#running180

[phatjosh180]

Closing Up Shop on PhatJosh.com

When I launched PhatJosh.com back in early 2010 I really did it as a way to stay accountable for my health. I mainly used it as a blog to track my weight loss, workouts and everything else that came with trying to lose 100+ lbs. It naturally evolved into a running blog as I evolved as well.

Over the past decade I’ve blogged my race reviews, about my health problems and everything in between. It’s been a great place for me to share my story with others. And, while I am closing shop on this blog, I am really just moving things over to a Blogger site, Josherwalla.com, I’ve had for a couple years. I’ve kept it lowkey and in waiting because I knew this site would eventually end.

The biggest reason why I am making the movie is money, I’ve paid about $100 a year to maintain this page on a WordPress template. The new site is a free website on Blogger. So, really it’s saving me … well about $100 a year. I love using a WordPress template and everything that comes with that — but — I also like saving my money as well.

I am still going to post my race reviews on Josherwalla. I will still write about my fitness. I will still talk about all of my struggles and triumphs. But, I’ll also be writing about more than just fitness and running stuff. I’ll include my muses, thoughts, adventures and whatnot. That will include what’s going on with Radio Ronin, life and everything else in between.

So I guess you could say that I am transitioning from a running to more so a personal blog. Something I’ve tried to keep seperate, but really — why? Plus, there’s so much more to my life than just running and I want to be able to share that.

This site will still be up until around March-ish, but I have already made the full-time switch to Josherwalla.com. If you would like to follow me there I’d love your company. And, remember you can always follow me on social media @josherwalla on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for the support over the past six years and see you on Josherwalla.

Peace.

Closing Up Shop on PhatJosh.com was originally published on Life In The Slow Lane.

[phatjosh180]

RACE RECAP: Handcart Days 5K

“I tramp a perpetual journey.”  Walt Whitman

When I started this year, I wasn’t planning on running during the Handcart Days festivities. I was planning on doing the Speedgoat 25K as a training race for my planned marathons and ultras for the fall. But, yeah, life happened — and plans changed.

As disappointed as I was not being able to do Speedgoat — I’m equally, if not more, grateful that I was able to do the Handcart Days 5K. This race means a lot to me. Maybe not so much the 5K distance, but I’ve had numerous memories made during the half marathon. It was my first half marathon, my 100th race and of course my 180th race over 13.1 miles — which I accomplished last year.

My heart is in this race.

So, with this year being the mess that it has been — I needed this race. I needed the reminder of those accomplishments, because I’ve found myself somewhat forgetting the impact those moments have had on me. This race was much more than just a 5K — it was a recentering, refocusing and recommitment of sorts to what my 180 journey was about.

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A post shared by Josher (@josherwalla) on Jul 20, 2019 at 9:50pm PDT

Plus, I reached another little milestone … as I crossed the finish line — well okay, it was a few yards before that — I officially hit my 3,000th mile raced. That accounting for every mile from my first 10K in 2007 to this race. So, on top of reminiscing about my 180th race, I was pretty sentimental throughout Saturday morning.

Just like my goal last weekend — my only goal for this race was to finish. I didn’t have any anxiety about being last or forgotten mainly because there were half marathoners out on the course. Plus, I’ve done this 5K course NUMEROUS times — it’s the same course as the Sweethearts and Thanksgiving 5K, so I am intimately familiar with it.

But, I didn’t want to put a time goal onto myself, other then I’d like to finish at least under 40 minutes. I had a good 3+ mile runs this past week, so I felt my legs were up to the challenge. And, if I didn’t meet that goal — sobeit — I’m more concerned with just being consistent right now than meeting any certain time goal.

The morning of the race I was feeling good. I pulled into the rec center just as the half marathoners were going. I won’t lie, I was feeling a tad FOMO — but, I knew I made the right decision. I was VERY happy to be running the 5K.

After picking up my packet, I went and chilled in the car for about an hour until my brother made his way to the race. I got there entirely too early — which is a curse for me. We don’t talk about how I’m generally late for everything else in life — but, being only a five minute drive from my house to the race, it was too early.

After lining up and having the gun sound — we were off! I tried to pace myself as best I could. I knew I was probably going out too fast — which I was — but, dodging and weaving around other runners naturally make me want to go faster. I actually find it pretty fun. It’s the only part of the race where I feel like I am racing. Ha!

