Wheeler Farm Loops

Top of Utah Half Marathon

Recent EntriesHomeJoin Fast Running Blog Community!PredictorHealthy RecipesJake K's RacesFind BlogsMileage BoardTop Ten Excuses for Missing a RunTop Ten Training MistakesDiscussion ForumRace Reports Send A Private MessageWeek ViewMonth ViewYear View
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
201120122013201420152016
15% off for Fast Running Blog members at St. George Running Center!

Location:

SLC,UT,

Member Since:

Apr 28, 2011

Gender:

Male

Goal Type:

Other

Running Accomplishments:

PR Table and Notable Races

Marathon:
2:21:12 (Chicago); 2:20:41 (CIM)

Half Marathon: 1:05:45 (Long Beach)
10K: 30:03 (Portland)

All race results:
2011 - 2012 - 2013 - 2014 - 2015 - 2016

Personal:

   

Favorite Blogs:

Click to donate
to Ukraine's Armed Forces
Miles:This week: 0.00 Month: 0.00 Year: 0.00
Race: Top of Utah Half Marathon (13.1 Miles) 01:06:03, Place overall: 1
Running MilesSwimming YardsBike Miles
21.000.000.00

Great morning at one of my all-time favorite races... got the win and ran what I feel like was a pretty respectable time considering my recent training (more detail on yesterday's entry: pre-race thoughts). I feel like I am setting myself up to run a good marathon in 3 weeks. And I'm not tied for last place (with zero points) on the circuit anymore :-)

I rode up to the start with Adam and Scott (who was kind enough to let us crash at his place last night). It was chilly up in the staging area - a good sign! I hope its equally cool, if not downright cold, for the marathon. Adam, Clyde and I ran a few miles to warmup, I did some strides, and it was time to roll.

About 4 guys (Riley, Ben, Ken) were with me off the start, but after about a 1/2 mile I could feel that I had put a bit of a gap on everyone and couldn't here anymore footsteps behind me. Now it was a 12.5 mile solo time trial.

Down the canyon I just tried to keep an even effort. I wore my cheap Timex watch instead of the Garmin, because this race has 100% accurate mile markers and I really wanted to try and run on feel and what felt like a sustainable effort level. I didn't get out of the gate at a sub 4:50 clip like last year, which was smart. But without anyone to push me (ie. Paul right on my shoulder) the pace was a little slower in the first half of the course. That was fine with me. After the 5 mile mark the famous tailwind made an appearance, and during the mile #7 it was very noticeable and nice. Afterwards I asked the race directors to be sure to arrange that same wind for the marathon. 

My splits from this year and 2011 are below... as you can see - I was about 20 seconds slower in the first 6 miles of the race this year, but then ran nearly identical splits the rest of the way (which is actually pretty cool). Running 1:06 by yourself (especially on the second half of that course) is not an easy task so I'm happy with what I did today. It felt very good to cross the finish line first this time around.

Mile     2011 2012  Net +/-
1 4:48 4:54 +6
2 4:58 4:57 +5
3 5:03 5:04 +6
4 4:55 5:01 +12
5 4:51 4:55 +16
6 4:56 4:59 +19
7 4:53 4:53 +19
8 4:59 4:59 +19
9 5:05 5:05 +19
10 5:06 5:06 +19
11 5:14 5:13 +18
12 5:25 5:26 +19
13 4:58 5:00 +21
13.1 0:28 0:28 +21
Finish 1:05:40 1:06:03

Andrea and my parents were at mile 7, 10.5, and 13. It was great to have their support out there because its an otherwise very lonely (albeit scenic, wonderful, and somewhat challenging) course. That hill from 10.5 to 12 is a tough grind. 

So overall I'm pleased with the performance and where this tells me I'm at. My legs didn't have that "snappy / springy" feel - but there is no way I could have expected them to. I feel very strong, though, and that is what will really matter over 26.2. I'm confident I will round into even better racing form over the next couple weeks.

Somewhere out there... 

Top 5 dudes...

With the family after the race... we need to teach Jesse to look at the camera...

