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[phatjosh180]

Even More Quotes for Runners

Did you need more quotes in your life? No? Well, I hate to break it to you, but you’re getting a bunch. I collect quotes like how single women my age collect cats. I can’t get enough of them.

There’s something about a good thought provoking quote that can change not just your perspective, but shift it as well. It’s one thing to be inspired by a quote, but it’s a total different thing to be changed by one. Something that’s happened to me many times in my life.

In addition to keeping a database of quotes for running, I hoard quotes for inspiration and motivation — socially, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I might share some of quotes on my personal blog Josherwalla.com sometime later, but for here — this is all about running, fitness and health.

I use many of these quotes also to make into memes for the Trails & Pavement Instagram page. So make sure to follow the page for some great running related quotes and more.

Anyways, without any further adieu, here are some more running quotes …

“As every runner knows, running is about more than just putting one foot in front of the other; it is about our lifestyle and who we are.” Joan Benoit Samuelson

“Running allows me to set my mind free. Nothing seems impossible. Nothing unattainable.” Kara Goucher

“Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.” Haruki Murakami

“If you set goals and go after them with all the determination you can muster, your gifts will take you places that will amaze you.” Les Brown

“Obstacles can’t stop you. Problems can’t stop you. Most of all, other people can’t stop you. Only you can stop you.” Jeffrey Gitomer

“Action is eloquence.” William Shakespeare

“You didn’t beat me. You merely finished in front of me.” Hal Higdon

“Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” Voltaire

“Adversity causes some men to break; others to break records.” William Arthur Ward

“It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.” Edmund Hillary

“It’s very hard at the beginning to understand that the whole idea is not to beat the other runners. Eventually, you learn that the competition is against the little voice inside you that wants you to quit.” George Sheehan

“The biggest mistake an athlete can make is to be afraid of making one.” L. Ron Hubbard

“Running is real and relatively simple … but it ain’t easy.” Mark Will-Weber

“We all have bad days and bad workouts, when running gets ugly, when split times seem slow, when you wonder why you started. It will pass.” Hal Higdon

“Nothing, not even pain, lasts forever. If I can just keep putting one foot in front of the other, I will eventually get to the end.” Kim Cowart

“Set aside a time solely for running. Running is more fun if you don’t have to rush through it.” Jim Fixx

“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.” Marcus Aurelius

“I’m not as fast or flexible as I once was, but running keeps me young” Nicole DeBoom

“Ever tried. Ever failed. No Matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.” Samuel Beckett

“Winning doesn’t always mean getting first place; it means getting the best out of yourself.” Meb Keflezighi

“It’s a treat being a runner, out in the world by yourself with not a soul to make you bad-tempered or tell you what to do.” Alan Sillitoe

“Winning has nothing to do with racing. Most days don’t have races anyway. Winning is about struggle and effort and optimism, and never, ever, ever giving up.” Amby Burfoot

“The Secret to a long and healthy life is to be stress-free. Be grateful for everything you have, stay away from people who are negative stay smiling and keep running.” Fauja Singh

“I’ve learned that it’s what you do with the miles, rather than how many you’ve run.” Rod DeHaven

“Our doubts are our traitors and make us lose the good we oft might get by fearing to attempt.” William Shakespeare

“What I’ve learned from running is that the time to push hard is when you’re hurting like crazy and you want to give up. Success is often just around the corner.” James Dyson

“A goal is not always meant to be reached, it often serves simply as something to aim at.” Bruce Lee

“What is the source of my success? I think it’s a combination of consistency and balance.” Mark Allen

“Racing teaches us to challenge ourselves. It teaches us to push beyond where we thought we could go. It helps us to find out what we are made of. This is what we do. This is what it’s all about.” PattiSue Plumer

“The real purpose of running isn’t to win a race. It’s to test the limits of the human heart.” Bill Bowerman

“For me, races are the celebration of my training.” Dan Browne

“God has given me the ability. The rest is up to me. Believe. Believe. Believe.” Billy Mills

“There is magic in misery. Just ask any runner.” Dean Karnazes

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” Frederick Douglass

“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” Jim Ryin

“You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” Eleanor Roosevelt

“You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” Marcus Aurelius

“Running is the greatest meaphor for life, because you get out of it what you put into it.” Oprah Winfrey

“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” Ursula K. Le Guin

“Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up.” Dean Karnazes

“Happiness lies, first of all, in health.” George William Curtis

“The pain of running relieves the pain of living.” Jacqueline Simon Gunn

“It was being a runner that mattered, not how fast or how far I could run. The joy was in the act of running and in the journey, not in the destination.” John Bingham

“Success doesn’t come to you; you go to it.” T. Scott McLeod

“If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way.” Napoleon Hill

“Heroism is endurance for one moment more.” George F. Kennan

“This above all: to thine ownself be true. And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.” William Shakespeare

“Some people dream of success, while other people get up every morning and make it happen.” Wayne Huizenga

“Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.” Maya Angelou

“Getting more exercise isn’t only good for your waistline. It’s a natural anti-depressant, that leaves you in a great mood.” Auliq Ice

“The reason we race isn’t so much to beat each other … but to be with each other.” Christopher McDougall

“Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.” Henry Ford

“Victory is in having done your best. If you’ve done your best, you’ve won.” Bill Bowerman

“It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed.” Theodore Roosevelt

“That’s the thing about running: your greatest runs are rarely measured by racing success. They are moments in time when running allows you to see how wonderful your life is.” Kara Goucher

“Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.” Earl Nightingale

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” Confucius

“I always tell my athletes, don’t confuse difficulty with failure.” Eric Orton

“That’s the thing about running: your greatest runs are rarely measured by racing success. They are moments in time when running allows you to see how wonderful your life is.” Kara Goucher

“Ability is what you are capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.” Lou Holtz

“Running has taught me, perhaps more than anything else, that there’s no reason to fear starting lines…or other new beginnings.” Amby Burfoot

“Running has taught me to love my brain, my body, and what both can do for me when I use them wisely and appreciate them” Meggie Smith

“‘I breathe in strength and breathe out weakness,’ is my mantra during marathons—it calms me down and helps me focus.” Amy Hastings

“Make each day your masterpiece” John Wooden

“There is no chance, no destiny, no fate, that can circumvent or hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul.” Ella Wheeler Wilcox

“My drops of tears I’ll turn to sparks of fire.” William Shakespeare

“Winners are losers who got up and gave it one more try.” Dennis DeYoung

“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Failures to heroic minds are the stepping stones to success.” Thomas Chandler Haliburton

“Do you want to know who you are? Don’t ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you.” Thomas Jefferson

“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

“It doesn’t matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say, ‘I have finished.’ There is a lot of satisfaction in that.” Fred Lebow

“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” Melody Beattie

“Act like a horse. Be dumb. Just run.” Jumbo Elliot

“If you want to run, then run a mile. If you want to experience another life, run a marathon.” Emil Zatopek

“I often lose motivation, but it’s something I accept as normal.” Bill Rodgers

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” Robert Collier

“Be patient with yourself. Self-growth is tender; it’s holy ground. There’s no greater investment.” Stephen Covey

“Age is no barrier. It’s a limitation you put on your mind.” Jackie Joyner-Kersee

“Stamina, speed, strength, skill and spirit. But the greatest of these is spirit.” Ken Doherty

“If you believe you can, you probably can. If you believe you won’t, you most assuredly won’t.” Denis Waitley

“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” Jimmy Dean

“The only disability in life is a bad attitude.” Scott Hamilton

“You don’t have to be a fantastic hero to do certain things – to compete. You can be just an ordinary chap, sufficiently motivated to reach challenging goals.” Edmund Hillary

“First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.” Epictetus

“You’ve got to get up every morning with determination if you’re going to go to bed with satisfaction.” George Lorimer

“Now bid me run, and I will strive with things impossible.” William Shakespeare

“If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things.” Albert Einstein

“We are all faced with a series of great opportunities – brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems.” John Gardner

“I dream my painting and I paint my dream.” Vincent Willem van Gogh

“What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

“If you are losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon.” Kathrine Switzer

“Courage doesn’t always roar, sometimes it’s the quiet voice at the end of the day whispering ‘I will try again tomorrow” Mary Anne Radmacher

“Mental will is a muscle that needs exercise, just like the muscles of the body.” Lynn Jennings

