Hi Coach Paul,

After a long day of travel yesterday, we are finally home!  I probably could have floated all the way back to Georgia on a runners HIGH!  I am not even sure where to begin. But FIRST of all, thank you! I must confess that when I have done previous marathons, I had simple goals: "to finish and to finish upright."  So those were my goals and I was okay with them. But with this race, I wanted a goal time and a training plan. And thats what your online coaching  gave me. I wanted a PR and a good run (Marine Corps Marathon 2017 was such a disaster for me) - - so I also began thinking this Mt. Charleston run would be a revenge race to get back confidence, and feel at 69, I could do a marathon again. Your online program tailored to my goal was a challenge to me: getting the miles in, the speed work, learning  a lot of track terminology, figuring out how to actually do the speed, pace, etc. workouts, understanding the videos, the whys of a workout, etc.

But you were always an email away and prompt to respond to my questions and when I needed clarifications.  I needed the accountability on the training calendar to record what I had done - and see were I needed to go as well as see what I had NOT accomplished. The biggest change for me in this marathon training is ACTUALLY doing the speed work on the track. I HATE track runs, but in this program I got a HUGE satisfaction of nailing a time and completing the speed work.  I was the silver haired geek on the track with a clear mailing tape laminated" wristband with spilts printed on the band and smiled when I nailed it!

I have to do most of my running alone and am self motivated, which is a big reason your training plan worked for me.  Particularly, these past 2 months I have really tried to stick with the plan.  The last track work before race doing the 24 X 400m, I hit all my goals and then some.  It really gave me the confidence I needed before the race.  I knew by last week, training is toast and nothing I did would make me get to my goal faster.  There is so many variables that go into a marathon, and I also worked REALLY hard on my nutrition and hydration plan.  The fueling has hurt me sooo many times, even during half marathons.  I nailed the nutrition this time, which is HUGE for me.  I also drank water/electrolytes as much as I could, but probably could have done more - -but hydration was great on the course. 

All your advice was right on!  I felt like I knew the course after your power point and then drove it the day before the race.  Loved how you broke it into segments (which I wrote on my hand in magic marker!)  The las 5 miles were brutal - -HEAT, QUADS, TIRED!! etc.  You know what I mean! But I PUSHED for that PR!

AND:  I HIT my GOAL!  So thrilled for a PR - - - and the "cherry on top" is the BQ, which surprised even me.  So, which leads me to more comments:)  I know Boston is has a different registration/acceptance for BQ times (than other races.)  Do you think my 9 minute cushion might get me there?  If so, sign me up for Revel Boston 2019!  I would love to be part of another online coaching program of yours.  If ever need recommendations, Ill be happy to recommend.  I love to cheerlead programs that excellent as well as the support for the program.

Any hints on recovery (Ha! Ha!).my quads hate me and I have lots of stairs in my 70 year old house.  I go backwards down the stairs and I guess recovery will be when I can go forward down the steps!

So nice to meet you and Katie and become a runner in the Revel Program!  Cannot that you enough for the support and belief that I could make my GOAL!

Appreciate,

Sue

#silversue

A course strategy – and overall race strategy – is a must for optimal performance on race day. Whether this is your first REVEL Rockies 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 Rockies 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 Rockies Marathon course can be divided into five sections:

Miles 1-13: Fast Half (with 4 subsections)

Miles 14-16: Evergreen Rollers

Miles 17-20: Steady Drop

Miles 21-22: Flatten Out

Miles 23-26.2: Fast Finish

Similarly, the Revel Rockies Half-Marathon course can be divided into four similar sections:

Miles 1-3: Evergreen Rollers

Miles 4-7: Steady Drop

Miles 8-9: Flatten Out

Miles 10-13.1: Fast Finish

You can study the courses yourself on the REVEL 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 1-13: Fast Half

Starting at 10,500' elevation, the first half of the marathon loses roughly 3,000' of elevation, with only about 60 total feet of climbing over that entire first half. The average loss per mile is more than 200' per mile, which is over 4% downhill grade. 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.