The first half of the race I kept a good steady pace, but I knew that eventually I’d have to go into my run/walk intervals. Especially since I was treating this more like a training run than a race. So once I got to the aid station and started my return to the rec center I went into my intervals.

About less than a mile out from the finish line my brother caught back up with me. After finishing the 5K he ended up running back, around a neighborhood track and then back to me.He’s a pretty good runner for picking it up just recently, it’s been fun for m watching him come to that realization.

My family is truly one of both tortoises and hares. But then again, he might be the only hare? I digress.

Making the last turn toward the finish line I stopped briefly to commemorate my 3,000th mile — of course with a selfie. It might a neat little moment that I was glad my brother was able to be there with me to celebrate. Especially considering he wasn’t able to be at my 180th race last year.

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Last year I celebrated my 180th race over 13.1 miles here at the Handcart Days Races — a year later I celebrated, at this exact spot, my 3000th race mile. So glad I was able celebrate the moment with my brother!

A post shared by Josher (@josherwalla) on Jul 20, 2019 at 7:05am PDT

I didn’t know exactly where I was on time, but I knew I was pushing that 40 minute mark. I wanted to get under that mark so I picked my pace up for the last tenth of a mile. And, again, I started to get a little nostalgic and emotional making that homestretch. I started chanting … “1, 100, 180” repeatedly, the number of milestone and special races done there.

I kept saying that until I reached the finish line. Which I crossed in 41:12 minutes. Not the sub-40 minute time I wanted. But, the disappointment wasn’t there, because I was thinking and reminiscing mostly about last year’s 180th race and how grateful my mother wasn’t there to throw a pie in my face.

Once after collecting myself I went and sat near the finisher’s chute to cheer on friends and other runners. It was a really thing I’m not afforded to do often after running longer distances. It was fun seeing many of first time racers turn that corner and get a big smile on their face — knowing that they did something hard and rewarding. It’s hard NOT to come away from seeing that feeling inspired — something I’ve needed as of late.

Overall, I feel good about the race. Do I wish I was faster? Of course. But, honestly, I probably shouldn’t have stopped for my selfie with my brother. But, that’s neither here nor there. I will get faster with more consistency — which is happening.

But, really the heart of Saturday’s race was in those milestones, especially the ones shared with friends. To me that’s made all the other races I’ve done and will do worth it.

Next Five Races

Deseret News 10K; July 24

Timp Half; July 27

Launch Team 10K; August 3

Elephant Rock Trail Run; August 10

Mt. Nebo Half; August 24

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A post shared by Trails & Pavement (@trailsandpavement) on Oct 5, 2018 at 6:55am PDT

RACE RECAP: Handcart Days 5K was originally published on Life In The Slow Lane.

[phatjosh180]

Closing Up Shop on PhatJosh.com

Closing Up Shop on PhatJosh.com

When I launched PhatJosh.com back in early 2010 I really did it as a way to stay accountable for my health. I mainly used it as a blog to track my weight loss, workouts and everything else that came with trying to lose 100+ lbs. It naturally evolved into a running blog as I evolved as well.

Over the past decade I’ve blogged my race reviews, about my health problems and everything in between.…

[phatjosh180]

RACE RECAP: Handcart Days 5K

RACE RECAP: Handcart Days 5K

“I tramp a perpetual journey.”  Walt Whitman

When I started this year, I wasn’t planning on running during the Handcart Days festivities. I was planning on doing the Speedgoat 25K as a training race for my planned marathons and ultras for the fall. But, yeah, life happened — and plans changed.

As disappointed as I was not being able to do Speedgoat — I’m equally, if not more, grateful that I…

[phatjosh180]

To 5K or not to 5K -- that is the question.

To 5K or not to 5K — that is the question.

I am a big believer that good things come out of difficulties. I have seen it too many times in my life to believe it otherwise. And, because of that I’ve also learned how to roll with the punches because in the end — something good will come out the mess.

This past year has really tested me in that regard. When I sprained my ankle last April, in the moment I didn’t think I’d still be dealing…

[phatjosh180]

RACE #161: Timp Elk Run

RACE #161: Timp Elk Run

Well, let’s answer the question you’re obviously wondering — no, I didn’t see any elk.

Like none.

I hope that doesn’t keep you from reading further into my race report? In fact, I didn’t even really see any wildlife. Well, there was a dead mouse I saw at mile six. It wasn’t due to the plague — probably got ran over by a mountain bike? What a sad way to go.

Anyways — onto the other stuff.

