Although we didnt plan it, one of the neat things we got to see while in Fargo was the Marathon. This is a pretty big race, and had well over 17,000 participants this year.
My folks' house happens to be on the route for the race, so we were able to see lots folks run by. They were around mile seventeen in the route, so not everyone was still running at that point, but most were!
My super sweet, thoughtful, considerate, forward thinking dad created a 'misting station' for the runners.
The kids spent an hour outside just cheering. They were so cute! Audrey was just bewildered buy the banging of the pots. You could almost see her mind working.
"Are you banging that pot and not getting in trouble? I must investigate this further."
This is the female winner. She actually qualified for the Olympic trials!!
As I mentioned, we were around mile seventeen, and the day kept getting hotter and hotter, so people were really grateful for the 'mister' my dad created.
Lots of folks took advantage of it. And I think they even enjoyed the nice padded runway he made.
People of all shapes, sizes, and personalities ran.
It sorta deflated my "Well I could never do a marathon," excuse.
The police did a great job of keeping the runners safe and on track. They handled every potentially harmful circumstance with grace and expertise.
Whats that?
"Possible situation on the 700 block."
"I'm on it!"
Crisis averted.
(although I jest, that was actually a great thing… garbage and debris could have really hurt a runner)
We saw this a lot more then I thought.
I can only imagine what was so important.
"Deliver it to the corner of 25th and 9th. Extra cheese please."
This guy made me tear up instantly. He's run seventeen miles already and is steadfast and determined. A man on a mission.
A man honoring folks he loved.
*tissue please*
It was a great race, and we had so much fun cheering people on! I am thinking about setting a goal for myself and doing the 5K next year.
That or just cheering again.
After the race we headed out the Scheels who was the main sponsor. Scheels is an athletic and outdoor outfitter and HUGE. This is a ferris wheel right in the middle of the store!!
The kids loved it!
Congrats to all the awesome and inspiring runners and to Fargo for another record breaking marathon!
Love that mister! Perfect idea!
Great photos, and I look forward to hearing of your 5k adventures next year 🙂
Love the misting station! That was so super thoughtful!
Congrats to those that finished the race, and to all those that gave great effort! How nice of your dad to set up a mister station for them, I bet it was greatly appreciated.
Great pics too by the way 🙂
I have never ran a marathon, but my husband runs them and I can tell you that he would be THRILLED with that mister! And all of the cheering – I’m sure it meant a lot that you guys were so supportive!
Great pictures! Audrey is getting so big! I can’t hardly believe she’s the same sweet chunky legged girl I met a year ago. WOW!
Great pictures! Your dad is so inventive! I am seriously thinking about trying to do the 5k next year too! I want to be a part of the fun!
Wow! What a fun day. And great pictures too! Good thing that cop picked up that trash. Wouldn’t want a runner slipping on a banana peel or anything. Audrey is so dang cute. Did she get her pot to bang? Great thinking on your dad’s part. I bet those runners were appreciative.
How neat to have a marathon right outside your front door! These pics almost make me want to run one. Almost. 😉
Phew….when I saw your title I was filled with awe that with all your cookie and cake baking you were also training for a marathon!! 🙂 Looks like a great time.
Something just occured to me…. Your folks might know some my folks- Fargo isn’t that big and my Dad’s family use to live there….
Don’t mean to be critical, but did you mean a ferris wheel (not a carousel)? 🙂
Sad that I live here and I didn’t get in on cheering the runners on….I saw them as I passed over 5th street though! Thanks for the pics – LOVE the officer picking up garbage, and esp the man running for loved ones. Tear.
I aspire to be a runner, though I’d probably do better as a neighborhood “mister” too. I laughed at the gal on her phone. When I first got my cell, I plugged in the pizza number so that when we were out mountain biking, I could call about 10 minutes from when we finished to have our pizza ready for pick up. Now that is being healthy! 🙂
Loved this post and all of your fabulous pics! I sure it was fun watching all of the runners. I love watching people like when I’m at the mall or some place where there are a lot of people. And am planning on running a 5k too this year!! Maybe we should run together. 😉 do you have an iPhone? If you do there is an app called c25k.. You may have heard about it already but it’s “couch to 5k” apparently it gets you in shape and ready for a 5k. I’ve started it and I’m on week 3 (goes to week 9) and it’s been great! I love it!
Btw have a fun little giveaway going on! So many cute cute things for audrey!
Oh and btw that was so sweet of your dad to make the mister for the runners. I’m sure they did appreciate that!
When I went to the doctor yesterday, she told me she was training for a triathalon. Now you are talking marathons. I am thinking this is a sign that I need to get going. However, it is extremely warm outside (and inside since my air went out) so perhaps I will start training–next week!
Firstly, I must say that I love the name Audrey!
Great on the mister and the cell phone comment totally cracked me up!
Loved the man honoring those he loved, too. 🙂
PS-totally thought this post was going to be about you watching the movie Fargo a bunch of times in one weekend. 🙂
Looks like the family had a great and inspirational visit. Love the fact that your Dad was so thoughtful towards the runners, putting out a mister and a safety mat for them. Wonderful idea, wonderful man.
I LOVE the misting idea!
I would be that lady on the phone…except the call would be made to my hubby to “come and pick me up…I am so OVER this race!” 🙂
I have never understood the concept of running if someone wasn’t chasing you first…otherwise why do it?! 🙂 haha
Enjoy your day!
Kristin
I love Audrey’s face there … oh that is priceless. Ha. If only we knew what she was thinking … though I think you were pretty close. 🙂
Your parents live really close to me! We are between mile 18 and 19 of this year’s marathon!
And about your BAT sandwhich. I have a similar sandwhich that I make and love, but not too similar. Two slices of bread, sprouts, avocado, provolone(or havarti), turkey. I also will eat it as a wrap with whole wheat tortilla. I usually smash up my avocado though and use it as a spread instead of mayo.
Amy
I love so much about this post.
I love your father’s heart, that he would think of a way to help to refresh the runners. So kind.
I love your commentaries on each picture LOL.
And I love, love, love the man running for his loved ones.
Great post.
How fun is that?! What a nice treat for your family to enjoy.
I am not a runner and would not even last a 5K (my excuse would be my asthma even though I could just use my inhaler 🙂 but you go have fun and take your camera with you so you can take pictures from the view of a runner for the rest of us who dare not join you 🙂
that was nice of your dad. And yeah, no excuses now. I just don’t get the talking on the cell phone thing. Srsly people!!!! (this said by someone who is only on a cell phone once or twice a week and could possibly do without it entirely)
That mister was fantastic! I would have never thought to do that…I never have had a marathon run in front of my house either though!