From Squaw to Auburn | My Western States 100 Race

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9 жыл бұрын

On June 27, 2015 I toed the line at the race of my dreams: the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run from Squaw Valley to Auburn. Here is my personal account of that day and all the people that helped me rally to the finish line. It wasn't the day I had envisioned in my head in the days, weeks and months leading up to it, but it was still the experience of a lifetime. Thank you to all that helped encourage me along on that journey.
Film by: Billy Yang
Shot by: Joel Silva
Crew/Pacers: Josh Spector, Jimmy Dean Freeman
© Billy Yang Films 2015

Пікірлер: 452

@brucehodson2763 9 жыл бұрын

Few things move me to tears quite the way this did. Especially seeing the Golden Hour finishers.

@davidgiezyng4195 5 жыл бұрын

I was a golden hour finisher back in 1999. Always appreciated the people there cheering me on to the finish. Meant a lot back then.

@marinatedbeefcubes 3 ай бұрын

Literally balled when I saw a 70 year old had seconds to finish and the whole finish line was cheering her on until she made it

@Anichels 3 жыл бұрын

One of the most underrated gems of this video is the parallel storyline that starts at 13:13, and 19:50 John Trent: "Katie is 15 minutes ahead of cutoff, so yeah." (attitude suggests she probably won't make it) Then she finishes with less than 4 minutes to cutoff.

@tonilawrimore 8 жыл бұрын

Don't mind me, crying like a baby from 18 minutes on. Race finishes always get me.

@mr.schoko8032 7 жыл бұрын

me too

@mondoc7976 5 жыл бұрын

Right?

@jenniferwithrow5512 5 жыл бұрын

yup!

@maggie0285 5 жыл бұрын

I was crying too. This stuff speaks to my heart. This brings back memories of finishing a marathon and my dad seeing me with a big ole smile on his face.

@gunhildswanson1798 7 жыл бұрын

I love that video, Billy. You were awesome. Way to conquer those early troubles and finish strong. And thank you for attaching Katie Trent's and my finish at the end.

@ricardomorais81 6 жыл бұрын

You are awesome. its so inspirirng to watch you finishing this race. God bless you.

@ChristopherFrear 6 жыл бұрын

Gunhild, your race inspires me, breathes hope for the many years ahead!

@RyokanDaigu 6 жыл бұрын

What a spectacular finish! Way to go!!

@jennacdodge 5 жыл бұрын

You are an inspiration!!

@pallekjrlaursen8388 5 жыл бұрын

You did good, Gunhild, real good.

@TrailRunningWales 6 жыл бұрын

I still love this film. You're the reasons I've started making my own movies. Well done Billy

@sorayameah8216 8 жыл бұрын

This is another great film from you. I ran my first marathon this year at the age of 53. You, your films and your ultra running friends supported and helped me achieve my goal. You have all inspired me to progress on wards, who knows where it will lead. Good luck and success with your future adventures.

@BillyYang 8 жыл бұрын

+Soraya Meah that's amazing to hear Soraya. thanks for the kind words and much success to you too!

@parraphrase 2 жыл бұрын

"Still early in the race. Still only about 30 miles in" Yeah right. I can't comprehend this. You guys are something else.

@mitchmellons 4 жыл бұрын

Billy thank you for the inspiration. Almost all of my training this year has been on the treadmill. Videos like yours are what keep me from burning my shoes and taking up sewing.

@hoop1127 7 жыл бұрын

Billy, after watching your film and your effort I don't hardly know what to say...I's am so inspired to run, period.. thank you...

@laurisoza 7 жыл бұрын

The moment realized this film was about Billy, I knew this was going to be a great film....and it was. I laughed, I cried, I clapped and cheered as you crossed the finish line!!

@toytreasures5410 4 жыл бұрын

Chills. Thank you Billy.

@steveotatooed 8 жыл бұрын

Billy Dean Karnazes book is what started my running and I just signed up for my first 100 miler. Its not Western States but its still a HUGE goal! Respect to you my friend!

@e.g.7705 4 жыл бұрын

My father a retired Lt. Col green beret Vietnam Vet ran this 6 times at age 50+. I have one of his belt buckles he got, one of my most prized possessions. Hard damn race, I walked a portion of it as my father trained for it and it kicked my BUTT, I don't know how you guys/gals do it VERY IMPRESSED. You two may have met once or twice, David Gordon.

@Drjeffreydsperlingmd 6 жыл бұрын

You rock Billy!! Love these.

@jaychu3850 4 жыл бұрын

49 yrs old and inspired by your videos Billy. I’m gonna do an ultra because of you!

@ohemamyg8892 8 ай бұрын

Billy's joy when he see's that Sally is in 7th place made me cry. Ultra runners are such a beautiful breed of human ❤

@cheynevanarsdale8294 2 жыл бұрын

I watch this weekly and the magic never escapes me. cant wait to make a WS100 my goal. from one southern california resident to another, thanks billy. this is amazing.

