[Editor’s Note: This article is part of an occasional series on the unique opportunities and challenges of growing older as a runner. While this article was written prior to the start of the 2025 Cocodona 250 Mile, at the time of publication, the author has about 40 miles to go. iRunFar’s Bryon Powell is with him as a pacer and sent the images for this article from the race course. Go, AJW, we are all so proud of you!]
Twenty-five years in the past, I stood on the beginning line of my first 100-mile race, the 2000 Angeles Crest 100 Mile in California. I used to be 32 years previous — a younger educator and father, a brand new runner, a “rookie,” as everybody advised me I used to be — and I used to be scared out of my thoughts.
As I write this 25 years later, I’m a 57-year-old grandfather, a operating retailer supervisor, and a salt-encrusted veteran runner standing on the beginning line of my first 250-mile race. And, like I used to be 25 years in the past, I’m scared out of my thoughts.
Because the saying goes, “You always remember your first time.” And I believe, similar to I’ve by no means forgotten the 2000 Angeles Crest 100 Mile, I may even always remember the 2025 Cocodona 250 Mile.
The writer heading into Sedona, Arizona, at mile 162 on the third day of 2025 Cocodona 250 Mile. All pictures: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
A factor I’ve observed amongst my friends as I’ve gotten older, is that fewer and fewer of them appear keen or in a position to put themselves in scary conditions. Conditions by which they may fail, conditions that could be embarrassing, or conditions that will make them feel and look weak. On the one hand, I can perceive why they select to not take the chance. Alternatively, I take a look at my very own life and say to myself, It’s in these conditions that I really feel most alive!
And so it’s that I’m right here, on the eve of the Cocodona 250 Mile, which is able to wind its method across the state of Arizona, petrified of what the subsequent 5 days may need in retailer for me, but additionally enthralled by the chance to study, to develop — and to get a glimpse into my soul, as even a curmudgeonly 57-year-old must do infrequently.
I’ve finished the coaching. I’ve previewed the course. I’ve found out my vitamin and I’ve dialed in my gear. I’ve even found out how you can cost all of the units I have to have together with me for this size of a race. I’ve an unbelievable crew to again me up, and a wealth of expertise on my facet. I’ve a optimistic perspective and a will to march my method by means of. Greater than that, I’m operating this race in honor of my expensive pal Rob Martin, who handed away immediately again in November on the age of 54. If all these issues aren’t sufficient to get this previous desert canine to resist concern, I don’t know what’s.
I do know that the Cocodona 250 Mile will probably be a grind. I do know that there will probably be ample instances for me to give up, to present in to the softer facet of my late 50s, instances when I’ll possible inform myself I’ve nothing left to show. However, my plan is to face these instances head on. I plan to take these instances and switch them on their head and, in the long run, do this factor that makes me really feel most alive. It’s what I’ve been doing because the 2000 Angeles Crest 100 Mile, and I see no purpose to cease now.
Bottoms up!
AJW and pacer Bryon Powell, deep into the journey on the 2025 Cocodona 250 Mile.
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week’s beer of the week comes from Smelter City Brewery in Clarkdale, Arizona, about 130 miles into the Cocodona 250 Mile course. Cleopatra Kölsch is a crisp, refreshing authentically German-style beer that’s easy, barely candy, and excellent for a salty desert canine like me!
Name for Feedback
- When did you final do one thing that scares you as a runner?
- Or do you’ve gotten an enormous scary purpose deliberate?