05 April 2024

The Marathon Training Plan

I did it. It's done. Well, okay, it's not done yet. I still have a lot of work ahead of me to do. But, I am officially signed up for the St. George Marathon

I am feeling a plethora of emotions about it as well. On one hand I am ecstatic for my first road marathon since 2016. It's been a long road of ups, downs and all arounds getting back here. That is why the other hand is holding all of the doubts, fears and trepidations I've picked up over the last eight years.

But, I am ready for this challenge ... both physically, emotionally and mentally. I haven't been able to claim that, especially since around 2018 and even more so since 2020 after my accident. Not only is my knee stronger, but losing over 110lbs over the past year has helped tremendously in all aspects of my psyche.

So, here I am.

Here I am ready to put in the work to earn the privilege to toe up to the start line on October 5th in St. George. I am ready for the ups. I am ready for the downs. I am ready for the doubts. I am ready for the fears. I am ready for successes. And, I am ready for whatever comes.

With that all said, below is my tentative marathon training schedule. I don't have my individual workouts or weekday miles list on this schedule, just my races and long runs. I will post a more complete training schedule within the next month or so.

Until then, this is my public proclamation to help keep me motivated, accountable and on track.

ST. GEORGE MARATHON TRAINING SCHEDULE

JUNE

15   MILES (8.0)

22   Timp Half

29   MILES (10.0)


JULY

04   Riverton Country Mile 5K

06   MILES (9.0)

13   MILES (10.0)

20   MILES (8.0)

24   Deseret News 10K

27   MILES (12.0)


AUGUST

03   Heber Half

10   MILES (10.0)

17   MILES (16.0)

24   MILES (16.0)

31   MILES (12.0)


SEPTEMBER

07   MILES (20.0)

14   Revel Big Cottonwood Half Marathon

21   MILES (20.0)

28   MILES (8.0)


OCTOBER

05   St. George Marathon


IT'S ST. GEORGE OR BUST, BABY!

21 October 2023

Eyes Locked In ...

A couple weeks ago my social media timelines were FLOODED with posts from the St. George Marathon. Picture after picture after picture absolutely flooded me with this intense and insatiable sense of FOMO.

The beyond cool drone pre-race show, the on-course pictures and then, of course, the race medal pictures. I am not exaggerating when I am saying I ached to be there. I wanted to be there. No, I needed to be there. I haven't felt this way in a long time. 

But, as I sat on this emotion the past couple of weeks it hasn't gone away. In fact, quite the opposite. It's gotten worse. That's why I decided that I just need to do it, because I need it. I need this long time goal. I need this destination goal and there are many reasons for that. 

Not only because I've STRUGGLED over the past 3-4 years with injury recovery, my health and my weight. I might not be exactly where I'd like to be with my running, but my health has vastly improved over the past 5-6 months. I'm down 75lbs., have more energy and am starting to feel more like the "me" I was in 2016-18, probably even earlier. I couldn't be happier.

Even though there are a plethora of marathons here in the Salt Lake area that I could run, I love the idea of doing the St. George Marathon for many reasons. The scenery alone is amazing. It's also a destination race in a part of the state that I absolutely LOVE, I mean who doesn't love red rock backdrops? But, the timing on the calendar feels and looks great in relationship to other races and training long runs. 

This goal is speaking to me. Sure my long term goal is to do that elusive 100 miler, but where I have been and where I am now both mentally and physically I just feel that I can't cast my eyes on that yet. I need to not only make the proper stepping stones toward that goal, but more than anything I just need to fall in love again with running. And, this is where that adventure begins. I feel it. 

I will post a tentative training schedule later, but I am working on it already (surprise). 

But, October 5, 2024 is circled in red. It's St. George or bust, baby!

