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phatjosh180 · 7 years ago

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RACE #180: Bountiful Handcart Days Half Marathon

Wow. This is it. This is the last recap of my 180 race goal. I won’t lie, I am still a bit emotional about it all. Not just the completion of the goal, but from the experience on Saturday. It was such a whirlwind of emotions that I’m still processing it.

When I started this journey seven years ago I started here — at the Handcart Days Half Marathon — alone. I didn’t know anyone. I came to the start line alone, ran alone and finished alone. Well, not entirely alone — my sister and brother-in-law showed up at the finish line to cheer me on. So, to say Saturday’s race was a stark difference is a complete understatement.

It’s really hard to put everything into words, because so much of this race came from the heart. It was a fulfillment of a goal — and there were so many running the same race just to be there with me during this moment. That feeling alone was beyond humbling — a feeling of humbling gratitude.

I LOVE THIS SHIRT! Thank you @trinykay for helping put this together for me — IT’S PERFECT! Included on it is the date of my first half marathon and tomorrow’s date — which is my 180th and final race in this 180 running journey. And, of course I couldn’t forget including some very special people who have been a huge part of my journey who have passed on. If they can’t run with me, I’ll run with them. ♥️ #HandcartDaysHalf #Race180 #Running #LiveLikeRobert @joshruns180

A post shared by ＪｏｓｈｅｒDoes Keto (@ketowalla) on Jul 20, 2018 at 4:22pm PDT

There’s a lot of backstory to the race — a lot that was kept from me — so Jill, Amanda, Lizz, Trinity and the rest of the group could surprise me throughout the day. There was a group chat going on pretty much since the first of the month organizing everything from race signs, group pictures and even race shirts for everyone — including my family.

They went over the top. And, it was simply amazing. I just felt so loved throughout the day by so many friends. It couldn’t have been any more perfect.

When I got to the Rec Center we assembled for a group picture at 5:15am so I could do the early start at 5:30am to avoid the heat since I was pushing Reese as well. After a couple of pictures the group then took their jackets and coats off to unveil green race shirts that Trinity made for the occasion.

I was beyond surprised.

A post shared by I’m Josher … (@josherwalla) on Jul 21, 2018 at 3:38pm PDT

After a bunch of selfies and pictures I dashed off to the start line to run with Reese. After a few adjustments we were off and running. And, I had a crew of people running alongside me –many who stuck with me for all 13.1 miles. In no time during my life have I ever felt more like Forest Gump.

Well, I might retract that — I did spent eight years in Special Ed.

But — I’ve never felt so loved and appreciated by everyone. Jill even came all the way down from Boise to be there — including setting up a number of signs along the course with quotes and encouragement. She, Amanda and Lizz put so much effort is setting up the night before — I just can’t be thankful enough for their effort. I really felt so over the top spoiled.

I’m glad that I didn’t go into the race with a time goal because not only were we stopping a lot for pictures, but it was hot. So hot. So, so, so hot. It was already 80 degrees at 5:30am when we started and it just got hotter as the sun rose over the mountains. But, this race was never about time — it was a celebration and moment I wanted to cherish. And, I did.

“The reason we race isn’t so much to beat each other … but to be with each other.” ~ Christopher McDougall I was so overwhelmed with the love and support throughout the race — from start to finish — it was amazing to feel that love. I’m blessed and lucky to be a part of this great running community. #handcartdayshalf #race180 @joshruns180

A post shared by I’m Josher … (@josherwalla) on Jul 21, 2018 at 8:02pm PDT

There were a number of runners who started at 6am who caught up with us around Mile 4-5 and ran with us — namely Russell, Don and Emma. The Hutchings friendship has always meant so much to me and the relationship that Don and Russell have between each other is something I aspire to. Plus, Russell is a kid that inspires me — at age 11 he’s already done over 24 half marathons and a 50 miler. At his age I spent my Saturday mornings eating ice cream while watching cartoons.

Once we got off the Legacy Parkway we made our way back toward the Rec Center — and the heat didn’t relent. I could feel my body just hate life around Mile 8 and I couldn’t stay cool or drink enough water. The heat zapped me. The greatest reprieve at Mile 10 was when a number of us literally stood in the middle of someone’s front lawn sprinklers.

