Sam Foutz, CPT, Running Coach

50th Grandma’s Marathon

What can I say…I have been waiting to run this race for a while now. It’s been on my list since I began my running career. When I first went to sign up they had already sold out of bibs since it was a major anniversary for the race. I decided I would go the charity route and raise money for a much more worthy cause, the Ruff Start Rescue of Minnesota. Thank you to all those who did donate to this cause, and help with the needed amount to secure my spot in the race. Again, your money did go directly to this organization, and if you or anyone else would like to donate more, please contact them directly!

My experience started on Friday, the day before the race, getting up at 3:30 AM to a delayed flight. Then once getting into Minneapolis, grabbed some Caribou Coffee (if you know you know) and drove 2 and a half hours to Duluth for packet pickup and some exploring. After, I drove back to Minneapolis through a hail storm so I could try and get to bed by 8. My day was delayed, so I was already off to a late start.

Race Day…I got up at 2 AM to drive back to Duluth to be there in time by 5 AM to bus up to the start. It was amazing start weather at a low of 50 degrees. It later climbed to about mid 60’s by the end of the race. The only real issue I had during the race was I had to stop to take a restroom break, which ate at my overall finish time and the pace I had going. I quickly regained it though to finish, but had to slow it up the last few miles. This was my 2nd fastest marathon, and it easily could have been a PR. I did hold back due to being tired, and really just going into it wanting to finish. About 30 minutes after the race, I started to crash hard so I took an hour nap in my car before heading back to my hotel in Minneapolis.

Overall, it was a great trip up to MN. The race was great, ran into my friend Dave at both start and finish, got to cross off another marathon and state making it my 17th/50 states and 24th marathon to date and of course had one hell of an after party with one of my old co-workers and friend Cory at the Taking Back Sunday concert.

Great 10 mile training run tonight for the 50th Grandma’s Marathon in support of Ruff Start Rescue. I’m also hoping to raise at least $500 for them through anyone’s generous donations. Please consider donating to them, as all money goes to actually helping the rescue. Copy link below!

https://give.ruffstartrescue.org/participants/520850-sam-foutz?uid=1666268&fbclid=IwdGRjcARezxRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeGP4jP4CJa6gtrML76hfizAt-eNQaWxphgn36MNrw1eaUTOqmQnC3TOtqB5g_aem_OY5seLoPTbaMdPzpJ0E00g

As I gear up for my 24th marathon in June up at the Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, MN, in support of the Ruff Start Rescue, I have been getting in some training races.

I was able to get 3 good ones in last week with the Wendell 5k (10/140 overall, 2nd in age group), Hot Chocolate Run 15k (Time: 1:10:54) and the Coastal Race Productions BAM! Series Sunset Beach (4th in age group, 24/692 overall). These were meant to be on pace between 7-8 min miles which was my goal. A great racing week indeed!

I’m also looking for help from you all to raise at least $500 for Ruff Start Rescue. For your donation I’ll be running Grandma’s Marathon in support of the rescue. Any amount given is appreciated! Thank you to all who have donated so far! Click or Copy the link below.

https://give.ruffstartrescue.org/participants/520850-sam-foutz?uid=1666268&fbclid=IwdGRleAQn5O5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeGP4jP4CJa6gtrML76hfizAt-eNQaWxphgn36MNrw1eaUTOqmQnC3TOtqB5g_aem_OY5seLoPTbaMdPzpJ0E00g