“Next to trying and winning, the best thing is trying and failing.” L.M. Montgomery

“A course never quite looks the same way twice. The combinations of weather, season, light, feelings and thoughts that you find there are ever-changing.” Joe Henderson

“Part of a runner’s training consists of pushing back the limits of his mind.” Kenny Moore

“Running is my private time, my therapy, my religion.” Gail W. Kislevitz

“Have a dream, make a plan, go for it. You’ll get there I promise.” Zoe Koplowitz

“Only those who risk going too far, can possibly find out how far one can go.” T.S. Elliot

“If you fell down yesterday, stand up today.” H.G. Wells

“Every run is a work of art, a drawing on each day’s canvas. Some runs are shouts and some runs are whispers. Some runs are eulogies and others celebrations.” Dagny Scott Barrio

“In many ways, a race is analogous to life itself. Once it is over, it cannot be re-created. All that is left are impressions in the heart, and in the mind.” Chris Lear

“You need to choose to be great. It’s not a chance, it’s a choice.” Eliud Kipchoge

“It hurts up to a point and then it doesn’t get any worse.” Ann Trason

“He knows not his own strength who hath not met adversity.” William Samuel Johnson

“The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” Confucius

“I look at struggle as an opportunity to grow. True struggle happens when you can sense what is not working for you and you’re willing to take the appropriate action to correct the situation. Those who accomplish change are willing to engage the struggle.” Danny Dreyer

“Seventy percent of success in life is showing up.” Woody Allen

“You cannot propel yourself forward by patting yourself on the back.” Steve Prefontaine

“The greatest pleasure in life, is doing the things people say we cannot do.” Walter Bagehot

“You do not write your life with words … You write it with actions. What you think is not important. It is only important what you do.” Patrick Ness

“Our food should be our medicine and our medicine should be our food.” Hippocrates

“Nothing is more beautiful than the loveliness of the woods before sunrise.” George Washington Carver

“The man who goes farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare.” Dale Carnegie

“If you want to run, then run a mile. If you want to experience another life, run a marathon.” Emil Zatopek

“People with goals succeed because they know where they’re going.” Earl Nightingale

“Keep steadily before you the fact that all true success depends at last upon yourself.” Theodore T. Hunger

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” Helen Keller

“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” Steve Prefontaine

“Exercise should be regarded as tribute to the heart.” Gene Tunney

“Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they’ve got a second.” William James

“You may be the only person left who believes in you, but it’s enough. It takes just one star to pierce a universe of darkness. Never give up.” Richelle E. Goodrich

“Some sessions are stars and some are stones, but in the end they are all rocks and we build upon them.” Chrissie Wellington

“We must embrace pain and burn it as fuel for our journey.” Kenji Miyazawa

“Don’t fight the trail, take what it gives you. If you have a choice between one step or two between rocks, take three.” Christopher McDougall

“Every race is a question, and I never know until the last yards what the answer will be. That’s the lure of racing.” Joe Henderson

“There is nothing so momentary as a sporting achievement, and nothing so lasting as the memory of it.” Greg Dening

“Run hard when it’s hard to run” Pavvo

“Strength does not come from the physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” Mahatma Gandhi

“We all know that if you run, you are pretty much choosing a life of success because of it.” Deena Kastor

“The obsession with running is really an obsession with the potential for more and more life.” George Sheehan

“Don’t measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability.” John Wooden

“Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” Will Rogers

“Stadiums are for spectators. We runners have nature and that is much better.” Juha Vaatainen

“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” Confucius

“The marathon is not really about the marathon, it’s about the shared struggle. And it’s not only the marathon, but the training.” Bill Buffum

“Action is the foundational key to all success.” Pablo Picasso

“You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.” Jack London

“It doesn’t matter where you came from. All that matters is where you are going.” Brian Tracy

“The harder the hill, the steeper the climb, the better the view from the finishing line.” Paul Newman

“Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.” Napoleon Hill

“As athletes we have ups and downs. Unfortunately you can’t pick the days they come on.” Deena Kastor

“The point is whether or not I improved over yesterday. In long-distance running the only opponent you have to beat is yourself, the way you used to be.” Haruki Murakami

“If you train your mind for running, everything else will be easy.” Amby Burfoot

“Things turn out the best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.” John Wooden

“A goal properly set is halfway reached.” Zig Ziglar

“Life isn’t a matter of milestones, but of moments.” Rose Kennedy

“I determined never to stop until I had come to the end and achieved my purpose.” David Livingstone

“Champions keep playing until they get it right.” Billie Jean King

“Even when you have gone as far as you can, and everything hurts, and you are staring at the specter of self-doubt, you can find a bit more strength deep inside you, if you look closely enough.” Hal Higdon

“Tough times never last, but tough people do.” Robert H. Schuller

“Success is not the absence of failure; it’s the persistence through failure.” Aisha Tyler

“Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible.” Frank Zappa

“Without hustle, talent will only carry you so far.” Gary Vaynerchuk

“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” Winston S. Churchill

“Running is like celebrating your soul. There’s so much it can teach us in life.” Molly Barker

“I am not afraid to fail; to get lost, to dream, to be myself, to find. I am not afraid to live.” Killian Jornet

“Happiness is like a butterfly. The more you chase it, the more it eludes you. But if you turn your attention to other things, It comes and sits softly on your shoulder.” Henry David Thoreau

“Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.” Helen Keller

“The secret of success is constancy to purpose.” Benjamin Disraeli

“There is one quality that one must possess to win, and that is definiteness of purpose, the knowledge of what one wants, and a burning desire to possess it.” Napoleon Hill

“Don’t be afraid to dream of achieving the impossible.” Shalane Flanagan

“We must not allow other people’s limited perceptions to define us.” Virginia Satir

“The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s determination.” Tommy Lasorda

“The whole universe is change and life itself is but what you deem it.” Marcus Aurelius

“I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than regret the things I haven’t done.” Lucille Ball

“Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit.” Conrad Hilton

“The eye sees only what the mind is prepared to comprehend.” Robertson Davies

“Every single one of us possesses the strength to attempt something he isn’t sure he can accomplish.” Scott Jurek

“If you start to feel good during an ultra, don’t worry, you will get over it.” Gene Thibeault

“Love the life you live. Live the life you love.” Bob Marley

“Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.” Joshua J. Marine

“All progress takes place outside the comfort zone.” Michael John Bobak

“Things won are done; joy’s soul lies in the doing.” William Shakespeare

“Success consists of getting up just one more time than you fall.” Oliver Goldsmith

“Nothing, not even pain, lasts forever.” Kim Cowart

“Success is getting what you want, happiness is wanting what you get.” W. P. Kinsella

“Everything that happens to us leaves some trace behind; everything contributes imperceptibly to make us what we are.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

“You can waste your lives drawing lines. Or you can live your life crossing them.” Shonda Rhimes

“I didn’t give myself enough breaks during the training year to recover. I didn’t understand the power of periodization.” Alberto Salazar

“If you cannot be a poet, be the poem.” David Carradine

“Sometimes, success almost haunts you. You want to be the best at everything you do and know you have to work hard.” Katarina Witt

“All great achievements require time.” Maya Angelou

“We cannot start over. But we can begin now and make a new ending.” Zig Ziglar

“The power of imagination makes us infinite.” John Muir

“The virtue lies in the struggle, not in the prize.” Richard Monckton Milnes

“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, I used everything you gave me.” Erma Bombeck

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Even More Quotes for Runners was originally published on My Life in the Slow Lane.

[phatjosh180]

Running Thoughts: 💯

I have this dilemma. Well, okay, it’s probably not that much of a dilemma as it is a decision to make. I need to decide when and where I am going to tackle my 100 mile race. And, I kinda have to decide by Friday — because that’s when registration opens for the two races I have narrowed down my decision to …

Across the Years

Jackpot Ultra Running Festival

There are a number of reasons why I have narrowed it down to these two races. For one, they are looped courses — something I have fallen in love with in regards to ultra races. Secondly, I have done Jackpot previously — back in 2017 when I did 40 miles in 12 hours — and I loved it. And, thirdly, it’s warm in Vegas and Arizona. Much warmer than Utah in December and February.

Soooooooooooo … what do I do? Which race do I pick?

