Michele Fortier

2018 REVEL Big Bear Half Marathon
Published: Oct. 15, 2018, 11:41 a.m.
  1. Overall Rating

    5/5 Stars

  2. Describe your race day.

    Everything was very clear and organized for the bus to the starting line. We got to the starting line and had about 30 minutes until the race start. The race started with very little announcement, we all just started to run.
    The run was great, I kept close to one of the pacing groups for the first 6 or so miles. Had a really fun time running down the canyon road. The aid stations were very helpful and well organized.
    Once we got to mile 7 or 8, things flattened out and it was more work getting through those miles.
    After I finished, I grabbed my card with my times and ate a donut while waiting for my friend to cross the finish line. It was fun seeing all the runners coming in.
    I love the Revel races because they are always so well organized, and they offer so much to the runner. I have run a variety of races before, but I ALWAYS run the Revel races in SoCal. I love that we get a print out with our times/rankings, the medals are always really big and gorgeously designed, and I love the tech-shirts we get. Plus, getting free photos during the race is AMAZING. I never buy race photos, so I love getting some photos from this course, as they're usually my only race photos all year. I like Revel because you get so much value for your money, and it's always a really great experience. This is the best race series I've participated in, and plan to again next year.

  3. Did you PR?

    I PR'd on this race. My previous fastest time was last year at Revel Canyon City. This year, I finished about 8 minutes faster, most of the time was gained during the first six miles.

  4. How would you describe the course?

    I loved the start of the course. The first six miles were great and I really enjoyed the downhill canyon run. The next 4 or so miles were okay, but more flat than I had hoped. I really did not like the last 3 miles of the course. I enjoyed the course at Canyon City a lot more. I felt like there were lots of spectators for the final couple miles, and the scenery was so much nicer. I know the race moved because people didn't love the uphill during Canyon City, but I think that course is so much prettier and more fun.

  5. Tell us about your training.

    I train for triathlons primarily, so most of my focus is on running, swimming and biking. I have a pretty regular regime I follow, and when that season is done, I switch to mainly running. I am not the most intense of runners, so I just try to run 4 miles a few times a week, along with my other cross training.

  6. What advice would you give future runners?

    My biggest advice is don't stress too much and enjoy the course. Wear warm layers before the race, but once you start running, you warm up fast, so leave the layers with your race bag.
    Make sure the toe box of your shoe is wide/big enough, because running downhill can really mess up your toenails (speaking from experience).
    Get a hotel with a hot tub because nothing feels better than a hot soak after the race.

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

    We drove from Los Angeles. After going to the Expo around 1pm, we drove up to Big Bear and spent a few hours walking around there. Then we went back to Redlands and got dinner at Alfredo's.

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