It’s the Simple Things: Rachel Entrekin deserves more credit

In May of 2026, 34-year-old Racherl Entrekin became the first woman to win the Cocodona 250, finishing in 56:09:48 to set a new course record. She was not just the first female finisher; she was the overall winner.

One news source said, “She deserves more credit!” So here are more accolades for this amazing accomplishment. 

The Cocodona 250 is a point-to-point ultramarathon across Arizona, beginning near Black Canyon City and finishing in downtown Flagstaff. The course is listed at 253.3 miles, with 38,791 feet of elevation gain and 33,884 feet of descent and has a 125-hour cutoff. 

Because of its route, the race includes desert heat, mountain weather, night running, sleep deprivation and large changes in elevation. Ouch! 

The level of pain some people can endure is quite awe-inspiring. 

Coeur d'Alene Chorale

Wow! That was an uplifting evening with the Coeur d’Alene Chorale at their Trinity Lutheran showcase before performing Memorial weekend at New York City’s Carnegie Hall. 

With 95 enthusiastic voices and accomplished piano and organ accompanists, it was a delight! Artistic Director Dr. Joshua Chism could not have been more enthusiastic, as evidenced by his arrangement of the Carnegie Hall performance.

My favorite pieces were the gospel-based pieces, with David Brewster’s rocking piano accompaniment. 

Coeur d'Alene Charter Music Program at NIC

The Coeur d’Aene Charter ended the year with 120 minutes of high-end performances by the jazz and strings groups. What is most evident is that these kids are having fun with music!  And with each other. As well as excelling! The Star Wars Suite finale was stunning. And it’s just fun to watch director Michael Harrison, who appears to be the person having the most fun. 

Don't tell anyone

As the Artemis astronauts circled around the back side of the moon, they carried out their plan to name the largest crater “Carroll Crater,” in honor of astronaut Red Wiseman’s wife, Carroll Taylor Wiseman, who died of cancer in 2020.  

I was moved to tears. But don’t tell anyone. 

When my local friends’ daughter divorced, they invited her and her two children, ages 14 and three, to move in with them. After several months of joyfully living in the same house, Grandma and Grandpa decided to put their acreage to use and purchased a manufactured home for their daughter and children to permanently live, on the other side of the driveway, 50 yards away from their home.  

The manufactured home was delivered in May and Mom and her 14-year-old daughter shed tears of joy as they eyed their new home in this forest they love. But not everyone was happy. The 3-year-old, who has been sharing a bed with her mother in the house with her grandparents, viewed this as a significant downgrade. She was not at all excited about sleeping in her own bedroom, 50 yards away from Grandma and Grandpa!   

I teared up over this innocent expression of love. But don’t tell anyone. 

On May 17, I received a call from Steve, my college friend in Seattle. Their 2-month-old grandson had been diagnosed with Sturge-Weber Syndrome. It means that he will probably be challenged with seizures, glaucoma and developmental delays. The good news is Frederick is surrounded by a family that will do everything possible to enrich his life. 

I teared up over this sad news. But don’t tell anyone. 

I recently watched the movie “I Used to Be Famous,” a 2022 British release about a washed-up former boy band star, Vince, who develops an unexpected friendship and musical collaboration with Stevie, a gifted young autistic drummer. The film ends with the audience’s rousing response to their first performance together.  

I teared up watching this unlikely connection, a gift to each of them. But don’t tell anyone. 

Tears feel like such a pure emotion. It isn’t necessary to put words to them. Sometimes they hurt. Often, they are connected with such sweet moments. 

Quote on Life

Coeur d’Alene’s Don Pischner was an honoree for the Heart of History award at the 2026 Historic Preservation Reception, held on the grounds of the North Idaho Museum. It was a surprise to Don, who was clearly moved, and responded, “Thank you! I tend to get emotional pretty easily. I teared up at the grand opening of the new Albertson’s.”  

One Amazing Things about Our World

It is impossible for most people to lick their elbows.Try it! I’m not a flexible person and I’m glad to hear that I’m not the only one who can’t complete this contortion. But the flexibility some people have is amazing.

• • •

David Groth retired in 2016 after 37 years in elementary education. His last 17 years, the favorite part of his career, were spent teaching fifth grade and juggling at Sorensen Magnet School of the Arts and Humanities. He has lived in Coeur d’Alene since 1982 and has always appreciated the people, the geography, the climate, the rivers and lakes, and the simple things that make days special.