Thirty years in the past, for my father’s 57th birthday, my mom gifted him a {golfing} journey to Scotland, the house of golf. As a part of the journey my father was capable of play a spherical on the legendary Outdated Course at St Andrews, thought of by many to be the birthplace of golf.
When he returned from the journey, I used to be keen to listen to all about his expertise and particularly what it was prefer to play St Andrews. My dad, who was usually a person of few phrases, spoke excitedly about his spherical, the historical past of the course, and the way {golfing} in Scotland was a really distinctive expertise. Then, once I requested him if he was wanting ahead to going again once more some day to play one other spherical, he stated one thing that shocked me.
“You understand, Andy, I don’t assume I’ll ever return. I believe there are some issues in life that we are supposed to do exactly as soon as.”
The revered Outdated Course in St Andrews, Scotland. Photograph: Shutterstock
Earlier this month, I had the chance to run the Cocodona 250 Mile, a 257-mile footrace in my residence state of Arizona. It was an unbelievable, life-changing expertise, full of all of the highs and lows that one would anticipate out of such a monumental enterprise. Within the aftermath of my race, many family and friends members have requested me if I’m wanting ahead to working it once more and the reality is, I’m not. Much like my dad’s expertise all these years in the past in Scotland, I consider Cocodona is one thing I’m meant to do exactly as soon as.
Now, don’t get me mistaken, I’ve had a protracted profession in ultrarunning and I’ve run many occasions a number of instances, most notably the Western States 100, Hardrock 100, Vermont 100 Mile, Angeles Crest 100 Mile, and Wasatch Entrance 100 Mile. Nonetheless, there’s something distinctive about my latest expertise at Cocodona, and whereas I like and respect those that select to run it a number of instances, for me I need to hold my singular expertise of Cocodona as simply that — as soon as in a lifetime.
So many issues occurred on the market that stand out in my reminiscence, the rain and dirt of the primary two days, the lengthy sleepless nights, the gorgeous, dappled sunshine up on the Coconino Plateau, and the triumphant stroll down the streets of Flagstaff to the end line in Heritage Sq.. These reminiscences, and lots of others, at the moment are cemented up to now and there for me at any time when I need to mirror again on them. I prefer it that method. To me it seems like I did what I got down to do and don’t have to do it once more. Within the case of Cocodona, as soon as is sufficient.
After all, Arizona is my residence and the land that the race passes by is a number of the most unbelievable the state has to supply. In future years I definitely intend to be a part of Cocodona as a commentator on the livestream, a coaching run coordinator, a volunteer, and the rest that is perhaps wanted. I simply gained’t return to the race as a participant. I’m at peace with that.
Bottoms up!
AJW enjoys a well-earned beer after ending the 2025 Cocodona 250 Mile. Photograph: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week’s beer of the week comes from The Store Beer Firm in Tempe, Arizona. Neonic Orange Julius is a fruited bitter ale that’s nearly like consuming a bitter creamsicle. Whereas it’s definitely fruity, it additionally has a creaminess to it that makes it really distinctive. That is properly price a strive for even those that will not be large followers of fruity beers.
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Have you ever had any “one and finished” working experiences?
Is there something in your bucket checklist to do exactly as soon as?
