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Phoenix Marathon

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Location:

South Weber,UT,

Member Since:

May 09, 2012

Gender:

Male

Goal Type:

Local Elite

Running Accomplishments:

Personal Records:

800 Meters 1:50.14 (Track-BYU)

1500 Meters 3:42.07 (Track-Stanford) Likely the best race of my life; converts to a 3:59.85 Mile

5000 Meters 14:20 (Track-Stanford)

8000 Meters 23:53 (Cross Country-Pre Nationals Iowa)

10000 Meters 29:57 (Track-Stanford)

Half Marathon (Mesa-Phoenix Half) 1:05:11

Marathon (St George) 2:16:09

Short-Term Running Goals:

2017 Races:

Mesa-Phoenix Half - 3rd Place 1:05:11 PR

Ogden WRC 10-Miler - 1st Place 55:46

Provo City Half - 1st Place 1:06:33

Ogden Marathon - 2nd Place 2:25:46

Long-Term Running Goals:

My main goal is just to stay healthy.  I was injured every year in my college career except for one.  I would like to reverse that trend and always stay injury-free.

 

Personal:

I am a family man.  I am married to my beautiful wife Amy (who also ran at Weber and is quite the runner).  We have four beautiful daughters named Evelyn (6 years old), Hannah (4 year old), Nora (2 year old), and Iris (5 months).

Twitter handle: @RunnerRiley7

Instagram RunnerRiley7

I am supported by Brooks

I am a Generation Ucan elite athlete

Click to donate
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Miles:This week: 0.00 Month: 0.00 Year: 0.00
Salomon Pro Wings 2 Lifetime Miles: 161.10
Brooks PureCadence 5 Lifetime Miles: 101.85
Brooks Adrenaline 17 Lifetime Miles: 161.85
Brooks Transcend 4 Lifetime Miles: 219.45
Brooks Ravenna 8 Lifetime Miles: 225.10
Brooks PureCadence 6 Lifetime Miles: 188.10
Brooks Launch 4 Lifetime Miles: 107.50
Brooks Glycerin 14 Lifetime Miles: 101.47
Brooks Hyperion Lifetime Miles: 92.13
Brooks Caldera Lifetime Miles: 31.10
Race: Phoenix Marathon (26.219 Miles) 02:21:42, Place overall: 1
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
0.0026.220.000.0026.22

PHOENIX MARATHON

FINALLY....a marathon result that I'm fully satisfied with AND where I didn't have to take any pits stops! Man, it's so much easier to keep a good rhythm and pace when you don't stop.

I didn't have high expectations at all for this race. I have been sick probably 40% of 2014 so far with that terrible cold/flu and then last week with shingles. My knee has also been bothering me and caused me to miss some mileage in the buildup. So, before even hearing about the bad weather forecast I was set on lowering my expectations (2:20) and shooting for the best place I could get (hopefully a win). But once I saw the forecast I was even more set on not worrying about time at all. I wanted a conservative start and just go from there being ready to race late in the race.

The forecast was basically a monsoon with 15 MPH headwind. It sounded awful. Luckily when I woke up the wind wasn't 15 MPH (although it was still a 5-7 MPH headwind the entire 26.2) and it hadn't rained yet. Dave picked me up and we met Jason and were off to the start line. I had 4 pre-race bathroom visits and an emergency 5th right before the start. Certainly that would be good enough right? No warm-up.

Minutes before the start, it started raining hard, and the rain continued through mile 5 or so and then it wasn't really a factor after that. For the first 5 miles or so Jason, Clyde, and I were trading leads in the wind every half mile or so. But, there had to be like 15 guys still right on our tails up to the hills at mile five. Splits 1-4 (NOT garmin splits; I knew from last year that garmin would measure this course 1/4 mile long, so I switched my autolap to 2 miles and just hit the split button on the mile marks) 5:30 5:23 5:27 5:17 

Jason and I got a little separation at five on the hills, still switching leads to break the wind. Jason got a bit antsy on mile 6 on the hill and I advised him to relax and conserve a bit of energy. I nursed a GU for 1.5 miles on this stretch. Miles 5-6 5:40 5:49

Now you have two more miles of good downhill and then it's relatively flat (actually downhill, but so little downhill that it seems flat). Jason and I still switching but at 8 we hear footsteps and have company before 9. Miles 7-9 5:13 5:37 (this split had to be long and the next short as this miles was good downhill - garmin had this split as 1.04 miles and the next as 0.99) 5:06

