Minnesota Love

As you read this, I will be in-flight to Minnesota for a 2+ week vacation to see my family and friends!!

I am SO excited. 😀

I was born and raised in Minnesota and spent 23 years there until I moved to South Dakota for my first teaching job.

Yes, it is cold there, but there are a lot of great things about Minnesota that I have really grown to appreciate!


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(My sister (on the right) and I (on the left) after a 12 mile run in January.)

– The people are unlike no other. I honestly think the term “Minnesota Nice” does hold true–especially outside the metro area.

– Lakes, lakes, and more lakes!

– I love all the trees. Big, beautiful maple and oak trees that provide shade in the summer and turn beautiful colors in the fall.

– And even though it is pretty flat, there are still rolling hills everywhere. I have a lot more appreciation for the landscape since being gone for 5 years; it doesn’t seem as flat as I always thought it was.

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Craig and I did go to Minnesota for a few days in January to attend my Grandma’s funeral, but other than that, I haven’t been back since last summer.

Here are a few recaps from my trip last summer:

I ran my first marathon: Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, MN.

(By the way, if you are looking for a mostly downhill course with great spectator support and a hometown feel, you should definitely check out this race! I loved this marathon and would run it again in a heartbeat!)


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I got to see Kara Goucher, who is also a Minnesota native!


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Whenever I travel to Minnesota (or anywhere outside Alaska), I always look forward to going to stores we don’t have in Alaska such as: Panera Bread, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and Ikea. Plus a lot of clothing stores: J. Crew, Victoria’s Secret, Loft, and outlet stores!


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I also get to spend a lot of time on the lakesseeing there are 10,000+ of them.


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And experience sweet thunderstorms and rainstorms again!


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I can’t guarantee how much posting I will be able to do, but I do have some guest posts lined up, so keep checking back! 🙂

I will also do my best to keep up-to-date on your blogs, but forgive me if I can’t comment as often.

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Question

What do you appreciate about where you grew up?


Hi, I'm Michelle

I love running around the lakes of Minnesota, running after my two boys, and racing anything from the 5K to the marathon. I have been blogging here since 2010 when I ran my first marathon. I finally secured my sub-3 hour marathon after trying for 8 years.

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16 Comments

  1. 6.24.11
    Krissie J said:

    Have an awesome trip and a safe flight!!!

  2. 6.24.11
    Krissie J said:

    Have an awesome trip and a safe flight!!!

  3. 6.24.11
    lifttorun said:

    I lived in Minnesota for six years. I just remember snow. That’s it. Haha. I somewhat have a Minnesota accent too.

  4. 6.24.11
    lifttorun said:

    I lived in Minnesota for six years. I just remember snow. That’s it. Haha. I somewhat have a Minnesota accent too.

  5. 6.24.11
    Mom said:

    I appreciate having family close by.

  6. 6.24.11
    Mom said:

    I appreciate having family close by.

  7. 6.24.11
    dana @ my little celebration said:

    Have fun!!

  8. 6.24.11
    dana @ my little celebration said:

    Have fun!!

  9. 6.24.11
    Yolanda said:

    I love the ladies from my small community. Even now, 25 years later, there are a couple of them that send me cards and letters. Love those ladies!! Real gems!

  10. 6.24.11
    Yolanda said:

    I love the ladies from my small community. Even now, 25 years later, there are a couple of them that send me cards and letters. Love those ladies!! Real gems!

  11. 6.25.11
    Rosie said:

    Yeah you’re back in Minnesooooo-tah! 🙂

  12. 6.25.11
    Rosie said:

    Yeah you’re back in Minnesooooo-tah! 🙂

  13. 6.25.11
    melissa said:

    So true! I’m DYING for a good thunderstorm. Last weekend I googled rain sounds and took a nap. It made me feel like I was in GA again. 🙂

    Have fun on your vacation!!!

  14. 6.25.11
    melissa said:

    So true! I’m DYING for a good thunderstorm. Last weekend I googled rain sounds and took a nap. It made me feel like I was in GA again. 🙂

    Have fun on your vacation!!!