The Runners

We had a wonderful spur of the moment trip to Redding for David's marathon.

David had been training, but he was not sure his body was healthy enough and on Thursday evening we made the decision to go.

We ended up hooking up with some friends who where going and met another wonderful couple who was traveling with them.

Here the girls are goofing of with a statue. It was fun to watch both these young ladies, who are very good friends, embrace Hannah and let her join in their fun. Thanks Anna and Dani!

Caleb of course made immediate friends with Sam. It always amazes me how fast kids can make friends!

Now put the two pictures together!

Ha!

Boys and girls!

Anyways, back to why we were in Redding.

Here is David when we caught up with him a the 19 mile mark going strong.

Caleb joined him in his run across the bridge.

Here he is at 25 miles +

They bring these poor tired runners all the way to the finishing bridge and then send them out for another .7 of a mile.

Kinda mean I think.

Hannah and Caleb both getting in the fun with Dad!

Here he is coming back from the extra .7

See the guy behind him in the green? He was part of a relay, so he was just finishing a shorter leg of 6 or 8 miles. David said it was interesting because all along the race you would have these runners come running by fresh as could be who were part of relays. Don't think he had experience that before.

The last corner to the Sundial Bridge and he is home free!

David finished in 3:29. He was happy with it. Next year that time will be a time that will qualify him to run in Boston. For those of you who do not know, Boston Marathon is so large they can not allow just anyone to run. You have to make a qualifying time based on your age. David has run Boston once and would like to give it another try.

When he got home he was pleased to see that when you take out all the relay teams, he was 19th over all and 4th in his age group.

Congratulations David and thank you Lord to allow him this gift of running. He truly sees it as a gift and is treasuring every moment.

A little glimpse of the height of the Sundial Bridge as David runs his last 100M across it.

As for the other runner, Drew, these pictures are from a few weeks ago at an inter squad meet.

Drew raced at a small indoor meet held at WSU with some other local smaller schools.

Their track is a 200 M oval and Drew race a 1 mile race, so it was 8 laps.

He ran a 4:23, not a PR or anything, but he was feeling real good and enjoyed his first college win.

He will be traveling to Jr. Nationals Cross Country in San Diego in February, Lord willing. David will be traveling down to meet him and they will get to spend a couple of days together, just the two of them. Should be good guy time.

Love the leg picture!

Drew is on the right with "Go Black" on his legs and the green stripe down his shirt!