This feels like a life decision that should be easy. But, there’s registration fees (anywhere from $150-$300 depending on when I sign up), travel (do I drive by car, plane or rail? Is rail even an option?) and then there’s the training aspect of the race. Because, I’m not the biggest fan of winter running — at least this year I haven’t.

All, I really know is that whichever race I pick it will be the 48 hour race so I’ll have PLENTY of time to finish my 100 miles without the fear of cutoffs and deadlines. Reasonable for a back of the packer like me, right?

So yeah.

So many questions. So many dilemmas. I feel like a teenage girl stressing over whether or not Mike Gables will ask me out to Homecoming!?!?!

In order for me to make a decision by the end of the week on which race to pick, I am going to lay out some pros and cons for each race. I figure that’s what adults do, right? Especially when their very future depends on it.

So much drama, I know.

Okay, so where we go with the list …

ACROSS THE YEARS

PROS

It’s in a deserty place in the middle of winter (Arizona, end of December).

It’s a one mile looped course (this could potentially be a con, as it might contribute to an early race mental breakdown).

There’s an In-n-Out Burger within 1.7 miles of the race location.

There’s a Walmart, Wendy’s, Culver’s and Taco Bell within a couple miles of the race location (though I’m not sure Taco Bell would be the best choice of food in the middle of a 100 mile race — though nachos sounds like a great option at any mile).

A good deal of local runners from Run4fun and Trails & Pavement are planning on doing the race — making a small tent city community a nice little feel of home.

It’s six weeks after my 50K and ten weeks after my 50 miler — making it easier to jump from one ultra distance to another to this one.

Since this race is a six-day event I can choose what two consecutive days I want to run. Right now I’m thinking of doing December 30-31st, but that could change — maybe I will want to run my 100 first thing in 2020 so I can run 100 miles in January for the first time ever (HA! That thought scares me).

I have never done a race in Arizona before — in fact — the only time I’ve been in Arizona has been during a stop at the Phoenix airport and whenever I drive from St. George to Vegas — and I don’t really consider that Arizona. It’s no-man’s land. I don’t really count having visited Arizona yet. This would change that.

I can fly in and out of Phoenix with ease — though you have to catch the right kind of deal at the right time, because it can be pricey to fly down there from Salt Lake.

I can rent a tent and/or cot through the race during my stay — and even one to share with someone else. So that’s a good thing.

I can earn a free race entry if I sign up for a eight hour work shift. Tempting, I won’t lie. Though one of the job descriptions say I MAY have to clean out port-a-potties …

CONS

It’s a one mile looped course (I just have this fear that a mile long loop is going to make me go crazy sooner than later).

There’s a Burger King within two miles of the race location (if this gives you any indication of how much I hate BK — I absolutely hate it. I hate the smell of it. I hate it all. I fear if a whiff of charbroiled hamburgers hit me mid-run I’d lose everything in my stomach).

The price is a bit hefty for my liking. For the 48 hours — if I register right away — it’s $243.67. But, that is for two days of racing, a place to pitch a tent and all my meals during that 48 hours and a finisher mug and buckle(!). So it’s not quite like a RunDisney event where they charge you $200 for the privilege to run through their parks — AND DON’T GIVE YOU A PARK TICKET WITH IT!!! (you probably can tell I’m kinda bitter about that).

The closest casual sit down restaurant is Denny’s. Denny’s. You don’t celebrate anything at Denny’s if you can avoid it. That’s where you go after funerals (well at least I do).

If I chose to carpool or drive to the race — it’s over 10 hours and not my idea of fun. But, it could be if I carpooled with a group of fun people.

If I was to go the cheap air travel route, I’d have to take Allegiant Air — and — well, it’s Allegiant. Do I have to say any more? Oh, and you have to fly out of Provo — so there’s that too. Do I really need that kind of adventure in my life? IDK?

The weather could be too hot? I’m not too familiar with arizona weather in December. That could potentially be a factor.

I don’t really know anyone in the Phoenix area outside and support outside of the running community would be fairly non-existent. But, is that an issue at all? IDK?

JACKPOT ULTRA RUNNING FESTIVAL

PROS

It’s in a deserty place in the middle of winter (It’s Vegas, baby! And, in mid-February)

It’s on a 2.5 mile looped course that I have done before (it’s easy to pretend each lap is a mile long, thus tricking yourself).

There’s an In-n-Out Burger within 3.4 miles of the race location.

There’s a WinCo Foods, Wendy’s, Carl’s Jr. and RC Willeys across the street (the RC Willeys might be a non-factor, but with the race being held over Valentine’s Day weekend they might be giving out hot dogs and Coke — and that always sounds good after running a minimum of 25 miles).

More than likely my BFFF Jill Gabica will be running the race as well — though I’m sure I won’t be able to coax her into doing the 48 hours with me.

I can’t find a Burger King within 5 miles of the race (THIS IS GREAT NEWS EVERYONE!)

There are numerous WORLD-RENOWNED buffets I could chow down at after my race!!! Wicked Spoon anyone?

I can fly in and out or drive to and from Vegas with ease.

They have some pretty sweet swag, medals and awards — they’re kinda notorious about it.

It could be easier to coax family and friends to join me for the couple of days to help pace and support me in the race attempt.

CONS

I have done the course and race before. That’s not necessarily a BAD thing, but I also do like the sense of trying something new at times.

It is 13 weeks from my 50K and 17 weeks from my 50 miler — making the gap between ultra distances to this race longer. Thusly, requiring me to plan out longer than wanted training runs in December and January during the dead of winter (but, hey, I COULD run lap upon lap upon lap upon lap in the Olympic Oval or on a treadmill — kill me).

The weather could be too hot? Ideally, I’d love to run in cloud cover like I did in 2017. Heck, it even snowed around the weekend of this year’s Jackpot Running Festival. The predictability of Vegas’ weather seems a bit too much like a — wildcard.

Really, there aren’t too many — the biggest con looming over my head keeps on being the gap between doing a 100 miler in February with a 50K in November and 50 miler in October. I just don’t know if I want to wait that long between races? I’d really prefer keeping some of my looooooooong runs non-solo for this attempt.

So there you have it — my pros and cons for each race. Now I have to pour over both lists and make a decision — soon. I really would LOVE to make a decision by Friday, but I know that probably won’t happen. Plus, I am going to California this weekend to see some family and run the SoCal Half Marathon — so I just want to kind of focus on that for the time being.

But, if you would like to chime in on which race I should do I would love your feedback. Especially if you have done one or both of these races. Decisions, decisions, decisions.

Ugh.

Anywho … if you would like to help me decide, please vote for which race you think I should do!

Running Thoughts: 💯 was originally published on PhatJosh | Running Thoughts.

[phatjosh180]

Moving Forward from the Present, not Past

Moving Forward from the Present, not Past

It’s been a month since I was diagnosed with deteriorating disk syndrome (DDS) — something I’ve had to come to terms with, especially in finding my new norm. It hasn’t been easy, especially for someone that’s run a lot in the past. I have no idea how many miles I done since 2009 — though I wish I kept track — but, I have done nearly 3,000 miles in racing miles over 234 races. That’s a lot of…

[phatjosh180]

Moving Forward from the Present, not Past

It’s been a month since I was diagnosed with deteriorating disk syndrome (DDS) — something I’ve had to come to terms with, especially in finding my new norm. It hasn’t been easy, especially for someone that’s run a lot in the past. I have no idea how many miles I done since 2009 — though I wish I kept track — but, I have done nearly 3,000 miles in racing miles over 234 races. That’s a lot of running in and of itself.

What has made this diagnosis difficult for me — is not just finding a new normal, but not comparing that new normal with my past successes and running. If I’m being completely honest this is something I’ve struggled with for nearly five years. It’s hard not to feel accomplished when you struggle through a three and a half hour half marathon — when your PR is 2:09:25. Something I attained at the 2013 Mt. Nebo Half — over five years ago.

A lot has changed over those past five years — my thyroid issues, my ankle issues and then of course my back. Those health issues disrupted my training and put me in a reality that made times like a daydream. The summer of 2013 was great — I was consistently pulling 2:10 half marathon times and felt great.

It’s one thing to say that I shouldn’t or can’t compare myself now to those times — but, I do. And, it’s not just my times, but it’s my health, weight and even mental health I compare myself with from 2013. I think this mentality is so difficult for me to come to terms with because we live in a society that if you aren’t moving forward you’re going backwards. And, in running it’s very apparent because it’s quantified by a clock.

