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Don't miss out! Make sure to register by 11:59 PM TOMORROW before the prices go up $10.
Don't miss out on this fast and beautiful inaugural race happening on Sunday, October 14, 2018.
Blog
July 6, 2018
AFTERSHOKZ—The ONLY style of Headphones Allowed at MT HOOD
AfterShokz open-ear headphones are the ONLY style of headphones that are ALLOWED at Mt Hood. Our permit will not allow any in-ear headphones on the race course. With AfterShokz headphones, your ears are never covered, leaving them open to safely take in all that pushes you, from your motivational playlist to the crowds cheering at the finish line. Get $30 off REVEL approved wireless headphones at www.aftershokz.com with code REVEL and start training with them. You can also visit AfterShokz at the expo to learn more.
Mt Hood Course Preview
A course strategy and overall race strategy is a must for optimal performance on race day. You should have a well-planned strategy for how you intend to manage the course!
A critical component of your strategy is the course profile itself. Where are the sharp descents? Where are the climbs? Where does the course “flatten” a bit? You want to plan your race with course segments in mind and with an overall strategy for varying paces throughout. Your varied paces will be dictated by the elevation losses and gains, and you want to know before the race where those variations will occur.
Big Bear Price Increase
REVEL Big Bear in Southern California has a $10 price increase on July 10. The REVEL Big Bear course is INCREDIBLE! One interesting tidbit: the cyclist measuring the Big Bear course for USATF certification didn’t pedal his bike once for the entire half marathon course and was able to coast all the way to the finish line!
Launch Team 5K/10K in Salt Lake
Don't you love the medal and Tshirt for the 80's themed 5K/10K run down Emigration Canyon hosted by the Salt Lake Launch Team? This fundraiser on August 11 is a perfect opportunity for a PR on a 5K or 10K while supporting a great cause. The Launch Team trains youth for half marathons. This race is also timed perfectly for some downhill training for the REVEL Big Cottonwood Half.
Race Calendar
| Jul. 28, 2018 | REVEL Mt Hood Portland, OR |
| Sep. 8, 2018 | REVEL Big Cottonwood Salt Lake City, UT |
| Oct. 14, 2018 | REVEL Big Bear (replacing Canyon City) SoCal |
| Nov. 3, 2018 | REVEL Mt Lemmon Tucson, AZ |
| Apr. 27, 2019 | REVEL Mt Charleston Las Vegas, NV |
| Jun. 2, 2019 | REVEL Rockies Denver, CO |
Mt Hood Finish
REVEL Mt Hood Finish Line Pizza will be provided by Papa John's Pizza! Keep an eye out for our Papa John's Sponsored Facebook posts to win free pizza or a free REVEL race entry. Finish hungry, because there is a pizza party waiting for you at the finish!
Look for your FREE Coca-Cola Beverages including Diet Coke, Coke, and Sprite at the finishline. Celebrate your REVEL Mt Hood race with an ice cold Coke!
Things To Do - Big Cottonwood
Guess what's top-ranked on Trip Advisor's Things To Do in Salt Lake City list? That's right: Visit Big Cottonwood Canyon. With hikes, tours, lakes, resorts, mountain biking, skiing, rock climbing, scenic drives, etc., what better place to plan a vacation marathon or half? You will not be dissapointed.
Today we highlight Big Rack Shuttles, which will haul you and your mountain bike to the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon for you to ride down on the trails. You can't make a trip to UT in the summer without trying a mountain biking tour in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Intermountain Alta View Hospital
Alta View Hospital is a great partner, and they want to help you run better. Here is a great article about Safe Running in the HEAT. Also join them in person or online for their FREE Running Clinics:
July 12th: Training the Safe Way, by Julia Reich, DPT
July 31st: Nutrition Strategies to Fuel Your Run, by Lindsay Park, RD.
See the full schedule of their events.
MyoStorm
Sports and fitness recovery innovation has arrived. MyoStorm is pleased to announce the release of its flagship product the Meteor. The Meteor adds state of the art vibration and heat therapy technologies to standard trigger point release methods. MyoStorm's proven technology ensures that anyone can warm up and recover like the pro's. Come get a sneak peak glimpse at the Meteor and reserve one of these revolutionary recovery devices for yourself after the race or at the expo. Be among the first in the world to experience this technology and get it for an amazing discount offered only to REVEL attendees!
Scott James Sport Jewelry Partner
For 2018, Revel Race Series has partnered with Scott James Sport Jewelry for all of our runner's jewelry needs. Scott James Sport Jewelry has over 300 running charms available, including location charms specific to most the REVEL events! The leader in sport and running jewelry, all of their jewelry is cast in sterling silver and finished with a unique satin finish that's only available from Scott James. Whether shopping for yourself or a friend...head over to their website, or stop by their booth at the next event, to pick up your REVEL Race Series jewelry and a few running charms. For a limited time, ENJOY 20% OFF YOUR ONLINE ORDER with code RUNREVEL!
LA Fitness
REVEL is excited to announce its partnership with fitness industry leader LA Fitness. Visit one of their 700+ locations nationwide with this complimentary guest pass. We all know that cross training is an effective injury prevention method, be it cycling, swimming, or strength training. Let LA Fitness help you tow that starting line fit and healthy!
Team Highlight
Marathon Maniacs & Half Fanatics are a group of people who are passionate about running. With over 31,500 members all over the world you are sure to run into a fellow member at races. Join the insanity! 3 marathons or half marathons in 90 days to qualify. Visit marathonmaniacs.com or halffanatics.com for more details.
HeadSweaets
REVEL's exclusive headwear partner for 2018 is Headsweats. Headsweats is dedicated to providing the highest quality headwear in the industry using innovative materials and designs. Keep a cool head. Check your swag bag for this years FREE REVEL HeadSweats Hat.
Sierra Club
Join Team Sierra for something new & exciting--a community that cares about protecting the places we live and is taking action by raising money for the Sierra Club.
Saving the planet is a marathon effort--so when you raise $1,000 for Team Sierra, you'll receive a FREE race entry into REVEL Big Bear or REVEL Mt Lemmon Marathon or Half. You'll also get fun Team Sierra merchandise and full support to reach your fundraising goal.
You can be a part of the nation's largest and most influential grassroots
environmental organization and help safeguard our wild and beautiful lands.
Learn more: Mt. Lemmon | Big Bear
Runner Highlight
REVELer Jim Diego not only runs his heart out but also sings his heart out during the National Anthem. Have you heard him at the start of your REVEL Marathon? Jim has sang the National Anthem at 78 races across the country and soon to be number 4 for REVEL when he joins us at the REVEL Mt Hood Marathon.
Random Race Entry Winner
Congratulations to Amber Neves who ran the 2017 REVEL Big Cottonwood Marathon. She was randomly selected as the winner of a FREE race entry to any 2018/2019 REVEL event. Keep your eyes out each month to see if you're the next random winner. Amber, email revel@runrevel.com to claim your prize.
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July 5, 2018
A course strategy – and overall race strategy – is a must for optimal performance on race day. Whether this is your first REVEL race and your goal is simply to finish, or you are veteran aiming for a PR or BQ, you should have a well-planned strategy for how you intend to manage the course!
The head coach of REVEL’s Online Coaching Program, who has run a Boston Qualifying time in all the REVEL marathons that he has run, has prepared detailed descriptions of the Revel Mt. Hood Marathon and Half-Marathon courses.
Managing the Course Based On Segments
A critical component of your strategy is the course profile itself. Where are the sharp descents? Where are the climbs? Where does the course “flatten” a bit?
You want to plan your race with course segments in mind, and with an overall strategy for varying paces throughout. Your varied paces will be dictated by the elevation losses and gains, and you want to know before the race where those variations will occur.
Generally, the Revel Mt. Hood Marathon course can be divided into five sections:
Miles 1-5: The “Ski Slopes” Fast Start
Miles 6-10: Settle In
Miles 11-15: Accelerate Past the Half
Miles 16-20: Flatten Out
Miles 21-26.2: Rolling Finish
Similarly, the Revel Mt. Hood Half-Marathon course can be divided into four sections:
Miles 1-4: Fast Four
Miles 5-8: Steady Four
Miles 9-12: Work Hard Four
Mile 13 (plus .1): Fast Finish – Final Kick
You can study the courses yourself on the REVEL Mt. Hood website. You can zoom in, use the interactive elevation chart, and get a feel for what lays ahead of you on race day.
If possible, you should drive the course before race day to get a feel for what the segments look and feel like. Knowing what to expect, and when, is helpful when preparing your course strategy.
The marathon and half-marathon courses are summarized below based on the segments described above.
THE MARATHON COURSE
Miles 1-5: The “Ski Slopes” Fast Start
Starting at 5,620’ elevation, the marathon starts adjacent to the ski lifts at The Timberline Lodge and Ski Area at the base of Mt. Hood. The first five miles of the marathon are almost entirely on the Timberline Highway, a smooth paved road that is nestled between tall pines and firs that line the road.
The first five miles of the marathon lose roughly 1,640' of elevation, with less than 20 total feet of climbing over that opening segment. These downhills are notably sharp, and you will want to take advantage of gravity by letting yourself move comfortably fast. Be wary of a sensation of “running too fast” in this entire stretch of the race. If you feel out of control, or if you feel yourself working “too hard” while running downhill, then slow down.
Miles 6-10: Settle In
Shortly before mile 5, the course turns from Timberline Highway onto U.S. 26. Over the next 5 miles, the course loses another 1,350’. This 5-mile segment is not as sharp as the opening segment, but still runs noticeably downhill. Like the opening 5 miles, this section is where you will want to take advantage of gravity and let your pace accelerate to the "comfortably fast" edge of your ability as you “settle in” at your goal pace, or slightly ahead of it.
Miles 11-15: Accelerate Past the Half
From mile 10 to mile 15, the course loses approximately 1,050’ of elevation. You will notice the more gradual descent, which is still significant, with each passing mile. At this stage of the race, with the sharpest descents behind you and the flatter miles ahead, you want to accelerate past the halfway mark. Miles 14 and 15 are two of the last miles where you will see elevation loss greater than 3% (more than 160’ per mile). Take advantage of these downhill miles as you approach the last 11 miles of the race.
Miles 16-20: Flatten Out
Overall, miles 16-20 lose about 360’ total, compared to earlier segments that lost 3-4 times that. These are much more gradual drops that what you encountered in the first 15 miles, and the key to this section is to maintain a steady pace that parallels the lower drop in elevation: lower drop means slower pace. You will notice a slowing of your pace, and that you cannot increase your pace without an increase in effort. This is due not only to the normal and expected fatigue at this point in a race, but also due to the lower amount of elevation loss per mile.
Miles 21-26.2: Rolling Finish
Make no mistake: this is where it gets tough for about 5 miles of the final 10K. All totaled, the final 10K of the course loses about 350’ of elevation. Miles 21 and 22 together lose a total of about 180' of elevation, and there are some noticeably sharp drops followed by gradual climbs. After that, miles 23 and 24 roll gradually up and then down to lose just over 120’ of elevation. Mile 25 actually gains 11’, and then mile 26 loses just under 60’. The final .2 is essentially flat.
Summary of the Marathon Course
The Revel Mt. Hood Marathon course loses over 4,750’ of elevation from start to finish. Over the 26.2-mile course, you likely will surprise yourself with your speed on the downhill segments. Although it is generally true that you never want to "go out too fast" in the opening miles of a marathon, remember that gravity is your friend, and you want to take advantage of the benefits of downhill running.
THE HALF-MARATHON COURSE
Miles 1-4: Fast Four
Starting at 1,759’ of elevation, the course drops roughly 440’ total from the start to mile 4. You will encounter a few gradual climbs in these opening miles, but nothing too severe. What you want to do at this early stage of the race is take advantage of the downhills, take it easy on the uphills. The downhill is noticeable but comfortable – not too steep, but just enough to let your legs turn over quickly. At the same time, be wary of a sensation of “running too fast.” If you feel out of control, or if you feel yourself working “too hard” while running downhill, then slow down.
Miles 5-8: Steady Four
You will notice the difference between miles 1-4, which average more than 100’ of elevation loss per mile, and miles 5-8, each of which drop between about 50' and 80' per mile. These are more gradual drops than what you encountered in the opening segment, so you will want to maintain a steady pace. There are no steep, fast drops, but also no hard climbs. As the course gradually drops, you want to maintain a steady level of effort to hold your pace.
Miles 9-12: Work Hard Four
Make no mistake: this is where it gets tough and where you will need to work hard. Miles 9 and 10 together lose a total of just over 50' of elevation. You don’t want to “push” yourself to try matching the fast pace that you held in the more downhill miles earlier in the race. Mile 11 will suddenly feel faster again. It loses over 70’ of elevation, and you will notice it. However, mile 12 requires some work: it gains more than 20’ overall.
Mile 13 (plus .1): Fast Finish – Final Kick
Once you reach mile 12, you can say to yourself "now downhill to the finish!" Even better, the downhill in the closing 1.1 miles is steady and gradual, but quite noticeable, which is great for tired legs. The elevation loss from mile 12 to the finish is roughly 70’. You should find yourself able to resume some of the faster paces that you were able to run in the earlier miles of the race.
Summary of the Half-Marathon Course
The Revel Mt. Hood Half-Marathon course loses nearly 900' of elevation from start to finish. That's an average of around 70' per mile, making this one of the fastest half-marathon courses you will ever run. Over the 13.1-mile course, you likely will surprise yourself with your speed on the downhill segments.
Paul Carmona is the Online REVEL Coach who has designed training plans specifically for REVEL downhill courses. He is a 16-time REVEL Marathon Finisher and has run multiple Boston Qualifiers on every REVEL course that he has run, with his current streak at 14 BQs in a row at REVEL marathons!
June 21, 2018
Training Tip
Downhill Workouts: How Often, How Far, and What Type of Workouts?
There are many downhill training methods and workouts that help runners find their optimum amount of downhill training, meaning the appropriate level of intensity depending on experience level, and the adequate number of days and proper distances for downhill "practice" during the weeks leading up to race day.
Generally, you should include downhill training hill workout about once every 10-14 days...
Paul Carmona is the Online REVEL Coach who has designed training plans specifically for REVEL downhill courses. He is a 16-time REVEL Marathon Finisher and has run multiple Boston Qualifiers on every REVEL course that he has run, with his current streak at 14 BQs in a row at REVEL marathons!
Price increases
REVEL Mt Hood in Portland, REVEL Big Cottonwood in Salt Lake, and REVEL Mt Lemmon in Tucson all have a $10 price increase on June 26! All three of these courses are fast and beautiful, so you'll want to sign up for all 3!
Youth Training in LA
Launch Team youth half marathon training will be starting in July in Santa Monica for the REVEL Big Bear Half Marathon. The youth meet twice a week to run together with volunteer coaches. Registration includes an entry to the half marathon, free shoes (while sizes remain), group training, and A LOT of fun. Get your youth off the couch and out running this summer with the Launch Team. Visit thelaunchteam.org for all the details and to sign up! Youth as young as 8 and as old as 18 are welcome.
The Salt Lake Launch Team is hosting an 80's themed 5K/10K run down Emigration Canyon as a fundraiser on August 11. Downhill 5K/10K you ask? That's right. Great opportunity for a PR on a 5K or 10K while supporting a great cause. The Launch Team trains youth for half marathons. This race is also timed perfectly for some downhill training for the REVEL Big Cottonwood Half.
Rockies IS Open For Registration
The 2019 REVEL Rockies Marathon & Half will be taking place Sunday, June 2, 2019 in Denver, CO. With nearly a 30% BQ rate in 2018, this course is fast! It's also one of the most diverse REVEL courses with sweeping views of the Rockie Mountains in the first half and a breath-taking scenes in a narrow canyon in the second half. This is a must do REVEL course! Register now while prices are at their lowest!
REVEL Rockies Winners
REVEL Rockies was held on June 3, 2018 in Denver and a new male marathon winner claimed the throne from Grant Bennett who won the last three years in a row. Here are all your winners.
 Ryan Herzog 2:27:23 |
 Female Marathon Winner Jaime Dawes 2:59:02 |
 Male Half Winner Bashash Walio 1:08:13 |
 Female Half Winner Becky Smith 1:24:44 |
 Half Team Winner Runners Roost 1:25:46 |
 Marathon Team Winner STRS 3:25:49 |
Race Calendar
| Jul. 28, 2018 | REVEL Mt Hood Portland, OR |
| Sep. 8, 2018 | REVEL Big Cottonwood Salt Lake City, UT |
| Oct. 14, 2018 | REVEL Big Bear (replacing Canyon City) SoCal |
| Nov. 3, 2018 | REVEL Mt Lemmon Tucson, AZ |
| Apr. 27, 2019 | REVEL Mt Charleston Las Vegas, NV |
| Jun. 2, 2019 | REVEL Rockies Denver, CO |
LA Fitness
REVEL is excited to announce its partnership with fitness industry leader LA Fitness. Visit one of their 700+ locations nationwide with this complimentary guest pass. We all know that cross training is an effective injury prevention method, be it cycling, swimming, or strength training. Let LA Fitness help you tow that starting line fit and healthy!
Papa Johns
REVEL Mt Hood Finish Line Pizza will be provided by Papa John's Pizza! Papa John's Pizza is one of the largest pizza chains in the world, with over 4,000 establishments worldwide and 3,200 in the United States. Papa John's has always maintained that better ingredients make better pizza, and they prove it with their hand-tossed original crust, all-natural sauce, fresh-cut vegetables, and premium cheeses. Papa John's is also heavily involved in charity work around the country. Finish hungry, because there is a pizza party waiting for you at the finish!
Things To Do - Big Bear
Located in the mountain town of Big Bear Lake, this celebration is based off the world’s original Oktoberfest. With authentic German entertainment, Brats and Knockwursts direct from the German butcher, and a variety of Oktoberfest beers, it will be a great addition to your Revel Big Bear weekend.
