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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:

   

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Race: Top of Utah Marathon (26.2 Miles) 02:22:12, Place overall: 1
Running MilesSwimming YardsBike Miles
26.200.000.00

I didn't want to make this a super-long one, but inevitably it still turned out that way... so I'll skip any pre-race stuff and just start when the gun went off...

Some crazy guy sprinted off the starting line like a madman, but that only lasted for about 30 seconds. Then I found myself in the lead with Jon Kotter (who I figured would be my primary competition) and Steve Shephard right beside me. Steve ran w/ us for about 3 miles, then it was just Jon and I for a long time. I wanted to come through the halfway point somewhere between 1:09 and 1:10. I figured that was fast enough to run a quick time if I felt great, but I wouldn't be risking a major blowup either. 

Running down the canyon was honestly pretty boring (like a well-run marathon should be in the early miles). I just tried to settle into a rhythm and run good tangents. It seemed like Jon was content to follow whatever pace I set. I could sense that his breathing was a little more labored than mine was, but he is a really, really tough racer and competitior - so I wasn't taking him lightly by any means. I had a race on my hands.

Splits until the halfway point were: 5:16, 5:15, 5:14, 5:10, 5:21, 5:17, 5:18, 5:13, 5:17, 5:26, 5:22, 5:12, 5:16. The half-marathon split was 1:09:14. Perfect.

We came out of the canyon and I saw Andrea for the first time just past 14 miles. She handed me a gatorade bottle, which was my first fluids of the race. Yeah, not ideal, but I blew through all the aid stations too fast and missed all the cups (not that I can drink out of them anyways). Andrea was all over the course - she wasn't allowed to bike w/ me, but she still got to 8 different locations over the last 12 miles and handed me drinks and words of encouragement everytime. As always, I owe a lot of my success in general to her support and influence, but today she also played the very specific and important role of keeping me somewhat hydrated. I didn't drink much in terms of quantity during the race, but the frequent sips in the later miles were enough to get me through.

Back to the race, miles 14-16 were 5:17, 5:19, 5:22. My right hamstring started to lock up a bit somewhere around 15 miles and that got me a bit worried because that could be a problem (ask Andrea, or Ryan Hall) if Jon made a move. I backed off the pace and bit tried to keep the effort level relaxed. The focus shifted more to racing than worrying about time at that point. I started to think about when I would make a move and decided I would wait for an opportunity on the upcoming hills. Miles 17 and 18 were 5:28, 5:28.

The police escort managed to not lead us off the course like they did to Paul last year, and a little past 18 miles we started to climb the big hill. Jon told me that he was tightening up and couldn't hold the pace anymore. I guess that's what happens when you run the Alta 8K the week before TOU :-) Jon is a great guy and awesome runner, and we slapped hands and wished each other the best. As I pulled away I told him that I hoped I didn't see him again until after the finish, but at no point over the next couple miles did I think the race was over... I was definitely worried that he might find a second wind and come back. So I tried to build a lead up the hills, running miles 19 and 20 in 5:36, 5:37, then back down mile 21 in 5:29.

As I went past the TOU 1/2 finish line in Providence, I thought about how much nicer it is to just run hard for a little over an hour. I could sense that although my pace was slowing down, my lead was also increasing. I went into "DON'T BLOW UP LIKE BOSTON AND PHILLY" mode (aka no miles over 6:00) as I wound my way into Logan. Miles 22-24 were 5:43, 5:46, 5:43.

Just after mile 24 Andrea yelled out "Hey! You're winning a marathon!" and it sort of hit me that I was going to win the race. I knew I wasn't going to fall apart if I maintained the same effort level, and while my hammy was tight, it was manageable as long as I didn't have to sprint.

Going up Main Street, I got a boost when AdamRW's daughters were jumping up and down cheering "Go Jake Go Jake!" That put a huge smile on my face because they are pretty much the cutest girls ever. Miles 25 and 26 were 5:47 and 5:44. I felt like I could have gone to another gear, but I also just sort of wanted to cruise in and enjoy the victory.

