Talk about a winning and satisfying weekend. Three great Minnesotan events, two days, and one very exhausted (yet happy) me. It really doesn’t get any better.
It all began on Saturday morning, August 6th. Actually, it all began very early on Saturday morning. I woke up at 5am in order to prepare myself for the Minnesota Half Marathon. And since this race took place in St. Paul, there was actually travel involved. I could not just stroll down the street to the starting line this time. Luckily, Dan agreed to drive me so I didn’t have to worry as much about driving and finding a parking spot in time for the 7:30am start. Have I ever mentioned what a sweet, supportive, and awesome husband I have? We made it to St. Paul and found a parking spot with plenty of time remaining to use the dreaded porta potty. Before I go on, it’s important to note that this particular event included a half marathon run, half marathon relay, half marathon skate, and 6k walk/run. I generally shy away from these types of events as there is too much going on, and they have the tendency to be crowded and chaotic. When I signed up, this thought was in the back of my mind but I decided to give it a try as I had never done this half marathon before. Well, as I was standing in the line for the bathroom, I witnessed something I had never seen before. One of the skaters cut to the front of the line as his race was starting 15 minutes before the run. Yes, he really did just cut in front of everyone. I couldn’t believe it, and more so I couldn’t believe no one expressed any displeasure with it. A couple of minutes later, one of the race officials announced that the skate was starting momentarily and that everyone should allow the skaters to the front of the porta potty lines. Thankfully, I had just finished my turn and was on my way to the start. Otherwise, I might have started protesting! That’s all part of the race, having a plan to get there on time in order to complete any pre-race preparations. Cutting in front of others, or asking others to let them in front, is something I have not once witnessed in all my years of racing. Anyway, enough said on that topic. I think I’ve made my feelings clear!
The half marathon got underway and excitement was in the air. I was determined to have a good race and hopefully improve my time from my July half. As this race was out-and-back with two turnarounds, I was mentally preparing myself to stay focussed on my own race. I was determined to not be distracted by those in front of me, even though I’d be able to see them at two separate times on the course. I was moving along nicely and enjoying the St. Paul scenery. It was a gorgeous day. Though it wasn’t overly hot, the sun was shining brightly with not a cloud in sight. Couple that with little to no shade along the road and I was starting to feel quite warm. Still, I pushed onward. One of the good things about an out-and-back course is that I got to see Dan about halfway through. I had to appear strong for him. And, I needed his encouragement to keep working hard. By this time, the half marathoners and 6k participants had merged on the course. I felt frustration creeping up, but it actually wasn’t too bad. There was no tripping over each other; no one cut me off or vice versa. The worst part was they got to turn around and finish, while we had to trudge on, in the hot sun, with our turnaround seemingly forever ahead. I started to overheat and was desperate for some shade. I noticed a guy puking alongside the road. I looked away; I was determined to maintain my pace. At one point, when I was convinced I’d soon be in Wisconsin, I let out a frustrated gasp. Actually, it was more of a whimper. I was starting to feel defeated… but then there it was! Behold, our turnaround! Mentally, it was now a whole new race. Heading towards the finish instead of away from it made every difference in the world, and now the sun was at my back. I started to push myself even harder as I noticed that if I maintained my pace, I would indeed finish with a faster time than in my last half.
Eventually, the finish line was in sight. There were more and more spectators cheering us on. Adrenaline pumping through my veins, I gave what I could and propelled myself across that finish line. I competed against every runner until I was across that final mat. That glorious satisfaction of finishing set in quickly. 1 hour 46 minutes and 22 seconds! Almost a full minute faster than last month! It was amazing how quickly the frustration I felt during the race dissolved once they put that medal around my neck and a glass of water in my hand. Sometimes, the challenge is physical and sometimes it’s mental. That race definitely tested me more mentally than I had been in recent races. I think that made the achievement all the more worth it. Originally, there was an error with the results (they had me listed under the relay), but it was corrected and I placed 3rd in my age group. Elated doesn’t even begin to capture how I felt. I might be 42 and face increasing injuries, but I can still compete!
Now that the race was behind me, it was time to celebrate. I would have settled for lunch and a nap, but Dan was intent on taking in the Minnesota Fringe Fest (a series of theatrical performances held on various stages throughout the Twin Cities). We had originally planned on just the Sunday shows, but I agreed to see a couple on Saturday afternoon as well. Besides, Dan got up with me at 5am and chauffeured me around. It was the least I could do for him. So after lunch and a shower, we made our way over to the first show. It was a performance by a local ballet company and it was great. I just sat back, in the comfy and dark theatre, and enjoyed their talent and skills. And yes, I did stay awake for the entirety of the show! The second one we saw was a comedy about couples. Thankfully, this time the theatre was fully lit and the laughter helped revitalize me. It was another great show. We really enjoy the Fringe Fest and have been a part of it for several years now. The performances are only 60 minutes and feature all different kinds of talent. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, and it means a lot to us to be able to support the gifts and talents of others.
So, now it was Saturday afternoon, and we needed to hop on the light rail and get back to St. Paul. Yes, two trips to St. Paul in one day! We were meeting our friends, Greg and Amy, for dinner and the Showboat. It’s been a tradition of ours’ for several years. First, we fill up on the fine Italian fare at Pazzaluna, and then make our way across the river to Harriet Island and the Showboat. Featuring students from the University of Minnesota Department of Theatre Arts and Dance, the Showboat has never disappointed us. Each year, the performance is a melodrama. This means the audience gets to participate by booing the villains and cheering the heroes. In between the scenes, the actors entertain us with musical olios. On this particular Saturday night, we watched “Under the Gaslight”. We sang and clapped along with the opening song. We booed and hissed. We cheered. We nibbled on popcorn and sipped wine. We laughed and laughed some more. Then, we sang and clapped along with the closing song. We tried to take in all the charm of the performance and the evening. You see, much to our shock and sadness, this is the final season for the U of M Showboat. It’s hard to believe this summertime tradition will be no more, and it’ll be hard to replace this wonderful entertainment. Although our favorite olio, Frankfurter Sandwiches, wasn’t done on Saturday night, Amy and I did request a photo with the Frankfurter Sandwich. At least now we have something by which to remember this truly amazing tradition that ended way too soon!
If I was going to enjoy the Sunday Fringe Fest shows, it was critical to get some rest. Therefore, I crashed wearily and happily into bed after our friends dropped us off. Thoughts of an amazing day floated through my head. Needless to say, I slept quite well that night.
Our Sunday outing began with brunch at The Sheridan Room in Northeast Minneapolis. We had never been to this establishment, but were excited to try a new place. I’m not really a breakfast or brunch person, but I discovered an amazingly delicious Veggie Scramble on the menu. I savored every bite. We took in three shows on Sunday, grabbing beers at Dangerous Man (another first for me) in between. We saw an Irish song and dance production, a one-woman show about dealing with a life-threatening illness, and improv comedy. All three were entertaining in obviously very different ways.
As I noted earlier, I love watching other people’s talents on display. I very often find inspiration and confidence when watching theatre and dance productions. To be honest, I also spend a fair amount of time wishing I had those gifts. To be able to dance, sing, act, or have the confidence to share a personal struggle is very admirable. In the end, I always remember that I do have many gifts, and one I feel proud enough of that I blog about it! And just as others appreciate my gift and read my words, I, too, shall do that for others. It’s what makes life great!
I am blessed to live in such a great city and state! There’s almost always a race to run and a performance to watch. And did I mention all the fine food and drink?! As I said, it was a satisfying and fulfilling weekend. I left nothing undone and it was great!