I even was able to get my picture taken with high school superstar Conner Mantz... I'm glad I don't run cross-country and don't have to race him! :-)

Lots of great running by the blog today. Way to go everyone! Andrea took a lot of photos and was able to get some finish line shots: 2012 Top of Utah Half Marathon

[AM - 17 miles total - 2+ up, 13 race, 2+ down]

PM - 4 miles easy. Andrea biked along w/ me. We realized partway through the run that this was the first time I ever won a half-marathon. 

Comments
From Jake K on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 10:50:02 from 174.253.160.76

Will post recap when I get home... Good day! Ran solo the whole way... Didn't feel sharp but I felt STRONG. Very excited about the marathon now! Overall the FRB team did awesome! I love this race!

From Bam on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 10:53:09 from 213.191.247.37

Good man. Well done. Look forward to reading your report later.

From Scott Ensign on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 10:54:51 from 67.40.116.44

nice job!! you are awesome. honored to host you and Andrea and Adam for the race. come back anytime! and thanks for the cool shoes. but remember the dew next time :-)

From Kam on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 11:00:02 from 67.2.109.194

1:06 on the second half of the course...I'm speechless. Luckily I have a keyboard. Well played, Krong. Well played.

From Jason D on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 11:18:48 from 24.1.80.94

1:06 at the end of a 100+ mile week. Thank goodness! Per an earlier comment exchange I thought you might be getting slow on us! Good work!

From Lulu Walls on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 11:38:16 from 86.200.184.220

Stoke!

From AngieB on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 11:40:43 from 65.130.72.72

Nicely Done Jake! You will run a awesome marathon. Excited to see how awesome you do.

From Brandon on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 11:54:06 from 67.199.164.200

Congrats on the W Jake! Excited for your full in a few weeks.

From Dan Varga on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 11:57:45 from 70.58.43.82

Congrats on another great race!

From JD on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 12:03:50 from 70.96.78.167

congratulations Jake!

From Joss on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 12:17:13 from 75.169.152.102

WOW!! Very cool.

From scottkeate on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 12:40:27 from 71.199.4.146

Great race at the end of a long week! Looking forward to getting the race report later.

From Bret on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 12:46:19 from 96.228.167.228

Congrats - nice job!

From Redd on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 12:50:54 from 67.182.221.190

Hollah!

From RileyCook on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 13:30:44 from 65.130.72.198

Great race again Jake, especially working alone up there. It was good to see and talk with you.

From Jake K on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 14:27:15 from 67.177.11.154

Holla back!

Thanks guys - report is up now.

From Oreo on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 14:50:17 from 174.27.171.22

Yeah! Crazy fast. I need to up my dosage of Dt. Mtn dew. Great win and good luck at the 26.2! You got iT!

From Paul on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 14:55:32 from 67.41.200.242

Nice job. Wish I could have been there; I love that race.

From Nate on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 15:00:19 from 67.252.184.93

Awesome job. 1:06 in the middle of training is crazy. Way to run through

From NatalieK on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 15:00:29 from 24.2.101.184

Awesome job Jake! You're insane in the best way possible.

From JPark on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 15:00:48 from 174.52.34.169

Congrats Jake! I wouldn't have expected anything less. You're looking terrific! Now go tear up the marathon too.

From Jon on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 15:48:14 from 74.177.126.55

Bodes well for TOU. Nice job.

From allie on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 15:50:38 from 174.23.155.117

congrats, jake. great race. i'm excited to see your marathon result -- you are definitely prepared.

TOU always does a great job. i think you'll find the full to be just as awesome as the half (and you get to enjoy it for twice as long).

From scottkeate on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 15:55:36 from 71.199.4.146

Great job again! And great report! You're in a good position for a fantastic marathon in a couple weeks.

From Rob Mantz on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 16:14:42 from 65.130.131.43

Nice race. Great race report and pictures!

From ACorn on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 16:15:10 from 24.2.76.146

Awesome running Jake! Great win.

From Fritz on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 16:29:16 from 65.100.192.74

Great job Jake running solely. Looks like a fun race.

From MatthewVH on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 16:52:43 from 67.2.122.208

Dude. You are fast. But you already know that. Congratulations, man. One of these days I would like to come out and see you run one of these things.

From Scott Ensign on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 17:50:08 from 67.40.116.44

love the report. great pics, that was nice of Andrea to get a shot of me too!

From Andrea on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 19:17:32 from 67.177.11.154

Your first half marathon win!!!!

