20 Years, 10 Marathons, and One Unexpected Lesson
Twenty years ago, I ran my first marathon.
June 20th 2026, standing under the lift bridge in Duluth wearing a medal from Grandma’s 50th Marathon, I had just completed my tenth marathon.
At first, that number felt surprisingly low. If you know me, you know I run quite a bit. Ten marathons in twenty years doesn’t seem to add up. But then I started thinking about all the years in between. There were races I never started because of injury. In fact, marathon number ten was originally supposed to happen at Grandma’s in 2024, but knee surgery changed those plans. And in 2025, I decided to run my first Ultra-Marathon instead.
There were bigger detours too. Life brought seasons of loss, career changes, divorce, years of single fatherhood, remarriage, COVID, and eventually some personal health concerns that caused me to rethink what health and success really mean.
And somewhere along the way, I realized something: running was never really about marathons. Running became a way to care for my health. A way to clear my mind. A place to think, process, reflect, and reconnect with myself and my faith.
The races were never the source of meaning—they were simply fun goals along the way and time with friends.
Recently, Cara asked me if I wished she was a runner too. I told her no. Don’t worry, she was very happy with that answer!
I said that not because I don’t enjoy sharing life together—we walk, travel, enjoy date nights, garden, book club, and attend small group together—but because running has become one of the ways I maintain my individuality and create the space that helps me show up more fully in the rest of my life.
Running is one way I’m building a life I love. What about you? What activities, rhythms, or moments help you stay healthy, grounded, energized, and present?
I’d love to hear—how are you building a life you love?
Based in St. Paul, MN, Blended Family Financial partners with blended families to combine their household finances in a unified vision that works for all members of the family. They can be reached by phone at 651-605-2318 or online at blendedfamilyfinancial.com. Blended Family Financial is a trade name of Endurance Financial Group, L.L.C. (“EFG”), a registered investment adviser. Advisory services are provided through Endurance Financial Group, L.L.C., which is registered as an investment adviser in the State of Minnesota and only transacts business in states where it is properly registered or qualifies for an exemption from registration requirements. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.
