REVEL Big Bear

Sheila Newton

2018 REVEL Big Bear Half Marathon
Published: Oct. 15, 2018, 10:03 a.m.

Overall Rating

5/5 Stars
Describe your race day.

I loved the craziness of waiting for the half to start, on the side of the road on the mountains, freezing and dark. Starting the run and just being amazed at the sights.
Did you PR?

I did PR but it was my first half ever.
How would you describe the course?

The course was gorgeous. We were able to run and watch the fog lift through and over the mountains. The colours were beautiful. The curvy parts were challenging to run on, in terms of finding comfort and it was an entirely different way of running for me. The elevation did not seem to bother me, but I did notice I felt I was breathing easy once I was on level.
Tell us about your training.

I had only run 6 miles prior to this. I was doing it on my own, no training plan. Busy mom. My goal was to increase my overall mileage each week and that did not always happen but I was running every other day consistently. I had only worked up to 10 miles before the race (one time) and I was nervous. Advice: follow your body, listen to its cues. Push yourself when you can and take it easy when you need to.
What advice would you give future runners?

Stay close to the parking! Dress warm while waiting.
What fun things did you do in the area before or after the race?

Before the race went up to big bear lake, walked around, enjoyed the views. Beautiful. Just driving through the mountains on its own was an experience.