Jeremy Howes, San Juan Capistrano, California, 44, IT Manager
What inspired you to start doing races?
After our second child was born, my wife went on a popular diet plan. One of her co-workers, who was an ultra-runner, offered her and others if they met their goals he would pay for their entry into the Catalina Marathon. I thought that would be fun, so I joined in the training. In 2008, I completed my first race and marathon.
Do you walk, run or run/walk, swim, cycle, do obstacles?
I love the trails and the trails around us are hilly, so truly it’s run/walk. I will jump on the mountain bike and in the pool from time to time. Mostly for me, it’s running in the hills.
What distances do you do?
Most of the races I enter are half or full marathons. The 10k distance is fun to do, because it is almost a full spirit. Only wish I could keep that pace for the halves/fulls.
How many have you done?
- 5k: 15 (PR: 27:01 Disneyland 5K – Anaheim CA 08/2014)
- 10k: 12 (PR: 58:42 Freedom Run at the Ranch – Ladera Ranch CA 07/2013)
- Half: 36 (PR: 2:14:39 Tinker Bell Half – Anaheim CA 01/2014)
- 30k: 1 (That was a rough day)
- Full: 35 (PR: 5:02:02 WDW Marathon – WDW FL 01/2015)
- 50k: 1 (I finished on two feet)
- Ragnar: 2 (Southern California and Wasatch Back)
- Challenges:
- Dopey: 3
- Goofy: 5 (3 combined with Dopey)
- Dumbo Double: 3
- Rebel Challenge: 1
- Pixie Dust: 1
- Coast to Coast: 5
- Beach Cities: 3
What do you feel is your greatest race accomplishment?
One would think it would be the completion of a 50K. Typically, I race to race, and try not to waste time. The 50k was really just wanting to finish and enjoying the race as best as I can, which I did. My biggest race accomplishment was my second half marathon at The Catalina Island Buffalo Run. I chose to take the morning boat over with a friend. With a stormy morning the boat didn’t make it out of harbor because of the high surf. We jumped on a boat about another hour later, and needless to say it was a rough ride. About half way through the ride, I noticed I was sweating, and thought “oh no, I need to get some air.” Needless to say sea sickness hit me and my stomach was emptied. After the hour and half ride, we made it to a second start for the race. While trying to get my stomach some nutrition, it started to rain and rain hard. This was a trail race and was chipped time. Although I was the last one to start, I was happy to start my five mile 2000-foot climb. The entire time, it was very hard to get traction. But the hardest time I had was down, every step I slipped three to six inches. Never fell and finished.
Favorite race and why?
There are two “A” races for me during the year. The WDW marathon because of the course and I love WDW. I tend to run faster in WDW, and I have no idea why. But my most favorite race is the Catalina Island Conservancy Marathon (March). There is a core group of people who have been running it for years, and we always have a great time. Plus, the course is great and views are indescribable. Spectrum Sports does a great job running the race.
Do you travel for races?
Not a lot. But I do hit Florida, California, Arizona, and Nevada.
Does your race schedule become expensive? How do you afford to make it happen?
Running the Disney races are getting a little crazy. But we have cut down a bit with only WDW, Tinker Bell, and Disneyland Half. I look at my yearly race costs as a part of my health insurance.
Must-have gear on race day:
My Garmin 920XT, and my Hokas. Sometimes I think I would race better without a watch, but I like the stats. Hokas keep my feet happy. As long as they are tied right, my feet are happy throughout most races.
Weirdest place you’ve ever chafed:
I try not to wear white shirts when running a marathon because of a little mole on my back. Sorry the question was there.
Do you prefer to run in warm weather or cold weather?
Hot weather SUCKS for me, I hate it. I can deal with cold, because I can layer. If I can wear my WDW shirts and gloves, it’s going to be great run.
Favorite pre-race meal/snack:
Depends on the race, I have learned to try not to over eat. Typically, not too worried about it. But the after meal, tends to include a “Double Double”.
Weirdest/funniest thing you’ve ever experienced at a race:
The weirdest was a woman wearing a diaper under tights. I thought a better choice would be better if she wore shorts.
Worst experience during a race:
The 2015 Long Beach marathon, the heat was awful. Leading up to the race, I had been through a string of very hot and dry races. The next race, I had my first DNF at the Catalina Eco Marathon, and hopefully my last.
Most awesome moment you’ve ever had at a race:
Actually, I experience it often. People ask me why I do these races? Well it’s definitely not that I was blessed as a talented runner. There is something about the races I do that will take my head in to places I never go. The emotional trip is crazy, from joy and fun to complete misery and pain.
Your favorite part of participating in races:
The start and finish. The Rudy Novotny “shout outs” are the best. He really helps you savor the accomplishment you have just done. For me the “Finisher’s High” is real, and I feel it for days afterwards.
Do you wear costumes? If so, what’s been your favorite?
Not a costume guy, but the best costume I have ever seen was a Churro!
How important are awesome medals to you?
The medals are awesome, especially from Disney. I look at them every day, so I find them 
an important part of my experience.
Best medal you’ve earned so far:
The WDW marathon medals are my favorite. The Catalina Island Conservancy Marathon gives bars out with the year on it. Those are very important to me.
Do you prefer to run alone or with a buddy?
It’s hard to find people with a similar pace. There are times I love to chat away and there are others I just want to listen to music.
Favorite song on your playlist:
My family hates it, but I love EDM. Current high count in iTunes: Avicii (Broken Arrows), Deadmau5 (Cthulhu Sleeps & Faxing Berlin), GTA (Red Lips – Skrillex Remix), Hybird (Finished Symphony Deadmau5 remix), Kygo (Final Mixtape), Moguai (Optinuum), and Markus Schulz (Steel Libido).
Who is your race hero and why?
I have a couple. There is one person who has always been so kind and has become a good friend, is Rudy Novotny. He always takes time to chat and give me valued advice. There is another person who I admire in the runners’ community and his name is Bill Dickey. Bill is one of the old timers who does the Catalina Marathon. Selfless and wonderful person to be around.
What is the top race on your bucket list?
That is hard just to give one. London Marathon, Big Sur Marathon, and St George Marathon.
What has been the best physical side effect of your participation in races?
The strength in my knees and calves. All the up and downs I do have developed my knee strength. They still get “tired” but I have been lucky the pain has been minimal. But my heart muscle is probably the biggest beneficiary.
Your advice for others who might be intimidated by signing up for a race:
Just sign up, or convince a friend to do it with you. That is how I started. My wife and some friends started the journey. Although their journey is not the same as mine, you should be able find yours, whether it be a 5k or a 100mile ultra. The runner community is awesome; the support is always amazing. Coming into a finish is something I tend to remember for all my races.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I hope to fulfill my lifetime goals of 100 marathons and 100 half marathons. When that day comes I hope that my buddy, Rudy will be there to bring me home.
