On Superbowl Sunday, earlier than the festivities started, I used to be fortunate sufficient to be one of many restricted variety of registered runners to take part within the Petit Heart Indoor Marathon. This race is a dynamite addition to your winter racing schedule, and I encourage you so as to add this one for 2023. However, ensure that to register early as a result of there’s a restricted quantity, and so they promote out quick.
That is truly a sequence that options 2 half marathons, 2 relays, and a full. Right here’s the schedule from 2022, which will get repeated annually:
- Friday, October 11 @ 6:00PM is the Half Marathon Relay
- Saturday, October 12 @ 7:00AM & 9:30AM is the Half Marathon
- Saturday, October 12 @ 1:00PM is the Full Marathon Relay
- Sunday, October 13 @ 8:00AM is the Full Marathon
This occasion is held on the Petit Nationwide Ice Heart in Milwaukee, which is the official coaching web site for US speedskating. You may be taught extra about their Olympic legacy right here. The operating observe surrounds the pace skating oval and a couple of ice hockey rinks, that are utilized by child and grownup groups. The venue itself is cause sufficient to enroll in this race. It’s extremely distinctive and presents runners an opportunity to observe Olympic hopefuls practice whereas they run 95 circles across the observe. The place else do you may have that probability?
This yr I used to be not capable of watch the Olympic speedskaters as a result of…Olympics, as you understand. However, I nonetheless had a tremendous expertise and acquired to observe actually quick skaters, nonetheless, and youngsters testing out their ice hockey expertise, whereas I tackled the loops.
The marathon distance began promptly at 8am. Parking was plentiful, free, and straightforward in a large open lot that adjoined the constructing. Packet decide up was solely accessible on race day, which is all the time a plus for me. Make sure that to register additional early if you need a shirt. I registered on January twenty second, 3 weeks earlier than the race, and was unable to get a shirt. So, if swag is a precedence to you, ensure that to register instantly.
The indoor setting was clearly local weather managed, which is tremendous good for us midwestern runners in early February, and there was zero elevation. The vitality was excessive and enjoyable. The music was enjoyable and the emcee/RD was improbable on the mic. Nonetheless, my favourite a part of the race was my fellow runners. I ran side-by-side for the primary 30 laps with a fierce runner who had competed the day earlier than within the half marathon and completed in third place on the marathon. I ran the second 65 laps with an unbelievable runner who was the perfect pacer a lady may ask for.
As a seasoned headphone-addicted runner, the considered tackling a 26.2 wihtout my podcasts and music was daunting. However having these 2 to talk with the whole time made my day.
My solely problem was staying upright. I’ve run the difficult programs set by Ornery Mule, Silver Circle’s Path Challenges, and Ice Age, however I’ve by no means tripped greater than on the Petit.
Mandi = 11 journeys, 1 fall
SHEESH!
Glad I used to be amongst runners who chuckle, however then assist me up.