Wednesday, May 6, 2009

2009 Marathon

Totally freaking out.
Totally freaking out.
Totally freaking out.

You guys might laugh when you see the marathon I chose, but hear me out.

So I have 2 girlfriends that I have ran my past 2 marathons with. We support each other during training and chat endlessly about stuff that non-runners don't care about. The only problem is that we are all spread throughout the country. I am So Cal - which is where we ran our 2007 marathon (Long Beach). Kris is in Denver - we actually chose PDX for 2008 because there was no way in hiz-ell I would run a marathon in Denver. I almost died during the 5k.

So this year, we are going to Mel - she's in Wisconsin. We were thinking Chicago, but it's sold out and we would have had to spend way too much money for tickets, lodging, etc. We're going to stay at her house (save $$) and that made the decision easy. AND just realized I can use miles for my airline ticket :)

So we're going to Wisconsin... That's right.

Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon

So, anyone live in the area and want to run with us? I've read the reviews and it's supposed to be an awesome small marathon. Great support, etc, etc.

I've never been to Wisconsin. What should I expect? What the hell is a badger? Ya think I'll find a husband there?

I'm totally freaking the F out about another marathon. But we'll talk about that tomorrow.

31 comments:

Carolina John said...

oh you lucky dog. i love wisconsin. I used to travel to Racine (a milwaukee suburb) to teach sometimes. The people are unreal nice. i think you will get multiple proposals if you stay in town more than a day or two. I want to retire up there.

and you have to try the cheese. wisconsin cheddar will knock your socks off. i had a 3 cheese omlette from room service once that was just incredible.

the terrain is very favorable for a marathon. the lake is beautiful, it looks like a freaking beach. White sand, small waves, you can't see the other side, yet you are smack in the middle of the country. it's really cool. nice choice.

Midwest said...

I just took a trip to Milwaukee for work, and it's a really pretty town. You're going to have a great time.

C said...

As long as you don't mistake a badger for a potential husband, you'll be just fine. :)

Good luck with the training.

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

You'll be just one state over from me (I'm in MN). Looks like an awesome race and it's nice that it's smaller.

The 'what's a badger question' made me laugh outloud!!

WI is beautiful, though. Will this be your first trip to the midwest? I think you'll like it! And perhaps you can woo a farmer and get him to follow you back to Sunny CA!

Marcy said...

ROFLMAO at Xenia!

Oooohh girl you crack me up! I don't know about WI as I've never been there but I hope you like cheese?!

Amy said...

Sorry, never been to WI. Hear they have great cheese though. That doesn't help does it?! I'm so glad you have something to train for though!

Amy - the gazelle said...

one of my friends was trying to talk me into that one instead of PDX (it's the same day)....may have to consider it. I, too, would have a free place to stay, and could use miles to fly myself there, leaving only one archi-ticket to buy....hmmmm.....

Jess said...

I've only ever driven through Wisconsin, but I'm sure the marathon will be great! Good luck with training as it gets underway.

NancyPants said...

Hi...I've been following your blog for awhile.

I'm from the Milwaukee area and have run the Lakefront Marathon twice...in 2003 and 2004. It's nice for a smaller marathon and I've heard they've made some improvements in the last few years since I ran it.

The course is pretty flat and it goes in a slight downhill the whole way so it's a good one if you're trying to qualify for Boston or PR.

It starts at the high school in Grafton which is one of the outlying north suburbs. The first few miles are through farmland and then through a residential area of Mequon, another suburb. Once you hit Mequon, you are pretty much by Lake Michigan although you don't really see it much until the last five or so miles. After Mequon you'll go through affluent old North Shore suburbs where there are beautiful old mansions on a tree-lined street. Then there is a bigger downhill that takes you onto the final stretch along the lake. The race ends at Veterans Park and there is a nice big area for spectators and hanging out after the race.

