From Minnesota to Cincinnati: A 2025 Double Marathon Saga

Gysel Parajon(MM8995, DA3751, HF18751)-Medal Monday, Super Late Edition! I ran my first double marathon of 2025 for states 26 and 27, IA and OH, but ran in four total states to make it happen!

On Saturday I ran the IronHorse Marathon, from southern Minnesota on the Shooting Star Trail, connected to other trails, and met with the Wapsi Great Western Line Trail in Iowa. It was overcast and wet with feet inevitably becoming soaked in pools that covered the paved trail on the MN side of the course; the IA side was dry. It consisted of asphalt, concrete, and gravel, and was mostly flat save for some little hills here and there…I felt strong, but as I had only taken a nap before the race and missed eating enough I hit “the wall” at mile 18. I finished dead last, but the organizers waited for me, which was amazing. It was also a great day to run with friends, other Maniacs on a mission to run in the 50 states, of course they are rounds ahead of me. A few of us were on the same double marathon path this weekend.

On Sunday I ran the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon in the lovely rain, which I have been wanting to run since I lived in NYC. It has always been touted as a party on the run and that is exactly what I experienced! Again I ran on a few hours of sleep although with better food intake, but because I had just run 26.2 miles the day before my body held me back. I started in an earlier corral with new friends but let everyone pass me as those first 2-3 miles felt like running through molasses-thick sludge. Later on my body relaxed and with the help of generous spectators with their own “aid stations,” of alcohol, I was able to push past the pain and seemingly run well. It was a hilly tour of the city and it reminded me of the experience I had last year in Baltimore. It was very welcoming…Just before the 25 mile marker a friend came to run with me and helped me run the last mile, for which I was grateful. I dug deep in the last 200-300ft, sprinted, and finished at long last. I then flew back home that same night to start a new job the next day. To add to my experience I was surprised at home with a bouquet of flowers. Ty @latomas All in all a wonderful, adventurous weekend with lovely people.