Windermere 13.1 2019 and Soccer

Up and going early.  Sheila and I caught the bus to ride out to the start line and we were ready to go.  We might have been at the start a little earlier than we needed to be.  Not many racers in this picture. It looks so beautiful doesn't it.  It was cold and windy.  Wasn't windy in downtown Spokane when we hopped on the bus.  Now the dilemma.  What to do for over and hour.  

 We found a spot up against a building that sheltered us from the wind a little.  We sat.  We waited!

 This is the building we sat by!

Then of course you must leave to use the restroom. Sheila found a place with no wind at all.  Not sure how long she really wanted to stay between the outhouses.

 Finally it is time to get moving!

 This course is beautiful in the beginning!  An easy course for sure, if 13.1 miles can ever be easy.

 Right along the Spokane River!

 These are the first marathon runners.  Not sure which one won the race.

 This was our new friend that we met and walked with for awhile!

 And so it begins.  The long stretch of highway.  The Spokane River is still on the left.

 We go on and on and on along the highway.

 And on!

Just about done with the highway and on the home stretch.  Just a few more miles to go.  The last 3 are really the hardest. So close to being done and at the same time miles away from the finish line. 

Wildlife!

 We are off of the highway and headed to Riverfront Park!

 I think this is called the inspirational mile or something like that!

 When a marathon runner gets to this point don't ever say, "You are almost there!"   Just saying.

 Mile 12 and still going strong!

 Another 1/2 marathon in the books!  It was a great race and I would do it again for sure.  Thanks for being my sidekick Sheila!!!  Or am I your sidekick?

 We checked out the finish line festivities.  We didn't stay.

 I headed to Lucy's soccer game after the race.  She had her first shoot out to break the tie for the championship.

 There she goes!

 They came in second in the tournament and it was a sad day for the girls.  The coach they have had for years will be coaching at a different level next year.  He was the best!  Always encouraging and he taught the girls a lot.  There were tears flowing as they said goodbye to their coach!