Shortly after the sprinklers we stopped at a Maverik we passed and I grabbed a large Diet Dr. Coke (half part Diet Coke, half part Diet Dr. Pepper) to help cool down. I usually don’t drink soda, but I was craving one sooooooo bad for a couple miles — and it adequately hit the spot.

A post shared by I’m Josher … (@josherwalla) on Jul 21, 2018 at 8:07pm PDT

By Mile 11 a number of other runners who had finished their race were coming back to run with me. It was amazing — Karen, Coach Blu and Lizzi came back. If I was able to grow any semblance of a beard I should have dressed up like Forrest Gump for this race — because that’s how I felt. I felt so, so, so loved.

As I passed the last mile marker — I kinda got silent. It was hard not to reflect on everything. Not just that race and day — but the whole journey. The previous 179 races. You know when people say during near death experiences they have their life flash before their eyes. That’s how I felt.

No, I wasn’t going to die. But, that feeling of completion or finality people must feel in those moments was felt by me. And, I had so many moments flash throughout this journey flash before my eyes. It was pretty overwhelming.

A post shared by ＪｏｓｈｅｒDoes Keto (@ketowalla) on Jul 21, 2018 at 8:43pm PDT

Not only that — but, I had my mind heavily on my Grandma, Aunt Diane and Robert Merriman who have passed away after I started this journey. Each one has had a profound influence on not just this journey, but my life. That emotion got deeper as I took the turn along 400 North toward the finish line when I saw that Jill, Amanda and Lizz had made signs with each of their names on it.

Those last few yards toward the finish line were surreal. I tried to just run and take everything in — just soaking in the moment. I’ve never felt so much love as I saw a sea of green cheering me on toward the finish line. It was beyond special.

And, then as I crossed the finish line and through a paper sign my family made for me the journey ended with an appropriate — pie to the face from my mother.

Yes, a pie.

The moment I’ve been working toward for the past seven years — would I expect anything else from my mother? #handcartdayshalf #race180 @joshruns180

A post shared by I’m Josher … (@josherwalla) on Jul 21, 2018 at 8:25pm PDT

She did it to me at my 100th race and once before that — and this won’t be the last either. I fully expect her to do it on my wedding day and probably my funeral as well. But, that’s the kind of relationship I have with my mother.

I made sure I gave her a big messy pie hug — and many others came up for a messy pie hug as well. It was surreal. It was such a whirlwind of emotion as I was just trying to soak it all in. After a group picture at the finish line — I downed a good two gallons of water — and just processed everything. Or at least tried to.

I was so overwhelmed with the sharing of love and emotion from so many people. Many people who have told me how much I inspire them. That’s a very humbling and difficult compliment for me to accept. But, when I started this journey I made that promise with myself and my God that I would share my journey in the hopes that just one person could better their life from my example.

This. I’m not even going to attempt to tag you all! 💚 Thanks for making today so special! #handcartdayshalf #race180 @joshruns180

A post shared by I’m Josher … (@josherwalla) on Jul 21, 2018 at 8:35pm PDT

And, to have so many people tell you that you’ve made a difference in their lives — that’s overwhelmingly humbling. It’s not that easy for me to deal with a direct spotlight upon myself — I’d much rather deflect to something or someone else. But, I knew that that day there was no way I could deflect it.

I’m just so grateful and humbled by it all. And, I know that I’ve probably said that to nauseam — but, I can’t say it enough. I just feel so blessed and lucky to have made so many great friends along this journey. Such a stark difference from seven years ago when I started this journey alone.

So now that this goal is complete — what now?

Well, I’ve been asked that question a lot. And, the answer is basically to keep running. I have a bucket list of running goals I want to work on and do called The Honey Bucket List. I still have a 100 miler to tackle some day. I want to run a sub-two half and sub-30 5K. I want to run the Boston Marathon as well as the Athens Marathon in Greece.

A post shared by ＪｏｓｈｅｒDoes Keto (@ketowalla) on Jul 22, 2018 at 9:42am PDT

There are a few other projects I plan to focus on and I really just want to enjoy running and this community to its’ fullest. There’s so much ahead. And, I can’t wait to tackle it.

