Vicki A Haarhues

2018 REVEL Big Bear Marathon
Published: Oct. 17, 2018, 11:24 a.m.
  1. Overall Rating

    4/5 Stars

  2. Describe your race day.

    This was my 3rd Revel race - I really enjoy them! Looking forward to the next one.

    A little stressful when the bus took the half marathon route, had to turn around and was late arriving to start. National anthem was starting as we got off bus. Course was nice except for the last 2-3 miles. Locals didn't seem very supportive. Cars were driving in the lane blocked for runners.

  3. Did you PR?

    No - missed it by 3 minutes. My PR was the full marathon at Mt. Charleston.

  4. How would you describe the course?

    Enjoyed course until mile 21 or 22. Final miles were too flat and not scenic.
    Enjoyed the mountain scenery and running through the fog - beautiful! First half of marathon was really pretty. Grade was nice (except at end). Wish you could find a course that doesn't flatten so much at the end. Those last few flat miles feel really hard on tired legs.
    Elevation was good.

  5. Tell us about your training.

    Downhill training runs are a definite plus.
    Do plenty of downhill training runs and speed work. Practice running downhill and then flat for a few miles.

  6. What advice would you give future runners?

    Shop at thrift store for throw-away jacket and sweat pants. Remember ear muffs for standing around before race.
    Old Spaghetti Factory was great for carb loading.
    Flew into Ontario from Albuquerque. Ontario Airport was super convenient to Expo and race buses.

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

    Visited Lake Arrowhead Village and Big Bear Village.

    Stayed at Country Inn & Suites - paid $189/night. Room was very loud. They did not offer any breakfast on race morning. Pull out couch in room was really dirty and old. Would not stay at this hotel again. You should reconsider using them again as host hotel next year.

    The rain at Expo prevented us from spending time at the vendor tents. Wish it had been inside.

    Didn't like that the shirts were the same color and basic design as Revel Rockies. I would have purchased additional shirts if they were noticeably different.

Comments

  1. Vicki Amiday Haarhues
    Oct. 17, 2018, 11:26 a.m.

    Revel volunteers at finish were awesome - so friendly and helpful. Thank you for a great experience. I'll see you again.

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