#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.

[josherwalla]

I've got a REAAAAALLY busy race schedule for the first half of 2017. I have 19 races -- 20 if you count a 5K in February -- and 7 alone in June. Why? Well, part of it is the desire to finish my 180 race goal by 2018. But, also since I'm working for Runtastic Events a lot of my race weekends in the latter part of the year are taken up -- and if I'm working towards finishing my 180 races by July 2018 I need to make up those weekends somewhere. I've selected a few races I haven't run before or ones I haven't done in a while. This includes the Jackpot Running Festival in Vegas, Salt Flats 50K and Bear Lake Trifecta. I'm excited for the new adventures! It'll be a lot of running so I'll need to pick which races to go full effort and which ones to back off a tad. Especially my May and June races. But, I'm too worried about that right now. But, 2017 should be a year of fun adventures and I can't wait to get the party started. #running #halfmarathon #marathon #ultrarunning #races #fitness #health #wellness #runutah #runvegas #running180 #trailrunning #ultramarathon @fit.phat @josherwalla

[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.

View this post on Instagram

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 #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 post shared by KETOshua Snow Hansen (@ketoshua) on Sep 23, 2017 at 1:37pm PDT

This race was tough. It was over 3800 feet of climbing over about 13.5 miles. So, yes, it was a fourth of a mile over a traditional 13.1 half marathon. But, as tough as it was — I absolutely loved it.

I was running this race with Zack Winters from the Addict II Athlete team. This was his first trail run, so I planned on running with him and just enjoying the experience. In fact there were quite a few AIIA runners among the 25 or so runners doing the race.

Traveling to the race, I was a bit worried if I was going to be able to do it. Around the point of the mountain — I got absolutely nausea and just felt sick to the stomach like I haven’t felt for a while. I was pretty close to just turning around in Lehi — but, I kept going hoping that the moment would pass.

Well, it didn’t.

A post shared by KETOshua Snow Hansen (@ketoshua) on Sep 23, 2017 at 3:03pm PDT

When I got to the race, I stepped out of the car and knew I was going to lose my breakfast. Which I did. My stomach felt better, but I wasn’t 100% at the same time.

I’m not sure why I felt that way — other than I just don’t eat that early or as of late until around 11am or noon with my keto diet. My stomach was just not happy with my keto food that early. This happened to me the previous two weeks — to a less extent. But, either way, I need to figure that all out, especially before this Saturday’s race.

Anyways — Zack wasn’t feeling too hot either with his stomach. But, we both decided to give it a shot. There was always the choice that we could do just the 10K if we still felt ill at the Mile 5 turn off. Which was very much on our minds.

But, luckily, at Mile 5 we felt much better so we decided to keep going. We had to keep going. Especially now that we knew we weren’t going to die.

A post shared by 🔼That’s me. (@josherwalla) on Sep 23, 2017 at 4:24pm PDT

We were well into last place — which as usual — never matters to me. We picked up the pace a bit after we started feeling a bit better, but we were well behind the runners ahead of us. Probably by close to an hour?

Once we got to the half way aid station going into Dry Canyon we were met up by Christy (Zack’s mother) and Jed from the AIIA team. I stripped off my monkey hat and windbreaker and Jed joined us to help pace us to the finish line. I am so grateful Jed joined us, because it made a HUGE difference.

We were also joined by the sweepers — so it was a true party in the back as we hiked up Dry Canyon. This was the toughest stretch of the race as we climbed about 1,000 feet in about two miles. It was gorgeous, but it was a beast.

A post shared by KETOshua Snow Hansen (@ketoshua) on Sep 23, 2017 at 4:53pm PDT

Once we reached Mile 9 it was a decent to the finish. Zack and I picked up the pace and took what we could take during the decent. There were a few areas that we just had to navigate carefully. Luckily, I had my hiking poles which helped a lot in the climbing and decent.

The last mile and a half was probably the hardest decent of the whole run. The pressure on my toes made it hard to navigate a points. With my big huge clown feet my toes were crammed in my shoes. It wasn’t that much fun.

But, luckily, that was just a mile and a half of the course.