I’m going to cherish and remember this moment forever. Thanks again for everyone who made Saturday such an amazing day. From the shirts to signs to leis to hugs to pictures to just being there — thank you for it all. I can’t say it enough.

July 21, 2018 will always be a day I cherish.

(NOTE: I wasn’t able to fit ALL of the race photos I wanted to post here, so if you want to check them all out — I posted tons on my two Instagram accounts at @josherwalla and @ketowalla)

Handcart Days Half Marathon Times

2011 – 2:52:05 2015 – 3:10:16 2016 – 2:55:56 2017 – 3:24:08 2018 – 3:49:54

My Next Five Races

Deseret News Half Marathon; July 24, 2018 Timp Half; July 28, 2018 Elephant Rock Trail Run; August 11, 2018 Run Elevated Half Marathon; August 18, 2018 Mt. Nebo Half; August 25, 2018

A post shared by The Runcast (@theruncast) on Nov 2, 2017 at 11:11pm PDT

RACE #180: Bountiful Handcart Days Half Marathon was originally published on PhatJosh | My Life Running.

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phatjosh180 · 7 years ago

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180 WEEK: My Top 10 Favorite Running Moments

Do you know how hard it is to rank your Top 10 favorite out of 180 races? So hard. Now I know how a polygamous Mormon must feel like picking a favorite child. Seriously.

I didn’t set some complex criteria to rank these races. And, how could I? I’ve had a lot of amazing experiences with many amazing people over the past seven years. I’ve accomplished a lot — not only have I done over 150 half marathons, but including nearly a dozen marathons and a number of ultra distances — including a 50 miler.

While some of these races reflect some of my personal accomplishments — the ones that have meant the most have been the races I’ve had memories with others attached to them. Whether it was running with Jill during her first marathon, Lizz during her first half marathon or my first pacing gig — I have a lot of cherished memories.

I’ve had a number of races that have helped shift my perspective in life and running. Oddly, most of those have happened while running the Salt Lake City Marathon? Go figure?

Anyways, I don’t want to give too much info on the races below. Here are my Top 10 races of my 180 journey! Enjoy …

RACE 10 Timp Half (07/19/14)

A post shared by ＪｏｓｈｅｒRuns 180 (@joshruns180) on May 31, 2016 at 5:36pm PDT

RACE #69 — This was my first — like VERY first — pacing gig. I paced the 2:40 group with my friend Jay and the RYR Pacing Team. We had a blast! Not only was it the first time pacing, but it was my first time running the Timp Half.

This race really started a gig that I’ve enjoyed IMMENSELY throughout my running journey. Being able to help others reach their goals is truly a gift, especially when you can help them through an empathetic point of view — because you’ve been there too.

What also set this race apart is that I paced Jill for the last few miles of the race — and it was quite the experience. To make a long story short — I held back a bit around Mile 11 or so to pace her in, letting Jay go ahead — and then we fought through some nasty July heat.

It was also the time I learned that there are people who can swear worse than a sailor. Jill was NOT happy about running in the heat — and she let her displeasure known. All I could do was laugh. But, she did awesome as she PR’d and subsequently swore off July races.

RACE 9 Ogden Marathon (05/17/14)

A post shared by ＪｏｓｈｅｒRuns 180 (@joshruns180) on May 31, 2016 at 1:04pm PDT

RACE #62 — I love surprises. I’ve done it a number of times throughout my running journey and — well — life. This one was pretty fun. My friend Becca was training for her first marathon and at the time when she signed up and I just wasn’t interested in them. I had taken about a year off from running them — and wasn’t feeling it yet.

But, I started doing the training runs with her and — well — that attitude changed. After a couple longer 14-15 mile runs I decided to run the Ogden Marathon as well. But, instead of telling her I decided that I’d surprise her at the starting line — so that’s what I did.

I made up this whole rouse throughout my blog and social media about not running the marathon. I even claimed to be running another race in Salt Lake City that day. But, I came to the pre-race meal with the rest of the group in Ogden just to be THERE. Little did Becca know I stayed with some other runners that night instead of heading home.

I ended up surprising her at the starting corral and despite separating around Mile 7, we met up around Mile 21-22ish after he nearly got pulled off the course because of the heat. But, we ended up finishing together and she became a marathoner!

