At Denver races, especially if it’s a marathon, you might hear cheers of ‘Go, Heather, go’; possibly, they are encouraging Heather Utrata, a 28-year-old member of the Runner’s Roost running team and ambitious runner and marathoner. Utrata began running to ‘restore balance to her life’ after a wild freshman year at CSU. In 2011, balance includes working as a front counter supervisor at the Englewood Recreation Center, enjoying time with Mars (her pet cat) and eyeing a berth in the 2012 Olympic Trials.
You won your first marathon, the 2009 Colfax Marathon. What was that experience like?
It was unforgettable! I remember when the lead bike came up to me and told me i was in the lead and then a full 30 minutes later i was like “Oh! you mean I’m winning? Right now?” It was just so unbelievable because I went through my training thinking that someday my goal would be to win a marathon, but then it was happening right that very second! It was such a perfect experience and an extremely motivating way to start marathoning.
How did you train for it?
I really didn’t have much of a plan. it didn’t occur to me to get a book or look up training plans online or even ask someone about it. All i had heard about training for marathons was that you up your weekly mileage. I was already doing 50-65 miles per week so I just kept up with that and then slowly got up to about 85 per week. I focused on doing long runs and getting my weekly mileage in and hoped for the best! I think that’s why I still find that win amazing – I had NO idea what I was doing!
How long have you been a runner, and what inspired you to try a marathon?
I’ve been running for about 9 years now. I started after my freshman year at CSU very recreationally and then it kind of snowballed from there. But at first it was very much a solo and non-competitive endeavor. Then, at the first Colfax Marathon some ladies from work put together a relay team. It was my very first race ever and I had the first 10k. I never experienced the feel at the start of a race before and I was so struck by all of the energy and emotion there, and was really jealous that a lot of the people there were about to do something really amazing. It took me another year or two to do another race of any sort but i still kept that moment in my head and thought how exciting it would be to stand at the start waiting to run a full marathon. I waited a really long time until I actually did go for a full marathon, but it was well worth it.
Your most recent marathon was the 2010 Denver Marathon, where you placed 2nd and went well under 3 hours. How was that experience?
That was such a rewarding race for me. There was a ton of support from spectators; I had a lot of friends and teammates from Runner’s Roost there which was really exciting and encouraging. My teammate, Matt Smith, ran with me and was a huge source of support. I think I was also significantly more prepared for this marathon than any other race I’ve done. I was training smart and getting in a lot of quality runs and races that really helped build momentum and motivation. Of course there were some rough spots in the race – I started way too fast and that made for a very painful last 10k – but I think knowing that the race didn’t go perfectly and that I was able to get past that and still make my time goal (which was to go under 2:55), made the experience that much better.
Where do you like to train?
Everywhere, as long as it’s outside! It really depends on the day and how far I’m planning on going. This morning I was out for ten miles at Cherry Creek State Park and tomorrow I’ll just go out my front door and see what i feel like doing. I love all the parks around the Denver area and all the different paths and trails, and there’s nothing like a nice little hill workout on the Barr Trail!
What is your typical training/running week like?
If i’m not training for anything, I really just do whatever I feel like doing. Usually I’ll have a few days where I’ll get in two short and easy runs, one day that i’ll get in a good fast run, a couple 7-10 mile runs, and then one day that i just zone out on the elliptical.
If I am training it looks more like:
Sunday: Long run or race
Monday: Two 4 to 6 mile recovery runs on Monday
Tuesday: Medium long run and strength training
Wednesday: Really easy 3 to 5 mile run Wednesday morning, fast 6 to 8 miles Wednesday evening
Thursday: Long run on Thursday
Friday: 8 miles Friday morning, 5 miles or 45 minutes on the elliptical and strength training Friday evening
Saturday: An hour on the elliptical
But, it’s all very dependent on how I feel. I don’t really follow a strict plan and try to listen to my body and let it dictate when i need to take it down a notch and when it’s okay to really push it.
Have you had any injuries or other obstacles? How have you overcome them?
I’ve been very lucky in that i’ve had only really minor injuries. The worst was actually a broken wrist from tripping over a dog leash while on a run – kind of embarassing – but that didn’t affect my training at all.
Why do you run?
There are a million reasons that have evolved from when I first started until now – from just trying to stay fit, to relieving stress, to finding something in which to excel. I love everything that goes along with running: the fatigue and complete satisfaction after a hard workout and the mix of competition and comeraderie. But, at this point running has become such a part of my lifestyle that it’s almost as essential as eating or breathing. I’ve formed a very emoitonal attachment to running and it’s become a very important part of my identity; it has helped me make a name for myself and grow to be someone i’m very proud of. So right now, I run because it is very much who I am.
Personal bests
5k – 18:38
10k – 37:59
10 mile – 1:03:24
1/2 marathon – 1:24:03
marathon – 2:54:25
Funniest/best running moment?
How about most embarassing? At the 2010 colfax marathon I had to take a quick potty break. I had an interview with the Denver Post right after the race and mentioned that to the reporter… and the next day there was an entire article in the newspaper about me going to the bathroom during a race. I was so excited to see my picture on the front page but then as I was reading the article I was just like “NOOOOOOOOO!” I can laugh about it now but then i was pretty mortified.
Favorite pre-race food?
Ah this is SO bad but unless it’s a marathon, I don’t usually eat before races! If I do I’ll have a banana, and if it’s a marathon I have a bowl of cheerios with a banana and plain yogurt. It’s kind of funny because i think bananas are REALLY gross, but they’re super easy to digest and pretty perfect for running.
You have many years of running and marathoning ahead, hopefully. What are some of your running goals?
My main goal for 2011 is to qualify for the Olympic Trials. before Rock ‘n’ Roll Denver that seemed like something that was so far out of reach, so it’s hard for me to think of anything beyond that as far as time goals go. There are a lot of races that I’d like to try – a few ultras I have in mind, like the Greenland 50k and Comrades in South Africa. I would definitely like to start travelling more for races. There’s an entire world to explore and running is a wonderful way to do that!