"I decided to go on a weight loss journey and two days later, I decided it would be pretty awesome to have a fitness journey. It just so happened that's when they opened up the half-marathon lottery," said Wenneson.
That's also when she registered and started her training journey with her husband.
"We work out with a personal trainer once a week. We bike," Wenneson said."I've worked up from starting at one mile all the way up the most I've run now is ten."
To date shes lost a total of 77 pounds, and says simply crossing the Grandma's finish line next week is her goal.
"I'm definitely nervous. I'm feeling more prepared than I thought I would be," Wennesonsaid."I just want to finish. I want a decent time, and I want to just have an accomplishment to feel really good about."
This year Cali will be one of 8,800 runners in the half marathon. 8,700 are registered for the full. Grandma's PublicRelations Director, Kate Kucinski says it's been choatic, but exciting preparing for another big crowd this year.
"There's a lot of different things we work through all year long and it's just really great to see it all come together now," said Kucinski.
Along with volunteers and staff - she says it's the participants that make the event memorable.
"Some people have maybe never ran a race before or this is their first. Maybe their 600th or their 100th and each race for them is special," Kucinski added.
For Wenneson despite the nerves, she's looking forward to being a runner instead of a spectator this year.
"I want to be part of the action and excitement at the end," Wenneson said."Everyone's cheering. It doesn't matter how slow your going, or if your walking."
Wenneson says this isn't where her journey will end.
"I'll continue to run 5K's," she said.
The races kick off this Saturday. At 6:15 a.m. the Gary Bjorklund half starts. Then the Grandma's full marathon starts right after at 7:45 a.m.
Read more:
Grandma's Marathon: Northland Woman's Weight Loss Journey Inspires First Marathon - WDIO-TV