Not only did I cherish the moment and surprise, but that’s also when I truly fell in love with the Ogden Marathon — even during the years that it down poured on us!

RACE 8 Salt Lake City Half Marathon (04/21/12)

A post shared by ＪｏｓｈｅｒRuns 180 (@joshruns180) on May 29, 2016 at 5:01pm PDT

RACE #12 — This race meant a lot to me. The previous month my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and instead of collapsing into previous old habits — I used running to help me process how it affected me. I hadn’t had too many races under my belt and her diagnosis really shifted my focus and mentality — as I was running for someone besides myself.

After my mother’s diagnosis I joined the Huntsman Hometown Heroes team — a team that raises money for the Huntsman Cancer Institute, where my mother was being treated. With little time to raise money for the SLC Half — I decided to get attention by promising to run in ALL DENIM if I raised over $1000. And, by full denim, I mean — long denim pants, a denim vest and the works.

Needless to say, I raised well over $1000 for the Cancer Institute and I ran the race in full denim. It was hot and rather miserable. Not to mention the number of comments I got from runners, volunteers and a few police officers along the course.

And, if you’re wondering — my mom has been in remission now for over five years!

RACE 7 Handcart Days Half Marathon (07/23/11)

A post shared by ＪｏｓｈｅｒRuns 180 (@joshruns180) on May 29, 2016 at 3:15pm PDT

RACE #1 — This might seem a little low for my first race, but I’m sure you’ll agree the six races above are worthy of the ranking. Yet, that doesn’t diminish the impact and accomplishment of my first half marathon.

It was a fight to get to the starting line. Sure, it was difficult physically to train for my first 13.1 miles, but honestly I thought it was harder training for my first 5K then any other distance. But, the mental preparation was immense for me. I didn’t know what to expect? I didn’t even know if I could do it?

But, I put in the needed work and training and had faith that I’d reach the finish line. And, obviously, I did it. It wasn’t easy. It was tough. But, crossing that finish gave me a confidence that’s been unmatched since.

The other take away from this race was the fact that I did this — alone. I drove to the race alone. Stood in the corral alone. Ran the race alone. And, finish alone. Well, not really — my sister and brother-in-law did show up to take pictures.

But, I knew nobody within the running community — and now seven years later … that’s all changed. I can’t be any more grateful for the friendships I’ve gained in that time span. I feel blessed and lucky to be a part of this running community here in Utah. I can only imagine what it will be like when I cross that finish line on Saturday — a complete 180 if you ask me.

RACE 6 Salt Lake City Half Marathon (04/19/14)

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RACE #58 — This might seem like such an odd race to put in my Top 10, especially this high. It seems like such an mundane race to have on this list. But, this race shifted my perspective about running more than any other race. Not just in my approach toward goals, but the power that running can have to change your life.

Within running terms — this race sucked. I was going off less than an hour or so of sleep thanks to spending the previous night ghosthunting. And, despite that fact, I really want to push for a solid 2:20 finish time. I came nowhere near that goal. And, I learned to be completely fine with that with this race.

Within three miles of the race I knew I didn’t have it in me so I decided to just make the most of the situation and just have fun. So I started running with friends and just enjoying the moment. And, by Mile 8 I found myself at an aid station handing out bagels to runners. I felt like I couldn’t have had any more fun — but, I was definitely wrong about that.

It was at that aid station that I ran into my friend Jill who was having a sucky, sucky run. She was in the pain cave with a sour attitude — to say the least. Once I started running with her and we both confessed our sucky runs we just decided to make the best of it and have fun.

And, we had fun.

We ended up posing for pictures in Liberty Park, making friends with a lady running in a Star Wars costume and then we topped it off with a Slurpee at Mile 12.8 — which we ran with across the finish line. We came in over three hours — and we couldn’t have cared less.

This race really taught me a lot — too much to cover just here — but, namely the importance of shifting your narrative when things don’t go as planned and it’s okay to not have a good day. That mentality really changed not just my running, but my life. I’ll always be grateful for this run because of that.

