Thirty years ago, for my father’s 57th birthday, my mother gifted him a golfing trip to Scotland, the home of golf. As part of the trip my father was able to play a round at the legendary Old Course at St Andrews, considered by many to be the birthplace of golf.
When he returned from the trip, I was eager to hear all about his experience and especially what it was like to play St Andrews. My dad, who was often a man of few words, spoke excitedly about his round, the history of the course, and how golfing in Scotland was a truly unique experience. Then, when I asked him if he was looking forward to going back again some day to play another round, he said something that surprised me.
“You know, Andy, I don’t think I will ever go back. I think there are some things in life that we are meant to do just once.”
The revered Old Course in St Andrews, Scotland. Photo: Shutterstock
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to run the Cocodona 250 Mile, a 257-mile footrace in my home state of Arizona. It was an incredible, life-changing experience, filled with all the highs and lows that one would expect out of such a monumental undertaking. In the aftermath of my race, many friends and family members have asked me if I am looking forward to running it again and the truth is, I am not. Similar to my dad’s experience all those years ago in Scotland, I believe Cocodona is something I am meant to do just once.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I have had a long career in ultrarunning and I have run many events multiple times, most notably the Western States 100, Hardrock 100, Vermont 100 Mile, Angeles Crest 100 Mile, and Wasatch Front 100 Mile. Nonetheless, there is something unique about my recent experience at Cocodona, and while I admire and respect those who choose to run it multiple times, for me I want to keep my singular experience of Cocodona as just that — once in a lifetime.
So many things happened out there that stand out in my memory, the rain and mud of the first two days, the long sleepless nights, the beautiful, dappled sunshine up on the Coconino Plateau, and the triumphant walk down the streets of Flagstaff to the finish line in Heritage Square. Those memories, and many others, are now cemented in the past and there for me whenever I want to reflect back on them. I like it that way. To me it feels like I did what I set out to do and do not need to do it again. In the case of Cocodona, once is enough.
Of course, Arizona is my home and the land that the race passes through is some of the most incredible the state has to offer. In future years I certainly intend to be part of Cocodona as a commentator on the livestream, a training run coordinator, a volunteer, and anything else that might be needed. I just won’t return to the race as a participant. I am at peace with that.
Bottoms up!
AJW enjoys a well-earned beer after finishing the 2025 Cocodona 250 Mile. Photo: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week’s beer of the week comes from The Shop Beer Company in Tempe, Arizona. Neonic Orange Julius is a fruited sour ale that is almost like drinking a sour creamsicle. While it is certainly fruity, it also has a creaminess to it that makes it truly unique. This is well worth a try for even those who are not big fans of fruity beers.
Call for Comments
- Have you had any “one and done” running experiences?
- Is there anything on your bucket list to do just once?
