Welcome to Issue #277
by Rachel Brandes
Quote of the Week
“Heroism is not blind courage: It is selfless action. It is knowing the odds are stacked against you, but feeling that you must do what you do for the good of others.”
– John Baldoni, American Author
Feline Tomfoolery
with Brady & Belichick
Dear Humans,
While we try to acclimate to our new environment in Utah, we are startled by every sound, big or small. At least we have furniture again, although we were terrified to get onto the couch for a couple of days. We have been spending a lot of time on and under our human’s patchwork blanket.
Much Love, Brady & Belichick
Brady & Belichick are Rachel’s adorable felines. These two cute boys turned two on May 4, 2025.
Random Photo of the Week
Who else thinks this squirrel looks like he is ready to rumble? This little guy posted up on his back feet when Rachel approached. She’s never before been so scared of a cute, furry squirrel. Photo by Rachel.
Mental Health Minute
Have you ever greeted someone by saying ‘how are you?’ Rachel finds that when someone asks how you are doing, they aren’t really asking how you are doing, rather they are using the words as a standard greeting. Wouldn’t it be interesting if we felt free enough to answer honestly in that moment without it having to feel awkward?
“If Not Me, Then Who…”
Salt Lake City 9/11 Heroes Run
Pictured above: Does this photo look familiar? If you read last week’s issue, this photo was a teaser for this week. These men all participated in the 5k event ruck category. Yes, Rachel asked these guys to pose for her, she loves asking strangers to pose for photos.
Embrace the Suck
On Saturday, September 6, 2025, the Salt Lake City, Utah chapter of the Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) hosted its 4th annual 5k (3.1 miles) event at East Riverfront Park in South Jordan, Utah.
Prior to the event, Rachel had the opportunity to meet and have a quick chat with Race Director, Matt Solum. Matt said that he expected more than 100 participants to turn out for the event and expressed how grateful he was to participants, volunteers and sponsors.
Pictured above: Speaking of the amazing volunteers and crew that made this event run smoothly, here they are, the team. Photo provided by event.
Rachel was impressed with Matt’s kindness and enthusiasm. Not only did he take time to stop and talk with her, while still being pulled in several directions, but his passion for the event and the cause was contagious.
Pictured above: Patches on a ruck sack in front of Rachel prior to the run. The 2025 TMF patch was given to participants registered in this year’s GORUCK division.
What is all of this talk about ruck, ruck sacks, GORUCK? More on that later, but first…
Who is Travis Manion?
In a nutshell, Travis Manion was a United States Marine Corps officer who lost his life during an act of heroism at the young age of 26 while servicing in Iraq. His legacy continues through the Travis Manion Foundation. Rachel highly recommends you watch the below video and feel all of the feelings that come along with the words spoken by his father and sister. “If not me, then who…”
To learn more about Travis, click the link below.
Who Is Travis Manion? | Travis Manion Foundation
To Ruck or Not to Ruck
Ruck. This was a word that Rachel was unfamiliar with until she participated in this 5k. She was trying to find a way to explain eloquently and took to Google, her trusted information source. The handy dandy AI provided a great answer.
“Rucking is an exercise that involves walking or hiking with a weighted backpack (known as a “ruck”) to build strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness. Originating as a military training method for carrying equipment over long distances, it’s a low-impact, full-body workout that burns more calories than regular walking and can improve posture. It requires a backpack or weighted vest and is a practical, accessible way to get exercise for individuals of all fitness levels.”
Burns more calories? Improves posture? Full-body workout? Yes, please. You may see Rachel wearing a rucksack in the future.
GORUCK partnered with the TMF for this event. It was humbling to see these men and women running and walking with rucksacks. To learn more about GORUCK, click the link below.
Oh, What a Beautiful Morning
As usual, Rachel’s nerves were getting the best of her prior to the event. All of a sudden, she felt a raindrop on her head. Wait, what? There was no rain in the forecast when she last checked. Where was she?
As the large drops fell, she turned her face to the sky, closed her eyes and enjoyed the feeling. The universe had provided her a reminder of home (Washington, where it really doesn’t rain as much as you would think). This feeling gave her a sense of peace and calm.
Ready, Set, Go
But first, a selfie? Fantastic idea, Matt. All race directors should take a note here, what a fun photo opportunity.
Pictured above: Say cheese. Photo provided by event.
What an incredible view at the start line. Rachel didn’t get to enjoy too many other views along the run, as her focus was on continuing to breathe in and out. The elevation was no joke.
Rachel is used to running at less than 200-feet elevation in Washington. Saturday, she ran the 5k at approximately 4,300-feet elevation. It’s fair to say, this was the toughest 5k she’s run in a long time.
Sweet Victory
When Rachel crossed that finish line, she couldn’t believe she actually finished. Look at her zoom through that finish. How was she smiling? It must have been the overwhelming joy she felt to be done.
Pictured above: Rachel caught crossing the finish line. Photo provided by event.
After she caught her breath, she circled back to the finish line to cheer on incoming runners before heading to the photo zone.
Post-Run Photo Fun
Who else is tired of the same old post-race photos where everyone is smiling and trying to pose in way that gets their best angle? Rachel hadn’t intended to start a new tradition for herself, but she liked the back of the race shirt so much, she asked someone to take her picture from behind rather than the usual way. Why she put her hands up like she was under arrest is beyond her. She will work on that in the future and try to find something less ‘you are under arrest’ to use.
How perfect, a big, furry, blue guy holding a Utah sign. The guy was situated in the back of the Travis Manion Foundation booth. Rachel had to have a photo with him, had to. Luckily, the gal working the booth was game and helped Rachel pull big, furry, blue guy out and snap a picture.
And the Winner is…
This race was different than others in that runners were not handed a medal upon crossing the finish line. When Rachel saw a table with medals, she asked who would receive them. She was told the winners of the age divisions. Was she going to earn a medal for her efforts?
Spoiler alert… if you noticed the medal in the previous photo, you know the answer. Even so, crank up the volume for the official announcement from Matt.
Pictured above: The official photo of Rachel after receiving her medal. Photo provided by event.
Okay, okay, sure, she was just the winner of the 50-59 female division. In all honesty, every single person that slapped on a bib that day was a winner. Rachel will admit though, it sure was fun to receive that medal.
On her ninth day in Utah, Rachel was very happy that she found this event and had the opportunity to participate in something so meaningful. With an abundance of new things to do and explore here in Utah, the upcoming issues will surely be full of fun. Until next time, be well.