RACE 5 Deseret News Marathon (07/24/12)

A post shared by ＪｏｓｈｅｒRuns 180 (@joshruns180) on May 29, 2016 at 6:48pm PDT

RACE #19 — This was my first marathon. Having ran my first half marathon just a year before — this was tough. Going from a 5K to a 10K to a half marathon was a relatively “easy” progression. But, doubling 13.1 to 26.2 miles?! It was feat I had to physically AND mentally prepare to do.

And, it was tough.

I was actually aiming to make the St. George Marathon my first marathon, but I made the decision to move up my first marathon — to get it done with and to commemorate my the anniversary of my first half marathon by running it. I did a lot of my training by myself — including my 20 miler, but like I still do — I used a lot of my half marathons as training runs. And, it got me there.

Most of my training was done while my mom was still battling cancer, which really helped propel me toward my goal. Knowing that she couldn’t give up when it got tough gave me the courage to keep pushing forward when it got hard for me. She really inspired me.

I will always remember standing at the start line reflecting on what I was about to do. My mind nor body knew what was ahead. But, I was ready to find out. I ran with cards of quotes, reminders and notes from family that I read at every mile.

I was joined by my friend Susette for the last 7-8 miles — and she really helped me get through the wall at Mile 20. Not only that, but we had a BLAST especially at Mile 22 when we had a Powerade belching contest.

Since my mom was going through chemo treatments at the time she wasn’t able to be at the finish line. But, my sister was there once again filming my finish. It was a special moment for me crossing that finish line and being able to call myself a marathoner.

RACE 4 Antelope Island Classic 50K (11/14/15)

A post shared by ＪｏｓｈｅｒRuns 180 (@joshruns180) on Jun 2, 2016 at 7:38pm PDT

RACE #113 — When I started my journey I never had any intention to become an ultrarunner. The thought of running 30, 50 or 100 miles sounded like pure misery and agony (which it is, but that’s a story for another day). I was happy running half marathons with the occasional marathon thrown in here and there.

But, something happened in 2014, 2015 — my health started going to pot. My thyroid tanked and I started gaining weight and just not feeling well. Which to make a long story short — I was eventually diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Disease a few years later. But, in the interim between the symptoms and the diagnosis — I was frustrated.

I was frustrated that I was getting slower. I was frustrated I was gaining weight despite my best efforts. And, I was frustrated that my health just wasn’t where it was a few years before. I was at a lost.

But, after running the Buffalo Run 25K trail race with Jill, she helped me realize that you don’t have to be fast to run many of these trails races — as we watched other friends do these trail 50Ks, 50 milers and 100 milers. It planted that seed and soon I was believing that I could actually do a 50K.

So I took the step to sign up and started putting in the training for this race. I used marathons and a few 20+ milers to prepare myself. My friend Tim signed up to run alongside me as well as Jason — so I knew I wasn’t going to be doing this one alone.

It was a tough race. The first 13 miles killed me and the last 20 miles or so we were being stalked by the sweepers. But, I met the needed cutoffs (some barely) and we got to the finish line — dead last (something I repeated the following year) But, I did it! I was an ultrarunner!

After hopping in Jason’s car we ran to the first 7 Eleven we could find and I loaded up a Double Big Gulp cup with Slurpee. It was heaven. It was victory. I had earned it.

I’m still in awe of this accomplishment — and every ultra I’ve done, because I seriously never would have believed something like that was within me.

RACE 3 Drop13 Half Marathon (6/8/18)

A post shared by ＪｏｓｈｅｒRuns 180 (@joshruns180) on Jun 10, 2018 at 10:50am PDT

RACE #177 — This is the latest entry on this list — and happened just less than over a month ago. This will always be one of my favorite moments for many, many, many reasons. I met Lizz at a luncheon I was speaking at the previous year and we became fast friends when she asked for help with her health and weight loss.

This is a pretty long story so I won’t share it here (gotta save something for my book, right?) — but — there was a touch of the define involved us crossing paths. Almost immediately meeting her I invited her to run a 5K which she embraced. Then not much later I kinda casually told her she was going to run a half marathon soon.

She chose this race because it was almost a year after we met and she started her journey. She put in a crazy amount of work, lost over 100lbs. and went through a lot to just get to the start line. She fought hard.

