Friends to the Finish Line / These two push each other to compete in triathalons, marathons

OGDEN -- Friends don't let friends stay at home.That has been Tyler Sorenson's motto for five years.In that time, Sorenson, a 32-year-old Bountiful native and Utah State University graduate student, has been pushing or pulling his longtime friend, 32-year-old Brian Brenchley, over uncounted miles of 5Ks, 10Ks, marathons and triathlons. Brenchley is a quadriplegic with cerebral palsy.By the end of the year, the duo will have competed in more than 30 events, a feat that amazes Sorenson, a self-described nonathlete who once hated running."Some things that you would never do for money, you would do for love. We are friends, and that is what we do," Sorenson said."I am the motor, Brian is the motivation. I am the legs, he is the looks."Running has taken the pair all over the Intermountain West, and this weekend they will compete in their 29th event together -- the Camp Yuba Triathlon in Juab County.Ladies manSorenson's first memory of Brenchley is in the lobby of the Weber State LDS Institute of Religion building.Although he can't speak, Brenchley could be seen winking and greeting every girl that walked by. Sorenson was impressed and introduced himself.The two continued to see each other on campus at institute activities or dances and became good friends.Brenchley, an Ogden native, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy following his birth in 1977. He requires assistance with almost every aspect of life, from eating and bathing to opening a door.To communicate, he uses a LiteWire, a small electronic device that allows him to spell out words one letter at a time.Sorenson said he was inspired on behalf of his pal to confront his dislike of running in 2004. With the permission of Brenchley's parents, Sorenson asked if his friend wanted to ride along as he ran in 5Ks and maybe some 10Ks.Initially, Brenchley was shocked, then accepted with a smile as big as the Wasatch Mountain range.His parents didn't object either."A long time ago, we decided Brian had enough limitations. We didn't to stop him from doing anything he wanted to do," said Joe Brenchley, Brian's father.The thrillAsked which event has been the most memorable, both mention Oct. 4, 2008, and the St. George marathon.Rain poured throughout the entire race. A tire on the wheelchair went flat after three miles, which caused severe discomfort for Brenchley."He lost lateral support and was in pain. It was his worst race ever," said Sorenson, who was also struggling physically that day.At mile 16, Sorenson pulled over and they considered their options. If they gave up, the pain would be over.But they would miss their goal of finishing the race and completing the Utah Grand Slam, plus would miss out on a medal and T-shirt.With tears flowing and his side throbbing, Brenchley answered, "We run." "It was awesome. We blasted past everybody and flew though the last half of the marathon," said Sorenson, adding they were only two minutes and 16 seconds over their goal of four hours.Sorenson described the feeling that came with finishing that race as "we can do absolutely anything we want.""The rules changed after that. The things I thought I could never do were now possible. Whenever I get discouraged with grad school, I remember that I did five marathons pushing a guy in a chair and I realize I can do my homework."Although his shoes haven't touched pavement, Brenchley also has paid a price to learn about sacrificing comfort to achieve a goal."He's tough. It's not a free ride for him. ... The longer races, specifically marathons, have been especially difficult," Sorenson said. "I am so proud of him."Looking back, Brenchley describes his experience as "awesome."FundraisingTeam Brenchley's ability to compete depends on the assistance of sponsors, family and friends, who have helped raise thousands of dollars for special competition equipment and other expenses. Minnesota-based Otto Bock HealthCare recently donated a custom seating system for Brenchley's racing wheelchair. The more-comfortable chair is valued at $4,000."Up to this point, Brian has had to fight through agonizing pain in almost every marathon we have run. Brian has both scoliosis and kyphosis (meaning that his spine abnormally curves to the front and the back, as well as from side to side)," Sorenson said.At Camp Yuba this weekend, they will use a boat/harness system that Sorenson rigged up that allows him to pull Brenchley along as he swims the one-mile course. While they wait for a bike/chariot combination to be completed, they will not participate in the 24.9-mile biking portion of the race.On the home stretch?The duo will continue to race as long as it is feasible. They agree this year could be their last together because Sorenson has nearly completed his doctorate in audiology and will soon pursue his career.They both hope their efforts will inspire others to attempt similar feats."It's been neat to see how we have improved, how far we have come," Sorenson said."It's also cool to see how our friendship has developed. Brian is always pushing me to go faster."