Last weekend I ran my sixteenth marathon (and sixth Grandma’s). This one was technically against doctor’s orders (who said I should wait 4-6 weeks after breaking my toe), so I guess I shouldn’t be too upset with my regression in times.

After setting my new PR earlier this year in Eau Claire, I was hoping for another sub-4 race (even with the toe). The weather turned out to be decent and the first half of the race went well. I started out with the 3:40 pace group for the first two miles, then tried to catch the 3:30 group. I got within shouting distance, but then started to slow down.

I hit the halfway point in 1:52, but really wanted to quit around mile 17. Turns out not running for four weeks was a bigger problem than the toe – my knees and thighs were killing me. The splits for the final Duluth miles were terrible, but I still managed to finish in under four and a half hours (4:28:56 – 10:16 pace). Looks like my watch erased the last few miles, but here are the first 22 miles:

• 8:08, 8:08, 7:39, 7:42, 7:54, 8:15, 8:30, 8:53, 8:55, 8:28, 9:12, 9:19, 9:51, 9:51, 10:39, 11:14, 11:19, 11:25, 12:03, 12:34, 12:45, 12:54

As always, this race was incredibly well organized. I know there is more competition for spring marathons, but Grandma’s is special. I’ll keep coming back as long as I can – it’s a true Minnesota running tradition. Special thanks to all of the on-course volunteers at the water stops and at the finish who made me feel like the most important runner they had seen all day.

My legs and feet are feeling OK now and the swelling on the broken toe is mostly gone. I had a nasty sore on my waist from where my iPod was clipped to my shorts, but that’s healing now too. I may take another week off from running, but then need to start preparing for Twin Cities in October.