31 July 2023

RACE RECAP: Deseret News Half Marathon

Well ... in short this race could be summed with: "This wasn't the race." But, since this is my blog and it's about running I should dive a little deeper into my experience at the Deseret News Half Marathon. Plus, I'm pretty sure my friend Rick would put out a hit on me if I didn't blog about it. So there's that too.

But, where do I start?

I guess some context to my experience with this race. I've ran the Deseret News races fairly consistently since I started running back in 2010. My first marathon was the Deseret News Marathon in 2012 and then I've done the half marathon in 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022 and then again this year. I also did the 10K in 2019.


So since running I've only really missed a Deseret News race in 2011 and 2015. I do love this race, mainly because it's a fun way to celebrate Pioneer Day here in Utah and it's a staple here in the state and running community. They've been doing the race for just over 53 years. It's got a lot of tradition behind it.

When they introduced the half marathon course back in 2013 I really fell in love with the course. It begins just below the summit of Little Mountain, down Emigration Canyon, past the zoo (important piece of info for later in my story) on Sunnyside Ave., along Foothill Blvd. past Rice-Eccles Stadium to 1300 E and then from 1300 E to South Temple which will then take you to 200 E. to run along the Days of '47 parade route until you turn left onto 900 S. toward Liberty Park and the finish line.

You know, instead of writing all of that I should have just shared a race map link. Much easier.

It's easy to see why it's a fun course, especially with a 1680 foot elevation drop. Not only is Emigration Canyon a fun canyon to run with some great scenery, but the best part of the entire race is running along the parade route. As much as I don't like parades, I actually like running in them. Just don't ask me to ride, march or walk in one. But, running? Yes please.

This race holds a lot of memories for me, especially with it being my first marathon. It's really one of those races on my schedule I just plan to do every year. That's why I was excited to run it once again this year. Despite entertaining the thought of doing the 10K again, I stuck with the half marathon because of all the reasons listed above.

Going into race day I felt pretty good. Being on the half marathon comeback tour, I've been feeling really good about my training and body's response. Not only have I dropped 40lbs. over the past couple of months but I starting to get a rhythm back. It's been very encouraging and I wanted to see the improvement during this race.

Because of the heat I was very conscious of my hydration the days leading up to the race, even on race morning I made sure to bring electrolyte powder for the later miles and my pre-race drink. My biggest issue leading up to any race is fueling. I have a hard time eating so early in the morning so I usually will eat a larger meal before I go to bed and then snack lightly before the race. I stuck with this plan, but in retrospect it might not have been the best plan for this race?

After hanging out with my father-in-law for about an hour after being bussed up Emigration Canyon we headed out a couple minutes after guntime and I was feeling good. Really good. I knew I could have flown out much faster, but wanting to conserve my energy I held back just a tad while sticking to my run/walk cycle (03:00/1:45). 

Slowing to do my walk cycle my father-in-law and I parted ways and I focused my attention on my watch and Beach Boys playlist. I quickly found a good groove and I was feeling good enjoying the canyon, which I realized I've only run twice over the past three years. Something I need to change because it's a great canyon to run down.

One thing you might not know about me is that I have a pretty weak gag reflex. It's pretty bad. For example, when I was a kid I once threw up an entire red ICEE all over a nurse after getting a throat culture. The poo nurse looked like Carrie after I was done and my poor mother still talks about it. Because of that I have be cognizant of it, especially unexpected smells. 


The problem is running is full of unexpected smells. I'm not going to list them here, but the number one smell is probably the port-a-potties that are littered along a race course. And, needless to say, my gag reflex is quite offended by the smell.

Well my gag reflex got offended on race day.

As I was running and jamming out to my Beach Boys music I had a head down for a bit and didn't notice a Honey Bucket to my left. Usually when I run past port-a-potties I hold my breath as I run past JUST in case. Unfortunately, I didn't see it in time and got a 'ol big whiff. But, the comedy didn't end there, there was also a deer carcass close by and I got a nice whiff of that as well. 

Cue the gagging and dry heaving.