I lead for a good deal here thinking Jason was tired and wanting him to stay with me as long as possible, but after awhile he was like, "Hey dude, I can take it now". So I was happy to oblige; meanwhile third place guy is drafting like mad off us, but also breathing hard enough that I wasn't overly concerned. The three of us came through together at the half in 1:11:17 I think (haven't checked for sure). Miles 10-13 10:42 (no 10-mile marker on course so 10 & 11) 5:22 5:28

At 14 I went to pull Gu number two from my pocket and dropped it...dang. Luckily, I had a third I had packed and I pulled it out and nursed it for the next 1.5 miles (my new nutrition strategy, just a tiny bit at a time). Also at 14 we run by Jason's family and he gets a shot of andrenaline and drops me and third place guy. This strung us out and Jason had 8 seconds on me by 15 and I had 10 or so on third. Mile 14 5:23

The Gu started to kickin and I felt a resurgance. I thought, "Only 12 to go, I can do that at this pace. That's just barely further than a 10-mile aerobic builder at a slightly slower pace". I measured gap to Jason at 8 seconds and set out to lessen it. I think I caught up to him by 16.5 or so and said, "Let's go buddy!" After that though I think I put 5-10 seconds a mile on him for the next few miles. Miles 15-17 5:21 5:19 5:18

Now I was thinking, "I'm winning a marathon! Just keep this pace and it's yours. Don't let up. Keep on it, it's just a 9-mile builder". I just kept clicking off 5:20s give or take a few seconds and I felt pretty good. My pace was fairly constant the rest of the way.

With three to go, I started really getting encouragement from the half-marathoners I was passing. Grabbed a gel from aid station 23 and took 1/3 as a precaution, though I felt pretty good minus some calf fatigue. The last few miles dragged on but the pace stayed pretty good. I felt I could've gone another 3-4 miles if someone put a gun to my head, but obviously was more than happy to be done.

As I came through the last 2 tenths my parents stepped out a bit and I high-fived my Dad. I was so happy! I let out a scream as I crossed the line and was really elated. 2:21:42! Are you kidding me? I really didn't think that was in the cards at all today. Miles 18-26 5:20 5:20 5:22 5:19 5:19 5:26 5:29 5:16 5:31 (another garmin 1.04) and 5:07 pace for that last .22.

The Ogden Crew:

My biggest fans and support crew (Amy won Women's 10k!)

And the top three men, all with baby in hand

 

 

 

Brooks Pure Cadence 3 Miles: 26.22
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Steve Shepherd on Sat, Mar 01, 2014 at 22:14:00 from 38.73.140.16

That's so awesome! Well deserved! Congratulations!

From Rob Murphy on Sat, Mar 01, 2014 at 22:32:15 from 24.10.249.34

This was the one result I really hoped to see today! Congratulations!

From Matt Poulsen on Sat, Mar 01, 2014 at 23:22:18 from 50.168.224.197

Very impressive, Riley! You finally put it all together. And, in the midst of such adversity -- even more impressive! I'm not surprised a bit. Very well-deserved and well-done.

From Jason D on Sat, Mar 01, 2014 at 23:26:35 from 24.1.80.94

I was waiting for the result today. Of course they didn't have them up so I could peak but Derek let the cat out of the bag that you won and I figured low-2:2X range. Congratulations, Riley!

Sounds like the Utahns clean up today.

From Brandon Dase on Sat, Mar 01, 2014 at 23:30:46 from 70.210.195.49

Congratulations Riley!!! Awesome result, no potty stops, and a win in less than ideal conditions. Can't ask for more than that. Enjoy it!

From steve ash on Sat, Mar 01, 2014 at 23:51:02 from 67.161.243.240

Very cool and after struggling with serious illness recently. Sweet victory. Congratulations Riley.

From Kassi on Sun, Mar 02, 2014 at 07:28:52 from 70.209.74.135

It was your day Riley! Strong and smart race! Congrats to you and Amy!!

From Jake K on Sun, Mar 02, 2014 at 07:40:19 from 72.201.179.106

This one has been a while coming. Very nice... That's a perfectly run marathon with the negative split like that. Congratulations... you have definitely earned this!

As much as the random/weird virus worked out well this time, I'd recommend skipping tht part of the prep for Boston :-)

From Paul on Sun, Mar 02, 2014 at 08:48:56 from 174.29.44.114

Congrats on a fantastic race!

