The stars and the Escalante, Utah, sun aligned on October 10, 2015 when Erika, and her nearly 11-month old baby, Elianna, and I participated in our first three-generation 10-mile race.
With the sun on our backs and majestic views from start to finish, I was giddy with joy to join with Erika, Elianna, and the other runners in the Escalante Canyons Marathons & 10 Miler.
In the weeks prior to the event, Mary, a race organizer, and I exchanged emails regarding the race. Mary said we could run with Elianna. She and her husband, Drew, also opened up their home and hearts during our stay in Escalante. After the race, Drew awarded Elianna with a medal as the youngest runner. Thank you, Mary and Drew!
Escalante holds a special place in my heart because in the winter prior to getting married, Kris and I worked together as wilderness counselors for troubled teens on the Hole in The Rock road just outside of Escalante.
How could I help but fall in love with such a woman!
So returning to Escalante some 27 years later with our daughter and granddaughter connected me to the past and future in a marvelous way.
How grateful I am that Kris and I are still alive and kicking, and still able to enjoy our kids and grandkids.
Here’s to many more races and to many more years to come!