Like Becca in Ogden, I wanted to surprise Lizz at the start line. So I made up some story that I wasn’t running and that I was going to volunteer at the start line. I even dressed in my normal clothes. But, minutes before the gun went off I pulled her aside and told her I couldn’t let her do this alone since I got her into this mess as I was pulling my shorts and hoodie off to reveal my running clothes.

We then ran the whole 13.1 miles together. We ran with a number of other friends, got stopped by many more congratulating Lizz on her accomplishment and talked a lot about life and what it took to get to THAT moment.

It was a special race for me.

Not only did I fall much deeper in love with this running community as I watched so many runners encourage her on, but I saw a friend who had to give EVERYTHING to get herself there. She reminded me to be stubborn and resilient when dealing goals.

There are too many things about this race that I could share, so either go read the race report or just wait for my book to be finished.

RACE 2 Revel Big Cottonwood Marathon (9/13/14)

A post shared by ＪｏｓｈｅｒRuns 180 (@joshruns180) on May 31, 2016 at 6:25pm PDT

RACE #75 — Oh gosh, this really should be in a tie for second place along with the Drop13 Half Marathon, because both were equally special to me. Where do I even begin with this story and experience?

Jill and I met in college. We, along with her husband Mark, befriended each other in Communication Research after bonding over an epic paper we group wrote about Chuck Norris. Jill turned to running after a couple of bad pregnancies and the passing of her first daughter Isabel to Anencephaly.

Fast forward to 2014 she was kicking around the idea of running a marathon since a lot of people in our group were training for their first marathons as well. Going through exactly what I did when I fretted whether or not she could do it — I told her if she signed up I’d run the whole race with her.

And, I did.

It was a tough yet great race. Full of the ups and downs you’d expect from a marathon. We were joined by our friend Tim Gill for most of the race and then ran the last 5-6 miles with the sweepers — Susette and Cory.

The finish line video is still one of my favorites to watch when I need a little motivation. That moment meant so much to Jill and opened up a world of possibility that eventually propelled her into running ultra races.

I can’t not share the video, I’m sure you’ll love it too …

RACE 1 Pony Express Trail 50 (10/21/16)

A post shared by ＪｏｓｈｅｒRuns 180 (@joshruns180) on Oct 24, 2016 at 9:32am PDT

RACE #134 — This was one of the toughest things I’ve ever done ever. Ever, ever. This took a tremendous amount of training, dedication and mental strength — among other things. When I started losing my speed because of health issues I decided to focus on the longer distances — if I couldn’t run fast, run epic, right?

After running my first 50K the fall before I decided to tackle a longer distance — 50 miles. I picked this race for a number of reasons — but, more than anything it seemed very first time friendly because you provide your own crew who aren’t allowed be further than four miles from you. Being a ‘back in the pack’ runner — this brought a lot of comfort to me.

I was crewed by both Tim Sledgely and Jill — and they couldn’t have any better for me throughout the race. I ran many miles with Coach Blu from Addict II Athlete and a few other runners — I was having a great time. The first 40 miles actually weren’t that bad — I would send Tim and Jill ahead 2-3 miles before fueling up.

But, then I enter the pain cave. And, it sucked. But, at the same time I was anticipating it — almost wanting it. You’re probably wondering why I wanted to be in pain? And, the short answer is complicated — but, pain is a teacher. You can learn so much about yourself when you’re in the moment.

The pinnacle of that pain came at Mile 45, I was completely broken down. My body was worn out, my feet were dead and mentally I couldn’t picture myself taking one more step. I only had 5 more miles to the finish line, but it could have seemed like 50 more miles in the moment.

I sent Jill a mile or so ahead and told her I’d meet her there. I had so many thoughts going on in my head, but as I stood there in the pitch black with car lights driving off in the distance — I cried. I couldn’t stop the tears and I didn’t care. I hurt. I felt like I couldn’t take one more step.

Turning to the only thing I knew, I prayed. Probably one of the most frank prayers I’ve ever uttered. I just told God I couldn’t do this alone right now and to please send me someone — but, in the meantime to just help me take one step in front of the other.