@HarryRunsUK 9 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing this film, and being so open with your feelings and mindset throughout the race.

@Ellevated_Woman 7 жыл бұрын

BEAUTIFUL!

@chrishall7175 6 жыл бұрын

What a great tribute to this event and to all of us who had the chance to run this amazing adventure. Looking back 30 years to the last time I had the privilege of running WS100 this film and the others that have come out of this experience reminds me of the time spent with the members of this special club. Thanks Billy!

@GuillermoEAyala 8 жыл бұрын

love your films man, thanks for all the work you do.

@notoriousrjg Жыл бұрын

To quote your pacer, “Unfreaking believable.” You are a beast Billy! I hope this accomplishment still fills you with a sense of pride. Because you freaking deserve it!

@gmt903 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your story Billy!

@ddtee7892 7 жыл бұрын

So incredibly inspiring!!!

@Blair62 6 жыл бұрын

You are a great filmmaker Billy Yang. And a great runner. I would love to see a film about the phenomenal 70 year old who finished this race.

@poelaertpieterjan 6 жыл бұрын

All your docs are a great motivation! keep up the good work

@Davidthemarathoner 6 жыл бұрын

Another amazingly inspiring video Billy. THANK YOU !!!

@afewmominutes Жыл бұрын

Great job finishing. Very similar to my experience in 2013, took the early downhills too fast and fried my quads. I could climb with no issues, but I couldn't run downhill after the first 30 miles and feet were a mess, making for a very long day and golden hour finish. Still, I loved it! Awesome video, well done.

@stewthebassman 9 жыл бұрын

Bravo.... > Mr. Billy. Dang...fighting back the tears...... Congratulations on an epic day in every sense of the word. Thank you for bringing us along and letting us into your world again!

@MalcolmMcLoughlin 9 жыл бұрын

You capture the deepest human emotions in your films. This is a race I SO want to do and if I never do it, I will have gotten as close as I can because of this film. Just tremendous, and WELL DONE!!!!!

@ericyoahan 9 жыл бұрын

Billy. Thank you for inspiring, thanks for sharing.

@sheridanedley9232 9 жыл бұрын

So rad! Thank you for taking us all on this journey with you. I am moved and inspired!

@johnfowlertrailrunning 7 жыл бұрын

Awesome job Billy and fantastic heartwarming video!

@runnerup9786 3 жыл бұрын

Loved this film, the end brought me to tears. The joy and achievement was incredible! These races and your films about them truly are inspiring!

@shanaelee8150 5 жыл бұрын

You're awesome Billy. Very motivational!

@simmonsdan2 9 жыл бұрын

unreal billy epic brought tears to my eyes

@macelet214 6 ай бұрын

F yeah, Billy Yang!!! Love to see it!!

@richardking3681 6 жыл бұрын

Amazing. So many congrats. What an inspiration!

@squeakywheelprod1 5 жыл бұрын

Of all the Western States videos this is my favorite, love watching a self proclaimed middle of the pack competitor struggle and overcame adversity time and again. Inspiring.

@susansullenberger5320 7 жыл бұрын

I love the way you showed appreciation and gratitude for all the support. Great job sticking with it.

@ianworsfold3421 7 жыл бұрын

Great commitment, Great film!

@MangoPopper 3 жыл бұрын

A beautiful story. A beautiful video. Thank you, Billy.

@jeanbelanger1467 2 жыл бұрын

Humble ,simple , down to earth great video.

@keesdekoffie 6 жыл бұрын

What a hero you are Billy Yang! Great job.

@marcobautista9298 9 жыл бұрын

I really enjoy your videos Mr. Yang, congrats and thanks!!

@jessran70 9 жыл бұрын

Great, great video and congrats Billy.

@chilidog73 7 жыл бұрын

You are my inspiration for today. Congratulations!

@nickpenney4953 9 жыл бұрын

Wonderful. Congratulations Billy.

@TamaraLauzon 8 жыл бұрын

Inspiring, you've got me all teary :) Thank you Billy for sharing

@jasonmason066 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your story. It's inspirational and beautiful!

@williamgodin1110 5 жыл бұрын

Your content is always so inspiring and so well made. Thank you Billy.

@dan.prosser 8 жыл бұрын

Masterpiece! What a finish.

@maurobenvenuti725 9 жыл бұрын

great job!!! few minutes again and i will cry.... so inspired!!

@Safari87 7 жыл бұрын

My eyes are sweating. ☺️ Thanks Billy!

@168dhruv 4 жыл бұрын

This is really amazing and inspiring. Love this film!

@CoolInOlympia 9 жыл бұрын

Wow! What a ride! Awesome day! Thanks, Billy! Congratulations!!!!

@TheBachmaier 6 жыл бұрын

Awesome Videos! All of them. You have such a talent to bring all those emotions right at the screen. Thank you so much!

