0
|
Charles DeVos
2018 REVEL Mt Lemmon Marathon
Published: Nov. 4, 2018, 2:24 p.m. 
0
0
|
-
Overall Rating
5/5 Stars
-
Describe your race day.
Parking took longer than expected, which would be my only warning to other runners. It took 25 minutes to park, which made me concerned about missing the shuttle for the marathon. Thankfully, I made the last one. Other than that, everything was organized well, the slightly later start on the marathon was no big deal to me and completely understandable. It was also nice that they waited to start so everyone could get settled and use the rest rooms.
-
Did you PR?
I did not, unfortunately but it was my second best time. Stomach issue lead to a long bathroom break. If that wouldn’t have happened, I would have nailed it.
-
How would you describe the course?
Beautiful course. The first 4 miles were probably the most challenging of any of the 18 marathons i’ve Run due to the elevation and hills, including the incline hill that lasted about 2 miles between mile 2 and 4. After that, the course is very fast but all of it is beautiful and inspiring. I would run this again for sure.
-
Tell us about your training.
A lot of training went into this but not enough downhills training. This was my 4th marathon this year so my training has been very fluent throughout the year. I do need to incorporate more downhill running into my training and will in the future.
-
What advice would you give future runners?
The weather at the top was in the low to mid thirties and the finish line weather was in the mid 70’s so prepare accordingly. If you have thin blood, bring clothing with you that you can shed as you go. Blisters are a real issue for downhill running if you’re underprepared, due to the different type of stepping. This was my 18th marathon and I definitely have the worst blisters of my life, my fault of course, should have prepared better. Practice, practice, practice downhill running. I do some training for downhill running but not enough and my body definitely feels the difference. The first 4 miles of this course are tough and absolutely no joke so if you’re able to prepare by doing some altitude running, it would greatly benefit you, take in a count that you’re starting at 8000 feet. Do not power run this unless you have experience, it would be best to keep a comfortable pace and let gravity help your speed on the way down. I saw many runners who powered past me early on having a hard time later, some sick and many were walking from miles 19 on. There’s pretty much full sun exposure from mile 15 on, so a hat would help greatly. Overconfidence on this course from just thinking “it’s downhill so I got this” could lead to falling flat but if you prepare right, it could very well be one of the top runs you have.
-
What fun things did you do in the area before or after the race?
Came in from Los Angeles since the LA run was changed to Big Bear, which I would have gladly done but the date fell on the same date as another race I was signed up for. I think I like this one better, even though I was a fan of the one in Azusa. Flew into Phoenix on Friday and drove down to Tucson from there, which was pretty effortless. Trip took about two hours. Driving back was a little more challenging since I was somewhat worn out from the run. The airfare, car rental and hotel combined were almost cheaper than what it would have been to fly into Tucson, which is why I chose to do it that way. My trip was brief so I didn’t do much. There’s plenty of beautiful scenery around so you can obviously take advantage of that. I stopped at Picacho State Park on my way back to Phoenix after the run which was beautiful.
Comments
- No Comments Yet.
