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bigbillfromthebridge

@bigbillfromthebridge

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Billy H
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A couple of weeks have passed since crossing a finish line I pictured every single day and played over and over on all of my runs.

This week marks 1 year since I was mauled by an asiatic black bear while trail running.

In the moment I thought the best thing to do was throw up my arm to protect my neck and head. Time slowed down, I wasn't really sure how things were going to pan out and ofcourse certain things did cross my mind. Adrenaline flowing, I was alive and legging it for safety trying to support my severley broken arm.

While running away I remember being angry that something that I had come to love is all about to change. Weirdly enough I was thinking how the heck am I going to run again after this?!

This past year there have been many highs and lows both mentally and physically but it's something I haven't had to navigate by myself thanks to the support of my incredible friends and family especially my amazing wife. I'm greatful that this experience happened for me and has opened the door to many new lessons and goals.

In April I signed up for my first 100miler, at the time there were so many question marks and uncertaintys around running. It honestly scared me to death the thought of being back on the trails, on many occasions I just wanted to throw it in. I had to keep coming back to my WHY. I knew that if face this head on and overcome this and reach my goal then I could achieve anything I set my mind to.

Sadly, I didn't gain bear sense, I didn't grow claws or more hair on my chest and back 😂. But It did help me discover mental and physical strength I think we can all tap into.

Many of us experiences some kind of trauma in life and what that is unique to the individual. We don't have to let it consume us, we can harness what might seem like a mountain to over come and turn it into a positive.

Thank you everyone for all your love and support, I hope I can help you in return reach new goals or inspire you along the way.

Bill. taken in Myoko Kogen by @bigbillfromthebridge

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12 days ago

Shinetsu Gogaku 100mile trail 31:32:39

I wouldn't change the journey life has been this past year, it made crossing the finish line all the sweeter. It's safe to say the fire is once again, well and truly burning inside!

What an awesome experience getting to run 100miles (170km thanks to Coros 😂) around my own back yard. It was certainly filled with highs and lows, a true mental and physical battle. This year the course was very challenging with a wet, muddy, and slow start and bad slip 20km in I thought was going to cost me the race. 69km into it I made a cut off point by 30seconds thanks to Chisato telling me to sprint! From there I was able to move like a man possessed for a good 70km, my legs were back and I was able to shift it into another gear with no leg pain at all (especially after a couple bottles of coca cola).

The decent after the final climb my legs were spent, my stomach fatigued and I had to really dig deep for the final 10-15km. I could hear the finish line music but it just never seemed to come 😂

Seeing familiar faces and sharing embraces along the way gave me the strength to push and keep going.

This race meant the world to me and to achieve it wouldn't of been possible without the love and endless support of all my family, friends locally and from afar, thank you everyone.

Special thanks to my amazing crew chief and wife Chisato and top notch crew Sion, Sam, Haruki San, Nozomi San, and to all my incredible family and friends supporting me along the way.

Hungry for more ahead! taken in Myoko Kogen by @bigbillfromthebridge

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23 days ago

Myoko Archives 2025 taken in Japan by @bigbillfromthebridge

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7 months ago

⛄️⛄️ by @bigbillfromthebridge

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7 months ago

Bday pow day 3peat 💨
🎥 @nick__russell by @bigbillfromthebridge

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7 months ago

Central with @oyuki_japan
📸 @boenferguson taken in Hokkaido by @bigbillfromthebridge

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8 months ago

Good to be back in the mainland 🏡
🎥 @nick__russell by @bigbillfromthebridge

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8 months ago

Capping off an epic week up north with the @oyuki_japan crew. Beyond grateful to make a speedy recovery to be able to make this trip. All time. 🙏 taken in Hokkaido by @bigbillfromthebridge

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8 months ago

Unforgettable day with the boys

🎥 @j_.cal @nick__russell by @bigbillfromthebridge

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9 months ago

The weekly cycle
🎥 @jacob.callaghan by @bigbillfromthebridge

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9 months ago

Back into the swing of things 💪
🎥 @j0ni_____ @saxonmchutchison

@oyuki_japan
@seasoneqpt taken in Japan by @bigbillfromthebridge

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9 months ago

One from the Asahikawa archives with @oyuki_japan Last winter. Off to a slower start here In Myoko this winter with some warmer temps. Rehabbing hard and getting excited to get out there and do it all again soon!

Second slide, a new spin on the ever changing series of events 🐻 😂 by @bigbillfromthebridge

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10 months ago