Jeff Budlong, On the Rebound

Kathy Johnson, an employee at the Albert Lea Tribune and an avid runner, competed in the 30th Grandma’s Marathon Saturday in Duluth. She finished the marathon in 4:23.23 marking her third consecutive successful run in as many attempts.

Johnson, who has been running for seven years, recently sat down with me to talk about a variety of topics related to running including her second successful run at Gramdma’s.

What got you started running?

At first it was a weight management thing and then I fell in love with the sport of running.

What appeals to you most about running?

I am an outdoors person. I think a combination of running outdoors and the freedom of running when and where you want to.

What made you decide to run Grandma’s this year?

The challenge.

I have been running for so many years I just needed the challenge. A little pick me up.

You ran the race in 1999 so what did you learn from that to help you in 2006?

I trained harder and I trained better and I think I am stronger this time around than I was before.

Tell me about your training for this marathon?

I started training in February with an 18-week training program. It consisted of

several long runs of 15 miles or more to begin with. There was also a semi-long run each week and in between I had shorter runs of five to six miles with a rest day.

How did you set up your training program?

I mixed up a few programs but the main one I used I took from the Grandma’s Web site. They have different levels of training and that is what I went by.

Did you ever want to quit training?

No. I love to run and when I get my mind set on something I follow through and this was one of those things. Some days you hurt but I think having that goal helps you.

How did your training go and did you have any injuries?

It went pretty smooth except for the aches and pains of increasing your mileage slowly. I didn’t have any stress fractures which I had with the other two marathons.

Saturday was a very hot day what was your mindset going into the race?

I knew I was going to finish. It was a hot day but I knew I was going to finish, do well and feel good afterwards. I was pretty confident and I think having run two marathons before helps a little bit in that you know what to expect. You know what mile marker to expect pain at and what one you might hit the wall at.

Did you hit the wall?

Actually, I didn’t. Normally I do at mile marker 20 but for some reason I don’t even remember that mile marker which is great. I felt very strong and confident which I think helped?

How did the Grandma’s atmosphere affect you?

It was very hot and humid but it was still very energizing. Everyone there is so supportive and the camaraderie among the runners is great. I thought it was fun despite the heat. The heat obviously wasn’t to our advantage, but I think everybody did the best they could with that situation with the water breaks and the support of each other.

Did you have a strategy to beat the heat?

My plan from the very beginning was to never skip a water station. I was always taking water. Any extra aid they had whether it was gels or they had Ultimate Replenisher which is like Gatorade I had that. People had sprinklers out so I took advantage of anything and everything refreshing and cool.

How much of a mind game is a marathon?

I think at least 80 percent. I really do. You have to be physically capable of running a marathon. My first marathon I trained for my longest run was 15 miles and I think back to that and I don’t know how I finished it. It had to be because of the positive outlook and knowing that yes I am going to finish.

What was your goal for the marathon?

My goal was to finish in four hours. I started out in the four hour pace but then realized with the heat and humidity that that was probably not going to happen. I got a little nervous is what happened, but then I just started having fun and telling myself that I didn’t have to finish in four hours this time. It is a lot more relaxing when you just run to finish and have fun.

Do you plan to still run in marathons?

I do and four hours is still my goal.

(Jeff Budlong is the sports editor at the Albert Lea Tribune. His column runs every Wednesday.)