The elevation change is huge and there are some very steep downhills that are fun to go fast down at first, but near mile 15 my calves were screaming for me to stop and run uphill instead. The beautiful scenery is a great distraction when you remember to look around and enjoy the view. For the out & back, you run into the sun on the uphill then when we turned around I didn't feel the wind anymore. That whole section was difficult for me, but once you get back on the main stretch, the sun is at your back and the wind is coming towards you again to cool off, which made as a great finish for me.