REVEL Big Bear

Glenn Michael

2018 REVEL Big Bear Marathon
Published: Oct. 15, 2018, 3:43 p.m.

Overall Rating

5/5 Stars
Describe your race day.

At the starting area in the dark at the amphitheater I was able to lie on my back and see a sky full of stars, and an occasional shooting star. Nice way to get the day started. At about 5 miles on the course I went around a curve and the valley below opened up and it was filled with clouds. Beautiful! Greatly appreciated those clouds when we dropped through them and they gave us cover from the sun.
Did you PR?

Didn't PR (too old to run that fast again), but I did BQ by 21 minutes.
How would you describe the course?

Tough first 5 miles or so, then some nice cruising and beautiful views, especially looking down on the clouds below. Then the nice surprise and speed beginning at 13-or-so-miles with the long, straight, smooth downhill.
Tell us about your training.

Typical marathon training, but pretty much on flat courses. The long runs are super important to build the stamina needed for a strong finish.
What advice would you give future runners?

Train on downhill to get your quads prepared. Take warm clothing to the start area.
What fun things did you do in the area before or after the race?

Drove over from Phoenix and stayed at a hotel within walking distance to the buses.