A post shared by 🔼That’s me. (@josherwalla) on Sep 23, 2017 at 4:32pm PDT

We finished in 5:45 hours — which was about 15 minutes longer than what we expected. Not bad. But, not hot either. It was a good 45 minutes faster than the Elephant Rock Trail Half from last month — so that makes me feel hopeful of my recent progress.

I’m sore, but my ankle isn’t bad. So that’s a win. Most of my soreness is in the toes and quads. Which I guess it kind of expected with the amount of climbing and descending we did during the run.

My next trail race isn’t until the Mt. View Trail Half Marathon in November — once again running with Zack. Luckily that one doesn’t include a lot of elevation change. It’s the same day as the Antelope Island 50K which I’ve done the past couple of years. It’ll be a fun race.

A post shared by KETOshua Snow Hansen (@ketoshua) on Sep 24, 2017 at 10:56am PDT

But, before that I’ve still got a number of races to do — Jordan River, both Haunted Halfs, SoJo, Howloween Half and Snow Canyon. I can’t wait to tackle them — even though it’s still a lot of running.

Bring it.

I can’t wait.

MY NEXT FIVE RACES

Weekly Miles

Running Miles — 2.0 miles Race Miles — 13.45 miles Walking Miles — 17.78 miles TOTAL MILES — 33.23 miles Races This Week — Timp Elk Run.

September 2017 Miles

Running Miles — 16.0 miles Race Miles — 39.65 miles Walking Miles — 83.47 miles TOTAL MILES — 140.12 miles Races in September — (4) Revel Big Cottonwood Half, Huntsville Half, Timp Elk Run & Jordan River Marathon.

2017 Miles

Running Miles — 375.55 miles Race Miles — 362.07 miles Walking Miles — 1004.71 miles TOTAL MILES — 1742.33 miles Races done in 2017 — (23) New Year’s Half Marathon, Sweethearts 5K, Jackpot Running Festival, SL Tri Club Indoor Half, March Madness Half, Lucky 13 Half Marathon, Emigration Canyon Half Marathon, Riverton Half, Saltair Half, Provo City Half Marathon, Jordan River Half Marathon, Drop13 Half Marathon, Bear Lake Trifecta — Idaho, Wyoming & Utah, AF Canyon Race Against Cancer, The Hobbler Half, Handcart Days Half, DesNews Half, Elephant Rock Trail Half, Run Elevated Half, Nebo Half, Revel Big Cottonwood Half, Huntsville Half and Timp Elk Run.

A post shared by The Runcast (@theruncast) on Sep 14, 2017 at 5:28am PDT

RACE #161: Timp Elk Run was originally published on PhatJosh | My Life Running.

[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]

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 absolutely extraordinary.

And, much like Disneyland — you can’t judge an event or entity on it’s first day. If you did — no one would have come back to Disneyland the following day or decades after ‘Black Sunday’ in 1955.

It’s been fun watching this race grow from that first event in 2012. The following year I was surprised at how much it grew. It made a leap from a local race to a nationally spotlighted race — almost overnight it seemed. That second year each state in the union was represented. That speaks volumes about the ownership, leadership and marketing.

A post shared by 🔼That’s me. (@josherwalla) on Sep 10, 2017 at 12:11am PDT

And, each year — it just seems to get better. There is a weight that Revel holds nation wide and you see that in their races and courses in Colorado, California, Nevada and Arizona. These courses are fast and a target race for many hoping to BQ or PR on a downhill course.

Originally, I was going to be sweeping the marathon course — as I have done the previous three years. But, I had to back out a couple weeks ago after my doctor didn’t want me running 26.2 miles on my ankle. Despite knowing that I could do it — I concurred and decided to stick with the half marathon instead. It would still keep my Legacy Runner status alive — and I’d still be able to enjoy the canyon.

Plus, I haven’t done this specific half marathon course yet. Back in 2013 when I did the half marathon the course ended at Cottonwood High — not on 1300 East and Ft. Union Blvd. I was excited to try this course, because it pretty much drops you right down the canyon and to the finish line. How can you not love a race like that?

A post shared by 🔼That’s me. (@josherwalla) on Sep 10, 2017 at 12:15am PDT

Sure I was bummed that I had to drop to the 13.1, but I knew that if I was going to heal properly and get myself prepared and ready for my 100 mile run in February. Everything at this point in my recovery and training is for that race. And, I need to remember that when I get discouraged at momentarily setbacks.

