TC10
As Kristi mentioned, this weekend was Twin Cities Marathon weekend.
I did not run the marathon, but I did run the 10-mile “Shortcut to the Capitol.” This was my first time participating in the marathon in any way. I’ve never lived near the race route before. I’ve never known anyone participating before. So this time I got in it, and then when I was done I circled back and watched the marathoners start to come in.
The TCM bills itself as The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America™, and I totally believe it (not that I’ve ever seen any other urban marathons). But if you think of the best, most quintessential scenery the Twin Cities have to offer, they’re all covered on the marathon route. Downtown Minneapolis, the Chain of Lakes, the Mississippi River, Summit Ave, and a fantastic finish rounding the Cathedral of St. Paul and heading down to the capitol.
I’ve never participated in a race so big before, so the whole organization of it was new to me. I was really impressed. Picking up my packet at the River Center was easy enough, though I didn’t have time to hang out at the health and fitness expo. I didn’t partake in any of the Saturday activities, either. But Sunday was a big day and I think I got my fill.
The sweats drop-off and lining up at the Metrodome went well enough. The running itself went well enough. The post-finish line was the most impressive. Everything was very well marked. They had people there to cut your Champion Chip off your shoe for you. They handed out these space blanket-like things to keep you warm, they had all the proper refueling foods and beverages for you. They had a whole system for the sweats pick-up area. There are all these stakes in the ground with numbers and you give them your bib number and there are runners that retrieve them. There’s a family meeting area labeled with letters of the alphabet. There’s the TCM store where you can purchase any gear you might want above and beyond your free t-shirt (well, free with your race entry fee). And there were a few other tents of stuff which I ignored because at that point I couldn’t tell if I needed to pee, eat, sleep, or what.
4085 people finished the TC10, and 7753 people finished the marathon. Look for your friends’ results in the TC10, and results in the marathon.
All in all, it was great fun. I don’t know if I’ll be running the marathon next year, but I sure would get my butt out on the race route and cheer the runners on. Speaking as a runner, it’s a nice boost to see people out there supporting you. Also, many thanks to the 5000 volunteers that made the whole thing happen. I saw volunteers everywhere I turned, and all the ones I talked to were very helpful, friendly, and supportive.
Congratulations to all the runners!
Related posts:
That kicks ass, E!
I started training again late last year and will be running the TC marathon next year. I only got myself back in shape to deal with the Get in Gear 10K this year. After that, it was simply a matter of minimal weekend time to run races this summer/fall. I’ve been hitting it pretty hard to get myself back in the condition I was in 10 years ago. (I didn’t really run in any sort of disciplined manner for about 6 years.)
If you licked to 10 mile route this year, you should totally do the marathon. Congrats, again!
Thanks, Jason. :)
I didn’t run in any sort of disciplined manner until about 6 months ago, so I’ve got plenty of work still to do. Don’t want to burn out!
I’m trying to find a half marathon to do in the next few months, and then I’ll cool it for a while until it’s time for next year’s Get in Gear.
Hey, Erica!
Congratulations on completing the 10-mile! You probably saw me on the corner of Saratoga and Summit, around mile 7 or so. It was great fun cheering everyone on, and at mile 7, everyone looked like they needed it after running up from the river. I don’t run, but walk instead, and I’ve walked up that hill a total of two times in my life and thought I was going to die both times. Marathon, here you come!
That’s great! I am so impressed! Way to go Erica!!
at mile 7, everyone looked like they needed it after running up from the river
Darn tootin’! That course was not flat at all. That was tougher on my legs than I was expecting. First, going downhill down West River Parkway, then back up to get over the bridge at Franklin. Then down from Franklin and back up to Summit. Fortunately the very end was all downhill.
I didn’t have any idea that seeing people cheering would be such a boost. That was really enjoyable. Thanks for being out there. :)