Generally, it is never a good idea to divide a marathon into "first half/second half" for strategy purposes. The best way to break down the first half of the course is to think of it in 4 subsections:

Miles 1-5, which lose over 1,300' and gain less than 10' overall. In this section, the downhills are sharp at times, and you will want to take advantage of gravity by letting yourself move comfortably fast. Each of these first five miles drops well over 200' per mile, and the only climb - which is minor - is in the first mile. After you pass mile 1, the next 4 miles each drop 240' or more and gain zero.

Mile 6, which flattens out slightly, losing "only" about 150' and gaining 13. After the early miles of higher elevation, you will find it slightly easier to breathe, but you can expect a mild slowdown due to the lesser amount of elevation loss.

Miles 7-11, where the elevation loss is similar to the first 5 miles, but have almost no gain at all. The course drops over 1,100' over these 5 miles, and gains zero. 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.

Miles 12-13, where you will have turned off Squaw Pass Road onto Evergreen Parkway. Here, you will encounter short, gradual climbs. You will climb a little more than 30' here, which is more in these two miles than you had in the entire first 11 miles of the course. Although you will still be running downhill, the elevation loss of approximately 370' in this 2-mile section, paired with the short bit of climbing, will feel slower than the opening 11 miles. It won't be your imagination: the course will feel slower here.

Miles 14-16: Evergreen Rollers

Just past the start of the half-marathon, the course continues on Evergreen Parkway and gradually rolls through miles 14 and 15, then turns onto Douglas Park Road and Meadow Drive as you approach mile 16. Over this 3-mile segment, the course drops approximately 500' elevation loss. The challenge is the climbing, which will be visible as you run on Evergreen Parkway. Remind yourself that overall you are still running downhill. The net elevation loss over these 3 miles is about 500 feet!

Miles 17-20: Steady Drop

Not long after you pass mile 16, you will make a hard left turn onto Bear Creek Road. Here, miles 17 to 20 each drop between 84' and 104' per mile. These are much more gradual drops that what you encountered in the first 13 miles, and less than the elevation loss on Evergreen Parkway in miles 14-16.

Miles 21-22: Flatten Out

Make no mistake: this is where it gets tough for a short bit. Miles 21 and 22 together lose a total of just over 120' of elevation. Compared to the early miles of steady downhill at more than 4% elevation loss, you will definitely notice how in miles 21-22, with a 1% downhill grade, it is harder to hold your pace. Moreover, the climbs that do appear in miles 21 and 22 might slow your pace noticeably. But don’t panic if you find your pace slowing in this segment. You don’t want to “push” yourself to try matching the fast pace that you held in the more downhill miles preceding miles 21-22.

Miles 23-26.2: Fast Finish

Once you reach mile 22, you can say to yourself "now downhill to the finish!" Even better, the downhill in the closing 4.2 miles is roughly 750’. That is over 180' per mile, or approximately a 3.5% elevation loss. You should find yourself able to resume some of the faster paces that you were able to run in the first half of the race.

One word of warning: there is a short 20-foot climb at the very end of the course as you turn onto Union Avenue. It is literally within the last .10 mile, but hopefully at that point you will be glad to see the finish line ahead of you and won’t notice the short climb as the crowds cheer you on.

Summary of the Marathon Course

The Revel Rockies Marathon course loses over 4,700’ 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 1-3: Evergreen Rollers

Starting at 7,500’ of elevation, the course drops roughly 500’ total from the start to mile 3. 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. But be mindful that it is expected for you to be ahead of goal pace at times during the downhill segments. Meanwhile, don’t push your pace on the gradual climbs. Remind yourself that overall you are still running downhill, and that the net elevation loss over these 3 miles is about 500 feet!

Miles 4-7: Steady Drop

Not long after you pass mile 3, you will make a hard left turn onto Bear Creek Road. Here, miles 4 to 7 each drop between about 80' and 100' per mile. These are more gradual drops that what you encountered on Evergreen Parkway in miles 1-3. 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 8-9: Flatten Out

Make no mistake: this is where it gets tough for a short bit. Miles 8 and 9 together lose a total of just over 160' of elevation. Moreover, the climbs that do appear in miles 8 and 9 might slow your pace noticeably. But don’t panic if you find your pace slowing in this segment. You don’t want to “push” yourself to try matching the fast pace that you held in the more downhill miles preceding miles 8-9.