The morning of the race was abnormally warm for a September canyon race. I brought my usual hoodie and gloves, but I really didn’t need them. I should have taken it as a sign that it was going to be a tough hot day, especially for the marathoners out there shooting for a BQ & PR — because as evidenced from many social media posts it was.

Even at the starting line I believe the nerves and heat were getting to some people. I made the horrible mistake of stepping into a Honey Bucket where a previous runner threw up all over. I couldn’t contain my gag reflex and lost it as well — unlike the previous occupant I was able to successfully aim for the commode. It was absolutely disgusting.

A post shared by KETOshua Snow Hansen (@ketoshua) on Sep 10, 2017 at 12:20am PDT

After composing myself and refueling a bit I got ready for the gun time at 6:45am. The race started with a slow walk toward the starting line and then a quick quarter mile out and back. I wasn’t expecting the out and back, but it was fun being able to see a number of my (much faster) friends along the course.

Where they started the half marathon is probably my favorite stretch of the canyon — which is about 9-10 miles above the mouth of the canyon. It was absolutely gorgeous as the sun was slowly rising above the surrounding mountains. It was the perfect way to warm up into my run.

l didn’t really have a goal for this race. My pride wanted a sub-three time, but my reasoning knew I really shouldn’t push my ankle too much. So I just decided to take what I could from my ankle — but, more than that — I just wanted to enjoy myself and have a good overall experience. So that’s where I set my expectations and heart.

A post shared by 🔼That’s me. (@josherwalla) on Sep 10, 2017 at 12:23am PDT

Around Mile 5-6 the marathoners — the elite marathoners — caught up with us half marathoners. It’s always amazing watching these runners streak past. It’s usually  during this part of the race where I get major calf envy. Seriously, have you ever noticed how well defined and strong many of the elite runners’ calves are? If I only had likewise calves.

But, enough of that. — one day I’ll get myself some sexy calves. Hopefully sooner than later. But, that’s a conversation for another day.

Around this time a number of marathon friends came running past — Ty Hansen, Monte Riding, Bill Hiatt and Elsha. It was really neat. Ty stopped and got a picture with me and I am pretty much the race photographer got a picture of me running alongside Bill and Elsha. I was on cloud nine.

A post shared by 🔼That’s me. (@josherwalla) on Sep 10, 2017 at 12:29am PDT

Not long after passing Stormy Mountain both Amanda and Mike Bjarnson caught up with me. Being 34 weeks pregnant the race for Amanda was more like a 13.1 mile progressive bathroom break — as she had to stop at pretty much every Honey Bucket. We joked about it a couple weeks ago at the Nebo Half and then again when I saw her at Mile 3 waiting in a long line for the potties.

But, as pregnant as she is — she’s still a STRONG runner. And, was able to catch up to me despite all the breaks. I ran with her and Mike for a good 3-4 miles — and we just had a blast! We joked, cat called a marathon runner running in a Speedo and made new friends around us — I couldn’t have asked for a better stretch of miles than what I spent with the Bjarnsons.

We split around Mile 10 when we got to some more Honey Buckets. I decided to keep going, mainly because my ankle was starting to nag at me and I just wanted to be done. But, also because many if I kept going I would FINALLY beat Pregnant Amanda to the finish line?!

A post shared by KETOshua Snow Hansen (@ketoshua) on Sep 10, 2017 at 12:32am PDT

I was really enjoying the run and despite the heat and varied elevation change of the last three miles — I just tried to zone in on finishing. It was around this time that I got heckled by a passing motorist. I recounted the experience in an earlier post that you can read here.

I will say this about the experience — it’s unfortunate that it happened — but, I feel worse for the guy who spouted off his insecurities and frustration. I mean, how would you like to live a life where to gain any value of self worth you have to tear down others? What a sad reality.

But, thanks to him, I was also reminded at how blessed and lucky I am to have so many wonderful friends within a community of a sport that I enjoy and love. I wasn’t going to let his words negate the experience I had running down the canyon being passed by my marathon friends or those miles of pure fun with the Bjarnsons. Those experiences spoke louder — much louder than any word he yelled my way.

