Taking some time to reflect and look back at 2022 there are so many emotions and thoughts that run through me. It was truly an amazing year with some of the highest highs along with some of the lowest lows one can experience. We got to travel more than in years past seeing some places we have never been to with the highlight being Bryce Canyon for our anniversary. We spent a couple of days in the offseason exploring nearly empty trails with some magical views, and ending one night eating microwaved hot pockets watching the Super Bowl. If you have never been to Bryce I would say it’s a must visit. Doing it in the off season is a great option with low crowds on the trails , but does come with the downside of having limited dining options with not many restaurants being open.
I was lucky enough to see my dad 3 time through out the year. The first time was at the end of May, and thanks to his partner Mary she put together an awesome surprise to help celebrate his retirement from the company he spent 55 years with. He was beyond blown away when we had shown up unexpectedly but we could tell he was excited for us to be there. In that time we got to see my grandma and aunt, and I was so happy to spend some alone time with my grandma at the retirement party. She of course wanted to tell me the fishing story from when I was 3-4 years old. I have heard this story countless times since moving away when I was young, but loved hearing it every time I got to see her. Later in July my dad and Mary made the trip out to see us prior to making a trip to the million dollar high way. We were able to show them a couple of the national parks close with Zion being the most impressive. Unfortunately the 3rd visit wasn’t the circumstances we wanted, and not the reason you want to attend a family gathering. The first week of September we got word my grandma had passed, and we made the trip to Colorado for her funeral. We spent couple of days with my dad before making trip home, and all I could think about was how thankful and fortunate I was getting to see my grandma a couple of months prior hearing her story one last time. Always listen to stories someone is telling you even if you have heard it a thousand times. It could be the last time you will ever hear it.
I have never considered myself an athlete, but I decided 2022 would be my first full year committing to a serious running journey that had some goals that seemed unreal and extreme. Believe me there were plenty of times self doubt crept in and I thought at times the goals were impossible. Early January I finalized a race schedule that would have me set to toe the line at 7 races including 5 half marathons, my first ultra marathon distance of 55k, and my first 100 mile attempt at the Javelina Jundred. I had no real expectations with the races I scheduled, but I made the decision early January to seek out and hire a coach to help guide the way for what I was setting out to accomplish. I knew in the back of my mind I would need as much help as possible, and this ended up being a huge benefit and a game changer to my overall training. I went from slogging out meaningless miles and winging a training plan to having a set schedule with actual structure and accountability. By the end of the year I am beyond blown away by overall results from my year of training and racing. I ended my year running 6 of the 7 races finishing all with times that I would never expect or think was possible. At the start of the year my plan was to run because I enjoyed it and to stay in shape, and by the end of it here I am winning races, finishing a crazy distance, and becoming part of the Ultraspire, and Squirrel nut butter race team.
Overall miles 2,480 Overall elevation climbed 152,667′ Overall hrs of training 391
1/29 Sun half marathon 1:33:00 8th overall
3/5 Red mountain 55k 6:10:49 22nd overall
5/21 Zion at night 1:36:15 5th overall
6/18 Utah desert 1:30:34 1st overall pr and course record
8/13 Cedar breaks at night 1:52:09 1st overall course record
10/29 Javelina Jundred 20:59:01 56th overall sub 24 hr finish
Overall it was a great year to learn and grow along the way. One of the biggest take aways was you never know who is watching, and who you are inspiring by the things you do. There are always eyes on you even if you don’t realize it. So make sure you are setting the example of how things should be done the right way. Going into 2023 I will be continuing to run and race, but don’t having anything crazy lined up as of yet, but who knows the year just started. This may be a year to build a better base, work on building my business, and spend some quality time with my family. Even though I accomplished some amazing things over the last year nothing brought more happiness than getting the news that my oldest son Elias and his girlfriend Kinz would be having their first child, and our first grandchild early 2023. We are beyond excited to be extending our family and can’t wait to meet the grand baby as soon as he arrives.
Wai! What? This is one of the most amazing humans on the planet! If you have ever witnessed a 100 mile race firsthand, it’s a “gotta-do-it”! Never in my lifetime would I ever get this chance, but I have to say, it was the most incredible experience I’ve ever had. My sister and her husband have completed several of these races but, to witness our sin-in-law run his first, will forever be a memory I will never forget! Proud is an understatement!
*son-in-law