I came around the corner and started to look for the moose. Earlier this week Andrea found a stuffed moose at DI and we had a plan that I would carry the moose across the finish line (like Meb K carried the flag at the trials/olympics) if I was winning (because TOU's logo is a moose). Well, I was winning so I wanted my moose! With about a tenth of a mile left I saw James running towards me to the left of the finishing chute and he smoothly handed it off to me. It was a lot of fun crossing the line, breaking the tape, and pumping the moose in my hands. Everyone in the finishing area got a kick out of it. I was all smiles. Final time was 2:22:12.

I immediately got my hamstrings wrapped in ice (they are feeling OK now), then had fun watching everyone else come in. Lots of excellent running from the bloggers, many of whom have become great friends. It made me really happy to see a lot of them have good days. I couldn't believe how deep the women's race was, with the top 5 all breaking 3 hours (including Rachelle w/ a 2:58!!!).
Herald Journal - Pictures - Article (I'm not a professional despite what it says in there!)

I'm happy with the results today. Anytime you win a marathon, you can't really complain. There are some things I know I could have done differently in training this summer that would have made me stronger over the last 10 miles of the race, but I didn't want to make this a super hard training cycle. I wanted to put myself in position to win TOU and run a good time, which I did. I know I can go faster than 2:22, and I will. This wraps up a solid summer - 1:06:03, 15:17, and 2:22:12 in the past 3 weeks - I'll take that.

Some quick bullet points I want to get down, but this is getting too long...

-I took about one-third of a gel during the entire race. I opened 2 packets but really didn't want much of either. I know I need to get better at this in the future. Andrea thinks that part of the reason I fade at the end of marathons is due to lack of calories (both at breakfast and during the race itself), and I agree with her. But for today, I was willing to take my chances and not risk upsetting my stomach. That's why I love the half-marathon, you don't have to worry about that kind of stuff at all.
-Weather was cool and perfect. That's primary reason I was able to get away without drinking much. In the two warmer and/or humid marathons I've run, staying hydrated has been a challenge. 
-I'm not really a great downhill runner. But that's OK. The big ones in the future are going to be on flat courses anyways.
-I am extremely fortunate and lucky to have such an amazing support system and group of friends in Utah. Thank you everyone for all the positive thoughts and encouragement!!!
-The Fastwitch 6 is an amazing shoe. No feet issues at all. In fact, I didn't even feel the need to take my shoes off afterwards, and we walked around for quite a while.
-Moose trophy = awesome!!!

Picture time!!! Andrea took a ton of other people too (up to the 3hr mark) - check out the gallery - TOU Marathon 2012...

 

5:16, 5:15, 5:14, 5:10, 5:21, 5:17, 5:18, 5:13, 5:17, 5:26, 5:22, 5:12, 5:16, 5:17, 5:19, 5:22, 5:28, 5:28, 5:36, 5:37, 5:29, 5:43, 5:46, 5:43, 5:47, 5:44, 1:08 = 2:22:12 (1:09:14 / 1:12:58) 

Comments
From Jake K on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 12:47:54 from 174.253.187.212

I'll post a report on Sunday... The Internet is weak where we are staying... That was a lot of fun to break the tape and win the race.

I'm happy. Wait until you see the pics of the moose celebration we staged :-)

Woohoo finally won a marathon!!!

From Bam on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 12:58:08 from 89.204.224.73

Congrat's Jake. Even my daughters are pleased for you. Well done. I can't wait to read your report tomorrow...

From JD on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 13:06:16 from 70.96.78.142

YEAH!!

From JPark on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 13:09:39 from 174.232.194.22

Congrats Jake! No question in really anyone's mind that you were going to win it. Great time too. Looking forward to the report!

From SlowJoe on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 13:12:40 from 69.131.141.92

At the risk of getting 69,000 emails -- big congrats on your first marathon win!

I look forward to what I'm sure will be an awesome race report.

From JulieC on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 13:28:18 from 67.41.189.73

congrats Jake!!! :D

From prlman on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 13:36:39 from 208.54.4.184

Congrats Jake !!! Well done can't wait to hear the race report

From ACorn on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 13:39:18 from 24.2.76.146

Congrats Jake!

