Grandma’s Marathon and the Gary Bjorklund Half Marathon are two of the most sought-after races in the U.S., and for good reason. The stunning course along Lake Superior, the supportive community, and the incredible finish line energy make these events bucket-list worthy. But there’s one catch: registration opens October 1 and sells out in less than 24 hours.
That means if you’re dreaming of toeing the line in Duluth in June 2026, the time to act is now, not just for registering, but for planning your training.
Why Early Prep Matters
Too many runners wait until January, February, or March to start training for a June marathon or half. But the truth is, your best race-day performance comes from building gradually. Starting early allows you to:
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Develop a strong base: Build mileage and aerobic fitness without rushing.
- Get faster: You don’t get much faster during marathon training. During your training cycle you build endurance on the speed you already have. Build speed before marathon training.
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Strengthen your body: Add consistent strength training to prevent injuries during marathon/half marathon training. If you aren’t strength training before your training cycle, it can be a lot of stress in the body to start lifting and training at the same time.
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Dial in nutrition & fueling: Experiment on long runs so you’re confident on race day. Your fueling plan should be dialed in so you can practice it consistently throughout training.
Think of it as giving yourself the gift of time so you can train smarter, not harder.
Coaching Options for Grandma’s & Gary Bjorklund
This year, I’m offering two ways to train for Grandma’s and Gary Bjorklund 2026:
1:1 Coaching
If you want a fully customized plan built around your life, fitness, and goals, this is for you. We’ll work closely together with weekly adjustments, direct feedback, and personalized race-day strategy. Perfect for those who love to ask questions, PR-chasers, Boston Qualifier hopefuls, lifetime learners, or runners with tricky schedules.
Group Coaching: Grandma’s Training Squad
Prefer the community vibe? The Training Squad gives you a structured plan specific to Grandma’s and Gary Bjorklund, group calls, and a private team space for support. You’ll get expert coaching and the energy of training alongside other athletes chasing the same finish line.
Why Work With Me
Grandma’s isn’t just any marathon for me, it’s local. I know the course, the weather patterns, the logistics, and the atmosphere. And I’ll be there racing alongside my athletes in 2026. Whether you want the personal touch of 1:1 coaching or the camaraderie of a group, I’ll help you get to the start line confident and ready.
Next Steps
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📅 Mark your calendar: October 1, 2025 → Registration opens.
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🏃♀️ Decide now if Grandma’s or Gary Bjorklund is your race.
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✨ Join my coaching waitlist so you’re ready with a training plan, not just a bib.
👉 Check out the details here.
