Spokane Fun

Claigh and I took a quick trip to Spokane, Washington Friday to celebrate a very special event. Our son-in-law Todd Bailey ran his first marathon as the culmination of 40th birthday celebrations. Todd and Carey flew from Phoenix arriving in Spokane Thursday night. We left Friday at 10:30 a.m. and arrived just in time for dinner at 6:00 p.m. in The Spaghetti Factory with Carey and Todd, Todd's sister Katie and her husband Chris Brown (from Kent, Washington) and Todd's close friend Derek and his fun wife Jen (also from Gilbert, Arizona.) Todd filled up on carbs and in support the rest of us did too. We all made our way to the hotel for a good night's sleep anticipating an early start the next day.

Earlier in the week, Todd had been rear-ended as he was stopped at a red-light leaving his subdivision. This is not the best way to prepare for a race. However, Todd was determined to see it through. I can't even fathom the mental preparation, moral strength and courage, let alone the physical conditioning that is required to start out on a 26.2 mile race and finish it!

The day dawned cool and clear. Katie and Chris were team racing with Katie running the second seven miles of the race. Chris started and ended the marathon Chris, Todd and Derek lined up near the back of the pack, the countdown began and the runners were off. The run was along the Spokane River beginning in Post Falls, Idaho and ending at Riverfront Park in Spokane, Washington. 4 hours, 11 minutes, 33 seconds later and Todd crossed the finish line. WOW! It was truly an inspiring day for Claigh and me. By noon, Claigh and I were headed back to the hotel to pack up and head home. We made it back to Idaho Falls at 11:00 p.m. It was a whirl-wind trip so very worth every effort to make!




The race started and finished with a kiss.







This next shot was taken as Todd was approaching the finish line. Derek is at his side and crossed just after Todd.