A post shared by KETOshua Snow Hansen (@ketoshua) on Sep 10, 2017 at 9:46am PDT

I spent my last mile or so thinking about that experience as I inched toward the finish line. I was a hot mess thanks more to my ankle and sore quads. But, I didn’t care — that last mile of pondering carried me. I was done. I did it. And, I couldn’t wait to do it again.

I have a lot to be grateful for during this race. Just the fact that I was able to do it, I am grateful. I am also grateful for the friendly hellos and greeting from so many in the running in community. I don’t take those for granted. And, I cherish them — I hope no one shies aways from saying hi to me — PLEASE DO! Because it’s those friendships that make that motorist’s words meaningless.

I am already signed up for next year’s race — I signed up yesterday for the half marathon. But, depending on where I’m at this point next year I would like to be in a position to sweep the course again with the RYR Pacers.

But, we’ll see.

A post shared by 🔼That’s me. (@josherwalla) on Sep 10, 2017 at 12:27pm PDT

I plan on continuing my status as a Legacy Runner at Revel Big Cottonwood for as long as my legs will allow me to run. It really is one of the best organized races I’ve done and a race I look forward to each year. It’s come along way from it’s inaugural run in 2012.

Now my focus is shifted toward the Huntsville Half Marathon this upcoming Saturday! No specific goals other than do my best, have fun and finish strong. And, luckily, no motorists along the course to heckle me!

MY RACES THROUGH OCTOBER

Weekly Miles

Running Miles — 9.0 miles Race Miles — 13.1 miles Walking Miles — 31.02 miles TOTAL MILES — 53.12 miles Races This Week — Nebo Half.

August 2017 Miles

Running Miles — 47.5 miles Race Miles — 40.0 miles Walking Miles — 104.27 miles TOTAL MILES — 191.77 miles Races in August — (3) Elephant Rock Trail Half, Run Elevated Half and Nebo Half 

September 2017 Miles

Running Miles — 7.0 miles Race Miles — 13.1 miles Walking Miles — 36.82 miles TOTAL MILES — 56.92 miles Races in September — (4) Revel Big Cottonwood Half, Huntsville Half, Timp Elk Run & Jordan River Marathon.

2017 Miles

Running Miles — 365.55 miles Race Miles — 335.52 miles Walking Miles — 921.24 miles TOTAL MILES — 1622.31 miles Races done in 2017 — (23) New Year’s Half Marathon, Sweethearts 5K, Jackpot Running Festival, SL Tri Club Indoor Half, March Madness Half, Lucky 13 Half Marathon, Emigration Canyon Half Marathon, Riverton Half, Saltair Half, Provo City Half Marathon, Jordan River Half Marathon, Drop13 Half Marathon, Bear Lake Trifecta — Idaho, Wyoming & Utah, AF Canyon Race Against Cancer, The Hobbler Half, Handcart Days Half, DesNews Half, Elephant Rock Trail Half, Run Elevated Half, Nebo Half and Revel Big Cottonwood Half.

A post shared by The Runcast (@theruncast) on Sep 5, 2017 at 6:44am PDT

RACE #159: Revel Big Cottonwood Half Marathon was originally published on PhatJosh | My Life Running.

[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,…

[phatjosh180]

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, just a race. And, this was the perfect rebound race. Especially since I was pacing the 3:35 time (basically the sweeper).

I’ve always enjoyed running the Provo City Half. It’s a fun course that starts at South Fork up Provo Canyon and then drops down to University Blvd. by way of the Provo River Trail. It’s not a super fast canyon race, but it has a good combination of downhill and nice rolling hills.

A post shared by 🔼That’s me. (@josherwalla) on May 6, 2017 at 10:58am PDT

I was excited to not just run this course, but to be pacing it with my really good friend Tricia Wilkins. This shouldn’t have been our first foray into pacing. Back in 2014 we were suppose to pace the Thankful 13 together, but we got separated in the corral and lost each other. I tried to catch up as I was pushing Elsha, but we just never did.

So this race was pretty much making up for that failure.

