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Rachael de Graaf
2016 REVEL Rockies Half Marathon
Published: June 12, 2016, 8:33 p.m. 
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Overall Rating
5/5 Stars
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Describe your race day.
We found that the bus system worked extremely well this time...although I was not one of the affected ones last year. I was one of the fortunate ones who actually got to run last year. This is my third year year doing it...I have no complaints on any of the years. I did think that this year ran the smoothest of all three years! The start line area was well equipped with port-a-poos, water/Gatorade, and Mylar blankets (on top of those already given out in the swag bags). The only suggestion I would have is to amplify the start countdown more. I was at the front, and heard everything...my husband was in the middle and said he couldn't hear anything said, or the countdown at the start line. The speaker system that was being used for announcements during the gathering/pre-race period would've been good to use! The gear check was well organized and very handy! It was nice to be able to keep our warm layers until 15 minutes before the race! The race started right on time, which is a major plus!
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Did you PR?
I did not PR. I PR'd last year at the Revel Cottonwood (1:47:??)! My best time for Revel Rockies was last year...I was two minutes faster (1:53:??), I've still finished under 2:00 all three years!!!
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How would you describe the course?
The course is beautiful...a few uphill parts that don't bother me (I run the Rocky Mtn Half in Estes Park each year...talk about hills!!), but could be mis-leading to someone expecting an all downhill course. I love the views, the amount of aid/water/bathroom stations...and I appreciate the mile marker being so clearly visible! I liked the finish line set up and relaxation area this year...beautiful being right by the water...and lots of shade trees!!! There again though, the awards announcements needed to be amplified too...she had no microphone, so only those standing right there could hear her.
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Tell us about your training.
I usually run about one half marathon a month. This was my 32nd half! My training was stepped up a little, however, because I not only did my regular 6.2 miles a day, but I did my husband's 8 week training plan with him. (This was his first half marathon.) That meant that Tues/Thurs I had two runs a day (a 6.2 mile run and a 2-4 mile run with him), and long runs (6-10 mile runs) on the weekend.
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What advice would you give future runners?
Follow Revel's guidelines for parking, and the buses and it'll go smoothly for you! Take advantage of the gear check...no sense in not being comfortable while waiting for the race to start, when you can roll everything up and stick it in your gear check bag. That whole process ran very smoothly. I appreciated the volunteers checking bib #'s and handing you your bag...no stolen bags that way! Most of all, I would tell future runners...even though you are running, be sure to take in the views and the beauty of the course. It's a fabulous course!!
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What fun things did you do in the area before or after the race?
Ummmmm, nothing beforehand...and afterwards...limped around :-) and took pictures, looked at Revel goodies, drank beer, and listened to the music. We traveled from Thornton, Colorado for the race.
I LOVE Revel Races...my plan is to do all four of your races in the next year or two!!!! You all put on a great race! I would highly recommend your races!!