St. Michael Woman Crosses a Personal Finish Line at TC Marathon

St. Michael resident Michelle Campbell says she's not a runner yet.

Some would beg to differ. Sunday she ran 26.2 miles in Medtronics 30th Twin Cities Marathon.

"Last year a friend ran it and told me that, since she wasn't a runner, if she could do it anyone can," Campbell said the day before her run. "That was enough to challenge myself to do it."

Campbell started training in April, "once it was nice enough to run outside," she said. Her training consisted of running three to four times a week, and doing her long training runs on Saturdays. "It was a lot of work and really a commitment outside of my comfort zone."

Campbell also works part time and has two young daughters. "I really am excited to be able to say, 'I did it!'," she said.

Well she did it, in just 5 hours and 18 minutes.

"I'll be a spectator for life," Campbell said. "All that support there, it's awesome!"

Lisa Peterson of St. Michael said the same thing, "What I love about the Twin Cities Marathon is the crowd. Unlike other races I have done, you can't run 5 minutes and not pass throngs of cheering spectators. They offer high-fives, shout outs of encouragement, endless clapping and cowbells, bands, dancers, food, candy and simply make the event fun! If you must run 26.2 miles – let it be with a great crowd!"

Peterson led a World Vision team for her second Twin Cities Marathon.

Peterson was even able to convince her neighbors, Eddy and Becky Rogalski to run Sunday.

"What motivated me?" Becky asked. "Peer pressure! While it was always on my bucket list, if it weren't for the pressure from Lisa and Eddy, I never would have signed up!"