Team 7 Hills sponsored runner, Korey Konga, blazed the trail at Rainshadow Running‘s 2015 Beacon Rock 50k on June 13th. His finishing time of 4:32:06 secured him a solid win, and is in the record books as the third fastest time on that course. After we let him catch his breath, just a little bit, we fired seven questions at him to catch up with the speedster and find out more:
1) How was your race? Shoe of choice?
Beacon Rock went well! I went pretty hard right out of the gate and tried not to let up. I really wanted the course record and thought I would have it as I came through the first loop in 02:08, but I slowed considerably on the climbs during the second loop, but I’m still happy with my race.
I wore the re-issue of the New Balance MT101, which I’ve worn at every trail race this year (Capital Peak Mega Fat Ass, Orcas Island, Guerilla Running Mountain Marathon, Beacon Rock 50K). It’s one of my favorite trails shoes of all time and I think it’s one every serious trail runner should have in their rotation.
2) I pledge allegiance to those shorts!! Where did those come from?
‘MERICA! I love those shorts! They’re made by BOA. I was having problems with chafing with almost all off my other shorts and on my hunt for a new pair I took a chance with BOA. I’m glad I did because they’re super comfortable, almost like wearing nothing, and they have a ton of loud, bad ass prints.
3) You were focused on a marathon for a bit there; what’s your main short term goal race now? May we suggest the Crystal Mt Sky Marathon?
I was! I focused on the Capital City Marathon and ran a disappointing (to me) 02:41. I think I’m capable of a 02:35, maybe on a flatter course. I’ll tell you what though, all of that marathon specific speed work definitely paid off for the 50K distance on runnable trails. Next up, if I can peel myself out of bed at 02:30am, is Mary’s Peak 50K in Oregon this Saturday. After that I’m excited about a tentative two day wonderland trail trip with Max Ferguson in Early September and Oregon Coast 50K in October. And then I’ll give the marathon another shot in Seattle in November.
4) One of your sponsors is Clif: What are your favorite products? Have you tried the Pizza Margherita Organic Energy Food?
I love ClifShots! We’ve been trying not to eat too many desserts at homes, so vanilla and chocolate ClifShots are a delicious treat during a race or a long run. I also love the chocolate recovery drink mix. I have not tried the new product! But I do love pizza…
5) What has been your favorite Rainshadow Running race?
Orcas Island. That one always beats me down and I love that island. After that I guess I’d have to say Beacon Rock, because the finish line is so amazing. I mean, after I finished this year my fiancée and I hung out with everyone, ate pizza, she had a beer, I had 4 cokes, we took a nap in the grass, The Pine Hearts were playing, people were sliding down the slip n slide, the sun was shining. You just can’t beat that vibe 🙂
6) What other shoes have you been using in 2015?
Living in Yelm, WA I do a lot of my training on the roads, so the New Balance Fresh Foam Zante has been my go to for the past 2 months (http://koreykonga.blogspot.com/2015/04/new-balance-fresh-foam-zante-review.html).
On the trail I’ve been really enjoying the TOPO Runventure, but also do a number of runs in the tried and true Pearl Izumi Trail N1.
7) You recently got engaged–Congratulations! Have you set a date? Are all the team7hills fans invited?!?
Thank you! It will be August, 8th! I would totally invite all of the fans, but you know, the team has such a huge following that the town we’re getting married in would most likely be over run by 7’s. I’m guessing there would probably be celebratory fires and car flippings and I just don’t think that Alicia would be down with all of that.
Thanks for talking to us Korey, and all the best for your forthcoming nuptials from Team 7 Hills!
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