We self seeded and got started without a lot of fanfare. We started counterclockwise, but every 30 minutes, they placed a cone on the track and you switched directions when you got to it (so you ran :30 one direction, :30 the opposite direction, etc.). It worked very smoothly and there were no issues switching direction.

I settled into a decent pace right away and waited as everything started to spread out. There were lots of different paces (sub-3hr to 6hr) but passing or congestion was rarely ever an issue. Seeing all the other runners so often was the best part. Everyone had their names on their back so you could encourage and chat with everyone. There were a lot of interesting people there and it helped the time fly by. If I had to guess, the average runner had to have finished 10+ marathons. The lowest number I heard was "4" and there were others in the 120's and 70's as well as a guy who finished MN as his 50th state right there. There was also a blind woman who walked the marathon using the railing on the inside of the track to guide her!

I wanted to break 3:30, but my running has not been very extensive lately so I knew I had to be careful early. The only way to gauge your pace was to take lap splits. 1:24 per lat was right on 8:00/mile, so I tried to stay in the low 1:20's with a few slower laps thrown in when chatting.
It was so awesome to see K so much during the marathon. We would joke a little, exchange a few words of encouragement, or at the very least I'd get to smack her ass (one of my favorite pastimes).

The first 20 miles flew by. I was getting lapped by the leaders, but I was right on pace and looking to get into the top 10. It started to go downhill and miles 21-25 were tough (like they always are), but I don't think my pace was much different. It was just a lot more effort than I hoped it would take. It was probably my lack of volume, but effort-wise, what started as an easy jog morphed into a speedwork session.

When you get to your final lap, all the girls start to chant your name as you make your way around the track. It became a great distraction as one by one, runners would get their final kick as they were being called home. It was am atmosphere I can't imagine in any other race and great motivation to grit your teeth and hold until your turn.

I was able to hang on and get my chance. I thought I had time to spare for my goal, but time was ticking so luckily, I was able to push the final lap and make it by just 14 seconds.


Nothing.

I walked a lap to recover and then stretched in the corner and cheered on the other runners. I went crazy when I realized K was going to PR and was holding on to 2nd OA female!

After the race, K and I went back to the cafeteria for lunch and then walked a few miles in the mall of america before catching an evening flight home.


My training was limited due to a sciatic nerve issues I've been dealing with, but I don't think the injury had any effect on the run. It was tight early on, but by mile 15 my legs were aching enough I didn't feel anything in my hip. Maybe I'm finally getting past this.


Unbelievably cool event. Not your typical marathon and I'm not sure I would recommend it for a first timer, but if you are looking for something different/memorable, this is tough to beat.
I think I would rank my favorite 3 marathons as:
1. Big Sur
2. Zoom Yah! Yah!
3. Boston

The first two are a must.