Twenty years later... a Twin Cities Marathon Odyssey
Ahh yes, the making of a marathoner.
First off the bat, let us be clear, I am not a “true” runner. I am a “cross-training sport junky who finds sheer joy in running” runner.
I’ll spare you the reader the reasons why running wins, at least for another blog later to come. But really, running is the absolute simplest sport, for its benefits are unmatched. (Reason #56 : You can eat an entire pizza and not feel bad) Love it.
40th TC Marathon, pre-race, with my bro.
And with distance running, well fortunately, I took a chance at a marathon over 20 years ago. This past week’s milestone marathon I just completed had been 20 years in the making and one that I have put a great deal of time, energy and thought into.
In the fall of 2001, our world as we so comfortably knew it flipped upside down thanks to a terrorizing plan to upset American freedom and peace. There’s a lot to say about that statement but you all know how the story goes. Not only was our country grieving with the tragic events of 9/11 and digesting the ongoing aftermath, but I was a young 20 something-year-old who was losing the “what am I doing with my life” battle. My chaotic mind and disoriented spirit were spiraling out of control. Life was heavy.
September 29, 2002 - First TC Marathon
I did the only thing I knew how to do well, fitness, and set a goal… to run a marathon. Mind you, I was never a runner, but I had always enjoyed it when training for high school and college sports. More importantly, I sure as all enjoyed the excuse to let my jambands narrate meandering trips along the great Mississippi River pathways.
And with all that comes with running a marathon – the training, developing the routine, healthy eating, endorphin pumping, striving to be a bit better every day – I was on my way. I completed that first marathon, the “most beautiful urban marathon in the world” Twin Cities Marathon, on September 29, 2002 in 3 hours and 38 minutes.
Fast forward to today. I always knew that I wanted, and needed, to run a fifth marathon. I just didn’t know when I would do it. It was important to me to have a buddy or team to train and run with; to help me push through another race.
In 2017, my brother Greg (the oldest of my 3 younger brothers) brought trail running races to my attention. Mind you, I hadn’t ran any type of racing venture or, besides some intramural level sports, hadn’t truly competed in a sport since Twin Cities 2005. Trail running seemed fresh and the Afton 25K (and also 50K), a @Rocksteady Running[1] production, was to be my next venture. Afton (State Park) Trail is beautiful and a really fun race in the heat of 4th of July weekend. It comes with a lot of elevation changes, scenic views, wholesome vibes, and great food and drink to celebrate at the end.
We did Afton 25K (just over 15 miles) in 2017, 2018, 2019 and we knew without question that 2022 was an automatic, coming out of the pandemic. But for what it’s worth, the Schulz brothers look forward to the Afton 25K it because it requires casual training and includes the promise of a few cold bevies after the race. And yes, the ultra runs of 50K – 100M and beyond are the next step. We’ll get there.
But Greg and I were pushing for a different goal to check off the list. He too was pushing for something more.
A year ago, during the first October weekend of 2021, I drove down to Summit Avenue, parked my ride, and watched/walked the final 3.5 miles of the TCM to the Capital building finish. The energy was just as amazing and vibrant as I remembered it so many years ago. Unmatched positive energy and community encouragement, with music playing and front yard parties raving, there it all was amidst all the blood, sweat, and tears.
Yeah buddy, we did it, Nicole!
It was at that point I texted Greg and said, “TCM 2022 - Ride or Die”. We registered in March, and our distance training commenced. And so 20 years later since my first TCM, after familiar months of focused training, healthy eating, and dedication to the snapback backwards hat, Greg and I pushed one another all the way to the finish[2].
Sunday was a beautiful day in the Twin Cities. We all got to see so many friends, family and familiar faces. And there were so many supporters! Marathon energy is like no other! I don’t have a Top 10 reasons why marathoning wins but if I did, the energy to feed off of would be at the top.
Greg and I cruised for the first 17 miles, just buzzing. And then admittedly, my wheels started to fall off. Certainly not as easy as it used to be. But after digging into a couple jams on my playlist, talking my calves out of cramping out, seeing Renee and the kids and AKA Mr. W cheering us on, being mindful and totally living in the moment, I made it. The 40th Twin Cities Marathon, definitely my slowest, this in 4 hours and 1 minute. But I made it. Greg made it. Nicole made it. We all make it!
5 marathons down in a 20-year span. My body says no, but my mind knows better, I’ll be back. This is only a small chunk of the true CS Odyssey. But this is a time that I will never forget.
Congratulations to all the runners, especially to those of you who set your sights on big goals and see them through. Marathons are certainly not for everyone but there’s always something bigger out there. Keep that fire lit and thanks to all who stopped by!
“You don’t stop running because you get old. You get old because you stop running.”