As far as Wisconsin....well....I've lived here all my life. We get four distinct seasons and early October is a nice time to visit as the leaves will have started changing and the weather will be warm but not too hot. The two times I did the Lakefront Marathon the weather was pretty ideal although during the second one, a really strong wind picked up that slowed us down considerably. I have a few pics up on my blog from those marathons that you could look at to kind of get an idea of what it's like.

I'd love to do the Lakefront with you, but am already signed up to run Chicago. I think they are on two different weekends though so I may have to come watch!!!

This marathon does have a limit to the number of people and has sold out the last few years by summertime...so sign up if you haven't already!!!

If you have any other questions let me know : )

Chic Runner said...

Girl, you will rock it! :) I know it and this means we will be getting in some long runs together I hope! Glad you signed up and hope to see you again soon.

Emily said...

I was born in Madison and have relatives there still. I haven't spent much time in Milwaukee but I think there are probably some fun places to hang out there. Baseball, beer and cheese. And cheesy guys. You will meet your husband there.

eed

Nitmos said...

Do not approach anyone wearing a traingular wedge of cheese on their head. You'll see them coming based on the beer in their hand and Packers jersey on their back.

Jennifer Burgett said...

I think you should try to qualify for Boston on this one!!!! You can do it!

RunToTheFinish said...

oh prime husband finding country there, take your lasso...no maybe shotgun...no I'm not sure what they do up there

should be fun regardless!

Alisa said...

I've never been to WI but I hear it's pretty!

I can't wait for you to get into your training and help inspire me to want to continue running after SD. My motivation factor is lacking =).

Kaeti said...

I live in Minneapolis, but recently visited MKE. LOVED the city — and running along the lake would be absolutely gorgeous.

The people are gritty, but authentic, and there are bars every 4 feet in Milwaukee. What's not to love?

M*J*C said...

Man, I wish I lived in Wisconsin, and that I could run....but at least if I lived there I could come and cheer!!!

Jocelyn said...

I use to live just outside Milwaukee. its so pretty there! Have a BLAST

http://gokristen.wordpress.com said...

Have you ever heard of this blog?
http://iwannagetphysical.blogspot.com/He is in Wisconsin and I always read his blog and he is hilarious...as long as the marathon isn't in February it should be good.

http://gokristen.wordpress.com said...

I lied.... Minnesota...

Same difference, right??? Flat and cold!

teacherwoman said...

Wahoo! Marathon! Exciting!

Aron said...

yesssssssssss exciting :) :) :)

M said...

HA! Just got your comment about Facebook and its SOOOOO true!! Man, I forgot about that one!

As for Milwaukee - I hear this is a good race - a nice alternative to the craziness of Chicago Marathon (which is a week later, I believe). I have family running Chicago, but just today thought about doing Wisconsin - but only if they have a 1/2. No full for me this year!

Also, me and my fiance did a weekend trip up to Milwaukee last year - it was actually fun! There is more to do than meets the eye - you will definately have fun!

Good choice!!

Heather said...

I found my husband in WI, so there may be hope! I think Milwaukee would be a good race - my extended family lives not too far away from there and it seems like a decent area.

Emily said...

Ok, I'm back because I didn't give WI enough plug....WI is awesome, the midwest is awesome. People are so fun and friendly and just love to have fun and be fun.

Have you been to Chicago? Regardless I highly recommend a little stop there...talk about fun. The most ridiculous times of my life were spent in that city! And, you can also take the train from Chi-->Milwakuee and bring a 6 pack or whatever on. It's what people DO there. Drink.

Ok, I'm done now.

Anonymous said...

I am sure you and your girls will have a great time! Very cool how you all get together for a marathon.

N.D. said...

Oh exciting! this is going to be fun for you!

Maddy said...

Milwaukee was on my short list this year, but I decided on MCM instead.

It's beautiful there!

I can't wait to read about your training!

Susan said...

That marathon sounds great. I think we all need to broaden our horizons!

Badgergirl said...

Yes, badgers are ferocious and have a little bit of an attitude. But the rest of us in Wisconsin? We're friendly!

Found your blog through Teacherwomman. Looking forward to following your training as you prepare for the Lakeshore Marathon.

Unknown said...

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