Within 10-15 minutes that prayer was answered as Jed from my Addict II Athlete team rolled up and asked if I needed a pacer. I started crying again as I bawled out some semblance of saying — “YOU’RE AN ANSWER TO MY PRAYER!” I may of shock Jed, but he was a godsend and answer to my prayer.

The last 4.5 miles or so were tough, but Jed and Tim helped me so much. Once I got to that finish line, Jill was there with food ready for me devour as I tried to process what I just did.

I ran a 50 miler.

And, it is because of this experience that gave me the confidence to tackle a 100 miler one day. I wish that I would have done it by now. Thanks to injuries and recovery time I’ve had to put that dream on the back burner.

But, one day I’ll tackle it — because I know I can do it.

A post shared by The Runcast (@theruncast) on Feb 5, 2018 at 7:02am PST

180 WEEK: My Top 10 Favorite Running Moments was originally published on PhatJosh | My Life Running.

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phatjosh180 · 7 years ago

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RACE #179: AF Canyon Run Against Cancer

One more race. One more race. One more race.

It’s hard to believe this journey is almost over. I am both excited and very sentimental about it’s conclusion. It’s amazing how fast seven years can pass by — is it not?

But, as the end of this journey is coming quickly that wasn’t my focus for this race. This was far from a filler race to get me to Race 180. This race has always meant something…

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phatjosh180 · 7 years ago

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RACE #178: Oquirrh Mountain Half Marathon

One thing I tend to always point out to many Utah runners is how lucky we are to run here in Utah. Not only do we have NUMEROUS places to run, but we have a ton of awesome races as well.

Like, tons.

There always seems to be an argument that the market is over saturated, especially when you can pick from 2-3 half marathons on pretty much any given weekend. And, that’s usually just races between Weber County to Utah County along the Wasatch Front. I won’t argue that it’s a tad over saturated, but you won’t find me complaining about it either.

Race #178. Bib 178. Very fitting.

A post shared by So, I’m Josher … (@josherwalla) on Jun 16, 2018 at 8:45am PDT

With this being my 178th race toward my 180 goal — this was my first time running this race. In fact it was the first time that I’ve run in Tooele. Two firsts for me which I find odd considering how much I’ve run in the past seven years. But, there’s a first for everything I guess?

Being very unfamiliar with the course and area I didn’t really go into the race with a time goal. My goal for pretty much every race is to simply do my best. I did kind of want a sub-three time, but I wasn’t so sure if that was possible after I glanced at the course. There was some great downhill, but there was also a good amount of climbing on an out-and-back that didn’t look like much fun.

When life gets too hard and nothing seems to be going your way, just remember I can’t match my socks to save my life … #race178 #oquirrhmountainhalf @joshruns180

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But, I knew at the end of the day if I did my best I could live with three hour plus time. I just didn’t want it to get to that point if I could avoid it.

Another thing of note about this race is that it’s a SMALL race. There were about 44 or so runners — which I believe that was spread amongst the half marathoners, 10Kers and 5Kers? And, it’s done that way because the race (which has been around since 2013) is a fundraiser for local scout troop.

So when we were “bussed” up the canyon in a caravan of minivans driven by the local LDS ward members — I didn’t mind. If I paid $75 or more for the race I probably would have expected at least a school bus. But, I paid $35. For that price I would have been okay with a scooter ride to the start line.

This was a first. Our bus up the canyon was basically a caravan of minivans driven by ward members. We rode in the Bishop’s minivan. No PPIs given. #race178 #oquirrhmountainhalf @joshruns180

A post shared by So, I’m Josher … (@josherwalla) on Jun 16, 2018 at 12:12pm PDT

You get what you pay for — but, I’m glad I was able to help in their fundraiser. I remember doing odd fundraisers (we cleaned the old Jumbotron at the Delta Center one year) for our scout adventures. I guess it’s the most I can do being an Eagle Scout, right?

The Skinners, Janet, Zach and I jumped into one of the minivans for the ride up Middle Canyon and ended up riding with the bishop. He was a nice guy. He gave us a brief tour of the race course and gave us some pointers to avoid getting lost.

I made a joke about the number of runners and that odds are I’d be the last runner. I guess he took it as a sign that this was my first race. After I said I’ve done a few he asked how many — I won’t lie, outside of my friends and this blog I always feel uncomfortable telling people how many races I’ve done. I don’t want that to define me, especially since this goal is much more than just a number.

