Phil Lowry
Phil is 45 years old, and has eight kids, 6-21. Oldest is a senior at BYU, next one is a midshipman at the US Naval Academy, rest are at home. Phil is a Civilian contracts attorney for the Air Force during the week, Utah National Guard JAG on some weekends. Also a bit of private practice, mostly consulting. Phil's hometown is Mesa, Arizona. Moved away long ago.
Here are a few facts about Phil when we asked him about his running:
Years running: 19
Weekly mileage: Varies. From about April to August I often put in close to 100 miles, all on dirt roads or trails. I'm not allergic to pavement, but I dislike it. In winter I'll put in about the same mileage on treadmill, but a bit less if I'm running on white dirt (groomed snowmobile trails on closed roads).
Favorite race distance or race: Wasatch 100. First organized footrace I entered, in 1994, finished in 34:45. Still my favorite. 100 milers in general.
PR's - (5K, 10K, ½, mara, Ultra) or proudest running accomplishment: 5K?never done one, 10K?never done one, ½--never done one, Mara.?3:11 (must have been on something to have consented to do it). 100 PR?23:03, Bear 100, 2009. Proudest accomplishment is my Crimson Cheetah at Wasatch in 2011, 23:51, a family effort. I'm told I have qualified for Boston, but the Crimson Cheetah is far more important to me.
Favorite training run: North Ogden Divide to Inspiration Point and back via Ben Lomond (~21 miles), Ben Lomond, the "High Loop" (Tibble Fork res., Mineral Basin, Albion Basin, Catherine's Pass, Wasatch course to Mill Canyon Spring back to Tibble, ~30 miles), Timpanogos Grand Loop (up Timpooneke, down AG, connect with the Great Western, ~19 miles).
Why run - (motivation, inspiration): I've never really figured out why I'm hooked, but I suppose it's to accept John Muir's invitation to accept the mountains' good tidings. I feel good when fit. The strange people I run with are entertaining. My kids and I run together. Finally, as an officer I need to set a high physical standard.
Goals: I have four sub-24s in a row now in 100 milers. Keep the streak alive, or at least keep dipping below that sub-24 from time to time.
Favorite music to run to: Celtic, techno, 20th century symphonic, big soundtracks
Favorite running gear - (shoes, apparel, etc.): Hoka One One Mafates, smartwool running socks, Primal cycling jerseys, Nathan packs, Race Ready shorts
Best advice you've been given as a runner: Stan Crane, Utah UR legend, told me in 1994 that to succeed as an ultrarunner you need to get lots of rest.
Best motivational quote: Two of them. Marc Collman: Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Unknown Army Ranger: Embrace the suck.
Your role model: My wife and kids set high standards for themselves and me, especially the two oldest kids, who are really excelling despite a tough world. For running, John Grobben, Wasatch RD. He doesn't run, but gives his time to make life better for runners.
Favorite food: Pizza, of course. In a race, a gel every 20 minutes, plus a bit of watermelon at aid stations. No more, no less.
Hobbies or interests other than running: Symphony musician. I was the principal string bass player in the Orchestra at Temple Square for ten years. Static line airborne operations (army paratrooping, also know as jumping out of a perfectly good airplane).
Anything else the world might want to know about you: That naked guy you just saw run by was not me. Nope. No way. I like studying weather and astronomy.