And, it didn’t disappoint. Especially since we were also joined by Tricia’s husband Cory. It was a REAL party now!

A post shared by 🔼That’s me. (@josherwalla) on May 6, 2017 at 11:04am PDT

I carpooled down from Bountiful to Provo with Carla and Reese Thorne. It was nice because I got to bypass the bus shuttle up the canyon since Reese has his cart. As much as I enjoy bus shuttles up canyons, I also like avoiding losing an extra hour of sleep — it was nice not having to leave for Provo an hour earlier.

The race start at the South Fork Park up Provo Canyon near Vivian Park — and in year’s past it’s pretty dang cold. So I always come prepared with a fairly heavy and/or layers, but when we got up the canyon I was fairly surprised how warm it was — my jacket was hardly needed. Which is good and bad — bad, meaning, it meant the valley was going to be fairly hot.

But, since I was pacing 3:35 I wasn’t too worried about the heat. Plus, I brought my backpack which still packed from the previous week’s 50K misadventure. I had some water leftover along with bacon jerky, applesauce, Swedish Fish, some Honey Stingers and a first aid kit. So, I was pretty much set for anything between an empty stomach to the apocalypse.

A post shared by (phat) josh (@fight4phat) on May 6, 2017 at 10:55am PDT

After the gun sounded and we corralled everyone toward the starting line we made the decent down the canyon. I love the Vivian Park portion of the canyon, especially during the spring — not only is the canyon beautiful, but you also get some great views of Timp as well. It’s gorgeous.

We fartleked down the canyon trying to keep a good pace while trying not to frighten the people ahead of us much. As much as I love sweeping and pacing the last pacing times — I also know how much the people in the back don’t want to see you, especially early in the race. I’ve had a few run ins with runners in the past that came close to cursing me out at miles 2-3 or so. And, I don’t blame them! No one wants to be passed by the sweeper.

After our fartlek down Vivian Park the course took us down the Provo River Trail — which is even prettier than South Fork and Vivian Park. After passing Bridal Veil Falls and switching under the highway we kept the party going with dance parties (Tricia brought Bluetooth speakers), squats and plenty of laughing. It really was a party in the back.

A post shared by 🔼That’s me. (@josherwalla) on May 6, 2017 at 11:07am PDT

It was a blast.

Around miles 7-8 the course dumped us onto University Blvd. toward the finish line. I was a bit worried about getting to this point, because I was expecting it to be pretty hot — since it warm up the canyon. But, I was relieved to see cloud cover as a storm was approaching Provo. It didn’t look particularly nasty — so the cloud coverage was welcomed.

As we got closer to the finish line we were joined by the Petrossi’s — Timothee and Jennifer — who planned on grabbing a Slurpee and running in with us. They are both a part of Team Addict II Athlete and it was really touching to have them run with us, because it reminded so much of last year’s Provo City Half when the team ran me in on that same home stretch — because nobody runs alone on Team AIIA.

A post shared by 🔼That’s me. (@josherwalla) on May 6, 2017 at 11:17am PDT

At mile 12.5 we hopped off course monetarily and grabbed our Slurpees. Though it wasn’t scorching hot — the Slurpees were manna to my lips — and cooled me down. It was perfect. So, with our Slurpees in hand we headed toward the finish line for our victorious finish picture! And, thanks to Jorge we got some sweet photos!

But, we were done! We did it! We may of been a tad past our pace, but that didn’t matter much. We lingered a bit at the finish line to cheer in some of the runners behind us as we finished the last of our Slurpees.

I just felt great. Having finished the race helped erase a lot of discouragement of my previous week. And, being able to just get out and run was something I couldn’t imagine earlier in the week after overcoming the flu and bronchitis.

A post shared by 🔼That’s me. (@josherwalla) on May 6, 2017 at 3:33pm PDT

My only regret was that my ankle was pretty sore, but that was my own fault — as I realized afterward I forgot to wear my sports brace. But, after icing it throughout the weekend I should be okay. But, it is one of the reasons why I planned on backing out of the Ogden Marathon distance. That foot on pavement for 26.2 miles would just be too much.

Anyways — my next race isn’t until Memorial Day weekend at the Jordan River Half Marathon. I’m planning on getting some good running in, but at the same time I am taking it easy to let my body and ankle heal a bit. It needs it, because I feel it.