Last night as I was lugging away my miles on the treadmill I couldn’t help but hash out these many thoughts and disappointments in my head. One of my favorite quotes by Rachel Carson came to mind — “I am always more interested in what I am about to do than what I have already done.” And, it really struck a chord to me in that moment.

I came to a realization that I’m still too focused on what I’ve done and not toward what’s in front of me. In essence, I’ve got to throw out those tiring comparisons and let each new adventure unfold from the present. I can’t allow myself the lack of joy that comes from a run because I am constantly comparing myself to a distant past under very different circumstances.

As I was coming to this realization last night, I knew I had to let go of my ultras, my marathons — every one of my 180 races and beyond. I’m not denying that they happened or that I don’t cherish each memory, but those times, those successes are the past, they’re done and a story of another runner. A runner I don’t know if I’ll ever see again. But, I am starting anew here — in the present.

This is a new chapter — or better put — a completely new book that is beginning it’s first chapter. I have a complete book of blank pages waiting to be written and — like I did nearly 10 year ago — it is up to me to write that story, create the narrative and shift it when needed. I want to grow old with running and maybe that’s what this next book is about?

But, I don’t know?

Because this book has yet to be written — and there’s no end in sight.

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Moving Forward from the Present, not Past was originally published on Life In The Slow Lane.

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Running Thoughts: 💯

I have this dilemma. Well, okay, it’s probably that much of a dilemma as it is a decision to make. I need to decide when and where I am going to tackle my 100 mile race. And, I kinda have to decide by Friday — because that’s when registration opens for the two races I have narrowed down my decision to …

Across the Years

Jackpot Ultra Running Festival

There are a number of reasons why I have…

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Even More Quotes for Runners

Even More Quotes for Runners

Did you need more quotes in your life? No? Well, I hate to break it to you, but you’re getting a bunch. I collect quotes like how single women my age collect cats. I can’t get enough of them.

There’s something about a good thought provoking quote that can change not just your perspective, but shift it as well. It’s one thing to be inspired by a quote, but it’s a total different thing to be…

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Running 2018: Week 42/52

Weekly Miles

Total Running Miles: 14.4 miles        Training Miles: 14.4 miles        Race Miles: 0.00 miles Walking Miles: 22.12 miles TOTAL MILES: 36.52 miles

Monthly Miles

January 2018 Total Running Miles: 38.7 miles        Training Miles: 20.5 miles        Race Miles: 18.2 miles Walking Miles: 82.84 miles TOTAL MILES: 121.54 miles

February 2018 Total Running Miles: 31.85 miles        Training Miles: 28.75 miles        Race Miles: 3.1 miles Walking Miles: 83.31 miles TOTAL MILES: 115.16 miles

March 2018 Total Running Miles: 63.65 miles        Training Miles: 26.85 miles        Race Miles: 36.8 miles Walking Miles: 99.5 miles TOTAL MILES: 163.15 miles

April 2018 Total Running Miles: 54.7 miles        Training Miles: 28.5 miles        Race Miles: 26.2 mile Walking Miles: 83.95 miles TOTAL MILES: 138.65 miles

May 2018 Total Running Miles: 55.8 miles        Training Miles: 26.5 miles        Race Miles: 29.3 miles Walking Miles: 121.1 miles TOTAL MILES: 176.9 miles

June 2018 Total Running Miles: 60.05 miles        Training Miles: 20.75 miles        Race Miles: 39.3 miles Walking Miles: 99.17 miles TOTAL MILES: 159.22 miles

July 2018 Total Running Miles: 74.9 miles        Training Miles: 25.5 miles        Race Miles: 49.4 miles Walking Miles: 95.65 miles TOTAL MILES: 170.55 miles

August 2018 Total Running Miles: 59.05 miles        Training Miles: 25.85 miles        Race Miles: 33.2 miles Walking Miles: 49.69 miles TOTAL MILES: 108.74 miles

September 2018 Total Running Miles: 35.55 miles        Training Miles: 16.25 miles        Race Miles: 19.3 miles Walking Miles: 88.02 miles TOTAL MILES: 123.57 miles

October 2018 Total Running Miles: 29.75 miles        Training Miles: 23.25 miles        Race Miles: 6.5 miles Walking Miles: 57.2 miles TOTAL MILES: 86.95 miles

2018 Miles

Total Running Miles: 497.25 miles        Training Miles: 235.95 miles        Race Miles: 261.3 miles Walking Miles: 876.17 miles TOTAL MILES: 1,373.42 miles

My estimated race schedule and results for 2018. As always, races are subject to change. Races over 13.1 miles up to the Handcart Days Half Marathon are numbered in parenthesis and numbered overall since July 2011. 

1 — New Year’s Revolution Run (170); January 1 (15.1 miles, 5 hours) 2 — Frigid 5K; January 27 (0:37:59.5) 3 — South Davis Sweethearts 5K; February 3 (0:35:17.0) 4 — March Madness 5K; March 3 (0:52:02) 5 — Antelope Island Buffalo Run 25K (171); March 10 (5:30:23) 6 — Lucky 5K; March 17 (0:35:37.0) 7 — Riverton Half Marathon (172); March 24 (3:42:52.7) 8 — Eggs Legs Mile Run; March 31 (0:10:30.2) 9 — Run Emigration Canyon Half Marathon (173); April 7 (2:56:43.41) 10 — Salt Lake City Half Marathon (174); April 21 (3:01:08) 11 — Provo City Half Marathon (175); May 5 (3:48:33.8) 12 — Vigor Big Cottonwood Half Marathon (176); May 12 (2:46:03) 13 — Run of Remembrance 10K; May 28 (0:52:30) 14 — Drop13 Big Cottonwood Half Marathon (177); June 9 (3:39:28) 15 — Oquirrh Mountain Half Marathon (178); June 16 (2:50:27.2) 16 — AF Canyon Run Against Cancer (179); June 23 (2:49:13.3) 17 — Surf City Run 5K; July 4 (0:38:02) 18 — Run4fun Trail Run; July 14 (3:17:39) 19 — Bountiful Handcart Days Half Marathon (180); July 21 (3:49:54) 20 — Deseret News Half Marathon; July 24 (2:51:09) 21 — Timp Half; July 28 * 22 — Elephant Rock Trail Run 7 Miler; August 11 (1:59:42) 23 — Run Elevated Half Marathon; August 18 (2:46:54) 24 — Mt. Nebo Half; August 25 (2:43:15) 25 — East Canyon 10K; September 1 (1:17:17) 26 — Revel Big Cottonwood Half Marathon; September 8 (2:56:46) 27 — Ragnar Sunset Relay; October 6 (Leg #3, 6.5 miles, 1:40:00) 28 — The Haunted Half: Provo City; October 27 * 29 — Holiday Heroes 5K; November 3 30 — Spectrum Turkey Trot 5K; November 10 31 — South Davis Turkey 10K; November 22 32 — The Bakers Dozen Half Marathon; December 1

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Running 2018: Week 42/52 was originally published on PhatJosh | My Life Running.

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Running 2018: Week 35/52

Running 2018: Week 35/52

Weekly Miles

Total Running Miles: 16.65 miles        Training Miles: 10.45 miles        Race Miles: 6.2 miles Walking Miles: 14.81 miles TOTAL MILES: 31.46 miles

Monthly Miles

January 2018 Total Running Miles: 38.7 miles        Training Miles: 20.5 miles        Race Miles: 18.2 miles Walking Miles: 82.84 miles TOTAL MILES: 121.54 miles

February 2018 Total Running Miles: 31.85 miles        Training Miles: 2…

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RACE RECAP: Mt. Nebo Half

RACE RECAP: Mt. Nebo Half

There is so much backstory to this race that I am not sure how much I should recount? I originally signed up for the marathon then downgraded to the half marathon, only to reserve that decision by switching back to the marathon. Only to internally go back and forth on that decision the past couple weeks — which ended with me going back to the half marathon the day before the race.

As of noon on…

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Quotes for the Everyday Runner

Quotes for the Everyday Runner

Yup, it’s another quote post. I like do these every now and again because I actively collect quotes year round. Whether they pertain to running, life or whatnot. I usually write them down in a notebook I keep, but I like to share them as well — so that’s one of the reasons why I do these kind of posts.