From Steve on Sun, Mar 02, 2014 at 09:02:07 from 66.87.127.195

Probably one of the best races you've ever ran. Your guy's energy with the Ogden Crew training and having Clyde and Jason there pushing, brought together a perfect run. I'd say you might have gone sub 2:20 but I think it all played a part. You are an inspiration, man!

From Derek D on Sun, Mar 02, 2014 at 09:45:24 from 68.109.132.154

Terrific race Riley. That turned out to be a really good time in those conditions. Nice when it all comes together. This has been a long time coming so I'm really happy for you. See you at Boston!

From SpencerSimpson on Sun, Mar 02, 2014 at 11:46:58 from 166.137.209.43

One of the coolest pics post race I've ever seen with all three having babies in hand. Hanah will be inspired one day from this pic for sure. Long time coming man. Lot of sweetness in this report. I like the new nutrition plan. That takes a lot if patience to go 1.5 miles for that nutrition but makes sense. And it is a marathon...so you got a lot of time. Well done and well deserved. Madeithappen.

From Josh E on Sun, Mar 02, 2014 at 12:01:59 from 65.130.223.132

Congratulations Riley. A big breakthrough and a win combined with less than ideal circumstances. Perhaps you've learned something about your taper too given how you felt Friday.

Excited to see what will happen in Boston. With ideal circumstances between now an then and good weather, I think you could have a very special race

From allie on Sun, Mar 02, 2014 at 12:04:02 from 65.130.189.75

hooray for no pit stops.

awesome race. congratulations on the win!

From fiddy on Sun, Mar 02, 2014 at 14:37:45 from 65.130.189.75

Hopefully this doesn't mean that you have to contract weird diseases to run good marathons. Happy this one worked out though.

From Bam on Sun, Mar 02, 2014 at 15:13:19 from 89.126.28.24

Tip of the hat to you, Riley. Delighted for you. One thing's for sure, you'll go down in history with that 1:21:42:)

From Matt Schreiber on Sun, Mar 02, 2014 at 18:08:22 from 66.17.102.185

Awesome job man. That first picture is absolutely priceless. Congrats on the W and the PR!

From Jason Holt on Sun, Mar 02, 2014 at 18:34:55 from 75.162.234.83

Excellent race bud! Thanks for the help and calming me down early on. I know that we will throw it down for sure at Boston! You deserved the Win as you were consistent, solid and strong. You have many more wins coming in the Marathon.

From Superfly on Sun, Mar 02, 2014 at 21:21:27 from 74.211.21.81

Seriously Ry I was so so pumped for you. Congrats brotha. Well earned and a long long time coming. You da man. Recover well and Boston better watch out. Anyways BIG congrats to you.

From AngieB on Sun, Mar 02, 2014 at 22:36:26 from 174.253.178.255

Perfectly executed race Riley! No potty stops? What? Well deserved W!

From jtshad on Mon, Mar 03, 2014 at 08:45:17 from 141.221.191.225

Congrats on the win and a great race.

From Rachelle on Mon, Mar 03, 2014 at 11:07:06 from 199.190.170.24

Beyond thrilled for you Riley! I think the best part of my day was watching you run in so strong and so happy. You absolutely deserved this day/moment/race. Congratulations!

From josse on Mon, Mar 03, 2014 at 18:05:11 from 71.199.39.138

Congrats on the win, it was so fun to see you come in 1st place. I remember seeing you have to drop out of UVM and struggle with others. It so good to see you have an awesome result.

From Fritz on Mon, Mar 03, 2014 at 22:05:12 from 98.202.9.237

Great job Riley! Congrats on the W, no pit spots, and a great time in those conditions. A few more of these under your belt and watch out.

From Lesley on Mon, Mar 03, 2014 at 22:47:16 from 172.250.160.221

Congrats on the win! Always love reading your race recaps. Way to got!

From RileyCook on Tue, Mar 04, 2014 at 10:17:10 from 172.56.8.237

Thanks everyone! This race more so than normal even I felt I really had a lot of people in my corner wishing me success and really hoping that I would get the marathon result I’ve been after for a couple years now, and I really do appreciate all of you and your kind words of support, encouragement, and congratulations. You guys rock and that’s what I love about this blog and community.

Steve, thanks buddy. I think we need to get you out with us more regularly!

Rob, I appreciate that; it really does mean a lot to me.

Matt, it’s only a matter of time before you are in a similar position. You have been very supportive and I appreciate the text messages of support the night before…got me pumped up.