Miles 10-13.1: Fast Finish

Once you reach mile 9, you can say to yourself "now downhill to the finish!" Even better, the downhill in the closing 4.1 miles is steady and gradual, dropping roughly 730’. That is almost 180' per mile, or approximately a 3.5% elevation loss. You should find yourself able to resume or exceed some of the faster paces that you were able to run in the earlier miles of the race.

One word of warning: there is a short 20-foot climb at the very end of the course as you turn onto Union Avenue. It is literally within the last .10 mile, but hopefully at that point you will be glad to see the finish line ahead of you and won’t notice the short climb as the crowds cheer you on.

Summary of the Half-Marathon Course

The Revel Rockies Half-Marathon course loses nearly 1,700' of elevation from start to finish. With an average loss of around 130' per mile, 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 14-time REVEL Marathon Finisher and has run multiple Boston Qualifiers on every REVEL course!

This is a friendly reminder the early bird pricing will end tomorrow! Save up to $25 when you sign up by midnight TOMORROW. Use $10-off code EARLY at checkout along with the Facebook and team discount to redeem your savings!

REVEL Big Bear Marathon & Half will take place on Sunday, Oct 14, 2018. Starting in the beautiful forests near Big Bear and running downhill to end in Redlands, CA, this course offers the signature downhill profile and beautiful mountain scenery that REVELers have come to love. The Marathon is a Boston Qualifying course. 

Marathon Net Drop: -5,083 ft
Half Net Drop: -3161 ft

Register Now

This new event also counts toward the 2018 Triple REVELer medal. Run 3 out of the 6 REVEL Races in 2018 (half or full) and receive a special edition Triple REVELer medal. Your bling awaits! 

Race week is finally here for REVEL Mt Charleston! Stay tuned as we pass along a few more updates this week. All questions regarding the race can also be answered via the Participant Guide or Race Info page.

Participant tracking

Your friends and family can track your progress as you pass timing checkpoints along the course. They can also sign up to receive free text alerts each time you cross a timing checkpoint. Visit https://www.runrevel.com/rmc/track.

roundtrip shuttle from the strip

Are you staying on the Strip? We've added a new roundtrip shuttle service! Shuttles will leave from Bally's from 3:30-4:00am and tickets can be purchased here. 

Spectators

Because of special traffic patterns in Kyle Canyon, spectators will not be allowed on Kyle Canyon Rd (the first 21 miles of the marathon and the first 8 miles of the half marathon). We suggest that spectators stake out an area at or near the finish venue to cheer on their runners.

Pacing

Las Vegas Track Club pacers will be running both the full marathon and half marathon to lead everyone to a fast time. The full marathon will include pacers at various Boston-qualifying paces, including:

• 3:05 (Men's 18-34 BQ mark, 7:03/mile pace)
• 3:10 (Men's 35-39 BQ mark, 7:15/mile pace)
• 3:15 (Men's 40-44 BQ mark, 7:26/mile pace)
• 3:25 (Men's 45-49 BQ mark, 7:49/mile pace)
• 3:35 (Women's 18-34 BQ mark, 8:12/mile pace)
• 3:40 (Women's 35-39 & Men's 55-59 BQ mark, 8:23/mile pace)
• 3:45 (Women's 40-44 BQ mark, 8:34/mile pace)
• 3:55 (Women's 45-49 & Men's 60-64 BQ mark, 8:57/mile pace)
• 4:00 (Women's 50-54 BQ mark, 9:09/mile pace)
• 4:10 (Women's 55-59 & Men's 65-59 BQ mark, 9:32/mile pace)
• 4:25 (Women's 60-64 & Men's 70-74 BQ mark, 10:06/mile pace)
• 6:30 Full Marathon cut off time 

The half marathon will include pacers at the following paces:

• 1:30 (6:52/mile)
• 1:40 (7:38/mile)
• 1:50 (8:24/mile)
• 2:00 (9:10/mile)
• 2:10 (9:55/mile)
• 2:20 (10:41/mile)

Sponsors

Don't forget to visit The Desk Works to get your race medals engraved! Visit them at booth #10.

GET CAUGHT by our REVEL photographers wearing any Headsweats gear and you could win a 2019 REVEL Mt Charleston Full Marathon Entry! Winner will be announced on May 1st. To purchase one of these amazing new hats visit runrevel.com/shop or see other great Headsweats gear at headsweats.com.