The unfortunate thing is I didn't have much on my stomach so I wasn't upchucking really anything. When that happens it just messes with my stomach and can make me feel nauseous, which unfortunately it started too. It wasn't immediate so I kept chugging along, still feeling really strong. I've had worse stomach pains in a run before, so I wasn't too focused on the issue ... yet.

I kept up with the three hour pacer fairly well until we exited the canyon around mile 6. I was still feeling pretty good and slowed down a little at the aid station to add some electrolyte powder in my water. Once I did I was off running again trying to catch up with the pacer.

But, then it happened again ... I caught a whiff. Running past the Hogle Zoo and This Is The Place Monument Park I caught the smell of something. I don't know if it was an elephant, rhino, polar bear or what, but it offended the gag reflex and I was once again dry heaving. But, this go around I knew I needed to throw up. Not only because that's what my body wanted me to do, but I knew I'd feel much better if I did. I just didn't have anything on my stomach and that reality just made my stomach feel worse.

Knowing I was a 5K away from 7 Eleven for a planned pit stop I felt like I could make it there to get something on my stomach along with ice cold water, and now, some Tums. So I just kept moving forward knowing I was struggling just a little bit.

Unfortunately this is not the part where I fast forward to the part where I go to 7 Eleven. Less than a quarter mile down the road at the intersection of Sunnyside Ave. and Arapeen Dr. (which goes into Research Park) were two officers directing traffic. Being extra cautious because I didn't see any runners immediately ahead of me I asked the officers if I continue forward (on Sunnyside) or turn right (onto Arapeen). 

They said right.

I needed to go straight.


I don't understand the confusion because the 10K started on Arapeen, but not there. If anything the officers should have been there to make sure we didn't turn right. I thought they were right because I saw a couple of runners ahead of me on the street so I kept going. But, the feeling that I was on the wrong street kept nagging at me. 

Slowing down to ask some runners behind me if this was the right turn, they falsely assured me it was because they have done this race 3-4 times. So I whipped out my course map and looked JUST to make sure and ... I was right. I was off course.

Luckily I was familiar with the area enough that I knew I just had to hook a left onto Wakara back to Foothill. But, the error added an additional half mile to my mileage. Realizing this and getting back on course really killed my mojo. A lot. I was out of my rhythm, my stomach was feeling worse and I lost sight of the three hour pacer. It kind of sucked.

Once I got back on course I was able to tell another officer of the error so other runners didn't get off course and then worked on getting back into some kind of rhythm. But, by the time I ran past the football stadium I was starting to feel more nauseous so I shortened my run/walk cycle to conserve my energy and likelihood of gagging again until I got to 7 Eleven.

As tempting as it was to get a Slurpee I knew that wouldn't sit well on my stomach, so I grabbed not only my Tums but a Pedialyte and Fig Newton knowing those would sit well on my stomach. I drank the Pedialyte fairly quickly along with the Tums and hoped my stomach would feel better. But, no luck. As I turned onto South Temple and the mile 10 aid station I was beat.

I knew I needed to fix this stomach issue either my throwing up or having the Tums work their magic. But, more than that I needed to sit down. So I asked the volunteers at the aid station if they had a chair, thankfully they did and ... well ... that's where my race changed for the better.

One of the volunteers, Andra, was extremely attentive of my needs. Not only did they have me sit down but she got me cold towels for my head and neck, pep-talked me and let me recompose myself. I joked that I felt like I got a spa treatment mid-run. And, quite honestly, I kinda did. It was much needed.


Despite the spa treatment I just wasn't doing well. My stomach didn't stop gurgling and I started having "THAT TALK" with myself about whether or not I should bow out. I have only DNF'd once before (Back in April 2017 during the Salt Flats 50K) and it too was because of gut issues. I knew I could finish the race. But, was it worth it? So, I sat there at the aid station for about 20-30 minutes pondering what I should do.

