Day 469 – US – Washington to Idaho [Spokane WA to Coeur d’Alene ID]

17/07/21

54.5km

  From Spokane (Washington) to Coeur d'Alene (Idaho)

North America

A day of records (crew wise) and crossing into Idaho

Gunhild presenting me a hand painted rock from Spokane Trail

Today’s run was cut into three neat segments. 16 kms alone towards a meeting point on the Centennial Trail. 16kms with company on the Trail. Then 22kms with more company on the road & trails towards Coeur d’Alene.

I was looking forward to meeting Gunhild. A tiny powerhouse 77 year-old runner, full of beans with a contagious smile and tales to tell. I can’t possibly relate all her running achievements in this blog, there would need to be a book written about her. Let’s just say that two years ago she ran the “Race for the Ages” running race, and at 75 years of age, ran for 75 hours and clocked over 170 miles (that 272km). And this is just one story. It goes on her whole life! Gunhild waited for me at 7:30am, she had ice cold water, ice cubes, fresh berries from her garden, nutrition products and little hand-painted rocks for me as a souvenir from Spokane. I was pleased as punch!

From youngest crew-member (left) to oldest and wisest (right)!

We started running and were joined by Herman and his daughter Mindy. Mindy was pushing a BoB containing her 4 months-old son. There we were: we had the youngest crew member and the oldest crew member of the world-run running by my side! And two BoB’s, that’s a party! Herman and Mindy have both run the Boston marathon in separate years (the coldest and hottest years on record). They are now trying to qualify together hoping for mild weather 🙂 We were also joined by Greg on bike, who would end up riding by my side all the way to Coeur d’Alene. Gunhild dropped us to join us later as we made our way across to Idaho.

With Greg on bike, Herman and Mindy

There she had managed to pick up another runner who was looking for me, Charles. So we ran a few more miles together into Idaho. Though it was a big day of running for me, at 55km, having company made a big difference. I did not have to seek distractions, I was being generously entertained the whole way! I took less breaks and took less pictures than usual too. What a real treat to have co-runners and/or cyclists on the journey. Greg concluded his cycling leg with me in Coeur d’Alene, treating me to lunch (and a beer). Have I already said I am being spoiled?

I am a happy camper today, pitched my tent again. I miss the air conditioning, that’s for sure, it gets real hot under the tent! A massive thanks to Jon who also met me and Gunhild at 7:30am and took awesome pictures on his way, hiding in bushes or on the trail’s side! (most of the group pictures in today’s Gallery are his).

Here’s a video of Gunhild aged 70 (!!) becoming the eldest woman ever to finish the 100 miles (that’s 160kms) “Western Miles 100” race: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqKinAETu8E

Check out today’s flyover video: https://www.relive.cc/view/veqzBZEP27q

Check my daily run GPS data on or

Here is the map of today’s run: