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.

I picked this point to point race from Folsom to Sacramento because of the temperate weather and CIM's reputation as the "fastest in the west". About 7000 people started the marathon in 2016, but It cleared up after the first mile. Be prepared/train for an onslaught of "smaller" rolling hills for the first 13 miles. Last 13 flatten out finishing at the capital building. I took it easy for the first 13 and ended up with my first BQ!!! I would also recommend their VIP program for race morning transportation and access to the heated tent with private porta-johns with minimal waiting.