I came pretty close to calling it a day before Andra, the aid station spa treatment volunteer, offered to run a half mile with me to see how I felt. I took up the offer. Maybe that is what I needed to get going again. I just really hated that my gut was still working against me, but I had to act on what I was going to do next before the decision was made up for me.

So I put one foot in front of the other.

As I moved forward I focused on the goal at hand -- the finish line. Having done this race before I visualized what was ahead of me from the heat, course, crowd and finish line. But, unlike previous years I also had the visualization of seeing my wife at the finish line. I wouldn't allow myself to not have that moment at the finish line. Any reason to keep going helped keep the legs going.

Despite going more than the promised half mile with me, Andra kept going with me. In fact, she did the last three miles alongside me and, quite honestly, I couldn't be more grateful. She kept me focused, distracted and moving forward. She really was an embodiment of The Party in the Back and what I would try doing for runners when I sweep races.

Between miles 11-12, Andra ran into the 7 Eleven on 300 East to get some ice cold water while I kept moving. I didn't expect her to come back with two HUGE 1.5 liter bottles of water, but they were a godsend. Not only did I drink some, but she proceeded to dump most of the water over me to make sure I kept cool in the heat. It really made a difference. 

I was so grateful for the distracting conversation Andra and I had. Like most conversations with running friends I can't really pin point exactly what it all entailed because they're kind of all over the place. But, it was a lot of get to know, talking about MaryAnn, bonding over what we love about Utah and then both of our cats. I've only been a cat person now four months now, but I've definitely gotten comfortable with oversharing about Walt and Roy's personalities, character and quirks.


I'm now that guy.

The distracting conversation and cat bragging really helped keep my mind off the gut and struggle. Not only did Andra and the conversation keep me distracted, but I was also just thinking about seeing my wife at the finish line. I wanted to look somewhat strong crossing that finish line.

Making that last turn toward the finish line I told Andra that she needed to cross that finish line alongside since she helped me get there. Focusing on that line I was able to see my beautiful wife enthusiastically smile and cheer me on, while I crossed that finish line in just over four hours. Not my best time BY FAR, but I didn't care considering my off course diversion and half hour pit stop at Mile 10.

What mattered was I was done. Done, as in, I finished the race.

After taking some parting pictures with Andra she ran back off to her aid station duties and I collapsed underneath a tree besides my father-in-law where we just laid there for another hour or so drinking water, Powerade and refueling while our poor wives just sat there looking at our nasty sweaty selves. 

Thankfully we were able to gain some composure and get back up back to our car, but I was pretty much spent the rest of the day. I had plans to go car shopping with MaryAnn that afternoon but I just went home, took a nap and nursed myself with Powerade and water. I was SPENT.


In retrospect this race was lesson learner for me. I'm still trying to figure out the fueling thing, especially when my gut goes array. But, when the stomach goes all crappy I struggle with little to no answers. In the past that hasn't much, but over the past couple months it's happened 3-4 times. It could be meds and it could be age. Maybe even both? Aging just sucks.

But, I am just thrilled that I finished. I really can't understate how close I was to just calling it a day at that Mile 10 aid station. Self talk is such an interesting thing because I had convinced myself that I was done and really ... this was stupid, especially considering I've done over 200 half marathons. I didn't NEED this race, what was a second DNF? 

Thankfully Andra was there. 

It wasn't so much that she convinced me that I could do it. I knew I could. I knew I had the capacity to finish the race considering what I've done previously in my journey. But, she really helped me just keep going. She helped me get outside of my head and focus on the basics of reaching that day's goal -- one foot in front of the other to that finish line. I really can't thank her enough.

My next race is the Rock n' Roll Half Marathon, but we'll see what I am doing there. As much as I want to do the half, I'm feeling a downgrade to the 5K is more doable (if allowed). But, my next half is the Revel Big Cottonwood Half Marathon. I have a few more training runs planned before the September 9th race so I am just working on getting myself there.