A…

[phatjosh180]

RACE #159: Revel Big Cottonwood Half Marathon

RACE #159: Revel Big Cottonwood Half Marathon

When I ran the inaugural Big Cottonwood Marathon in 2012 — I never expected it to become what it’s become six years later. Like most inaugural events — it had it flaws. The miles in the canyon were short, the aid stations were less than desirable and I thought I got lost a couple times in the latter miles of the race. But, I loved I spinning finishers’ medal that I got and the scenery was…

[phatjosh180]

Another 2017 race audible ...

Another 2017 race audible …

So, after last week’s post about my remaining 2017 race schedule — I had a few changes. My 4th of July race — The 13 Miles of Freedom — was cancelled. Then I found out the dates of a few races were different than I originally thought. So that allowed me to pick up an extra race in November.

That extra race is the Antelope Island Classic 50K, but I’ll be honest — not sure if I want to do the 50K…

[phatjosh180]

Another 2017 race audible ...

So, after last week’s post about my remaining 2017 race schedule — I had a few changes. My 4th of July race — The 13 Miles of Freedom — was cancelled. Then I found out the dates of a few races were different than I originally thought. So that allowed me to pick up an extra race in November.

That extra race is the Antelope Island Classic 50K, but I’ll be honest — not sure if I want to do the 50K or the half marathon? It’s kinda hard to make that decision right now with a bum ankle. But, I won’t lie — I am almost tempted to do the Pony Express 50 again on October 20th. I just don’t know if I’ll have it in me? And, again, the ankle is screaming at me not to.

We’ll see on that. But, if I do the Pony Express — I might still do the Howloween Half the next day since it’s a night race. I would scratch the SoJo Half in the morning — for obvious reasons.

Anyways — there are a lot of variables that would need to be figured on out on that. But, here is what I am looking at for the rest of the year. I also added a tentative race schedule for 2018 that leads to my 180th race. I am still a little unsure what I’ll do, but I need to be very stragetic since I am doing my 100 mile run in February.

So here are the schedules …

Remaining 2017 Race Schedule

153. Utah Midnight Run; Farmington (July 7) 154. The Hobbler Half; Springville (July 8) 155. Handcart Days Half Marathon; Bountiful (July 22) 156. Deseret News Half Marathon; Salt Lake City (July 24) 157. Vigor Solitude Trail Half Marathon; Salt Lake City (August 12) 158. Run Elevated Half Marathon; Sandy (August 19) 159. Revel Big Cottonwood Marathon; Salt Lake City (September 9) 160. Huntsville Marathon; Huntsville (September 16) 161. Timp Elk Run; Provo (September 23) 162. Jordan River Marathon; South Jordan (September 30) 163. St. George Marathon; St. George (October 7) 164. SoJo Half Marathon; South Jordan (October 21) 165. Howloween Half Marathon; West Jordan (October 21) 166. Saltair Half; Magna (November 4) 167. Mt. View Trail Half Marathon; Antelope Island (November 11)

*-italicized races are ones I am NOT registered for yet.

Tentative 2018 Race Schedule to 180 races

168. New Year’s Run Resolution; Kearns (January 1) 169. St. George Half Marathon; St. George (January 13) 170. Jackpot Running Festival; Las Vegas (February 16-18) 171. March Madness Half Marathon; West Bountiful (March 3) 172. Canyonlands Half Marathon; Moab (March 17) 173. Emigration Canyon Half Marathon; Salt Lake City (April 7) 174. Salt Lake City Half Marathon; Salt Lake City (April 21) 175. Tulip Festival Half Marathon; Lehi (April 28) 176. Provo City Half Marathon; Provo (May 5) 177. Drop 13 Big Cottonwood Half; Salt Lake City (June 9) 178. AF Canyon Race Against Cancer; American Fork (June 23) 179. Utah Midnight Run; Farmington (July 6) 180. Handcart Days Half Marathon; Bountiful (July 24)

*-italicized races are ones I am registered for.

Another 2017 race audible … was originally published on PhatJosh | My Life Running.

[phatjosh180]

RACE #146: Provo City Half Marathon

RACE #146: Provo City Half Marathon

This past week has been a struggle — to say the least. After getting sick during the Salt Flats 50K last Friday my whole weekend and most of this past week was simply derailed. I’m still not 100%, but I am past the flu and bronchitis and I feel much, much better.

Having DNF’d the Salt Flats 50K and DNS’d the Tulip Festival Half — I was ready for a race success this weekend. Not even a success,…