Northshore Inline Marathon

For 13 years I have skated this race, followed by a weekend spent with my extended family who cheers me on at the same spot at the last curve of mile 26, just before the finish line. Anyone who knows me, knows I am a sucker for tradition, not willing to give up on the tradition even skated this a few years ago while I was 4 months pregnant. I've participated in this race with friends, strangers who later became friends and my husband. But really, I prefer to skate it alone.

This year, I did not have my my mom, grandma and aunt with me (which I really missed!) and I skated the race alone, taking advantage of the scenery along the north shore of Lake Superior. It was about a two hour break from reality, a break from my phone, from a schedule and time to just enjoy my skate. I don't listen to  music while I skate, I listen instead to the sounds around me...to the waves along the shore of Lake Superior, the wheels spinning on my skates and of those around me, the cowbells, the cheering, the wind in my helmet. It is a peace I rarely find in my day to day life.

Other highlights of the day included discovering a note from my husband and daughter wishing me luck, tucked into my skate only to be found just before the start of the race.




And seeing my daughter and husband (AKA my superfans) cheering me on along the way.



 I do love surprises such as these...

~Angela