Most of my quote posts here are running related — I have a few that are life in general as…

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Quotes for the Everyday Runner

Yup, it’s another quote post. I like do these every now and again because I actively collect quotes year round. Whether they pertain to running, life or whatnot. I usually write them down in a notebook I keep, but I like to share them as well — so that’s one of the reasons why I do these kind of posts.

Most of my quote posts here are running related — I have a few that are life in general as well. But, on this one I decided to mix the topic up and just post my favorite quotes about running, overcoming fear, goals, pursuit of happiness and life in general. They’re all pretty much related in the sense that they’re quotes to hopefully motivate, inspire and encourage you.

I also like to use many of these quotes for memes to posts on the @trailsandpavement Instagram account and in the Trails & Pavement Facebook group. So, if you have any quotes you’d like to share, please by all means share them in the comments below!

“Make friends with pain, and you will never be alone.” ― Ken Chlouber

“It is not the strength of the body that counts, but the strength of the spirit.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien

“Faith is taking the first step even when you can’t see the whole staircase.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.

“These woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.” ― Robert Frost

“If you treat an individual as he is, he will remain how he is. But if you treat him as if he were what he ought to be and could be, he will become what he ought to be and could be.” ― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

“You can cut all the flowers but you cannot keep Spring from coming.” ― Pablo Neruda

“Don’t be satisfied with stories, how things have gone with others. Unfold your own myth.” ― Rumi

“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” ― George Bernard Shaw

“There was nowhere to go but everywhere, so just keep on rolling under the stars.” ― Jack Kerouac

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” ― Aristotle

“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.” ― Marcus Aurelius

“You wouldn’t train for a marathon and then give up a mile before the finish line. Same goes with your life and dreams.” ― Dawn Gluskin

“We move forward, but we must stay in the present.” ― Scott Jurek

“The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves.” ― William Shakespeare

“The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it.” ― Thucydides

“One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar.” ― Helen Keller

“You will do foolish things, but do them with enthusiasm.” ― Colette

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” ― Rumi

“If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. It’s the hard that makes it great.” — Tom Hanks

“Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.” ― Winston S. Churchill

“I wanted to change the world. But I have found that the only thing one can be sure of changing is oneself.” ― Aldous Huxley

“I learned this, at least, by my experiment: that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” ― Henry David Thoreau

“You don’t have to be fast. But you’d better be fearless.” ― Christopher McDougall

“Don’t be afraid of your fears. They’re not there to scare you. They’re there to let you know that something is worth it.” ― C. JoyBell C.

“Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow.” ― Plato

“Listen to the mustn’ts, child. Listen to the don’ts. Listen to the shouldn’ts, the impossibles, the won’ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me… Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.” ― Shel Silverstein

“You’ve climbed too many mountains and crossed too many rivers to stop and turn back now.” ― Eleanor Brownn

“It’s amazing how a little tomorrow can make up for a whole lot of yesterday.” ― John Guare

“All happiness depends on courage and work.” ― Honoré de Balzac

“The reward of running—of anything—lies within us.” ― Scott Jurek

“Dripping water hollows out stone, not through force but through persistence.” ― Ovid

“It’s pain that changes our lives.” — Steve Martin

“You cannot change anyone, but you can be the reason someone changes.” ― Roy T. Bennett

“Fear will fuel my journey or it will cause me to forsake my journey. And it is utterly amazing that the self-same thing can build me or destroy me.” ― Craig D. Lounsbrough

“Not all those who wander are lost.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien

“Runners can be having an absolutely miserable race and yet still be cognizant of the fact that they are undertaking something amazing.” ― Cory Reese

“As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live.” ― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” ― Leo Tolstoy

“Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.” ― Truman Capote

“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” ― Lao Tzu

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” ― Helen Keller

“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.” ― William Shakespeare

“It had been said that the marathon doesn’t really begin until mile twenty. I say mile twenty-six would be more appropriate. The final two-tenths of a mile is filled with emotion. No matter how desperately you’re struggling at this point, thoughts typically drift away from the immediate task at hand (ie, survival) to broader feelings.” ― Dean Karnazes

“The best way out is always through.” ― Robert Frost

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” ― Theodore Roosevelt

“The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease for ever to be able to do it.” ― J.M. Barrie

“Don’t be afraid of being scared. To be afraid is a sign of common sense. Only complete idiots are not afraid of anything.” ― Carlos Ruiz Zafón

“Don’t allow one setback to define you. Your true self is beyond measure. Success is a marathon, not a sprint. Move on to where you flourish.” ― Assegid Habtewold

“It’s not always necessary to be strong, but to feel strong.” ― Jon Krakauer

“Taking a new step, uttering a new word, is what people fear most.” ― Fyodor Dostoyevsky

“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door” ― Milton Berle

“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.

“Without fear there cannot be courage.” ― Christopher Paolini

“Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them.” ― William Shakespeare

“In the marathon of life, there is no finish line.” ― Bill Courtney

“Confine yourself to the present.” ― Marcus Aurelius

“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.” ― Mother Teresa

“Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.” ― Martin Luther

“We know what we are, but not what we may be.” ― William Shakespeare

“They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” ― Andy Warhol

“Experience is not what happens to a man; it is what a man does with what happens to him.” ― Aldous Huxley

“The art of the hero wasn’t about being brave; it was about being so competent that bravery wasn’t an issue.” ― Christopher McDougall

“We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.” ― Plato

“Big dreams are marathons. Passionate actions are marathons of marathons! Waiters don’t deserve it; Quitters don’t get it!” ― Israelmore Ayivor

“Life’s under no obligation to give us what we expect.” ― Margaret Mitchell

“Our truest life is when we are in dreams awake.” ― Henry David Thoreau

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” ― Nelson Mandela

“Let him who would move the world first move himself.” ― Socrates

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

“Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.” ― William Jennings Bryan

“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” ― George Eliot

“I don’t think of all the misery, but of the beauty that still remains.” ― Anne Frank

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” ― Winston S. Churchill

“Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.” ― Maya Angelou

“The pain of running relieves the pain of living.” ― Jacqueline Simon Gunn

“What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?” ― Vincent van Gogh

“There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” ― C.S. Lewis

“It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.” ― Marcus Aurelius

“The present changes the past. Looking back you do not find what you left behind.” ― Kiran Desai

“You were born with wings, why prefer to crawl through life?” ― Rumi

“Finish: Even if you run a slower than expected time, you succeed in any marathon when you finish.” ― Hal Higdon

“So comes snow after fire, and even dragons have their endings.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien

“As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live.” ― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

“There is no greater burden than great potential.” ― Charles M. Schulz

“Faith is about doing. You are how you act, not just how you believe.” ― Mitch Albom

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart” ― Helen Keller

“If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.” ― Henry David Thoreau

“Though this be madness, yet there is method in’t.” ― William Shakespeare

“Freedom lies in being bold.” ― Robert Frost

“The future depends on what you do today.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

“Chance is always powerful. Let your hook be always cast; in the pool where you least expect it, there will be a fish.” ― Ovid

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” ― Mother Teresa

“Look well into thyself; there is a source of strength which will always spring up if thou wilt always look.” ― Marcus Aurelius

A post shared by Trails & Pavement (@trailsandpavement) on Aug 6, 2018 at 4:59pm PDT

Quotes for the Everyday Runner was originally published on PhatJosh | My Life Running.

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So I guess that's my 2019?

So, I realized today that my running season is officially over. Well, okay, it’ll officially be over on Thursday when I go under the knife to fix my peroneal tendon and a bone spur. The surgery will keep my sidelined for a good three months-ish. I say -ish, because I am anticipating that it will take me awhile to get my stamina back, especially considering that I don’t have much stamina as it is right now.

Looking back at 2019 — it sucked. I really should have seen it coming, especially going into year two of a stupid bummed ankle. I wasn’t getting into a needed rhythm and even after seeing a doctor (again) in the early part of the year — there wasn’t much concern about my ankle (PT and ice it …).

I had big plans for 2019 and they just kind of sputtered out quite quickly. I DNS’d (Did Not Start) 20 races,going into the year I had only DNS’d 17 races. So, yeah, I more than doubled that. I don’t want to think about how much money I lost, but I’m happy to say that at least some of those missed races were charity races. But, yeah, I really don’t want to tally those missed race fees.