Jason, thanks…I was excited to see your result as well. Awesome 10k for ya and I hope to meet you in person at Boston.

Brandon, thanks buddy it was such a relief to not have to stop. I only even thought about it once at like mile 11 and then after I finished I was like “Hey no stops or stomach issues at all, all right”

Steve, thanks…yeah I’m grateful the shingles didn’t play much of a factor at all.

Kassi, thanks and congrats on your awesome win. 1:17 is pretty freaking good in those conditions, an inspiring run.

Jake, you’re always an inspiration, but even more so this time as I went back and read last year’s race report and what you wrote really resonated with me and I felt like I was in a similar position to what you were last year heading into this race. And yeah I have the wheel of sickness/illness up for auction on eBay right now, so hopefully I can be rid of it before Boston!

Paul, thanks man. When I run a race like this it just gives me even more respect for the marathon performances you’ve had in the past.

Steve, you are one crazy dude and I love it! Always a pleasure to see you at races, as you always have a smile and a great attitude…not to mention you still take care of business in that master’s category.

Derek, thanks…even though we haven’t technically met yet (hopefully in Boston) I feel you’ve always been very supportive and I appreciate that.

Spencer, thanks bro, we missed ya down there this year! And yeah I’m very glad the nutrition worked out. Luckily, it was wet and cool so I only needed 4-5 ounces of water tops and I think that helped too (no Gatorade or powerade; I think I’m done with sports drinks in marathons…waters and Gu-brand gels).

Josh, Thanks for the encouragement Friday on my blog. They don’t seem like much but small one-sentence comments of encouragement really do help. I’m excited to see what you do at Boston as well!

Allie, thanks, now I know what it’s like to be cool like you and win a marathon and I ain’t gonna lie it’s pretty sweet! You are a very inspirational runner and a great figure in our little running community, thanks for that.

James, thanks and yeah I hope I don’t have to get shingles to run fast. Would it be worth it? Maybe….

Bam, A bam sighting! Wow, I must’ve done ok! See you mention my typo and I edit it immediately then stay silent for a few days and people read your comment and wonder what on earth you’re referring to! Hope all is well with you, we miss you blogging on a regular basis.

Matt, thanks…One thing I’ve learned is to enjoy the great moments, because you really don’t know when the next one will come if ever again at all. I took my fast times and accomplishments for granted in college, but now I celebrate!

Jason, thanks buddy. Your daily optimism and willingness to work is awesome to be around and I love training with you and the rest of the crew! You ran a really good race today and you ran with a lot of courage. I admire that. Many more good races to come for us together!

Clyde, thanks bro that means a lot to me. You guys are still my heroes down there in STG. You guys work hard and put in some great miles and I love your blue collar work ethic down there.

Angie, thank you so much. Yeah no stops alone would’ve been a huge accomplishment by its self!

Jeff, thanks I appreciate it.

Rachelle, thank you so much and thanks for your constant comments of encouragement and support. I hope you get well and get the result you deserve on your next race.

Josse, thanks. Yeah it’s been a long road and looking back on those DNFs and tough moments made this one that much sweeter.

Fritz, thanks man. I’m just trying to be like you! I hope you can get back to regular training soon and get this Achilles injury behind you. The racing scene is a much better environment when you’re healthy and mixing it up with us.

Lesley, thanks. I always fear my reports are too long and boring, but I like to have the details to look back on later and learn from. I hope you and Cam are doing well.

From Andrea on Tue, Mar 04, 2014 at 12:39:52 from 72.37.171.52

Impressive race Riley! It was really great to see you looking so strong down the final stretch. Congrats on the PR!

From kevin212 on Tue, Mar 04, 2014 at 22:24:00 from 96.43.246.18

Congrats on the win Riley! Excellent race and report. It's got to feel good, especially after all the recent physical setbacks you've suffered. Here's hoping you can stay healthy for the next 6+ weeks. The sky is the limit in Boston!

From Kendall on Tue, Mar 04, 2014 at 22:41:17 from 70.208.22.42

Huge! Nice win Riley. So happy for you. Well done buddy.

From Dave Taylor on Thu, Mar 06, 2014 at 14:42:56 from 207.108.188.248

Oh wow, I just saw this. Did you even touch the ground in the last 50 meters? Way awesome race, looking forward to seeing you make it to the trials!

From Sasha Pachev on Mon, Apr 07, 2014 at 16:42:55 from 72.250.218.114

Congratulations on the win! Now you just need to heal up. Do not get discouraged - hang in there.

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