My Grandma’s Marathon Memories

Grandma's Marathon is undoubtedly, one of the biggest summer attractions in the Northland. Thousands of people come here from all over the world to run and to cheer on the runners. And many more are local runners, all of them, ready to cross that iconic finish line on Saturday. But for me, Grandma's holds a special place in my heart. My Mom ran, and finished the race in 1984.

Mom and Shari

Joan Olson, my Mom, has always been an avid runner since I was a kid. She began training for Grandma's for a year, starting out from our house in West Duluth at 5 miles, eventually making her way out Morgan Park at 18 miles. She would later run the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon in 1993 and in 1999.

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Mom by Tent-Look at those Prices!

She also ran the Twin Cities Marathon in 1985, the Thunder Bay Half Marathon in 1986, along with numerous local short races. The Pike Lake race was one that her and I both ran in together for several years. There was the Barkers Island Races, the Bong Bridge Race, Spirit Mountain Races, Hartley Nature Center Race, and many more.

Mom after Race 1984

When I look back on all the complaining I did to my mom about how she was entering me in yet another race, I'm glad she did, because it got me out of the house and kept me active. Compared to the kids of today who are hell bent on video games, tablets and gadgets for their entertainment, I'm going to do whatever I can to make sure my son isn't just another kid zombified over a screen. So yes Mom, you're right, the day is here, thank you. :)