Scott James Sport Jewelry Partner
For 2018, Revel Race Series has partnered with Scott James Sport Jewelry for all of our runner's jewelry needs. Scott James Sport Jewelry has over 300 running charms available, including location charms specific to most the Revel events! The leader in sport and running jewelry, all of their jewelry is cast in sterling silver and finished with a unique satin finish that's only available from Scott James. Whether shopping for yourself or a friend...head over to their website, or stop by their booth at the next event, to pick up your Revel Race Series jewelry and a few running charms. For a limited time, ENJOY 20% OFF YOUR ONLINE ORDER with code RUNREVEL!
Intermountain Alta View Hospital
Join Alta View Hospital in person or online for their FREE clinics, make sure to visit their two Running Clinics.
July 12th, Runners Clinic: Training the Safe Way, Julia Reich, DPT
July 31st, Nutrition Strategies to Fuel Your Run, Lindsay Park, RD.
See the full schedule of their events.
AFTERSHOKZ
AfterShokz open-ear headphones are the ONLY headphones that are ALLOWED at our REVEL Mt Hood Marathon and Half. Our permit will not allow any in-ear headphones on the race course. With AfterShokz headphones, your ears are never covered, leaving them open to safely take in all that pushes you, from your motivational playlist to the crowds cheering at the finish line. Get $30 off REVEL approved wireless headphones at www.aftershokz.com with code REVEL and start training with them. Visit AfterShokz at the expo to learn more.
doTERRA Deep Blue on the course
Look for doTERRA Deep Blue Rub at our last 8 aid stations along the REVEL Rockies Marathon & Half courses this year. doTERRA Deep Blue Rub is a topical cream formulated with Deep Blue Soothing Blend of CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade essential oils, natural plant extracts, and additional helpful ingredients that provides a comforting sensation of cooling and warmth to problem areas.
Team Highlight
With over 31,500+ members all over the world the Marathon Maniacs & the Half Fanatics are a running club you don’t want to miss out on. 3 marathons or half marathons within 90 days to qualify. Visit marathonmaniacs.com or halffanatics.com for more details.
Random Race Entry Winner
Congratulations to Kimberly Lopez who ran the 2018 REVEL Rockies Half Marathon. She was randomly selected as the winner of a FREE race entry to any 2018/2019 REVEL event. Keep your eyes out each month to see if you're the next random winner. Kimberly, email revel@runrevel.com to claim your prize.
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June 21, 2018
There are many downhill training methods and workouts that help runners find their optimum amount of downhill training, meaning the appropriate level of intensity depending on experience level, and the adequate number of days and proper distances for downhill "practice" during the weeks leading up to race day.
Generally, you should include downhill training hill workout about once every 10-14 days. Hill workouts place a lot of load and stress on your legs. An excessive number of hill workouts can lead to injury. Likewise, hill workouts typically should be a bit lower on mileage than most other runs. A 5-mile easy run is a lot less stressful on your body than a 5-mile hill workout. Again, overdoing it with mileage on a hill workout creates a higher chance of injury.
The types of hill workouts that will benefit you the most are downhill repeats of distances ranging from 1/4 mile up to 1 mile in length, although more advanced runners can practice sustained downhill intensity for longer distances. Whatever your experience level, your training should include enough downhill distance to allow you to practice your form, but without putting enormous strain on your legs.
Finally, it is important to find the right downhill grade for your workouts. Almost all REVEL courses all average between 3-4% total downhill grade. It will help you to run similar grades in your training. To determine grade, use your GPS device to measure the total distance of a hill (in miles converted to feet) and the total downhill (in feet). After that, use simple math to calculate the grade, which is total elevation loss in feet divided by the distance in feet. Remember that a mile is 5,280 feet.
Thus, the math for 1 mile that loses 150’ in elevation is as follows:
1 mile = 5,280’
150’ divided by 5,280’ = 2.8%
The 1-mile downhill is a -2.8% grade.
Similarly, a half-mile that loses 100’ can be calculated as follows:
Half-mile = 2,640’ (half of 5,280’)
100’ divided by 2,640’ = 3.7%
The half-mile downhill is a -3.7% grade.
Using these calculations, find a hill that loses anywhere from about 150’ to 200’ over a mile, and use that hill for your downhill workouts.
Paul Carmona is the Online REVEL Coach who has designed training plans specifically for REVEL downhill courses. He is a 16-time REVEL Marathon Finisher and has run multiple Boston Qualifiers on every REVEL course that he has run, with his current streak at 14 BQs in a row at REVEL marathons!
June 15, 2018
This is a friendly reminder the early bird pricing is ending! Save up to $25 when you sign up by 11:59pm SUNDAY, June 17. Use code EARLY at checkout to save $10 and combine that with the Facebook and team discounts to get a total of $25 off your registration!