Pace Setter : August 2022

Runner Questionnaire: Jake Greski

When and why did you start running?

I started running in the fall of 2012 (7th grade) on the modified cross country team for Scotia-Glenville. I initially started to get into shape for baseball in the spring.

What’s your favorite race to date, and why?

In the winter of 2020 I had my college’s conference meet, and I was the first leg on the men’s distance medley relay. I ended up outkicking the leader and hand off with our team in first, I remember the entire indoor track and my teammates yelling so loud and being so excited.

What has been your biggest running adventure to date?

My first marathon was the 2021 Mohawk-Hudson Marathon last October, which was one of the most challenging races I’ve done so far. It was a long and exhilarating adventure.

            Jake with Friend and Coach Jim Krogh

What is your approach to training? Do you follow a particular training plan, or do you work with a coach and if so, who?

After graduating from Siena College and leaving their team a year ago, I’ve self-coached myself and have focused on longer distance road races like the half or full marathon. I write my training on a weekly basis and focus on getting ready for my next big race. I also do strength and resistance training at least twice a week, which is something I started during my time at Siena.

What is your weekly mileage in peak racing/marathon training season? What is your approach to the off season

I averaged about 65 miles a week leading up to the Mohawk-Hudson Marathon but a few weeks I hit 80 and 82 miles, which were lifetime highs for me. As for off season I usually take at least 2 weeks off from running between training cycles, but I plan on experimenting with more cross training during my off season and at times during my training cycles.

During our cold winter days, do you brave poor weather conditions or stick indoors on the treadmill? If you do run outside, what safety measures do you take?

My rule is I will run outside if it’s minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer with wind chill. I dread running on a treadmill but if I need to because of cold or snow, then I’ll hop on a treadmill. As for safety, I almost always run on the left side of busy roads so I can see cars coming towards me. If it’s dark out I almost always wear a headlamp and some kind of reflective vest or clip-on lights.

                                     Jake is fourth from left

List your PRs: Race, time, year

800 meters: 1:58.0, 2017 high school outdoor track
1500 meters: 4:01, 2018 college outdoor track
1 mile: 4:20, 2020 college indoor track
2 mile: 9:46, 2019 college cross country (ran on a track)
5k: 15:47, 2022 Flyin’ FAST 5k
15k: 53:03 (en route to 13.1mi) 2021 Run 4 the River Half Marathon
Half marathon: 1:15:35, 2021 Run 4 the River Half Marathon
Marathon: 2:44:58, 2021 Mohawk-Hudson Marathon

What was your worst injury and how did you get over it?

Three days before the 2021 Mohawk-Hudson marathon, my first marathon, I had some acute right hip pain. I was debating adjustments to my race plan but suffered through the race with the pain virtually every step and ended up reaching my initial race goal of sub-2:45. Immediately after the race my glute muscle seized up from the pain and I couldn’t lift my right leg up a stair step for a few hours afterwards because of the pain. This hip injury and pain lasted about 10 weeks before I could start running again, and even to this day I’ll get a small amount of pain if I move my right hip in the wrong direction.

Your favorite shoe for training and racing

My favorite training shoe is the Saucony Ride, and favorite racing shoe is the Saucony Endorphin 2.

Ever run in a costume?

No, not yet at least.

Do you work with a dietitian to enhance your performance?  If so, who?

I have seen dietitians before to combat blood sugar levels, but I do not work with one when it comes to everyday training.

What are your favorite pre-race and post-race meals?

My pre-race meal is a bowl of oatmeal with banana and peanut butter. Post-race meal is whatever food I can get my hands on the quickest.

What activities do you enjoy when not running?

I enjoy watching shows, reading, and going for hikes.

What challenges / races / adventures are you planning for the coming year?

I plan on running the 2023 Boston Marathon next spring, but for the summer and fall I plan on running half marathons like the Run 4 the River and some others in upstate New York.

What is the greatest piece of advice you've ever received in the sport?

Rest and recovery are some of the most important parts of training, and key to having a lifelong and injury-free career.

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