#it’s 2:22am at the moment i finished about 10 minutes ago now

[zaddyazula]

took long enough

[phatjosh180]

For The Love Of Running ...

I love running.

That shouldn’t be much of a surprise. And, if it is — I am not sure if you understand what kind of blog this is you’re reading? Anyway — let it be known … I love running.

When I started running some 6-7 years ago, I had no idea where it was leading. I basically started because it was a challenge my personal trainer gave me as a way to help with my weight-loss. It started with runs around the Rec Center before the challenge grew to training for a 5K. After that first 5K I officially had the bug.

Over the those same past 6-7 years my running journey has brought me to many starting lines, across many finish lines and countless training runs with others. My love of running grew through friendships made out on the trails and roads. Running became less of a workout and more of a community over those years. It has my heart.

A photo posted by Josher (@josherwalla) on Feb 11, 2017 at 9:22am PST

I love sharing that love for running with others. My hope is that by sharing that love someone, anyone, can have a similar journey like my own. Sure, a lot of my journey had to come from within, but if it was for the hundreds of friends that I’ve met along the way that also shared that love — I am not sure if I would have these same strong feelings?

And, as much as I love sharing this love of running with friends — I absolutely love sharing it with my family, because they are the ones closest to my heart. When I started running the closest runner I had was my sisters who a few years prior ran a half marathon. But, bad knees and numerous knee surgeries took both of them away from the longer distances. So, it’s just been basically me who’s delved into the running scene.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I don’t expect my family to become runners. I get that life happens and that there are other hobbies. But, I am the one who always invites any of my siblings to run with me, train for a half marathon or even a full. Because, I do want to share with them this gift and passion for running with them.

I’ve been able to get a few of my siblings to run 5Ks with me. My sister has run a couple of 5Ks with me and same goes with my brother-in-law. My younger brother keeps telling me he wants to, but hasn’t yet. And, I really enjoy those moments that we can.

A photo posted by (phat) josh (@fit.phat) on Feb 11, 2017 at 9:51am PST

But, last year the focus of my running invitations have turned to my nieces and nephews as well. Last July for my niece’s birthday I bought her an entry into the Frightmares 5K and we ran it together. She even won her age group! We had a blast together and it was a great way to go into my 50 miler the week after.

Running with my niece made the younger cousins jealous. Because they wanted to run with me as well. Especially my niece Callie — she’s been to a few finish lines cheering me on and has been asking my sister when she will get to run with me. I would be lying to you if I didn’t secretly love this anxious excitement of hers.

So, I set to change that.

This past weekend was the Sweethearts 5K here in Bountiful. It’s my hometown race put on by the Rec Center. It’s a great little 5K that I’ve run a number of times — solo, pushing Elsha and a couple times with siblings or in-laws. Considering the price and location I wanted to give all of my nieces and nephews (that could run) the chance to run with me.

A photo posted by Josher (@josherwalla) on Feb 11, 2017 at 9:26am PST

So I signed up with Maya for the 5K and then signed up Elijah and Callie for the Kids K. When I broke the news to the latter two — they couldn’t have been any more excited. They got to run with Uncle Josher and get their own race medal! And, quite honestly, I couldn’t be any more excited to run with them as well.

The 5K started at 9am followed by the Kids K at 9:45am. I didn’t worry about not being able to do both, because Maya and I ran the Frightmares 5K in about 36-37 minutes. I was hoping and feeling like we would do similar or better time-wise.

And, I wasn’t far off. When we started off it was hard keeping up with Maya. She’s a speedster and really quite the runner. I am truly amazed. It really comes naturally to her. I warned her a couple of times to slow down a bit so she didn’t “burn out” going out too fast. But, let’s be honest — it was my feeble efforts to keep up with her.

I was really proud of her effort and natural ability. I would have sent her off on her own, but being the responsible adult (I laugh at that irony) I did want to keep her close for her own safety since this was only her second race. I didn’t want her to wander mindlessly into traffic or take a wrong turn (something that happens to the best of runners might I add). But, when we got to the home stretch I just let her loose. I told her who to follow and where to turn and then just told her — “GO GET IT!”

And, she went and got it! She finished just under 35 minutes! Quite impressive for an eight year old if you ask me.

A photo posted by Josher (@josherwalla) on Feb 11, 2017 at 9:33am PST

She didn’t place her in age group. She was slightly disappointed by that. But, I reminded her the rules to running — 1) Have Fun, 2) Have a Ridiculous Amount of Fun and 3) Repeat — and asked her if she had fun. Which of course she said yes. So I reassured her she’s still coming away a winner.