But, this race was a victory and such a fun memory I will remember among my 180 journey.

MY NEXT FIVE RACES

After a week of quarantine, I was FINALLY able to hold my angel niece Eliza today! I’m in love! And, of course she marked this occasion by pooping her pants while in my arms.

A post shared by 🔼That’s me. (@josherwalla) on May 7, 2017 at 7:10pm PDT

Everyone needs a Dave in their life. This past week has been pretty stressful. Between overcoming the flu and bronchitis while juggling two jobs, it’s been a tough and stressful week. Tonight after work my plan was to dive head first into some pending projects I need done by Monday, but that kind of got derailed when I got a call from Dave asking to hang out because his Mom wasn’t home. I had a million reasons to say no, but I just couldn’t decline his request. I knew he didn’t want to be alone. So I told him he could come over and watch some basketball while I worked on my computer. When he got to our house he told me how he felt sad for his Mom and how she wasn’t having a very good week. He then told me that he wanted to cheer her up and wanted to go get flowers for her. I knew this meant I wasn’t going to be spending much of the evening at home as planned, so I hopped in the car and headed to the store with Dave. My heart melted watching Dave pick out some flowers, chocolates and a card for his Mom. The love and admiration he has for her is truly special. And, as I stood next to him as he was making these choices, I just couldn’t help but recognize that I needed this pause. I needed this reminder of what life is about. Dave has provided many of these kind of moments during our friendship. I don’t know how I got so lucky to call him “friend,” but I truly cherish his friendship. And, I am truly grateful for these many little lessons and reminders he teaches me.

A post shared by 🔼That’s me. (@josherwalla) on May 5, 2017 at 8:37pm PDT

RACE #146: Provo City Half Marathon (3:35) After the previous weekend’s debacle of DNFs and DNSs and subsequent illness, this was a nice rebound race. I paced 3:35 alongside Tricia and her husband … we were essentially “the sweepers.” But, we had a blast! We had dance parties, made new friends, grabbed Slurpees at Mile 12.5 and made sure there was a party in the back! I wasn’t 100% with my lingering cough and ankle, but the situation was perfect where those weren’t a factor. I’m taking a little more time off to rest my sprained ankle. But, come later this month I should be ready for the Jordan River Half on the 27th. But, I’m still enjoying this moment and race and being able to party on with my dear friends throughout the 13.1 miles! Such a fun time! #provocityhalf #race146 #running @joshruns180 @fight4phat @josherwalla @myracemedals @ryrpacers @run13utah

A post shared by Josh Runs 180 (@joshruns180) on May 7, 2017 at 11:37am PDT

Newborns always make the best drunk faces.

A post shared by 🔼That’s me. (@josherwalla) on May 7, 2017 at 7:22pm PDT

I always love a good graduation ceremony, but I won’t lie … five minutes into it, I’m ready for it to be over.

A post shared by 🔼That’s me. (@josherwalla) on May 5, 2017 at 1:15pm PDT

Somebody’s feeling pretty.

A post shared by 🔼That’s me. (@josherwalla) on May 7, 2017 at 8:54pm PDT

Weekly Miles

Running Miles — 5.5 miles Race Miles — 13.1 miles Walking Miles — 19.47 miles TOTAL MILES — 38.07 miles Race(s) this week — Provo City Half Marathon

May 2017 Miles

Running Miles — 5.5 miles Race Miles — 13.1 miles Walking Miles — 19.47 miles TOTAL MILES — 38.07 miles Races in May — Provo City Half Marathon and Jordan River Half Marathon.

2017 Miles

Running Miles — 210.75 miles Race Miles — 164.52 miles Walking Miles — 439.88 miles TOTAL MILES — 815.15 miles Races done in 2017 — New Year’s Half Marathon, Sweethearts 5K, Jackpot Running Festival, SL Tri Club Indoor Half, March Madness Half, Lucky 13 Half Marathon, Emigration Canyon Half Marathon, Riverton Half, Saltair Half and Provo City Half Marathon.

RACE #146: Provo City Half Marathon was originally published on PhatJosh | My Life Running.