From Teena Marie on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 13:44:25 from 65.130.25.187

YES!!!!!! :) :) :)

(Can't wait for the full report!)

From Tom on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 13:47:49 from 129.123.187.104

Great job Jake. Big congrats! Hey I think my wife Kim (kim.fastrunningblog.com) and I sat in front of you on the bus. Were you in the very back? Didn't realize at the time we had a rock star in our midst!

From Conner Mantz on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 13:52:07 from 70.58.106.200

Congratulations Jake, I'm excited to see the report now.

From Dan Varga on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 14:07:47 from 65.130.114.77

Congratulations Jake on a great win!!

From scottkeate on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 14:12:24 from 71.199.4.146

Yeah! Congratulations on the win! Looking forward to the race report to see how things played out.

From Scott Ensign on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 14:13:29 from 67.40.116.44

congrats on the big win and awesome time, great to see you guys. bask in your well deserved glory.

From Superfly on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 14:47:15 from 174.255.149.21

Knew you'd win. Good job! First of many as long as you continue to run the distance.

From rockness18 on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 15:22:22 from 69.183.237.148

Congrats on the win...you've had quite a year!

From Carina on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 15:23:29 from 204.15.86.83

Awesome, you totally deserve it!! Can't wait for the details :)

From gdoc on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 16:13:19 from 98.202.193.212

Stud!

From Rob Murphy on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 16:16:47 from 24.10.249.165

Congratulations Jake. You definitely earned it!

From allie on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 16:36:51 from 97.126.214.126

where on earth are you staying that doesn't have internet?

congrats, jake. i can't wait to read the moose story in the paper tomorrow morning.

From runningafterbabies on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 16:56:24 from 71.195.219.247

Well done!

From runningafterbabies on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 16:57:08 from 71.195.219.247

Well deserved!

From Kendall on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 16:59:50 from 208.54.4.149

TOU sweep...double!!

From Brandon on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 17:03:24 from 67.199.164.200

Congratulations Jake on your first marathon win! Can't wait for the recap.

From steve ash on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 17:40:08 from 174.52.177.84

Very nice Jake, wish I had been there to see it and also the staged moose celebration.

From msimona on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 17:45:04 from 65.130.219.220

Very nice! congrats on your win!

From James on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 18:02:50 from 174.232.136.18

I saw you at the half and you were flying. Congrats on the win!

From Kory on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 18:18:38 from 184.155.135.194

Nice job mr. future Olympic athlete. Your inspiring to my family and me.

From NatalieK on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 19:03:08 from 199.190.170.21

Boo yeah! Congratulations!

From Russ on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 19:21:51 from 24.72.195.219

Congratulations! You definitely earned that win.

From Hamdog Alum on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 19:31:07 from 174.226.142.234

Congrats on the 1st marathon win!

From Bret on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 20:01:43 from 96.228.167.228

Congrats - great job!

From Jake K on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 21:33:21 from 24.10.160.108

Thank you thank you thank you everyone! I got the report up now and a bunch of pictures. Now I can go to sleep! :-)

From Scott Ensign on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 22:02:34 from 67.40.116.44

the moose picture is epic. best finisher picture EVER. i'll collect hard copies of the local paper for you.

From Carina on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 22:24:47 from 204.15.86.83

Loved the details!! Congrats again!!!

From SlowJoe on Sun, Sep 16, 2012 at 05:37:37 from 69.131.141.92

Great report! Cool picture with the moose about to break the tape. Congrats again!

From Jon on Sun, Sep 16, 2012 at 05:56:06 from 98.71.133.149

Nice job, Jake- lots of hard training, and then an enjoyable marathon win (with a moose!). Enjoy it.

From JulieC on Sun, Sep 16, 2012 at 06:56:57 from 67.41.189.73

Hey we have(still have I think??) a stuffed moose like that. I sometimes get rid of our stuffed animals-- my kids loved the moose so I think I hung onto that one....but wouldn't it be funny if that is one I gave away?? My kids would not be happy but maybe if they knew he was famous!! :D.