But, "THE REUNION TOUR" as I like to call this comeback is slowly, but surely coming together. I might never be exactly where I once was, but the journey can still sure take me to some amazing places and that's what I want to focus on from here on out.

21 July 2023

Reflections on 180 ...

 

Today is a special day for me. It was five years ago today that I ran my 180th race of my goal to run 180 races over 13.1 miles. It's honestly a little difficult writing this without getting a little emotional. First, I can't believe it's been five years since the race, but looking at the above picture I see many faces no longer here. That hurts and hits the most.

When I started that journey in July 2011 I made the goal to run 180 races over 13.1 miles for a number of reasons. One, I had at that time lost 180lbs. from my heaviest weight and, two, I wanted to challenge myself beyond checking out a half marathon or a marathon on a proverbial bucket list. I knew I needed a goal that made running more of a lifestyle than a goal. 

Me after my first half marathon in 2011.
What I didn't expect was finding an amazing community with friendships I wouldn't have ever made without undertaking this audacious goal. I was greeted by my sister and brother-in-law at the finish line of my first half marathon. They took some pictures, I grabbed a banana and then went home. Fast forward seven years later and ... I'm overwhelmed. So many people, so many friends, so much love. I wish I could aptly describe those feelings and emotions.

It was an amazing moment.

I had a lot of friends that put a lot of effort into making this a special experience for me. And, boy did they deliver! Trinity made 180 race shirts for not just me but everyone who wanted one, including my family, while Lizz secretly hand delivered the shirts. Then Jill and Amanda made signs with motivational quotes and sayings that they posted throughout the whole race. They really made it special.

Me and my Diet Dr. Pepper
But, what made it truly special was that a number of friends ran alongside me throughout the whole race. I remember joking that I felt like Forrest Gump and his running groupies. We all took turns pushing Reese in his sports chair, we helped a hand cyclist that totally biffed it on Legacy Parkway and then stopped at Maverik at Mile 11 for Diet Dr. Pepper and ICEEs. It truly was an adventure.

Then that last mile was ... was ... something else. I remember taking my thoughts inward and reflecting about the entirety of the journey. I got reflecting about my first race, my first marathon, my 50 miler and this race. I got thinking about those not there namely Robert Merriman who had passed a few months prior. It was a lot of emotion to process.

It wasn't long before I turned the corner toward the finish line to a corral of people specifically there to see me. I was overwhelmed. It's overwhelming even now retelling the moment. Being surrounded by family and friends at the completion of this goal made for a perfect moment.


Then of course as I ran through a paper wall to the finish line I was greeted by my mom and a pie, which went right to my face. A scene I was somewhat surprised she didn't repeat at my wedding. But, it was perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect.

Don, Russ, Sheri and I with our Maverik drinks!
Since that day my running journey has been interesting to say the least. For about a year before Race 180 I had been dealing with foot issues which I found out the following year was a torn tendon and bone spur. So I had surgery on that in December 2019.

Then I got hit by a car the following month, which I won't go into detail here. But, needless to say, that accident caused knee issues that I've had treated with injections and a lot of PT. All of that messed with me mentally, especially having gone from running ultras to having a hard time finishing a 5K within just a few years. The past five years have been hard.

But, on the flip side of that I am in a much better place, especially with MaryAnn by my side. Not only that, but now having a father-in-law that is also a running buddy means the world. It was the kind of bonus I never expected out of marriage. I couldn't be in a better place.

I still have a few people ask what my next goal is? Well, over the past five years it's been hard to answer that question because of health issues. And, I'm still rebounding from those, not to mention the first year of marriage. But, I've been able to cut 40lbs. and I am feeling much stronger, so I am very optimistic about what the upcoming year will be like for me with consistent training.

But, yeah, with that said ... I dunno?

The finish line! 180!

