5Q’s with Cory Reese (First sub 24 hr hundo)
Name: Cory Reese
Hometown: Hurricane, Utah
Current Running Shoes: Altra Lone Peak 1.5
Website: www.fastcory.com
Favorite Trail Race: Zion 100
Bucket List Race: I must run Western States before I die
Favorite Book: Talent Is Overrated by Geoffrey Colvin (should be required reading for ultrarunners)
1. What is one key factor in breaking sub 24 hours in a hundo at the Jackpot 100?
Race-specific training is huge. Most races I’ve done have been on challenging trails but this was my first time running a short loop course (2.3 mile loops). So for training I’d often go to a 1/4 
mile dirt track and run for 15 or 20 miles. That helped me learn to turn my brain off and just get into a running zone which I knew would be important if I was going to do well.
2. What did you do to recover?
I drove right from the race course over to In & Out Burger. A hamburger and fries have never tasted better. I always try to walk a mile or two the day after a 100 miler. It hurts and I look like 
Frankenstein shuffling down the road but it really helps loosen up tight muscles.
3. One lesson you learned during Jackpot 100?
There was this sign on the course with a quote from Steve Prefontaine that said “Don’t let fatigue make a coward of you.” That is pretty profound. I saw that every 2.3 miles. It helped remind me that feeling fatigue and soreness during a race is okay. It’s normal. But it doesn’t have to stop you from continuing to push yourself.
4. Most memorable moment?
I’m not a very emotional person but around mile 96 I broke down and cried because I was so overcome with happiness knowing that I’d be able to finish in less than 24 hours. I truly never thought I’d break 24 hours so when I realized I was going to finish a little over 22 hours (that beat my PR by more than five hours) my eyes filled with tears. That moment of pure happiness on the trail is something I’ll never forget.
5. Which beer did you drink after the race?
I don’t drink beer but I have a bad habit of drinking more Dr. Pepper than I should. The big thing in my area right now is “Dirty Dr. Pepper” which is coconut syrup mixed with the DP. It is 32 ounces of awesome.
