Jason Blackham
Jason is 36 years old has 2 sons, 11 and 8, and 1 daughter, 4 yrs old. Jason is a Sports Medicine physician and his hometown is Orem, UT.
Here are a few facts about Jason when we asked him about running:
Years running: Since 3rd grade. I started running when my mother would drive me away from home and drop me off in order to get energy out so that I wouldn't have the energy to fight with my brothers. Then, she had me run in the morning with her to get rid of my energy.
Weekly mileage: Peak in college 90-100 miles per week. Now 40-60
Favorite race distance or race: I loved running the Boston Marathon last year
PR's - (5K, 10K, ½, mara, Ultra) or proudest running accomplishment: 5K: 14:55. Marathon: St George 2:50.23. ½ marathon Top of Utah: 1:20.03, 10K on track 32:49.
High School cross country All-State for Mountain View High School my senior year and 5A State Championship Team
I ran for Southern Utah University where my wife and I met running on the team.
Favorite training run: Canyon runs
Why run - (motivation, inspiration): I run for fitness, time away from everything, runner's high and so that I can delay the time to when my son will beat me. I guess you could say that I run so that I can still beat my wife as well, as she is so fast.
Goals: < 2:50 for marathon and <1:20 for ½ marathon
Favorite music to run to: Sorry, I don't like listening to music to run. I like hearing my breathing and my stride. Favorite Pre-race music: Chariots of Fire.
Favorite running gear - (shoes, apparel, etc.): Running shoes: Brooks Glycerin my Timex Iron Man watch, running hats.
Best advice you've been given as a runner: Don't go out too fast and finish with all you've got. I ignored the first part at my first St. George marathon and at Boston which made me pay for it later in the race.
Best motivational quote: The Champion:
The average runner runs until the breath in him is gone,
But the champion has the iron will that makes him carry on.
For rest the average runner begs when limp his muscles grow,
But the champion runs on leaden legs, his courage makes him go.
The average man's complacent when he's done his best to score,
But the champion does his best, and then does a little more.
Your role model: In high school and college it was Billy Mills, Olympic 10K gold medalist for still winning despite being pushed off the track.
Also, Chris Merkley, a team mate in college who was All-American top 10 in cross country in college.
Now, it is my wife and seeing her accomplishments and also seeing my patients fight through injuries to meet their goals.
Favorite food: Pre race meal: Alfredo
Cheesecake
Hobbies or interests other than running: Fly fishing, fly tying. Sports. Outdoor recreation.
Anything else the world might want to know about you: Before moving back to Utah, I was team physician for University of Iowa track and field and cross country. I now practice with Calton Harrison clinic and McKay Dee Sports Medicine at McKay Dee Hospital. I enjoy helping runners heal injuries and seeing them meet their goals.
Merrilee Blackham
Merrilee is 33 years old and married to Jason. They have 3 kids Andrew (11), Jared (8), Katilyn (4). Merrilee is a homemaker that grew up in Salt Lake and Davis counties and graduated from Viewmont High School. They have lived all over the country since then. "I consider Ogden home now".
Here are a few facts about Merrilee when we asked her about her running:
Years running: 21
Weekly mileage: 35-60 depending on what I'm training for
Favorite race distance or race: half marathon is my favorite distance to race, my favorite race is the Boston Marathon
PR's - (5K, 10K, ½, mara, Ultra) or proudest running accomplishment: 5K 18:02, 10K 37:55, ½ 1:25:28, marathon 3:00:17, proudest accomplishment-finishing in the top 200 women in last year's Boston Marathon
Favorite training run: trails on the Ogden bench
Why run - (motivation, inspiration): I've always loved running. I love to compete against others as well as myself. Running is the only hobby I've been able to keep up consistently since I became a mom. Most days it's the only time I have for myself. I always feel better after I have gotten my run in for the day. It's been a lot of fun to run with my son, Andrew, a little now that he has started running. I need to enjoy it now because I'm sure in a few years I won't be able to keep up with him anymore!
Goals: break 3 hours in the marathon
Favorite music to run to: I never listen to music when I run-it's my only quiet time
Favorite running gear - (shoes, apparel, etc.): racing flats- I love feeling fast when I put them on
Best advice you've been given as a runner: My high school coach told me keep running hard when you get to the top of the hill-you don't have to slow down to recover on the downhill. I pass a lot of runners when I get to the top of the hill that slow down because they think the hard work is over.
Your role model: my parents- I wouldn't be who I am today without them. Dad is the one who got me interested in running. I loved watching him run 10Ks when I was a kid. He suffers from MS now and isn't able to run anymore. He's a great example of someone who keeps a positive attitude and makes the best out of a hard situation. Mom isn't a runner but was always my biggest supporter. I don't think she ever missed one of my races in high school.
Favorite food: ice cream
Hobbies or interests other than running: skiing, reading, gardening, shopping, blogging
Anything else the world might want to know about you: Jason and I met running cross country at SUU. Someday maybe we can run together again when the kids are a little older (that is if he'll slow down for me!) It?s great to be married to someone who can treat all the aches and pains that come with running a lot of miles.
