Never say never.

Same lady who PR’d in Indy last November (& said no more marathons) organized this weekend’s marathon relay in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Christmas week, my sister reached out & asked if we’d be interested in running together as a family – then a week later, strong-armed everyone to sign up.  Thanks Tammy – this would have never happened without you!

Left Friday a couple hours early, first stop Dallas.  15 minute turnaround (just made our connection), boarded a small regional jet to Fort Smith – one seat by 2 seats across…yep, might small.

Sleep, breakfast – ready ready ready to go.  Both siblings, siblings’ families & Mom.  Pretty fantastic.

Drove tomorrow’s course to get a feel for the area – whole lotta hills – then headed downtown for bib pick-up.  Sunshine & 70’s – a bit warm for marathoning but perfect for touristing.  Sis, brother-in-law & I explored Fort Smith’s historic buildings; Ash, Tom, cousins & Grandma geocached near the Arkansas River.

Fort Smith lies on the border of Arkansas & Oklahoma (former Indian territory).  What to do?  Obvious answer – visit Miss Laura’s, a former bordello.  Fort Smith was a gateway to the West – a town marshaled by Bass Reeves, justice doled out by Judge Issac Parker, ‘the Hanging Judge’.  Bordellos, row houses & gallows – everything you’d expect from a family vacation 🙂

Championship Uno followed by a whole lotta strategizing for the next day’s relay.  Sister, brother-in-law & I all run regularly. Brother however is a former weight lifter – his wife is the runner but out-of-town on a work trip.  Last member of Team 4-Layer Delight, my 14 year-old nephew – track team, super fast but has never run > than 4 miles (tomorrow’s leg, almost 6).

Kick-back, pace easy, enjoy the day?  Heck no – double heaping of competitiveness in this family’s DNA!