I will be DNSing at least two more races this upcoming year that conflict with my recovery time. I am bummed I won’t be at the New Year’s Revolution Run (I’ve done it every year since 2011) and the March Madness 10K (I don’t recouping my race fees since it goes to the Bountiful Pantry) — but, even though I think I could MAYBE do the 5K during the March Madness races in March, I don’t know? And, I don’t want to push it until I know where my recovery is around that time.

But, as much as 2019 sucked — it did have it’s highlights. I loved running a number of races with friends — namely Amanda at the Salt Lake City Half Marathon and Jill at both the Revel Mt. Charleston and Big Cottonwood races. I also did really well at the Drop13 Big Cottonwood 5K with a 32 minute 5K. A race I exerted waaaaaay too much during and ended up with pneumonia a week later. But, at least I ran fast! HA!

If we’re going to look at my stats, they’re definitely not my best. But, I’m really trying not to beat myself up over it considering I did them all on a TORN PERONEAL TENDON!!! And, that goes for all of 2018 and a good chunk of 2017 as well. I’m quite proud of that stupidity.

But, as painful and trying as recovery from surgery will be — I’m excited. I’m excited to have the stupid little tendon fixed that’s been giving my running, life and health hell for the past 2.5 years! What’s another 3-4 months on top of that? I am so looking forward to that run where I can finally say — I got my rhythm back. I not only want to make 2020 my year, but I want to make 2021 and beyond the best years yet.

Anyways, here are my 2019 race results …

Completed Races

New Year’s Revolution Run; January 1, 2019 (3 hours/8.5)

Sun Half Marathon; February 2, 2019 (3:25:42)

Winter Series 15K; February 23, 2019 (2:27:51.8)

SoCal Half Marathon; March 2, 2019 (4:56:19)

Lucky13 10K; March 16, 2019 (1:22:52)

Run Emigration Canyon 10 Miler; April 6, 2019 (10 miles; 2:17:55)

Salt Lake City Half Marathon; April 13, 2019 (3:11:26)

Revel Mt. Charleston Half Marathon; April 27, 2019 (3:09:21.08)

Vigor Big Cottonwood 10K; May 11, 2019 (1:14:25)

Drop13 Big Cottonwood 5K; June 8, 2019 (0:32:36)

Dirty Dash 5K; June 8, 2019 (Untimed)

Farmington Days 10K; July 13, 2019 (1:38:41)

Handcart Days 5K; July 20, 2019 (0:41:12)

Deseret News 10K; July 24, 2019 (1:22:13)

The Launch Team 10K; August 3, 2019 (1:29:01)

Elephant Rock Trail Run; August 10, 2019 (7 miles; 2:21:17)

Mt. Nebo Half; August 24, 2019 (3:22:44)

Revel Big Cottonwood Half Marathon; September 14, 2019 (3:19:21)

Remember Me 5K; October 5, 2019 (Untimed)

The Haunted 5K: Provo; October 26, 2019 (0:47:03)

Spectrum Turkey Trot 5K; November 9, 2018 (0:45:46)

Races Not Started

St. George Half Marathon; January 19, 2019

Frigid 5K; January 26, 2019

Free Food 5K; January 26, 2019

March Madness 10K; March 2, 2019

Antelope Island Buffalo Run 25K; March 9, 2019

Wasatch Trail Run: Utah Olympic Park; May 22, 2019

Race for Grief 10K; May 27, 2019

Wasatch Trail Run: Solitude; June 12, 2019

Utah Summer Games 10K; June 14, 2019

Wasatch Trail Run: Snowbird; June 19, 2019

Follow the Flag 5K Trail Race; July 6, 2019

Wasatch Trail Run: Alta; July 10, 2019

Wasatch Trail Run: Brighton; July 17, 2019

Speedgoat 25K; July 20, 2019

Wasatch Trail Run: Snowbird; August 7, 2019

Wasatch Trail Run: Alta; August 14, 2019

The Haunted 5K: SLC; October 19, 2019

South Davis Turkey 10K; November 28, 2019

New Year’s Revolution Run; January 1, 2020

March Madness 10K; March 7, 2020

Here is how 2019 compares to the other years I’ve raced over the years …

Total Miles Raced

2007 – 006.20 miles 2010 – 006.20 miles 2011 – 093.40 miles 2012 – 374.20 miles 2013 – 334.40 miles 2014 – 463.10 miles 2015 – 452.70 miles 2016 – 410.38 miles 2017 – 452.30 miles 2018 – 299.90 miles 2019 – 162.90 miles

TOTAL – 3052.72 miles

Races over 13.1 Miles

2011 – 05 races 2012 – 25 races 2013 – 24 races 2014 – 30 races 2015 – 31 races 2016 – 22 races 2017 – 32 races 2018 – 18 races 2019 – 06 races

TOTAL – 193 races

Races over 26.2 Miles

2012 – 3 races 2014 – 3 races 2015 – 2 races 2016 – 5 races 2017 – 1 race

TOTAL – 14 races

Total Races

2007 – 01 race 2010 – 02 races 2011 – 11 races 2012 – 27 races 2013 – 28 races 2014 – 33 races 2015 – 34 races 2016 – 27 races 2017 – 34 races 2018 – 32 races 2019 – 21 races

TOTAL – 250 races

Let’s get this surgery over with and bring on 2020! I can’t wait!

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A post shared by Trails & Pavement (@trailsandpavement) on Oct 26, 2018 at 8:45pm PDT

So I guess that’s my 2019? was originally published on Life In The Slow Lane.

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Surgery, Recovery and Rehab

Welp. Surgery is set. Next Thursday will be the day. Dr. Trevor Williams is fixing a couple tears in my peroneal tendon and shaving a bone spur down around the tendons. Most of the pain and aggravation from the tendons is not just from the tears, but how the spur is rubbing against the tendon.

I’m really surprised that I’ve last over two years with the injury. To think I’ve done over 75+ races on it since the initial injury — is just crazy. It’s really both amazing and stupid. But, it’s not like I didn’t try to get it fixed — I just hadn’t found the right doctor yet. Too bad I didn’t go to Dr. Williams initially.

Lesson learned.

I am pretty excited to have the surgery, because I can’t wait to get back into an actual rhythm. I can’t wait to get my endurance back and get rid of some of this weight. I’d really like to get down a good 50-60lbs. next year. And, really, this surgery is the key to all of that.

I’m not worried about the actual surgery — but, after my pre-op yesterday, I won’t lie — the recovery and rehab is something I’m going to have to make sure I follow and am patient with. Realizing I am going to be in a boot for 6-8 weeks and then not able to run for about 8-12 weeks — kind of freaked me out a bit.

Patience.

Patience.

Patience.

The thought of dealing with a boot during snow and ice season makes me a little nervous as well. Even though I don’t need crutches, I’m still going to use them for stability to get around outside. I don’t want to take a chance.

But, the little things of surgery hit me yesterday — like, showering with a plastic bag over my foot, sleeping in a boot, switching out bandages and getting stitches removed. Did you know that I’ve never had stitches? So this will be kind of all new for me. I’m not worried about the actual pain — more the disruption of everyday life.

With a 8-12 week break from running — I am looking at getting back around the first of March-ish. I already have plans for a 10K and Half Marathon in March, but honestly, I’m going to play it conservatively and push that back to April. I want to get some running down on the treadmill and around the neighborhood first before I race.

But, right now I’m thinking of doing the Eggs Legs 10K on April 11th before doing the Salt Lake City Half Marathon the following weekend. I’ll follow that up with the Provo City 5K and Vigor Big Cottonwood Half the following month. I am hoping by June I’ll be ready to work toward marathon training for the Revel Big Cottonwood Marathon in September.

I’m not sure if those are too ambitious for me? But, between getting back to 100% with running, strength training and consistency — I feel good about getting into better shape both physically and mentally. It’s amazing how long I’ve been dealing with the physical and emotional impact of this stupid ankle. It’s been too long. I’m sick of the pain, especially when a winter storm comes rolling in.

Blah.

But, the beginning of the end is coming next Thursday. And, for that — I’m excited and ready — for this new adventure. Let’s do this!