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So I just left at over a hundred or so. Specific enough to be honest and vague enough to not feel too braggy. We talked about marathon and trail races as well. In any regard he was a really nice guy and we had a fun ride up the canyon.

After snapping a couple quick pictures we only waited less than 5 minutes before we were off and running. As low key as this race was I really appreciated that part. It was a BIT chilly, not too bad — but, I didn’t want to wait around to run.

As soon as we were off I started running with Janet. She is much faster than me and so I just enjoyed the conversation with her because I expected her to eventually blaze pavement. But, she never did.

Calling this a small race would be an understatement. I caught this picture before the gun — annnnd, I won’t lie, I feel like it’s a picture of the opening prayer. #race178 #oquirrhmountainhalf @joshruns180

A post shared by ＪｏｓｈｅｒDoes Keto (@ketowalla) on Jun 16, 2018 at 12:15pm PDT

The first few miles blew by pretty quickly. Between the nice drop in the canyon and our conversation I was feeling great and enjoying my time. The canyon itself was gorgeous and I wish I took more pictures than I did during the race, but I’m not going to complain because I had great company.

At mile six the course deviated to the right for a 5-6ish mile out and back up Smelter Rd. This was the toughest part of the whole race. It wasn’t a horrible climb, but it was a gradual uphill with a few rollers thrown into the mix. It was tough. But, Janet and I did a run walk method up the road that kept us going.

The return trip down Smelter Rd. was much better and enjoyable. The view of the Great Salt Lake, the Stansbury Mountains and farmland (along with lots of cows) was absolutely amazing. A view I wish I personally discovered much earlier.

A post shared by ＪｏｓｈｅｒDoes Keto (@ketowalla) on Jun 16, 2018 at 12:49pm PDT

Janet and I plugged along with great laughs and conversation. We talked a lot about Robert and how much we both miss him. We both talked about how difficult it is to be at so many of these races and know that he’d be there to if he was still here. We talked about this week’s AF Canyon Run Against Cancer and how hard that will be, especially since the team name is in honor of Robert.

And, throughout our conversation I was personally reminded how that as difficult as it’s been processing his passing — how blessed I should that I knew him. And, as I reflect on my 180 race journey it’s not the specific races I remember — it’s the people, it’s the moments. And, I’ve been reminded of that these past couple of weeks.

When people ask me what’s next? I don’t look at my Race 180 as an end. Just because I hit Race 180 doesn’t mean that the journey I’ve discovered is over. There’s going to be other adventures, new friendship and even more cherished moments as long as I continue to move forward — which I will.

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As Janet and I took the final turn to the finish line we both embraced hand-in-hand with arms raised in triumph — followed by a big sweaty hug. It was a perfect ending to such a perfect race with such a great friend.

Not only was the race emotionally and spiritually perfect, physically we slayed it. We both came in at 2:50:27! A time I wasn’t so sure I’d get. But, between the distraction of our conversation, pushing each other on Smelter Rd. and not worrying about time — we did something I was not expecting.

But, as excited as I was about the time that obviously wasn’t my biggest take away from the race. It was just a great sweetener.

A post shared by So, I’m Josher … (@josherwalla) on Jun 16, 2018 at 1:41pm PDT

After grabbing some water I then collapsed on the church lawn by the Skinners, Zach and Carla as we waited for Colette and Reese to run it in. It was the perfect way to decompress my emotions and reflect on the moment.

The focus right now is AF Canyon this weekend. A race I know that will be pretty emotionally for a number of us as we’re running for Robert. But, at the same time I hope to be able to build upon on this race and continue to get faster. I’m really shooting for a 2:45 or faster. But, we’ll see.

I’m now just two races away from this goal. It’s hard to believe.

Breathe in and smile.

THE ROAD TO 180

The following are the remaining races to Race #180 at the Bountiful Handcart Days Half Marathon on July 21st. If you would like to join me on my Race #180 there’s a Facebook event you can RSVP at here.

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RACE #178: Oquirrh Mountain Half Marathon was originally published on PhatJosh | My Life Running.

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