Running in Kansas City

With our move this past winter, our summer “excursion” and the routines of life, it has been too long since we were out to see our sons and daughter-in-laws at their places.  So, we planned a hop-scotch trip to see them this fall.  Of course we need to arrive after the humidity and before the snow drops.  So that bookends us into a fall trip.   We also were scheduling around Chief’s games, weddings, and other family visitors.  This past weekend we set out on our adventure with our first stop to Kansas City.

Our son and his wife had set a goal last summer to run in a half-marathon.  It was an ambitious goal as neither had ever done anything like it before.  The schedule worked out great, so we could go, cheer them on, and see them run.   As those of you who know me are aware, the best kind of running I do is watch!  It was an early morning start, so we were up at 0’Dark Thirty and off to the Crowne Center part of Kansas City.  As we got closer it was obvious we were not the only ones headed there for the race as the traffic flow in that area was not designed to be inundated with the number of cars that over 10,000 runners need.  But all got taken care of and they were off and running at 7:00 am.

Back in the day, when our sons ran cross country in high school, we learned how to cut back and forth across the route to find places to watch the runners.  Using this experience, as old as it might be, we set out to cut across to a spot we thought we might be able to see them.  The race had an app for our phone that tracked the runners through chips in their numbers, so we could see where they were in the race.  It worked great.  We found a place about 3 miles into the 13.1 mile race and waved and cheered as they ran by.

Given the route of the race, this was the only place we found to catch them.  So what does a non-runner do while waiting to see them at the finish line? Go to Panera for hot chocolate and a cinnamon roll of course!

We kept track of them as they progressed.  Their pace was impressive.  About 30 minutes before they were to finish, we headed to the finish line to find a good spot to watch.   At about 2:30, looking great and appearing confident they ran right past us and to the finish line.

In all seriousness, we were in awe of their efforts and accomplishment.  We know that the race was a culmination of months of dedicated and focused preparation, training and mental strength to push forward with their goal.   While we are still very proud of their running, it is their determination to accomplish their goal that we are most inspired by!

Wow, a big start to our weekend. So, you can pretty much imagine that the rest of that day was rest, recuperate and re-hydrate.  It was a crisp, cool fall day and perfect to relax and watch some college football.  It was also great to see some fall color starting.

They had a couple of new restaurants that they wanted to try, so why cook after a big race when you can go out and get some great food.  Not to mention some great ice cream joints.

They took us around the local community they live in and we saw more trees turning brilliant reds and bright yellows.  Kansas City is called the city of fountains, and we saw some absolutely fantastic ones. They were all the more impressive lit up at night.

All-in-all it was a great visit and so wonderful to see them.  Looking forward to the next time.

Next stop, New Jersey!