Timothy Olson won his second straight Western States 100 in 2013. Immediately after his win, John Trent chatted with him in this finish line interview. Rob Krar, who finishes mid-interview, joins in on the discussion.
[Editor’s Note: iRunFar conducted its own post-race interview with Timothy Oslon.]
[Click here if you can’t see the video above.]
Bonus: Timothy Olson Winning the 2013 Western States 100
Timothy Olson, 2013 Western States 100 Champion, Finish Line Interview Transcript
John Trent: I’ve seen a lot of great finishes here, Tim, but watching you carrying your son with your beautiful wife waiting for you, that was one of the all-time great finishes to one of the all-time great runs here. Congratulations.
Timothy Olson: Thank you.
Trent: I’ve got to ask you, last year you obliterated the course record and everyone was saying, ‘Oh, it’s cool so you should run fast.’ Today it’s very warm—very, very warm today. You went ahead; you had people chasing you; they can’t catch you. Which one was more satisfying for you—last year’s win or today?
Olson: What. That’s all I’ve got to say. Whatever. Both of them were wonderful experiences. It’s hard to compare them. This was satisfying to come back and do it again. It’s a good course. I was really challenged there at the end. I thought they were going to get me. I was feeling pretty rough. It was hot. I got kind of fired up after getting up to Green Gate. I didn’t want to let them catch me, so I thought I’d give it all I had. It rolled well. Big thanks to all my crew and pacers and to all of you all for cheering for me. I really appreciate it. It was a great day.
Trent: Rob (Krar), I was just about ready to ask Tim what it felt like knowing that you were chasing him the last few miles in. How aware were you that Mike (Morton) and Rob and a whole host of others were looking for that shirtless figure—no, you have a shirt?
Olson: I found this along the way.
Trent: That shirtless figure was in front of them. How aware were you that these talented guys were right behind you?
Olson: Very. I was running scared. It inspired me to keep pushing it and try to keep them back as best I could. This is this guy’s (Rob Krar’s) first 100-mile race. That’s insane—15 hours? My first 100 was something like 18, 19, 20 hours. I don’t know what it was. It was ridiculous. This is phenomenal. I’m inspired to run with such amazing people. Happy recovery, dude.
Trent: Rob, how does it feel to be here at this finish line and what do you have to say about Tim Olson and his performance today and as well yours today?
Rob Krar: It’s kind of hard to… there are no words going through my mind right now. It’s been an incredible journey the last couple of years. The race today was my smartest effort. I’m really proud of that. Racing Tim—I was getting splits—I was racing, but I had to be smart and run the smartest race I could. If the stars would have aligned, maybe I would have caught Tim, but it wasn’t meant to be today. He ran an utterly fantastic race. It’s no fun getting hunted down. It’s a privilege to race and sit beside such a champion.
Trent: You’ve heard about Rob and all the amazing things he’s done of late. In terms of the people who were in the race, he had to have been one of the top threats you must have felt of the people who were going to challenge you. What kind of race did you expect him to run against you? Did you expect him to take it out quickly? Is that why you decided to take it out at Robinson Flat and then at Miller’s? What was kind of the game plan for you today?
Olson: I don’t know how I got ahead there. I was just running and I couldn’t slow down. Again, it’s his first 100. I knew he was going to have a good race. He’s had some amazing races out there. This is double the length he’s ever run. To be perfectly honest, I didn’t expect him to be right here. This is incredible.
Trent: Rob, I was at Devil’s Thumb earlier and when you came into Devil’s Thumb you were asking for… I don’t know, Advil or something? Were you having some pain going through the canyons? Were you having some discomfort? How were you feeling going through the initial part of the canyons going up to Devil’s Thumb?
Krar: I felt really great… first of all, he couldn’t slow down… that’s a great problem to have. A couple of weeks ago I got a spasm in my muscle in my shin and I couldn’t run a step for about three days. That started popping up early in the race. I was just looking for some ibuprofen or Tylenol to quell the pain. It settled down. I was very fortunate. I thought I was in trouble early in the race. Yeah, I feel just great.
Trent: Awesome. Tim, I’ve got to ask you this, too. A year ago I remember chatting with you on the phone and you were kind of hoping to become a father and waiting to become a father. What’s the difference here now that you are a father and still a champion? What were some of the emotions that were going through your mind as you came around the track here and you had Tristen in your arms and yet a year later here you are again on the track?
Olson: Yeah, it’s emotional. (pause) Nice one. It is very special to finish with him. It’s not easy to be a parent. I’m blessed that I’m able to spend my time running and hanging out with him. My work is running right now and I get to just hang out with him. It’s great timing and I’m very blessed with that. I also have a wife that helps me with this and helps me to travel and do all the things I do and comes here and supports me. It’s a good day. You’re father-of-the-year tonight.
Trent: Rob, I’ve got to ask you, and this is probably way too early to ask you, you’ve now run a 100-mile race. We’re hoping this is the beginning of a long and productive career for you at this distance. What are some of the takeaways you’ll take from today and early this evening at this event? Was it everything you hoped it would be?
Krar: Yes, it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life without a doubt physically, emotionally, mentally. Truly. We’ll see how I recover. It’s hard to describe. I definitely want to thank my crew and my partner, Christina. Without a doubt I could not be doing this without her. Thank you.
Trent: One last thing and then I’ll let you guys go. Today was a very, very hot day. I’m just astounded at the athleticism and the courage and the fortitude that you guys show to run this fast. Honestly, did you think that it would take this fast of a time on a day like today to win?
Olson: No. I was just running to try to get through the heat. I don’t know that I’ve ever spent that much time in the heat running. That was hot. I got to experience the “true” Western States and what many people have went through the last 40 years. It was just fun to be a part of this tradition.
Krar: The heat was difficult, but you get out there and you just do everything you can do to reach your potential up there. I had some ice scarves and ice in my hat which seemed to really help. It didn’t really feel quite as hot as I feared, but it was difficult out there, no doubt about it.
Trent: Ladies and gentlemen, these are two tremendous athletes… your second and first-place men, Rob Krar and Timothy Olson!
