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Trail running movie and Pearl Jam
Hey all,
In 2006 I came within 300 meters of winning the Western States 100. Unfortunately I collapsed within sight of the finish and had to be helped to and across the finish line. In so doing, I was disqualified and didn't receive an official finish. I attempted the race again in '07,'08, and '09. For various reasons I was unable to finish in any of those attempts. In the summer of 2016, a decade later, I went back with the goal of finishing Western States. My friend, Ethan Newberry (the Ginger Runner), made a film called 'A Decade On.'
My love for Pearl Jam is a strong theme throughout the movie. In fact, I have two friends who both happen to be Seattle musicians. Ben Gibbard (DCFC) and Morgan Henderson (Fleet Foxes), and they both gush over my love of PJ too. Even more interestingly, Ben reached out to Mike McCready and asked him to film a short motivational for me. Though you don't actually see the minute long video that Mike sent, you can see my totally shocked reaction 62 miles into the race, as Ben hands me his phone and shows the video. It gives me chills just writing it.
I'm super proud of this movie, and I hope some of you may enjoy it too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OArKXKj5PeU
Brian
In 2006 I came within 300 meters of winning the Western States 100. Unfortunately I collapsed within sight of the finish and had to be helped to and across the finish line. In so doing, I was disqualified and didn't receive an official finish. I attempted the race again in '07,'08, and '09. For various reasons I was unable to finish in any of those attempts. In the summer of 2016, a decade later, I went back with the goal of finishing Western States. My friend, Ethan Newberry (the Ginger Runner), made a film called 'A Decade On.'
My love for Pearl Jam is a strong theme throughout the movie. In fact, I have two friends who both happen to be Seattle musicians. Ben Gibbard (DCFC) and Morgan Henderson (Fleet Foxes), and they both gush over my love of PJ too. Even more interestingly, Ben reached out to Mike McCready and asked him to film a short motivational for me. Though you don't actually see the minute long video that Mike sent, you can see my totally shocked reaction 62 miles into the race, as Ben hands me his phone and shows the video. It gives me chills just writing it.
I'm super proud of this movie, and I hope some of you may enjoy it too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OArKXKj5PeUBrian
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Comments
I just sent this video to my sister who is aspiring to be an ultramarathoner trail runner. I mentioned your name and she was shocked that I "knew" you(I told her about the PJ forums and that I do not know you lol). She has followed your story over the years and even knew about your stomach issues during the race. She is running in the Boston Marathon coming up and after that she is going to focus on the trail and the ultramarathon. You guys are crazy! lol
Happy Birthday, Mike! Thanks for your part in getting me through WS!
First I want to say that your story is a great one and very inspirational. Congratulations on getting your buckle. I am a big fan of The Ginger runner and follow all his stuff as well as a fan of all things ultrarunning so I was aware of the filming of your journey to the finish and was patiently waiting for it to be released. It did not disappoint ! Great film and great accomplishment ! When I found out you were a Pearl Jam fan, well, that just put it over the top !! Lol. I also watched Ginger Runner Live after with you and Krissy Moehl and couldn't help but noticing your badass wallpaper in the background. I might have to copy that idea !!
Next time I'm in Seattle, I'm definitely going to try and visit your store and say hi.
1993-9-4 Vancouver
1996-9-16 Seattle
1998-7-19 Vancouver, 7-21 Seattle, Memorial Stadium
2000-11-6 Seattle
2001-10-22 Seattle
2002 -12-09 Seattle
2009-8-17 Manchester, 9-25 Vancouver
2011-6-16 Seattle (EV), 9-3/4 PJ20, 9-25 Vancouver
2012-6-27 Amsterdam (#2!)
2013-11-29 Portland, 12-4 Vancouver, 12-6 Seattle
2014-AUS - 1-26 Sydney, 1-31 Adelaide, 2-11/12 EV Sydney State Theatre, 2-13 EV Opera House
2014 - USA - Memphis, Detroit, MOLINE, St. Paul, MILWAUKEE, Denver, 25/26 Bridge School
2016 - Lexington, Philly x 2, MSG x 2, Quebec City, Ottawa, Toronto x 2, Pemberton, Fenway x 2, Wrigley x 2
2018 - Seattle x 2, Missoula, Fenway x 2
Brian competed in Western States in 2006, and to the surprise of most, he took the lead.
With just 300 meters to go, things took a disastrous turn. That year's race was the second-hottest on recor, and Brian had pushed his body to the limit.
“My legs were just Jell-O,” he said.
With the help of his crew, Brian crossed the finish line in first place and was taken to the hospital.
"I went to the ER there and got scolded by the ER doctor. ‘How could you do this to yourself?,’" Brian said. “It was just in one ear and out the other cause I had won Western States."
Brian's high came crashing down the next morning, when he found he had been disqualified for not completing the race under his own power.
After that came three more failed attempts, followed by a much needed break. Brian's journey back to Western States was featured in the new documentary, "A Decade On."
In 2016, Brian finished the race, thanks to supportive family, friends and pacers, including Death Cab for Cutie frontman Ben Gibbard. Pearl Jam's Mike McCready also reached out.
“That was almost the biggest motivation at times,” Brian said. “I can’t disappoint Mike McCready.”
So now that he's earned his buckle, is Brian done with Western States?
"I can certainly see going back though that pains Andrea every time I say that,” Brian said
Watch the full documentary below:
...
A DECADE ON - Brian Morrison and The Western States 100
GET THE BONUS COMMENTARY: https://gingerrunnerstore.com/products/a-decade-on-directors-commentary-track-w-brian-morrison
SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/subGINGERRUNNER
JOIN THE PATREON CREW: http://patreon.com/thegingerrunner
In 2006, a young Seattle ultrarunner, Brian Morrison, attempted his first Western States 100. After running for 18 hours on the second hottest day in the race's history, he found himself in first place as he entered the historic finishing track,. Unfortunately, after using all of his strength to get there, his body gave out within feet of the finish. His crew helped him to his feet which ultimately lead him to not finish under his own power, resulting in a DNF or "Did Not Finish". 10 years later, Brian returned to finally get his coveted Western States 100 buckle.
Visit Brian's running store, Fleet Feet Seattle, and meet him in person. He's just as kind and open as you can imagine.
This film was made in part by the incredible support of all of our wonderful Patreon supporters. Feel free to join the crew: http://patreon.com/thegingerrunner
Be sure to support this and future films by snagging the Director's Commentary track featuring Brian Morrison here: https://gingerrunnerstore.com/products/a-decade-on-directors-commentary-track-w-brian-morrison
SPECIAL THANK YOU:
The entire Morrison family
Matt Trappe
Kimberley Teshima Newberry
Ben & Morgan
Scott Jurek
John Medinger
Craig Thornley
The amazing WSER Board, Volunteers & family
Pearl Jam