@amyhanami9235 9 жыл бұрын

Congrats Billy, love your films, they are so inspiring!!!

@AdamStevens91 9 жыл бұрын

Billy, this was the most moving trail running film I've ever seen. Incredible work during the race and making this film. Keep it up man!!! :)

@tomaszjakubowski3103 9 жыл бұрын

Beautiful movie Billy, Congrats!

@saulu8640 5 жыл бұрын

I love this video I've seen it a couple of times already so inspiring brilliant

@sydneycatherine1480 9 жыл бұрын

So good, Billy. Well done sir! Great race, great film.

@gregoryperkins4352 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thank you so much for sharing this with us!

@robmorley2895 9 жыл бұрын

An unbelievable achievement, extremely well documented! Well done Billy!

@midgicegg874 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for posting another great running video. Way to tough it out and finish strong!

@chrisaalexander 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your story and making this movie. Highly inspirational!

@ChongPengHow 9 жыл бұрын

Billy, you've inspired me through your films and now you've inspired me even more by the race you ran! Congratulations! Truly awesome!

@alexandradominick3158 4 жыл бұрын

this made me cry, YOU ARE AWESOME! you are such a strong and resilient human being💪🏼 you’re a badass

@joestarr5245 8 жыл бұрын

Congratulations, Billy. Thank you for sharing your experience.

@gottzx14 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing, great vid , great story will not forget this 😊

@stevejm9942 6 жыл бұрын

Well done Billy. What a brilliant video. Thank you for sharing. And congratulations for finishing.

@yinthesky1 5 жыл бұрын

Billy, you my friend are an inspiration!

@daninfalt6777 9 жыл бұрын

I can't get enough of Billy Yang Films! Fantastic story! Very inspiring!!

@jennatulls0420 9 жыл бұрын

Wonderful story Billy. Loved it and so proud of you!

@JohnHeywoodrunner 9 жыл бұрын

Congratulations! on the run and the film, "never stop".

@dhruvm2413 5 ай бұрын

So inspiring! Thank you for sharing, you are amazing and many congratulations!

@jodygittleman816 9 жыл бұрын

Billy, I absolutely got chills when you pulled into the track at the end. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. What an accomplishment.

@Poohbieloo 9 жыл бұрын

That is incredible. Thank you for the beautiful filming, motivation, and sharing your story.

@craigtipping9204 9 жыл бұрын

Nice one Billy, thanks for sharing. Awesome effort and film.

@harris0n_t 9 жыл бұрын

Brought be to tears. This is a great one Billy! Good job trailblazer.

@ChefJgotti 7 жыл бұрын

Brother your videos inspire me soo much thank you and God Bless

@lagaman11 8 жыл бұрын

Incredible! What an amazing accomplishment! Way to go Billy!

@koolaid3879 9 жыл бұрын

Wow. Amazing film Billy!

@CaptJSmith 5 жыл бұрын

You're an awesome inspiration, Billy. Thanks for making great videos, love your work.

@GloriaKing 9 жыл бұрын

That was epic. I cried. I am so happy you filmed this too. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. I am inspired .

@NYCTrance4life 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Billy you capture the moment in a bottle

@VanMaiTai 9 жыл бұрын

So inspirational!! Emotional and full of reward. It's all worth the miles! Congrats Billy.👏😊

@Icemon09 7 жыл бұрын

I'm so happy for you Billy. This is what ultra running is all about. You strip away the barriers and let your emotions fuse with the power of your training. And in the end, it is pure faith and heart that breaks you through. Well done my man. You exemplified heart, strength, intelligence and courage. Well done indeed.

@trishthorne9044 3 жыл бұрын

I think I was crying from minute 3......awesome video. The human body and mind amazes me.

@florencebastien2162 3 жыл бұрын

I’ve watched a lot of your videos, and they’ve really inspired me in my running journey. So thank you. ❤️

@cyclox73 5 жыл бұрын

So glad I came across this again! So inspirational. If only I could like it more than once!

@rancor000 6 жыл бұрын

I always come back to this video.

@cliby83 7 жыл бұрын

Great video! What a journey! I Got teary eyed... very inspirational

@ryanmeyers8859 9 жыл бұрын

So, so inspirational Billy. Thank you, and congrats on an amazing accomplishment!

@GingerPhotographer 9 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Fantastic and much much more!

@KrisVandenBergh 9 жыл бұрын

Thanks Billy. Moved me deeply! Keep up running and making beautiful films like this.

@KT189 4 жыл бұрын

Billy, your films are aspirational and inspirational. Great job.

@brandonlang8336 2 жыл бұрын

Way to go man! Thanks for sharing. I am new to the sport and you have definitely given me motivation through all you do to keep going.

@codyherriot643 9 жыл бұрын

Great film. Very inspiring! Well done Mr. Yang, well done.

@kevinconnelly9810 9 жыл бұрын

Profound, inspiring video. You have a serious talent for documenting these endurance events. Congrats!