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Mitchell Kusick
2017 REVEL Rockies Marathon
Published: June 12, 2017, 4:41 p.m. 
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Overall Rating
4/5 Stars
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Describe your race day.
No issues with the busing up to the start, but did have to wait roughly 30 minutes (5:00-5:30) to use the facilities as there were 24 porta-lets for all of the marathoners amassed in the Echo Resort entrance. Nonetheless, the course was remarkable and I got into a fantastic rhythm, taking in the scenery and not worrying about my pace. Even though it was painful, the most memorable moment of the race for me was collapsing at the Finish Line, giving everything I had physically to ensure a speedy kick. Big shout out to the volunteers and especially the poor soul(s) who had to lay down and pick up 26 miles of cones to ensure that we were safe on race day!
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Did you PR?
Fortunately, I was able to set my Personal Best at this distance. I PR'd by nearly 10 minutes (2:47 from 2:56) and qualified for Boston for 2018
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How would you describe the course?
Serene. The first 10 miles were steep and felt deceptively comfortable with the shade and early morning air conducive for speed. The stretch down Evergreen Parkway was alright, I had planned for the 3 hills and didn't waste too much energy summiting them in the heat. Miles 16-20 were deceptively hard due to the false flat and having to navigate the panoply of halfer's who were walking. The last 10K was ideal, with the gentle, consistent downhill ensuring that I achieved my target goal.
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Tell us about your training.
REVEL was my goal race this year and thus I structured my schedule around this race in particular. I was injured over the winter and wasn't able to start running until February, but worked on my form early on in the season. As the days progressed in my 20-week plan I built up my aerobic base and lifted legs hard 3x a week. I then peaked my mileage (53 miles/week) and focused on speed, adding a couple of tune-up marathons (Boston and Colfax) to re-familiarize myself with the distance. I think the strength training component is what I would recommend most to others looking to run well at this race in the future.
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What advice would you give future runners?
Be cognizant of the course profile, especially where the hills and steep gradients are so there are no surprises on race day. Practice your race-day nutrition in your training runs, anticipating the aid stations as they're set up on race day. Wear throw away sweats/sweatshirt to the start (~45F in the morning...) Short sleeves and shorts are recommended to race in as it heats up quick. Racing flats work well if you can handle the added impact.
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What fun things did you do in the area before or after the race?
Live in between Boulder and Denver, so was able to do my pre-race routine in the comfort of my home. Got into the creek after the race to reduce the inflammation! Unfortunately, the venue was difficult to navigate and crowded, so I didn't stick around too long. I liked it better in 2015 when the Finish went up over the bridge and the venue was in the grassy quad by the Post Office, a much nicer place to rest.
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