My goal each year since hitting 180 has been to at least do Revel Big Cottonwood. I've done the marathon four times before, but not since 2016. I think next year I really want to do 26.2 again. But, I also want to run a 100 miles at least once. I kind of gave up on the that dream a couple years ago, but it still nags at me at times. That's just a lot of build up and training. 

But, as much as I would love to have a tangible goal to work towards like I did with 180, I really want to grow old with running as best as I can. I am turning 42 in a month and I really want to see myself doing this well into my 50s and 60s if I can manage it. To what extent? That's a good question. But, if I could hobble through some 5Ks at 70 or 80 I'll take it.

I've learned though goals are goals, but what makes them worthwhile and meaningful is the people around you. I want to keep running because I want a reason to be with my friends. I want to cultivate friendships yet realized. I want to be with people, my friends, in a sport that has truly changed my life. 

Is there no other better goal?

20 June 2023

Stories Matter, Your Story Matters


I shared this story on my Facebook page and felt like it should probably be shared here on my blog. Stories matter, never stop sharing them with others.

A couple weeks ago while I was running I found myself seemingly alone with my thoughts, away from other runners — and well pretty much everyone.

Now, as much as I am a social runner, I do love and need moments of solitude. Being alone with my thoughts in order to process life has been very healing and empowering for me over the years.

However, in this moment I found myself alone with the thoughts of my running journey. I have run over 250 races in the past decade plus, including over 175 half marathons and a handful of ultras and marathons. Yet, here I found myself, struggling through this run. However, not only with my legs, but my mind as well. I don’t need to rehash my injuries and physical struggles of the past three years — it’s well documented.

And, that’s not what was pressing on my mind the most in the moment. It wasn’t even the mental struggle of what it takes in coming back from physical setbacks either. The heaviness I felt I was the weight and worth I felt of my story, my journey.

Nearly 14 years ago after I hit, what felt like rock bottom, I woke up to a new mindset and optimism both physically, mentally and spiritually. I made a promise with my Heavenly Father that if He helped me, I’d share my journey candidly and openly for others to draw inspiration from, because I knew I wasn’t alone in the struggle.

So that’s what I did.

I began sharing my journey mainly through social media and my blog, before getting into podcasting. The inspiration I shared and drew from others helped me along the way as I lost over 180lbs., got immersed in the running community and found peace spiritually and mentally.

I thank my Heavenly Father often for that opportunity He gave me, because I have very dear friends today that I know I wouldn’t have otherwise. I feel this emotion no stronger than when I have to say goodbye to the ones who’ve left too soon.

I share all this because over the past several years, I’ve lost my way. Sure, injuries and surgeries have drawn me away from the sport I love more than I’d like. But, it’s much deeper than that.

Over the past several years I’ve allowed others to label the worth of my story. I put too much trust in their opinion that my story wasn’t that unique or special, because “everyone has a weight loss story.” They even encouraged me to just give it up entirely because of the time I put into it.

I have never pretended to believe that my story was uniquely special. Yes, there are a lot of running and weight loss stories out there. But, I don’t see an oversaturated field of similar stories, I see a sea of voices sharing hope with others who are trying to find their own way.

I have had too many personal experiences to deny the power of one telling their story. Even if a story might not appeal to the masses, if it appeals and inspire one soul — it must be shared.

Yet, here I was a few weeks ago running alone with my thoughts realizing the weight I gave these other people, purported friends, over the worth of my story — and it hurt. I felt an array of emotions, even emotions I thought I had previously processed and released.

Realizing this negative emotional cycle I was entering, I quickly released those emotions so I could focus on the core of what I was realizing — NO ONE can dictate the VALUE of YOUR story other than you and THOSE who accept it. There is value in ALL stories.

This was a very powerful moment for me. A wave of gratitude, forgiveness and resolve hit me in what felt like one emotion. I let go of that pain and resolved to keep that promise I made to my Heavenly Father nearly 14 years ago — to share my story for others.

