Pacing with a Purpose: A Marathon Weekend in Gladstone
This past weekend, I had the privilege of pacing the 3:45 group at the MISH Waterfront Marathon in scenic Gladstone, MI, with the amazing team at OnPace Race. With Lake Michigan stretching out beside us and the morning mist lifting off the water, it was one of those races that reminds me why I run in the first place.
Gladstone may be small, but it brings serious energy on race day. Runners gathered near the waterfront, the air cool and crisp—ideal marathon conditions. I pinned on my 3:45 pace bib, grabbed my flag, and met a group of nervous but excited runners ready to chase their goals.
A Smooth and Steady 26.2
The MISH course is as beautiful as it is forgiving—rolling but runnable, with plenty of lakeside views and shaded stretches. My job was to keep spirits high and splits even. We laughed, we counted down miles, and we kept that pace dialed in.
Official finish time: 3:44:29. Just a few seconds under goal—enough to bring our group home with smiles and PRs.
Rest & Refuel: Gladstone Edition
When I wasn’t running, I was enjoying the laid-back charm of this lakeside town.
• Stay: I checked into the Lakeside Motor Inn, where you wake up to the sound of waves and can watch the sunrise over the lake. Cozy, clean, and a perfect crash pad for race weekend.
• Eats: I grabbed dinner (and recovery burgers) at The Saloon—great post-run vibes, cold drinks, and hearty fare that hits just right after 26.2 miles.
• Coffee: Sunday morning meant decompressing at Superbloom Coffee House, a charming local spot serving excellent coffee and calm energy. It was exactly what I needed to reflect on the race, swap stories with fellow runners, and savor the weekend.
Why I Pace
Pacing with OnPace Race is always special, but this one stood out. Watching runners trust you with their race goals, seeing them dig deep in the final miles, and crossing that line together—it’s an experience that never gets old. Whether it’s someone’s first marathon or their 50th, being part of their journey is an honor.
Final Thoughts
Gladstone delivered the full package: beautiful views, a well-organized race, welcoming locals, and the joy of helping others achieve their finish line dreams. I’ll remember this weekend for the smiles, the steady cadence of footsteps on quiet roads, and the perfect 3:44:29 finish.
Until the next one. 🏃♂️✨
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