I Conquered My Fears And Completed A Half Marathon!

Last October, my sister-in-law convinced my wife and I to join her in signing up for the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon in Duluth. While I enjoy walking for exercise and generally consider myself pretty active thanks to my two young sons, I had never run for even a mile before, let alone 13.1 miles.

So, I began training. I signed up with Rejuv Medical in Waite Park for weekly training sessions and I hit the treadmill 3-4 times a week. I was feeling pretty good but still apprehensive about the whole ordeal. My saving grace was that at least I would be running with other people who are in the same boat as me.

As the months went on, my running partners dropped out of the race one-by-one due to health issues. By April, I was the last man standing, and I had a choice to make: take the easy way out and quit because everyone else did, or tough it out and try to accomplish my goal.

Anyone who knows me knows the choice I would make: all systems go! I just don't do real well with quitting things just because their hard and, after all, I had to show my kids what it looks like to follow through on something important.

CAR CAMPING 

Since our UMD dorm room was about $750 for two nights, I decided to cancel it and figure out a more cost-effective option. I heard that you could camp in the outdoor lot of the DECC in Duluth with an RV or car, so I went that route, sleeping in my trusty 2013 Honda Pilot for the night.

I arrived at 2 p.m. on Friday and found a spot inside the ramp. Since I was alone, I had my own agenda. I went to the Racers' Expo, picked up my racing packet, walked around the canal and Lake Superior and got pizza at Pizza Luce. In the end, I was 'in bed' by about 9 p.m..

EVERY DAY I'M SHUTTLING 

The shuttle busses began transporting racers from the DECC parking lot at 4:15 p.m., and I had heard that the line can get pretty crazy. Luckily for me, I was staying less than five feet from the bus pickup. When the first cars started arriving in the lot around 3:30 a.m., I brushed my teeth, got dressed and hopped on the first bus to Twin Ports.

We arrived at the starting line at about 4:45, with my Corral beginning its race at 6:20. During this time I sat on the ground, listened to music and tried to pre-hydrate the best I could. The lines for the port-a-potties were extremely long, so I decided to hold it until the crowd cleared a bit.

There were 7,000 people signed up for the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon this year, a number that really gets put into perspective when you see everyone lined up to begin.

Dave Overlund, TSM

When the race was about to begin for our group, everyone ditched the extra layers that they had been wearing while waiting to begin. Volunteers sweep through and bring all of the clothes and gear to local shops like Goodwill or the Salvation Army.

Dave Overlund, TSM

BEAUTIFUL SCENERY 

The course itself is beautiful and the beginning of it takes you right along the shore of Lake Superior. Soon you hop on Highway 61 toward downtown Duluth before the course ends near Grandma's, naturally.

Dave Overlund, TSM

One of the most memorable parts of the day: the spectators! These folks brought so much positive energy to the day with signs, costumes, cowbells and words of encouragement! There were many moments where I just felt overwhelmed by the great vibes of the people coming out to watch strangers run at 6 a.m.!

Dave Overlund, TSM

Dave Overlund, TSM

THE RACE 

As for the race itself, I think I did great all things considered! I averaged just under 12 minutes a mile for the first seven miles before running into some hip pain. Mile nine revealed Lemon Drop Hill, which darn near broke me!

Dave Overlund, TSM

I finished the 13.1 mile course in 2:57:47, which was just under my goal of three hours!

Dave Overlund, TSM

I could not believe how sore I was after the race! My hips and knees were barking the most and I had a lot of trouble with stairs over the weekend! However, now that it is Monday, I am doing a lot better.