From Rob on Sun, Sep 16, 2012 at 07:02:20 from 204.15.86.95

Congratulations on a win you're an amazing runner, and role model. Also good job getting the moose across the line without tripping on it or dragging it on the ground.

From Bam on Sun, Sep 16, 2012 at 07:33:01 from 213.191.238.209

Great report. Great race. Great photos. Well done, Jake. You're having a solid year and building on such sound foundations will make for some great PR's...

From Kelli on Sun, Sep 16, 2012 at 08:24:28 from 67.172.235.55

YOU WON!!!! Great race and report and, we all agree---Andrea is awesome and so is Utah. ;o)

From Fritz on Sun, Sep 16, 2012 at 13:08:30 from 65.100.192.74

Congrats on the WIN and solid time! No blow ups, decent weather, great support and a friendly moose to carry you home. Couldn't ask for much more than that. :)

From Rachelle on Sun, Sep 16, 2012 at 15:46:05 from 76.8.202.193

Great report Jake! I am so incredibly happy for you and you are just so deserving of this that it makes it that much cooler. You have truly changed running in Utah and the coolest thing is that you are the most humble and genuinely kind person I know. I agree with what Kelli said. :) Now I just need to figure out a way to get out of Utah county so I can hangout with you and Andrea more often!

From prestonmadera on Sun, Sep 16, 2012 at 16:22:11 from 67.182.220.96

Great job Jake, you earned it!!

From Jason D on Sun, Sep 16, 2012 at 16:55:00 from 24.1.80.94

Good stuff, Jake. I think the moose was unofficial winner, but it didn't have a chip so we'll never know. You've got a great community of folks out there. Well done as usual. Cheers.

From Marlin on Sun, Sep 16, 2012 at 18:28:17 from 174.27.118.126

Great job Jake and it was nice to talk to you at the start line.

From Hamdog Alum on Sun, Sep 16, 2012 at 19:01:07 from 96.40.228.106

Awesome race Jake! Great race report, the moose was a great touch too! You have really put in an amazing couple of years. This victory is a testament of your incredible work effort and determination. Nice job working through the hamstring issues, sounds like you were smart about keeping them at bay to finish it off.

From Paul on Sun, Sep 16, 2012 at 20:43:25 from 207.224.42.115

Congrats on the win and the solid time. Enjoy your moose.

From Little Bad Legs on Sun, Sep 16, 2012 at 22:59:21 from 68.186.0.46

Congrats on running so well today. Very well deserved!

From Seth on Mon, Sep 17, 2012 at 07:39:18 from 67.177.36.131

Nice work! Your miles are paying off, congrats!

From MarkP on Mon, Sep 17, 2012 at 10:31:27 from 75.162.223.189

Awesome job! I'm glad you got that first marathon win!

The local paper stated your girlfiend gave you the moose, so I wonder how Andrea and Allie feel about your realtionship with James (with a little FOX news editing for)?--LOL.

"As Krong approached the finish line, his girlfriend...handed him a stuffed animal,"

Again, congratulations and great picture.

From Rob Mantz on Tue, Sep 18, 2012 at 08:29:51 from 129.123.197.35

Great job on the win. Hope to see many more (marathon wins and moose).

From Smooth on Thu, Sep 20, 2012 at 00:20:15 from 65.130.14.36

Congratulations on the win! LOVE the pictures! What an exciting performance and fun report! Thanks for all the great stuff you share on the blog! I have learned so much from you and Andrea! :)

From josse on Thu, Sep 20, 2012 at 08:12:26 from 70.196.197.8

Great job on the win and running an awesome time. love the pics with the moose:)

From I Just Run on Fri, Sep 21, 2012 at 08:24:10 from 67.79.11.242

Inspiring race effort and race report! Congradulations on the WIN...!!!

From RileyCook on Mon, Sep 24, 2012 at 12:31:14 from 132.3.57.68

I'm a little late, but congrats Jake on the win and the great time. You definitely deserved it!

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