I don’t share this story for sympathy, I share it as a reminder that we all have voices and stories to share. But, more importantly, we all have empathy to give. But, how can we give empathy if we don’t share our stories?

My hope in sharing this experience is the belief that someone out there needs this reminder as well. Stories matter. Your story matters — your struggle is your struggle and your triumph is your triumph — no matter the arena.

Share your story. It has worth.

12 June 2023

RACE REPORT: Drop13 Big Cottonwood Half Marathon

It's been a few days post-race and quite honestly, I'm still processing this race. Leading up to the week of this race I wasn't 100% sure whether or not I was going to do it. I've been running the canyon over the past couple of months, cutting weight and getting myself where I'd like to be.

However, I'm not just not where I'd like to be.

I had a million reasons to justifiably not run on Saturday. And, believe me, up until last Wednesday when I finally signed up I convinced myself of all million reasons, i.e. - my longest run was only eight miles, I haven't done enough mid-week runs, my quads will kill come Sunday, I'm too slow, I'm too fat, I'm too gassy, I'm not going to meet the cutoff. I could go on with the list.

But, I came to two realizations in my final decision to run the race -- one, I know I can do the distance. I've proved that 170 times before; and, two, I need to stop letting what I can't do get in the way of what I can do. Meaning, yes, I currently can't run as fast I did this time last year or a few years ago, but I can do it and I should do it instead of feeding my doubts.

So I signed up.

Luckily this race has an early start time for slower runners. This helped in my decision to sign up, because it helped ease many of my fears of meeting the cut-off time. So instead of the 6am start with the rest of the racers, I started at 5:30am with a hand full of runners like myself.

Since I opted to get my race bib on the morning of the race I had an earlier morning than most, so I was out the door by 2:45am. However, I grossly overestimated how long it would take me to drive to the pickup so I ended up with a lot of time before the buses were supposed to leave for the start line. So I decided to hop in and help load buses.

For about an hour I ended up loading buses, which sounds like a tougher job than it really is. All you need is a loud voice and make quick decisions with confidence to make it look like a pro. I had to laugh later in the race, there were a couple of runners who stopped to ask if I was the one who loaded the buses earlier that morning.

Yep, that was me.

I hadn't completely loaded all of the runners before I had to leave. Since I was starting at 5:30am I had to make sure I didn't take one of the last buses up the canyon, so I ditched my post around 4:30am to take an empty seat on one of the buses. I'm glad I did because if I waited for the other buses that were coming back for a second trip I would have missed the 5:30am start time.

However after the bus dropped us off at Solitude I took a quick trip to the Honey Bucket before walking the quarter or so mile to the start line -- which I got to RIGHT at 5:29am. Talk about perfect timing. After a 30 second stretch I was off.

My game plan for the race was simple, just follow my run/walk routine of run 3 minutes and walk 1:30 minutes. I knew I wasn't going to be able to maintain this routine for the whole race so my plan was to do 3 minutes run, 2 minutes walk for the first 2-3 miles (until I warmed up) and then the regular routine for the rest of the race. For the most part I kept to the plan ... untiiiiiiiil about mile 9.5 when my watch died. 

Since I don't use an app to keep track of my run/walk I had to eyeball my routine by watching the time on my phone. It was a little annoying, but to make it easier (especially since my legs were feeling a but mushy) I went back to a 3 minute run and 2 minute walk. Again, with no stop watch or app that was eyeballed. I'm pretty sure I had a few 3 minute walks and 2 minute runs in there.

With all of that said, I felt strong. Much stronger than I felt like I was capable of doing. During my mid-race miles I even ran through some of my walk segments because I felt good ... and the terrain was downhill, making it easier to keep running than slowing down.

But, honestly, I was just thrilled with how my body felt throughout the run. Was I slow? Absolutely. But, not as much as I expected. I still pushed myself throughout the run. But, even more importantly, my legs and feet didn't kill like I expected them to come Sunday. Sure, they were sore, but nothing a little Ibuprofen could fix. 

