half marathon, marathon and ultra) every week. The goal of the Un-canceled project was to complete whatever distance you wanted, whenever you wanted, and set your own goals. Running allows me to set a personal goal and I can often accomplish it if I put my mind to it. It was a spontaneous but very motivating running community to be apart of and helped me keep mind focused and remember why I run.

Running is not racing. In running there are no times, no rankings, and no medals. Running for me is not only for fitness and to stay heart healthy, but it is my main social life and stress relief. When the world was faced with an unprecedented global pandemic, COVID19, and schools were canceled and we were all asked to shelter in place, I ran because it was a way to set my mind free and get outside. It turns out running is the perfect pandemic sport. Running brought me joy and personal satisfaction and was a tremendous way to escape the constant stream of bad news and depressing social media posts. It allowed me to get outside and breath fresh air in a safe place away from crowds and other potentially infected people.

Since the start of the pandemic in the United States in February 2020, I ran 82 miles in February, 133 miles in March, 68 miles in April (I was sick for 2 weeks with a terrible non-coronavirus virus), 155 miles in May, and 130 miles in June. While Grandma's Marathon 2020 training was my primary motivation, starting at the end of March I also earned 35 different "race" bibs during the Un-Canceled Project. These bibs each had different distances and race themes: Gratitude, Hope, Humor, Inspiration, Courage, Commitment, Dream, Kindness, Joy, Community, Perseverance, and the last theme, Life. Each week, I'd reflect on an aspect of these themes during my run and share with my fellow runners. Sharing stories was truly inspiring and a refreshing change in my social media news feed. One person was battling cancer, another was recovering from COVID19, one had completed their first 10k, and everyone had a story to share. During a challenging time for everyone in every city and town around the world, we were in it together. We had each other to provide positive and encouraging words and to keep motivated to wake up early, tie up those laces and put one foot in front of the other and keep moving along.

I shared this post in the Un-Canceled Project Group the night before my race:

Then, I shared this post to my personal Facebook feed the night before the "race" - a picture of flat me ready for my virtual marathon. My "Moms Run This Town - Duluth" tank top, Oiselle shorts with 2 zipper pockets, socks, Goodr sunglasses, Aftershockz headphones, Garmin watch and a Nathan hydration pack. Since the race was unsupported (no aid stations), I had to carry my own hydration and nutrition. I had 7 GU packets, 2 CLIF bloks, 1 honey sucker packet, 2L hydration bladder with water, 1 extra water bottle and 1 nuun tab.

My family met me at mile 18 and 22 and besides cheering loudly with cowbells and signs, they brought me extra fluids and bandaids, too. The last 7 miles were painful and I wanted to slow down and walk more than a few times. My running buddies, Sydney, Janelle, and Amber, kept me going and I am forever grateful. Also a big thank you to Heather, Kait, Tammy, Sharon, Heidi, and my dad for putting in so many miles training with me. Last, but not least, to my husband, Seth, for taking care of the kids when I was out for a run and doing my stinky laundry. Te amo mucho!

For most people watching marathons or triathlons, it can feel a bit empty and not terrible exciting. Waiting for hours for the very brief second or two that you see your friend or family member may seem insignificant. However, if you've ever competed in a race yourself, you'd realize how important those fans are to helping you have a good race and finish. I personally get very excited to see someone I know and to have someone cheer my name (or yell, "Go tutu!"). It helps me get a little extra oomph in my step and get out of any negative thoughts in my head. The fans keep me moving toward the finish line. Despite not having 20,000 fans along the route in downtown Duluth this year, there were a few dozen fans along the Munger Trail and most importantly, my husband, son, daughter, mom and dad to help cheer me on. With my amazing, confident, and encouraging running buddies, a few fans were all I needed to make it to the finish line. We were pleasantly surprised to have an arch of blue balloons over the Lake street at the finish line that we sprinted under. However, we were only at mile 26.1 and so we had to keep running 1 more block past the balloons to make it an official 26.2. Then I hit stop on my Garmin watch and waited. "2 New Records" it said: Longest distance- 26.21, and Fastest Marathon. I waited for the time. "Did I finish in under 4?" I thought. I waited. Finally my time popped up: 03:57.07. I did it! I finished 26.2 in just under 4 hours unsupported. I was elated. While running and racing are not the same thing, completing a "race" is a great feeling and doing it with good friends is even better.