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Gaby Fishpaw
2018 REVEL Mt Hood Marathon
Published: Aug. 7, 2018, 12:25 p.m. 
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Overall Rating
4/5 Stars
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Describe your race day.
Race day overall was good. But, the race course itself was too brutal for 26.2. I would not do the marathon again only because it was so hard. I have never done a Revel marathon (only half) or other downhill marathon and it's not for me. It was too steep of a grade for the first 8 miles for me to recover my legs for the later miles. Most memorable was the views the first few miles. Race organization and course aid stations were great!
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Did you PR?
Yes, shockingly, I PR'd by 1 minute, even though my last 4 miles were horrendous and slow and I walked the most I have ever had to walk. My goal was a BQ, though, which I missed by 7 minutes. I was on pace to do so until those last few miles. This was the worst part for me. But, remain grateful of my overall finish.
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How would you describe the course?
Beautiful overall, and very scenic, with the exception of the 4 lane highway and cars the last few miles before the Rainbow Trout Park. Loved the pine trees, canyon road, sun at our back, waterfalls and other views the rest of the course. The first half was better than the second half. The traffic and having to be on the shoulder alone, was not ideal and a bit demoralizing.
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Tell us about your training.
Training was normal for marathons. I do a lot of rolling hills training. But, I underestimated how much downhill training is necessary to be successful and feel better in a downhill marathon course. It is absolutely necessary to do "downhill hard repeats" with walking up or a brick training arrangement that includes hard downhills and go into a moderate pace flat running. Adequate downhill training so the legs can get accustomed to that pounding.
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What advice would you give future runners?
Train for downhills, for real! Know whether you will be ok with "banking" fast miles early, rather than negative splitting a marathon. Be sure you have the right shoes that will withstand the pounding. My Hoka Cliftons were fine. Take advantage of the hotel shuttle to the start since it is kind of far to get to the start parking.
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What fun things did you do in the area before or after the race?
Only spent time around the neighborhood where the host hotel was; great area with cute shops and restaurants. I did not venture into downtown or do anything else since I was traveling solo. I traveled all the way from Maryland too!
I would absolutely do another Revel race, but only the half marathon and not the full marathon. Thank you for putting on a great race!