This was my first REVEL race and I was nervous about what to expect. The course totals 5000 ft of drop with 80% in the first half. The start is at Timberline Lodge on Mt Hood with groups of a couple hundred starting together. When my wave started the moon was still out and I couldn't get over how the winding roads and trees looked like a postcard. The rest of the course is mostly rolling down, with about 100 ft of total climb in the last 4 miles.

EXPO: The expo was easy access. We were able to park, pick up packets, ask questions in about 15 minutes

RACE PREP: I didn't have anything to simulate this course where I live but the REVEL blog suggested running 6 X 1 mile repeats on a decline treadmill. I did this every other week at 3% decline and it did help for the race.

RACE RECAP: I went out at about 10 seconds faster than my goal for the first 5 miles since it felt so easy. Lots of people were bombing the hills. I resisted and just tried to keep my cadence up and made sure not to slouch back. After the first 5 miles my plan was to run in control up to 20 and then pick it up if I could. I clicked off the miles slowly moving up and staying within myself checking my splits to stay on pace. I didn't expect any climbs from looking at the elevation maps before the race but the last 4 miles did have about 80 feet of climbing and most of the last 4 are not in the shade. After running at 3 and sometimes 6% decline anytime it leveled off it felt difficult. Mile 24 was my worst mile. It had a slight uphill and I could feel my calf starting to spasm. Without about 1 mile to go you get off highway 26 and run down a shady lane till the finish. I was able to get under my goal with a couple minutes to spare.