When I hear the music in the video above, like a Pavlovian dog I think of one thing. No not Milkbones, I think of, well Michigan. Specifically a marathon there that will always hold a special place in my heart. If you’ve hung around here for any length of time, you know Grand Rapids was the scene of my first BQ.
It was perfect in every way.
Since then, whenever that piano music comes on, my thoughts automatically go to that day. That weekend Modern Caveman, the kids and I tooled up the shores of Lake Michigan, stopping at various small towns along the way, intoxicated by the profusion of fall colors. Soaring temps and humidity at my maiden marathon, Chicago 2007, turned any goal I had into a puddle of molten electrolyte so I had a score to settle.
If you’re looking for glitz and glam and throngs of cheering fans, don’t go. Grand Rapids is low-key and comfortable, with a Midwest sensibility. It’s a runner’s course with outstanding support and amenities. The pacers are dy-no-mite. They truly have your back and mine were funny as all hell. The medal, race shirt and swag are all top-notch. On par or better than the glamazon races. Not that I don’t enjoy a jumbo race now and again because I do. The course is scenic and invitingly flat.
Although I’m not a native Michigander, hell I’ve never even lived there, Grand Rapids feels like home to me. And, next weekend, I am going ‘home’! I’m running the half and I couldn’t be more excited to see Race Director ‘Marathon Don’ Kern and his crew again.
This is a race everyone should do at least once! Click here and join me on 10/17!
What do you look for when
choosing a race?
What race is near and dear
to your heart?
