REVEL Big Cottonwood

Carsen McDaniel

2016 REVEL Big Cottonwood Marathon
Published: Sept. 10, 2016, 6:39 p.m.

Overall Rating

5/5 Stars
Describe your race day.

The day was so smooth. Busses were on time, the packet has what you need to stay warm etc. I can't say enough good about what Revel has done here. The medal, the t-shirt, the packet, the expo... all great.
Did you PR?

Yep!
How would you describe the course?

Too steep. It truly is the definition of a double edged sword. I ran faster than I imagined. I was expecting to run about 3:15 and found myself with 30 seconds cushion on my 3:05 qualifying time with about .5 miles left... This is when I sustained a knee injury and had to walk to rest of the way.:) Still ran a 3:11 but some of those hills are DEATHLY. So steep.
Tell us about your training.

I trained by doing a lot of uphill and downhill runs in neighboring canyons. Typical training otherwise... intervals and long runs. I would HIGHLY suggest running this course before hand or at least driving it and walking the steep parts.
What advice would you give future runners?

It's cold at the start. Wear some layers. I then ran in a tank and was fine. The pacers are great. If you have a time you are looking for, they are indispensable. That first mile is REALLY fast though. I would take it slow and be comfortable and catch up to the pacer of your choice a few miles later.
What fun things did you do in the area before or after the race?

Nothing really! I live here.:)