Upcoming Twin Cities Marathon Review Oct. 2

I have seen sub 5 minute milers smiling, winking and cruising down John Ireland Boulevard to victory. I have watched two lovely blond girls laughing and bantering back and forth - debating if they should sprint the final half mile of the marathon (note: they were sub 3 hours). I have watched 11 minute milers sobbing and clutching their thighs, realizing that they would not finish the run. I have even watched as two children begged their father to quit as he stumbled down Summit Avenue bleeding, 3 miles from the finish line. This is the strange reality of the marathon (26.2 miles).
I personally think that the marathon should be an anomaly in a runners career. Running should be more that dogging out long miles at definite health risks.

Minnetonkascenes is going to be on 'the scene' at the TCR, attempting to show a ground level portrayal of the race. This falls into the banner category of "things that interest the author". I am fascinated by this self imposed human drama. My camera and skills at an athletic event are limited, but I will take notes.

Once America's running darling, Joan Benoit Samuelson will be in the 2005 TCM. She is the owner of an Olympic Gold Medal in the Marathon in LA 1984. She must be in her mid 40's today, so it is the Masters title she will probably, but not necessarily, be aiming for. Just seeing Joan Benoit will be a thrill. Her in your face victory in Los Angelos was unprecedented for an American runner. Running past the waterstops in 88degree LA heat she built a lead that the broadcast announcers assured everyone would fade. Only the emotional cheering of 100,000 fans as she entered the stadium threatened her from finishing - Her winning time was 2 hours and 21 minutes.