From Tommy Nufer on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 20:28:18 from 67.161.241.173

Nice win Jake! You'll rock the Marathon!

From Steve on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 20:30:39 from 66.87.64.106

Very smart run Jake! Always good to see you two. What a cool couple you and Andrea are!

From Little Bad Legs on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 20:37:40 from 68.186.0.46

Impressive race, as usual. Congrats on the win!

From runningafterbabies on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 21:11:56 from 208.54.4.244

Fantastic win, Jake. It is extremely difficult to push yourself when you are alone in front. I usually back off a bit (like I did today)... That shows your true grit and dedication to the sport of running. Here's to many more 1/2 wins for you!

From steve ash on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 22:20:49 from 174.52.177.84

As always Jake, you the man.. Very nice:)

From MichelleL on Sun, Aug 26, 2012 at 01:01:39 from 168.70.21.27

Nice job! I can't believe this is the first 1/2 race where you have won! Shows you have been choosing all the right races. Anyway, looking forward to reading about your full marathon.

From Teena Marie on Sun, Aug 26, 2012 at 09:40:30 from 67.2.127.157

Bravo!!! :) :) :)

From Rachelle on Sun, Aug 26, 2012 at 10:47:10 from 66.7.127.115

Congrats Jake you absolutely deserved the win. I am incredibly proud of you! Thanks for being such an awesome example to all of us that look up to you.

From SlowJoe on Sun, Aug 26, 2012 at 11:05:34 from 69.131.141.92

Awesome, very nice. Uncanny how close your splits are from the year before. Time for your first full marathon win now.

From RAD on Sun, Aug 26, 2012 at 13:35:41 from 98.202.23.178

Well deserved and earned win Jake! I'm in constant amazement at your abilities and tenacity to stick to training and miles and always put your best foot forward. Not only running/racing, but personality and demeanor as well. Way to represent!

From JulieC on Mon, Aug 27, 2012 at 04:38:23 from 71.35.251.181

way to go Jake!! excited for your marathon!! :D.

From Superfly on Mon, Aug 27, 2012 at 09:42:19 from 74.211.21.81

Super impressive race solo. More so than last years time where you and Paul battled. I'm pumped for you TOU marathon. It should be stellar.

From MarkP on Mon, Aug 27, 2012 at 09:51:37 from 70.58.42.217

Great race. Things are looking very good for TOU full!

From Cody Sorensen on Mon, Aug 27, 2012 at 11:24:17 from 63.248.169.248

Wow!.... again I say... WOW!

From Kendall on Mon, Aug 27, 2012 at 12:46:39 from 74.81.231.133

You ran away with it and still pressed on. High miles, low taper = win (round 1). Interested in following the results and experimentation of your training and miles. Congrats!

From Adam RW on Mon, Aug 27, 2012 at 14:46:37 from 155.101.152.123

Jake, As always you lead the way. Your example continues to inspire so many. Nice win and a very nice time running solo! Thank you for the ride. I look forward to marathon weekend. I think it is going to be even more fun.

From DaleG on Mon, Aug 27, 2012 at 18:58:48 from 152.216.7.5

Fantastic!!! Way to go!!!

From Jake K on Tue, Aug 28, 2012 at 14:17:31 from 155.100.226.191

Thanks for all the great comments!!

Here's to a fast fall marathon season for all of us! :-)

From Collin94 on Thu, Aug 30, 2012 at 11:02:37 from 77.169.48.115

Great race! Awesome that you could run such even splits. The same as last year. :-). If been following your training and racing, you have been running amazing high mileage, without getting injured.

All the best with your marathon!

On a new PB for the marathon. CHEERS!!

Add Your Comment.
  • Keep it family-safe. No vulgar or profane language. To discourage anonymous comments of cowardly nature, your IP address will be logged and posted next to your comment.
  • Do not respond to another person's comment out of context. If he made the original comment on another page/blog entry, go to that entry and respond there.
  • If all you want to do is contact the blogger and your comment is not connected with this entry and has no relevance to others, send a private message instead.
Only registered users with public blogs are allowed to post comments. Log in with your username and password or create an account and set up a blog.
Debt Reduction Calculator
Featured Announcements
Lone Faithfuls
(need a comment):
Recent Comments: