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Scott Devine
2014 REVEL Canyon City Half Marathon
Published: Sept. 8, 2015, 6:56 p.m. 
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Overall Rating
4/5 Stars
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Describe your race day.
It was a great race day. I remember riding the bus up the mountain to the start line, chatting with my fellow runners about the cool downhill run to come. And given that spectators basically aren't up on the mountain (no way for them to get up there) I remember it being a very serene and peaceful run, just me (the other runners) and nature. Of course when we got down to the city of Azusa for the final few miles, the town did turn out and it was nice to see the locals cheering. Oh, and I have to mention the finish line was pretty sweet... some good and unique food (Chick-Fil-A nuggets, pie and tons of other goodies). It was a wonderful time.
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Did you PR?
I didn't PR, but I was purposely running a slow race that day (doing three half marathons in two days that weekend). Given the downhill course, it would give any runner a solid chance at achieving a PR.
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How would you describe the course?
The best way to describe it was peaceful. Once you crossed the start line, the runners spread out quickly and it felt like you were just doing a run through nature... with plenty of great scenery to watch as you make your way down the mountain. The course was downhill, but the steepest grade was for the first half of the marathon (I ran the half marathon which started at the marathon's half way point). The downhill grade wasn't too steep, it just allowed you to run at either a pace faster than normal or your normal pace with less effort.
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Tell us about your training.
The best training advice I can give is to prepare for the downhill run by doing some hill work (both uphill and downhill) in the weeks leading up to the race. This race will punish your muscles (especially quads) differently than a flat course. If you don't, you'll be really really sore the next day.
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What advice would you give future runners?
Plan for the weather to be cooler than you expect at the start (especially the marathon). You're starting right around dawn and you're at altitude. It'll be cold. Use the gloves and mylar blanket they give you and perhaps bring some throwaway clothes or something your can put in your gear bag just before the start.
And as for pace... this is a a unique race in that if you typically run a set pace, expect to run a faster race than normal. Rather than going by time, go by effort. Stick with your normal effort and you'll naturally go faster. But don't take off like a bat out of hell at the start. Even though it's downhill, you're still running a half (or full marathon).
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What fun things did you do in the area before or after the race?
I'm a LA local, so I'm very familiar with the Azusa area. My advice would be to hang out at the finish line after the race. There's plenty of good food (and beer) and a good chance to cheer on the other finishers.
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