Twelve years ago I ran my 2nd marathon ever … in Napa Valley, California. Last weekend, Kelly and Michelle, my 2 daughters ran their 3rd marathon…together…in Napa Valley.

(Joan, Michelle, Kelly, Kimberly)

That March weekend in 1998, I never dreamed that 12 years later I would be watching my kids run the same course I ran. Michelle brought her friend Kimberly along with her (Kimberly’s first marathon), and my friends Joan and Lori joined us from Indiana. Joan ran the marathon; Lori ran her first comeback 5K after a year-long injury.

Our original plan was that Kelly, Michelle, and I would run together. However, I ended up cheering from the sidelines on this one as I was still recovering from my recent 100-mile race. It actually worked out great because I was able to focus on making their race a fun, memorable experience.

The only thing missing from this weekend was my son Daniel. A couple of my friends asked me when he planned to join us in a marathon. So I asked Daniel that same question this morning…to which he replied, “That would be…Never.” Some might say he’s the smartest one of the whole bunch!

Michelle, Kelly, and Kimberly have decided that for them a marathon every other year is a good plan. So, we’ve set our sights on Big Sur in 2012. Daniel had better look out…Never say never!