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A post shared by Trails & Pavement (@trailsandpavement) on Jan 5, 2019 at 4:20am PST

Surgery, Recovery and Rehab was originally published on Life In The Slow Lane.

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Running 2020 Goals & Outlook

We have two months left of 2019 — but, I am already looking at, planning and anticipating the new year. I’ve done this in the past, but this year it’s because — well — I gave up on making much of the rest of this year. I stopped tracking my weekly and monthly mileage and I am just focusing on rehabbing my ankle, refocusing my fitness and recentering myself until the turn of the calendar. My body needs it.

I am tempering my excitement and goals for 2020, because I overdid it in 2019. I had many grandiose goals and plans. And, well, that all fell flat. I can’t even begin to tell you how many DNS’ I collected. A lot. Too many. I spent too much money on nothing.

I think part of that was fueled by this anxious need to be somewhere with my fitness and running that just wasn’t realistic. Anxiety that’s been somewhat fueled by my desire to crank out that elusive 100 miler — something I really would like to get done by 2021 when I turn 40. That’s about 20-ish months away — which I think is doable, but I’m not sure if it is realistically smart to put that deadline on me?

But, that’s a post for another day.

As I look forward to the new year, I am optimistic of what I have in front of me. I am keeping my goals simple and really seeking out — fun. If there has been something missing the past couple of years from my running it’s been the focus on fun. Mainly, because I’ve been too focused on reaching goals that were getting harder and harder to reach. I really just need to inject more fun into my running.

How am I going to have more fun in 2020? Well, for one — I am keeping my goals simple, focusing on one goal race (a marathon) and finding a cross-training exercise or hobby each month to learn and tackle (ie — cycling, hiking, swimming, dancing, martial arts, etc.). Just something different and fun!

But, the goal for all of my goals is to make sure they support each other — and that I end 2020 much more happier, fulfilled and grateful than the past couple of years. Not, that they have completely sucked — they’ve just sucked fitness and running wise. And, I’m just tried of dealing with many of the same issues year in, year out.

So here is a look of my 2020 goals and schedule. Of course the schedule could change — and probably will — but, the focus is to at least do the Revel Big Cottonwood Marathon in September 2020. I’m toeing that start line and crossing the finish line!

I told you these goals were simple. But, I like that. I need that. Especially, right now. The number one goal is to run a marathon — it’ll have been four years since my last marathon once I do the Revel Big Cottonwood Marathon next year. That’s too long. I crave the long distance.

I injected a little fun in my goal mileage — yes — it’s in reference to 7 Eleven. That’s an average of 59.25 miles a month, which will be a good challenge. But, since I am marathon training beginning in May — I’ll get a bulk of those miles between May and September. That leaves me some more recovery months in the winter months. It’s a good goal

And, then the cross-training goal I mentioned above. I’m just going to find fitness things to train for, do, tackle, whatever — that sound fun to me. I have a few ideas on what I’d like to do, but I’m not going to plan that all out right now. I’ll give myself a leeway of at least a couple of months.

But, what do you think of my 2020 goals?

Run a marathon.

Run 711 miles.

Cross-train a new hobby/sport/interest each month.

I feel like these are good goals for me. They’re simple, they’re methodical and goals that will — or should — lead me to bigger goals for 2021. Which will hopefully lead me toward my 100 mile goal.

And, quite honestly, depending on how I feel with my marathon training, I’d really like to possibly tackle the St. George Marathon and Antelope Island 50K again — favorite races of mine. But, I really don’t want to get too ahead of myself.

Registered Races

Races I am registered and planning to do.

New Year’s Revolution Run; January 1, 2020

March Madness 10K; March 7, 2020

Canyonlands Half Marathon; March 14, 2020

Salt Lake City Half Marathon; April 18, 2020

Provo City 5K; May 2, 2020

Vigor Big Cottonwood Half Marathon; May 9, 2020

Utah Valley Half Marathon; June 6, 2020

Heber Half Run for Autism; June 27, 2020

Mt. Nebo Half Marathon; August 29, 2020

Pocatello Half Marathon; September 5, 2020

Planned Races

Races I am planning on doing, but not registered for yet.

Sweethearts 5K; February 8, 2020

Race for Grief 10K; May 25, 2020

Drop13 Big Cottonwood Half Marathon; June 13, 2020

Deseret News Half Marathon; July 24, 2020

Revel Big Cottonwood Marathon; September 12, 2020

The Haunted Half: Salt Lake City; October 24, 2020

The Haunted 5K: Provo; October 31, 2020

South Davis Turkey 10K; November 26, 2020

I am feeling good about my goals. I am feeling good about my race schedule. I have a marathon training plan as well — that I’ll share later. But, I feel that I am getting ahold of my health and fitness and really I feel like I am starting all over again with running — which has been more of a liberating feeling than anything.

So, yeah, that makes for a fun, challenging and hopefully — rewarding — 2020.

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Running 2020 Goals & Outlook was originally published on Life In The Slow Lane.

[phatjosh180]

Yes, Lizz, you are a marathoner

At 2:38:30 PM the last runner crossed the finish line at the Revel Big Cottonwood Marathon — just under eight hours after the gun sounded near Guardsman’s Pass in Big Cottonwood Canyon to begin the race. The course took her down Guardsman Pass, around Brighton Loop, down Big Cottonwood Canyon and then along an out and back on Wasatch Boulevard before the last three miles along Fort Union Boulevard to the finish line at 1300 East. It was the same course the previous 1,072 runners took down the canyon toward the finish line.

But, this runner just happened to be the last one to finish it.

Surrounded by the remaining few volunteers, her friends and mother — this runner finished 7 hours and 53 minutes after the race clock started ticking.

The runner was my friend Lizz Ashby.

And, this was no easy task for her. Then again, marathons aren’t easy for anyone. On average a runner will dedicate themselves to 16-18 weeks of training with an average of 3-4 days spent running anywhere from three to 20+ miles — so they can confidently stand at that start line ready to tackle 26.2 miles.

Upon celebrating her completion, Lizz wore her finisher’s medal to work the following Monday, as she is accustomed of doing to show her kids her accomplishment. This hard earned medal wore heavy around her neck and still VERY sore body. She was proud of this accomplishment and was eager to show others that she was now a marathoner.

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This enthusiasm was doused as a co-worker doubted this accomplishment. The colleague asked if she could REALLY consider herself a marathoner if she was the last runner on the course — and took nearly eight hours to complete. Lizz froze. She didn’t know the answer. And, she began to doubt herself.

Was she a REAL marathoner? Was she a part of the exclusive club of only 1% of Americans that can claim to have completed a marathon? What if her co-worker was right? Where did she belong within the running community?

Lizz reached out to me to ask what I thought. I took barely a second thought — well, of course you are a marathoner. You put in the training, you tackled the distance and you did it. Does that not make you a marathoner?

The more I’ve thought about my response to Lizz and the conversation between her and her co-worker — there has been a lot more I wish I said to Lizz to help quell those doubts within her. I also wished to address it in a more public way, because I’m not sure the co-worker — who’s not a runner — fully understands the power she took away from Lizz’s hard earned accomplishment.

So I decided to write an open letter to Lizz, to put write my feelings down of what I know makes a marathoner.

Dear Lizz,

When you started running over two years ago — I know you had no aspirations in tackling 26.2 miles. Like you said many times to me — a mile was a large enough feat. Having met you in June 2017 at the luncheon I was speaking at — I saw a lost girl looking for a direction. Being obese, unhappy and riddled with anxiety — I saw a woman who had enough.

I’m glad the night before I scrapped my intended notes for that luncheon. I can’t remember exactly what they were, probably because it was a message that didn’t resonate. I instead talked about how my journey was much more than just about running or fitness — it was about EMBRACING life.

In the past couple of years since I shared that message with you — you’ve EMBRACED life. Life hasn’t been easy for you — living with anxiety and depression isn’t easy. I know. Seeing you stop making excuses for not embracing life and doing it has truly changed my perspective on how I view my own life. I thank you for that.

To be honest, when I challenged you to train for a 5K — I didn’t think that you would tackle a marathon. It’s not that I didn’t think you could do it, it’s just that I know how much physical, mental, emotional and spiritual fortitude is needed to tackle the distance. This speaks volumes of how far you’ve come the last couple of years now that you’ve completed the distance.