So when I hit the last half mile of the race I was feeling pretty ecstatic. Especially when I realized my time was going to be under 3:30 hours. I won't lie, I got a little emotional about it because I hadn't felt this way, physically and emotionally at the same ... in a long time. It's a feeling I crave when I run. 

Once I crossed the finish line I was greeted by my friends Jim and Richie T emceeing the race, Amanda with my race medal and a tub full of Fat Boy ice cream. Dang near nirvana in my opinion. I just couldn't be happier with how my race ended up. It was perfect.

Then I slept for pretty much the rest of the day.

26 April 2023

Quotes That Speak To Me ...

I am a quote guy. I love quotes. I am inspired, motivated and moved by quotes. In fact of the 1,000,001 journals I have most of them are either filled or half-filled with quotes. This obsession started somewhere between my mission and college and then I just kind of ran with it from there.

But, I love relating quotes I find to running, dreaming and overcoming challenges. Nothing off the beaten path when it comes to quotes. But, I love making these lists so others can find some pretty awesome quotes themselves. And, as always, if you have a quote or two that speaks to you I'd love for you to share it in the comments below!

Anyways, without further adieu, here are some quotes ...

"It is never too late to be wise." Daniel Defoe

"It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome." William James

"Out of difficulties grow miracles." Jean de la Bruyere 

"We can't retract the decisions we've made. We can only affect the decisions we're going to make from here." Nick Rice

"Be as you wish to seem." Socrates

"People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing." Dale Carnegie

"It's hard to beat a person who never gives up." Babe Ruth

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

"A bend in the road is not the end of the road. Unless you fail to make the turn." Helen Keller

"Even in the mud and scum of things, something always, always sings." Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Whether you think you can or think you can't you're right." Henry Ford

"I am a slow walker, but I never walk back." Abraham Lincoln

"Character consists of what you do on the third and fourth tries." James A. Michener 

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

"Flaming enthusiasm backed up by horse sense and persistence is the quality that most frequently makes for success." Dale Carnegie  

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

"Dripping water hollows outs stone, not through force but through persistence." Ovid

"To reach a port we must set sail. Sail, not tie at anchor, sail, not drift." Franklin D. Roosevelt 

"It always seems impossible until it's done." Nelson Mandela

09 March 2023

Race Schedule for 2023


Okay, it's taken me long enough to post my race schedule for 2023. So here it is. Of course it's subject to change. But, the ones highlighted in yellow are ones I've already paid for the registration fee. The highlight and goal of 2023 is to do a marathon.

The Revel Big Cottonwood Marathon to be exact.

I'll post a training plan for my marathon later, but here are my races for the year.

MARCH

18 - Lucky 10K

APRIL

01 - Run Emigration 10 Miler
08 - Eggs Legs 10K
22 - Salt Lake City 10K

MAY

06 - May the Fourth 10K
20 - Ogden Half Marathon
29 - Run of Remembrance 5K

JUNE

10 - Drop 13 Big Cottonwood Half Marathon
17 - No One Left Behind Half Marathon
24 - Timp Half

JULY

04 - Riverton Country Mile 10K
22 - Handcart Days Half Marathon
24
- Deseret News Half Marathon

AUGUST

05 - Drop 13 Soapstone Half Marathon
19 - Rock n' Roll Salt Lake City Half Marathon
26 - Mt. Nebo Half

SEPTEMBER

09 - Revel Big Cottonwood Marathon
23 - Witch Run 10K

OCTOBER

06 - Antelope Island 10K
21 - The Haunted Half: Salt Lake City
28 - SoJo Halloween Fun Run 5K

NOVEMBER

18 - SoJo Turkey Run 10K
23 - Thankful 10K

What do you think? I know it's a lot of running, but I am excited to get going. What races are you doing? Any similar races we're running? Let me know!