PROfile: Joey Whelan, 2018 Austin Marathon champion
Joey Whelan has been on fire since winning the 2018 Austin Marathon
Update on Joey Whelan – Things have been great since winning the Austin Marathon (watch his post-race interview). I received Nike support from Stotan Racing based on my performance. Stotan Racing is a post-collegiate Nike group based out of Syracuse, New York. I’m now a satellite athlete coached by John Aris.
All smiles for Joey Whelan as he accepts his Austin Marathon championship check.
My current mission is to get a 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials standard (sub 2:19:00) at Grandma’s Marathon on June 16th. So far in my marathon build-up, I improved my half marathon personal best by more than a minute in Pittsburgh (1:07:34). I’m also aiming to improve my half marathon personal best at the Buffalo Half Marathon on May 27th*.
As of now, the plan is to lower my personal best in a half marathon this fall, training specifically for that distance. I’ll then begin my buildup to defend my Austin Marathon title to kick off 2019.
*Whelan won the Buffalo Half Marathon on May 27th (65:37) and set a new personal best.
I live in Spring Branch, Texas, (an hour south of Austin) but grew up in Buffalo, New York (Go Bills). When I’m not training, I work in ranch restoration in the Texas Hill Country making ranch roads and clearing properties. During my time as a student-athlete at Syracuse University, I competed on four NCAA qualifying teams, with my highest finish being 55th at the 2012 NCAA Championships. I’m spontaneous and enjoy traveling, nature, and drinking beer.
Marathon PR (2:21:37)
Training tip
If you struggle with the mid-week workout, don’t stress, focus on the weekend long run. Consistency is key.
Race day tip
Look at the training you’ve done. Be confident.
Upcoming races for Joey Whelan: Grandma’s Marathon (June 16th) for a B-standard attempt.
Returning for 2019 Austin Marathon: Yep!
