I wanted to write about this virtual marathon because I’ve participated in Grandma’s since 1996, and drove down to Duluth yesterday to run/walk it alone. Let me begin by saying I love swag, and having to wait for a month really kills my motivation and by the time I get it next month the buildup to the excitement just isn’t the same.

Because I went alone I started at the finish line, ran to the 13 mile mark then turned around. It only got to about 70 but the humidity was much higher, and I felt in potential danger by mile 20. That’s the thing about virtuals - alone, you are your own medical team, refreshment station, volunteer, everything. I only had room for so much water. So by mile 16 I slowed way down and walked the rest. It took me a lot longer, but nonetheless I finished.

Despite all this, I am starting to prefer the virtual marathon option. I run the marathon when I’m ready and the date that works for me. Because I mostly walk now, I don’t feel much if any crowd support and rarely meet any of the other marathoners anymore. I just don’t get anything out of the social interaction during the in person marathon. I think I’m sticking to virtual options from now on, as long as I get the same medal and shirt.