You’ve worked hard for the past four months working on this goal. You’ve had numerous early morning treadmill dates, numerous long distance training runs and of course the 22 miler you did a month ago to test yourself if you were TRULY ready to tackle the distance. The consistent training you have to put in to get yourself to the starting line is one of the many things I love about the marathon.

You put in the work, no one else did it, but you!

There is something magical about a first marathon. And, quite honestly, I miss the feeling. The doubts, the fears subside when the gun sounds, you cross the start line and you find yourself in the moment. There’s something so wonderful, so precious, so divine when you find yourself in the moment of doing something you prepared yourself to do — especially for the first time.

And, the euphoric feeling of crossing that finish line after battling those 26.2 miles — it’s heaven. Especially when you’re surrounded by family and friends. I can only imagine the feelings you felt as you crossed your finish line.

I can also only imagine how you felt when your co-worker almost took those feelings of joy and triumph from you. I can’t imagine the doubt you felt pre-race make its’ way back to you post-race. The thought angered and saddened me tremendously, because I know what the expectations of us “back of the packers” usually tend to be.

But, Lizz, I am going to say this once — and with as much conviction as I can muster … LIZZ, YOU ARE A MARATHONER!

It was you who put in the work. It was you showed up the gym to run. It was you who tackled the training runs. It was who showed up at the race. It was you who ran the course. It was you pushed through the wall. It was you who had to work through mid-race panic attacks. It was you who persevered.

But, more importantly — it was you who crossed the finish line. IT. WAS. YOU.

That’s what makes you a marathoner.

Please always remember that and take pride in it. Never shy away from talking about it with others, especially your “non-running” friends. They might not one day run a marathon like you had, but as I have learned years ago — running is a metaphor for life. If anything teach them how to EMBRACE it.

Sincerely, Josher

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Yes, Lizz, you are a marathoner was originally published on Life In The Slow Lane.

[phatjosh180]

RACE RECAP: Revel Big Cottonwood Half Marathon

Four months ago this was my goal race for 2019. I was registered to do the full marathon and was planning to train throughout the summer with the sole purpose and focus on doing another marathon. It’s been since February 2017 that I have tackled anything longer than a half marathon. I won’t rehash all of the reasons why — there were a lot of issues … ankle, back, health, etc., etc. You know, things that happen when you age.

It’s been a frustrating past couple of years to say the least. I’ve still accomplished a lot and had NUMEROUS awesome experiences during that time frame — but, it’s been hard accepting many of the changes and realities. I still feel like I should or need to be that same runner that is PRing a half marathon at 2:09 and tackling ultras. But, reality is teaching me something entirely different.

Anyways — in June I came down with a pretty nasty bout of bronchitis and walking pneumonia that just killed my marathon training. It wiped a solid three weeks of running from me. It set me back quite a bit and I knew a marathon was just not going to happen. So I decided to take my lumps and downgrade down to the half marathon.

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A post shared by Josher (@josherwalla) on Sep 14, 2019 at 5:26pm PDT

With my year of running pretty much a mess for me — physically, mentally and emotionally — I’ve really been focusing on just enjoying the run, the community and moment. I’ve let go of the pursuit of improvement, speed training and longer distances — for the moment. I need to really work on giving myself a good base of fitness going into 2020. You can read more about that here. I really don’t want to take much more space of my race report to cover all of that.

Honestly, if this was any other race I probably would have deferred or sold my bib because my half marathon base is weak. But, I needed to do this race — I love Revel. I love this course. And, I am a Legacy Runner (meaning I’ve done each race since it’s inaugural race in 2012) who really, really, really wants to also make it into their Ten Year Club in 2021. So, while I might not PR on the course (my fastest course time was 2:12 in 2013) I had to at least show up and finish.

So that was really the goal — to finish. But, not to just finish, but have a ridiculous amount of fun. Because, that was really needed more than anything my body could give me physically. I needed to have some fun and get some joy from my running — something that’s been hard to comeby lately.

Jill and her husband Mark came down from Boise to run the race as well. Mark registered for the marathon while Jill decided to run with me. Even though her pace is much faster than mine at the moment she’s been craving and needing a social run more than a PR as well. Especially since she doesn’t have the same supporting cast in Boise like she did when they lived here in Utah. So the race plan was simple — to run with Jill and have a ridiculous amount of fun. Easy enough race goal to follow, right?

The morning of the race was somewhat uneventful and routine of any canyon race. I did scare this kid who somehow got stuck in traffic that lead him to the runners’ parking lot. He thought it was a 4am sobriety check. I don’t think he was high or drunk — but, from his reaction I’m sure he had weed on his person. It sure gave me a laugh.

After catching one of the last buses up the canyon we had about 40-45 minutes until gun time — which I’m grateful because it was a tad bit nippy in the canyon. Once the gun sounded it took us about 12 minutes to finally cross the start line and we were off. It took me a couple miles to get the legs working because of a combination of the cold and lack of downhill training.

But, once Jill and I got to around mile three I was feeling pretty good. But, of course that’s subjective. Luckily we weren’t focused much on physical aspect of the race, because we were just having a blast. We ran into a number of friends as well, including our friend McKenzie from SUU. It was just a lot of fun.

Around miles 6-8 I was started to feel the hurt — which wasn’t surprising because my training has been mostly for 10Ks this year. I brought some applesauce and electrolytes with me to help me through the last half of the race because I knew it was going to be rough. Unfortunately, I lost my electrolytes at some point so I had to rely on Jill’s good graces who shared some of her pills with me. And, they dang well saved my life (half joking here).

But, as tough as that last half of the race was for me — I did my best to have fun. And, Jill and I did just that. We posed for pictures. And, we got some doozies. We tried doing the YCMA in a couple of them — to no avail. Our coordination was just of a bit. And, we were planning an epic finish line picture, but that didn’t end up happening because we got separated at Mile 11.

And, as much as I wanted to run the whole 13.1 miles with Jill, I was grateful for those last couple of miles I ran by myself. Since I didn’t have my music with me it was just me running to the sounds of the race, traffic and surrounding area. It was pretty therapeutic, because I couldn’t lose myself in a soundtrack, I just had my thoughts.

I thought a lot about this past couple of years and the struggles I’ve had with my health. I thought a lot about the struggles with my ankle, my back, my anxiety and my thyroid — all that have seemed to convolute to now. But, among that all, it wasn’t frustration or sadness that I felt — it was gratitude. I may not have been running my best or fastest race, but that didn’t matter — I was here. I was among friends and among a community that I love a lot.

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INTERESTING FACT: You’ll be disqualified from the race if they catch you peeing in the woods, but they won’t for flashing.

A post shared by Josher (@josherwalla) on Sep 15, 2019 at 1:07pm PDT

It was hard to not think about my journey and the people that have come with that — especially my friend Robert Merriman. He always comes to mind during each race. It was really a neat and touching moment to have these emotions run through my thoughts. It helped me process through everything I’ve been going through and put into perspective.

By mile 12.5 I just felt a peace of knowing that I’d be fine in the long run. That this time next year — as long as I did what I know I need to do — that I’d be back here at this race doing the full marathon. It was hard not to visualize that feeling and scene as I saw the finish line for this race. Even though I was a about 20 minutes slower than last year I was also grateful that I didn’t throw up all over the finish line like 2018. That alone was a win over last year.

I have three more planned races for 2019 — a 5K, 10K and half marathon. That might change? I am still not 100% on tackling another half marathon this year. It really depends on how I feel with my training and recovery this next month. I might also add another 5K or two because those are always fun.

There’s no pressure for overachieve or push myself too hard, because the focus for at least the next 3-4 months is simply to heal, recover and renew. But, as long as I can still surround myself with the amazing running community and great friends — I’ll be fine.

But, with that said — September 12, 2020 … marathon #12 is happening.

Previous Revel Big Cottonwood Half Marathon Times

2013 – September 14, 2013 (2:12:37) 2017 – September 9, 2017 (3:10:21) 2018 – September 8, 2018 (2:56:46) 2019 – September 14, 2019 (3:19:12)

My Next Five Races

The Haunted Half: SLC; October 19

The Haunted 5K: Provo; October 26

Turkey 10K; November 28

Revolution Run; January 1

Sweethearts 5K; February 8

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RACE RECAP: Revel Big Cottonwood Half Marathon was originally published on Life In The Slow Lane.