Twin Cities Marathon

Oct. 8th, 2008 Still sore from Twin Cities Marathon on Sunday Oct. 5th. First 10 miles were run in a steady downpour. Cold rain, wet socks, puddle jumping, and still miles to go before I sleep. Had the sun been out just a bit, the course would have turned magical with the sun glistening on the colored leaves.
If you've never run Twin Cities, you should add it to your "to do" list. Spectators line the entire course cheering you on. Starts downtown Minneapolis (City of Lakes), and the first 15 miles are around lakes, old neighborhoods, and parkways. Then you run on the river road to mile 19, where you cross the bridge over the Mississippi into St. Paul (City of Aches). "Aches" because here's where the hills begin. The worst of the hills are over at mile 21, then you begin the long gradual climb on Summit Ave. to about 25.5. You are then rewarded with a downhill finish that will take your breath away. Descending from the St. Paul Cathedral on your left, you see the finish line, thousands of people, and the Minnesota State Capital building.
I've run TCM 11 or 12 times, and I get choked up just thinking about that view.