Grandma's Marathon
June 17, 2000
By Linda M. Brandt
I walked the Grandma's Marathon on June 17, 2000 is Duluth, Minnesota. This was my
first marathon and I had never walked for 6 1/2 hours before that day. My longest walk
previously had been about 3-4 hours. I stay in shape by walking whenever I get a chance and I
teach weightlifting several times a week at my local YWCA.
I had planned to walk about half of the marathon as a way to support my family members who were running the race. At the half way mark I had caught up with some other walkers and they encouraged me to continue to the finish. It helped my comfort level that one of the women was a nurse.
It was a beautiful day weather-wise and the gorgeous scenery along the north shore of Lake Superior was a great distraction. I started getting sore about mile 20 but drinking all the water offered to me and a bit of singing helped get me through.
After the race I was sore for about a week. My chiropractor also ran the marathon so it was good to see her 2 days later. After the race I walked at the speed of a non-marathoning grandma. My friend in Duluth found it very humorous. It was a very satisfying feeling to be cheered on and to take on a big physical challenge with my family members.
At first I was thinking it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Now I'm considering the Disney marathon in 2001 since I was planning to be there anyway.
As a public health graduate student, walking for fitness and enjoyment is something I want to promote. If I decide to do this next marathon I think I'll train this time.
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