Michael Cullen II

2016 REVEL Rockies Marathon
Published: June 13, 2016, 4:24 a.m.
  1. Overall Rating

    4/5 Stars

  2. Describe your race day.

    The scenery, of course, was magical. Volunteers at aid stations were encouraging. The weather held up and was very tolerable for most of the day--right up until the last 40 minutes or so, when the heat became difficult.
    The worst thing--by far--was the fact that Gatorade and water at the final few rest stops was really warm, and not something I could keep down.
    The best thing at the finish--those ice cold towels. That stopped me from actually throwing up due to the heat.

  3. Did you PR?

    I did not PR, but there are several reasons for that. I've never run a marathon at altitude; I had just ran another marathon the previous weekend, only the second time I've attempted that feat; I'm recovering from a groin injury; and it was hotter than expected. I was 15% slower than my PR.

  4. How would you describe the course?

    I would say that it is important to alter your description of the race on the website, because you strongly give an impression that it's an entirely downhill course, and that just isn't true. The hills in the middle stretch (miles 13-16) could be daunting for someone who wasn't expecting them. I had driven the course before the race, so I was aware of the reality of it.
    The course does feature tremendous scenery. The downhill grade is really reasonable for the first 12 miles. There were some parts in the last few miles that were difficult to run because of the fatigue coupled with the pitch.

  5. Tell us about your training.

    This was my sixth marathon since October 1. I am pretty regularly at marathon endurance at any given point. I did not have the opportunity to do altitude training, because I live in Illinois.

  6. What advice would you give future runners?

    I would encourage others to get used to high-altitude running, as my lungs were burning by mile 19. I would also say, in general, not to run a June marathon.

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

    I stayed with my best friend in Lakewood for a few days. We saw some sights around Denver, including a drive up to the peak of Mt .Evans.

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