Jef Olsen

2017 REVEL Big Cottonwood Marathon
Published: Sept. 10, 2017, 2:10 a.m.
  1. Overall Rating

    2/5 Stars

  2. Describe your race day.

    I left this as a Facebook message and I copied and pasted here: one event ruined the experience for me.

    I had an unsettling and disturbing incident today. I was at mile 24.5 and a driver in a vehicle decided to take his ire and frustration out on me.

    He yelled at me telling me that this race had better be for charity because it was making him four hours late.

    I did not answer him.

    But I did take out my phone to take his picture. He then said " why don't you video this" and he flipped me off

    So, I told a police officer that this driver was harassing me.

    Later-after the police man told me he'd take care of it,
    The drive me caught up with me and started mocking me by moving his arms In an exaggerated running motion.

    I chose to ignore the guy this time. I saw his car later but never looked over to him.

    This was frustrating on three levels.

    1. The driver of course. He chose to take his frustration on me because, I believe, I happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

    2. The police officer was unable to assist me in any real protection.

    3. We are running exposed in the middle of the road for the last three miles. This situation could have easily become more heated. I don't like the course the last three miles and feel it's a genuine safety concern.

    I was threatened. I was mocked. I was criticized because of your decision to have the course where it was the last three miles.

    The experience ruined the marathon for me and I still feel disturbed seven hours later.
    I should not have to defend why I run during a race to a passing motorist. I should not be subjected to yelling, mocking and flipping off during a race when I am running in the designated area.

    And, I should be subjected to defending your decision of the course to frustrated motorists.

  3. Did you PR?

    No. Pt is 3:41. I heavily prepared for this race but did not have it today.

  4. How would you describe the course?

    I enjoyed the downhill and prepared for it. The last the miles were concerning ( see above).

  5. Tell us about your training.

    Ran four 20 milers in last three months. Ran 10 training runs of 13 miles.

    Even ran two 13.1 races down big cottonwood. One in 1:34 and one in 1:30 ( 6:54 pace per mile). But I have not figured out the marathon distance yet.

    I think I would have ran even more miles in preparation.

  6. What fun things did you do in the area before or after the race?

    After race I went home disturbed. See above. I still feel disturbed over 12 hours later.

Comments

  1. Jef Olsen
    Sept. 10, 2017, 2:10 a.m.

    -

  2. Jef Olsen
    Sept. 10, 2017, 2:11 a.m.

    -

  3. Jef Olsen
    Sept. 10, 2017, 2:11 a.m.

    I

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