In 2016 my wife asked, “do you think we could run a half marathon”? I thought sure, I love a good challenge. Later that year we ran one at Disney and 2 short months later we ran what I call our accidental marathon also at Disney- long story. This turned into more halves and then some marathons. I then thought it would be a good idea to venture into triathlons except, I didn’t have a bike or know how to swim. With the help of the best swim coach out there I learned to swim and I got a bike and started riding. I’m not one to shy away from a challenge and less than 3 years later I heard those magical words, “you are an Ironman”. I dipped my toes into ultra running with 2 50k races, hard yes, but I knew I could go farther. I would casually say, I’d really like to run a 100 one day, I’m not sure a lot people took me seriously.
Back to the pool though, a place that to this day is my nemesis. This is where I would meet Carson’s dad. We always seemed to arrive right about the same time. We’d talk, stay up to date on where we were racing, send congratulations on finishes and once, while I was racing nearing the finish line, he’s yelling at me to get to that finish line. He wasn’t even racing that weekend, he was there to cheer on his team and happened to spot me running by. He’s a guy you want to call your friend, everyone should have someone like him in their corner. He’s also the proudest of dads, always doting on his kids and their accomplishments. We then heard the news about Carson, I just don’t have words for that.
At the memorial, they handed out bottle opener key chains with “Why Not” on them. I carry it with me. I learned the “Why Not” story and heard about the plans to keep the legacy of Carson going. It was then that I knew I would attempt the hardest challenge ever, run 100 miles. I told Jason at the pool one morning, I’m inspired, I’m going to do this I’ve registered for this race, let’s do this. My first attempt didn’t hit the mark. Everyone cheered and was supportive of the attempt but I was broken, I was in over my head and while I went far, it was still a good bit short of 100. I knew I didn’t want an attempt to be my story. I started looking for the next event and funneled everything I learned into finding the finish line in the next attempt.
10 months later I found myself at the start line. 4 am on part of the Appalachian trail in Virginia. 13 out and back trips to a very random decades old Pepsi machine. I had convinced my wife and friend Travis to run “some miles” with me and provide that line of support that’s necessary to run one of these events. Little did they know that they too would become an ultra runner on this day going well past the 50k mark! The weather was right, the course fit my style and the vibe was good. I took what I learned and set out on a new strategy. The miles ticked by. I smiled, I thought of my friends and their mission to inspire and I kept putting one foot in front of another. I messaged Carson’s dad at the halfway mark. I was feeling good. I was more determined than ever, it was rather late where he was wrapping up a trip in Spain. Hours later he would continue to check in on me. He’s working his way through airports and he’s keeping tabs on me while I’m running in the woods! With a few miles left to go he was boarding a plane home and I simply let him know “well just know, I’ve made it.”
I crossed that finish line with multiple hours to spare with my wife and biggest supporter by my side and my friend Travis capturing a video of the moment. I was mentally strong, physically worn down and emotionally all over the place. When people find out that you even want to attempt 100 miles, most commonly they respond by saying, “why?” My response will always and forever be, Why Not!
Jon Kisch