We didn’t have much time — like any — to bask in our race, because the Kids K was starting in a couple minutes. The 5K started about 10 minutes late, so instead of pushing the kid’s race back too they started it on time. Which I guess is good? But, I was literally catching my breath when Callie, Elijah, Maya and I started off in a mad dash.

They’re sprinters.

Well, at least I swear they’re sprinters. Or maybe its’ their youthful endless amount of energy? Either way — they really left me in their dust. I tried to vain to get my exhausted legs going, but it was in vain — they were gone. Sure it was a 1K race, but they were yards ahead of me while I ran alone — in a kids race — without a single kid of mine in sight. Talk about feeling awkward.

But, as soon as I caught up with them at the finish line any amount of awkwardness was erased as they all showed me their medals. Their excitement only grew — a feeling I knew very well. It was a moment I will cherish.

A photo posted by (phat) josh (@fit.phat) on Feb 12, 2017 at 1:38pm PST

I can’t wait to share more of these moments with them again. Especially my other nieces and nephews — and especially kids. I know it won’t be soon that all of them will graduate from Kids Ks to 5Ks and maybe even longer.

But, that doesn’t matter — what matters is that they had fun. They got to share in a hobby that I love dearly and they got a taste of the life of a runner. But, we were all able to share time doing it and that’s what I will always cherish. So without making this a cheesy Mormon commercial about spending time with family, I’ll leave it there.

Needless to say, Saturday was a great day.

And, a great way to go into this upcoming week as I look to tackle my next ultra — the Jackpot Running Festival.

VEGAS OR BUST, BABY!

T-Rex vs. Panda. The T-Rex wins. #chubbingtatum #firstbirthday

A photo posted by Josher (@josherwalla) on Feb 9, 2017 at 7:52pm PST

A year ago today this kid burst into our lives like a T-Rex on a mission. Words can’t justly express how much I love this kid. He really is one of the smartest, kindest and loving kids. Stranger Danger is going to be hard to teach to this one. #chubbingtatum #firstbirthday #prouduncle

A photo posted by Josher (@josherwalla) on Feb 9, 2017 at 6:31am PST

After running the 5K with Maya, I ran the Kids K with the rest of the Kiddles. This was Callie and Elijah first race and they couldn’t of been more excited! #sweethearts5k #running #5k #hashimotoswarrior #hashimotos #hipbone #workout #runutah @fit.phat @josherwalla

A photo posted by (phat) josh (@fit.phat) on Feb 11, 2017 at 9:54am PST

Um, yeah, those kids are fast! I seriously couldn’t keep up with them. Proud of them! #sweethearts5k #running #5k #workout #hashimotos #hashimotoswarrior #runutah #hipbone #workout #fitness #health #wellness @josherwalla @joshruns180

A photo posted by (phat) josh (@fit.phat) on Feb 11, 2017 at 9:56am PST

Two years ago today marks the passing of my Grandma. Time comes and goes, but it’s the people who love and care for you the most that make an impact that time can’t fade. My Grandma will always be my biggest fan. She always believed in and encouraged me to keep running, keep writing and keep living life — always being kind to others. Time will never erase that impact. Today might be a day of remembrance of her, but she’s truly remembered daily. Borrowing a phrase to describe our bond she would always tell me, “remember you are loved! Always have, always will!” Right back at you Grandma! #grandmasarethebest #grandmasarespecial #grandmasareforever

A photo posted by Josher (@josherwalla) on Feb 11, 2017 at 6:32am PST

Celebrating this buddy’s birthday today. He’s turning 38 next week and since I’m out of town I took him to his favorite Chili’s for dinner because they sing to him and give him free ice cream. I’m lucky to have such a great friend like Dave in my life. He’s one of the kindest and friendliest guys I know. Plus, he’s got like 150 girlfriends … so he’s kind of a big deal! #superdave #gangsteroflove

A photo posted by Josher (@josherwalla) on Feb 11, 2017 at 6:42pm PST

No, I didn’t go to Primary. I made Valentines cards in Elders Quorum today. #thismormonlife

A photo posted by Josher (@josherwalla) on Feb 12, 2017 at 3:02pm PST

RUNNING MILES

95.15 miles

RACE MILES

16.82 miles

WALKING MILES

89.47 miles

TOTAL MILES TO DATE

226.07 miles

A photo posted by The Runcast (@theruncast) on Apr 18, 2016 at 4:40pm PDT

For The Love Of Running … was originally published on PhatJosh | My Life Running.