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REVEL Mt Charleston Course Preview & Other REVEL News
REVEL Race Series
April 6, 2017
The Run Down - REVEL Race Series Newsletter April 2017
REVEL Mt Charleston Course Preview
Mt Charleston Course Preview

A course strategy – and overall race strategy – is a must for optimal performance on race day. Whether this is your first REVEL Mt Charleston 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 of the REVEL marathons, has prepared a detailed description of the Mt Charleston Marathon and Half-Marathon courses.

READ MORE

Paul Carmona is the Online REVEL Coach who has designed trainling plans specifically for REVEL downhill courses. He is a 9-time REVEL Marathon Finisher and run multiple Boston Qualifiers on every REVEL course!

Do you want to be our next featured writer? Email us at revel@runrevel.com for details.
 
REVEL Big Cottonwood

REVEL Big Cottonwood & Canyon City Price Increases

REVEL Big Cottonwood in Salt Lake City, UT and REVEL Canyon City in Los Angeles, CA have price increases on April 12th! Both of these are a must run for their beauty and speed. Save $10 by registering before the prices goes up!
 
Launch Team

Launch Team is Gearing Up For Another Season

The Launch Team is a youth running program that trains youth 18 and younger to run the REVEL Big Cottonwood Half Marathon. Training starts in June in one of three locations in Salt Lake and Utah County. Sign up as a youth runner or volunteer coach.

The Launch Team helped me learn to love running, and learn to love and appreciate my body! I was hesitant at first, I really didn't necessarily want to run a half marathon, or even think I could, but my mom convinced me to do it. I am so glad I did! I learned so much, and made some great friends, and I am excited to do it again this year and crush some new goals!
—Alaina Ball
 
Priority

Get Priority Registration for 2018 REVEL Mt Charleston

Remember that we are offering Priority Registration for the 2018 REVEL Mt Charleston race to anyone who is registered for any 2017 REVEL race. If you want to get first dibs on a spot make sure to register NOW for one of the 2017 REVEL events, including this year's REVEL Mt Charleston half marathon.

Race Calendar

Apr. 29, 2017 REVEL Mt Charleston
Las Vegas, NV
Jun 11, 2017 REVEL Rockies
Denver, CO
Sep. 9, 2017 REVEL Big Cottonwood
Salt Lake City, UT

Price Increase April 12, 2017!
Nov. 4, 2017 REVEL Canyon City
Los Angeles, CA

Price Increase April 12, 2017!

Merchandise Highlight

REVEL Leggings

Brand new 2017 merchandise is rolling in and new this year are REVEL Leggings.

These calf-length leggings feature one of the many iconic views along our REVEL race courses and are the ultimate athleisure item for the gym or around home. Get yours today!

Sponsor Highlight

Rapid Reboot

Train. Reboot. Repeat – with Rapid Reboot

No matter your sport or level, you can train like world-class Olympic and professional athletes by supercharging your recovery with the Rapid Reboot recovery system – the only system that offers the most quality for the best price, the widest range of sizes for the best fit and best results, and the highest flow rate of any pump, allowing it to attain higher pressures and faster cycle times. Rapid Reboot also features a wide range of pressures, a heavy-duty pump, three simple time settings for easy use, automatic shut-off, two different modes for specific results, different boot sizes for the best fit, triangular foot compartment compresses for maximum comfort, integrated hoses for ease-of-use, and a padded travel case.

FDA cleared and backed by a 2-year warranty, Rapid Reboot uses dynamic, sequential air compression based on proven medical technology and principles to improve circulation, mobilize metabolites, flush out lactic acid and other toxins, reduce exercise-induced swelling, alleviate inflammation, and eliminate stiffness and soreness. This speeds up your body's natural process of repair and recovery so you can get back on your feet and to doing what you love. Learn more and shop for your own Rapid Reboot recovery system at rapidreboot.com.

Participant Highlight

Jared Andersen

Jared Andersen has lost over 350 pounds and REVEL Mt Charleston Half Marathon will be the first race he has completed. We congratulate Jared on his accomplishments and look forward to seeing him cross the finish line!

Team Highlight

Team

As REVEL Mt Charleston nears, team Run4Fun & Medal Ho's are neck and neck with 54 and 47 members respectively. Who will take home the bragging rights for the largest team? The fastest team is also up for grabs with the top 4 fastest finishers on race day in both the full and half marathon.

Random Race Entry Giveaway

Winner

Congratulations to Katie Bundy who ran the 2016 REVEL Rockies Marathon. She was randomly selected as the winner of a FREE race entry to any 2017 REVEL event. Keep your eyes out each month to see if you're the next random winner. Katie, email revel@runrevel.com to claim your prize.

 

The Run Down
Seeking Youth Runners and Coaches - Launch Team
REVEL Big Cottonwood
April 4, 2017
Launch Team Header
Launch Team Kids

Training Youth to Run the REVEL Big Cottonwood Half Marathon

The Launch Team's mission is to train youth of all abilities to finish the REVEL Big Cottonwood Half Marathon on September 9th. They follow a fun and progressive training program that begins in early June.

Participants meet with their team twice per week at your choice of three locations: Cottonwood Heights, Daybreak, or Thanksgiving Point.

The program fee of $95 Includes:

  • Race entry into the REVEL Big Cottonwood Half Marathon on Sept 9, 2017.
  • 12 week coaching program
  • Group training sessions twice per week
  • Launch Team T-shirt

Team Locations and Meeting Times:

  • Cottonwood Heights:
       Tue. events, Sat. mornings
  • Thanksgiving Point:
       Wed. evenings, Sat. mornings
  • Daybreak:
       Thu. evenings, Sat. mornings

TheLaunchTeam.org

Volunteer Coaches Needed

If you are interested in volunteering as a coach to help train the youth, please Apply. Coaches who complete the program receive a free entry to the REVEL Big Cottonwood half marathon. Duties include meeting twice per week with their team to follow the prescribed training program. No previous coaching experience is required; only a passion for running and a desire to help youth develop a love for running.
Launch Team Footer
REVEL Mt Charleston Course Previews
REVEL Race Series
April 4, 2017

A course strategy – and overall race strategy – is a must for optimal performance on race day. Whether this is your first REVEL Mt Charleston 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 of the REVEL marathons, has prepared a detailed description of the Mt Charleston 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 definitely 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 Mt Charleston Marathon course can be divided into seven sections:

  • Mile 1: Warmup
  • Miles 2-4: Swift Downhill
  • Mile 5: The Loop
  • Miles 6-21: Steady and Fast
  • Miles 22-23: Flatten Out
  • Mile 24: Get Past This Short Climb
  • Miles 25-26.2: Pick It Up for the Finish

Similarly, the Mt Charleston Half-Marathon course can be divided into four similar sections:

  • Miles 1-8: Swift Downhill
  • Miles 9-10: Flatten Out
  • Mile 11: Get Past This Short Climb
  • Miles 12-13.1: Pick It Up for the 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

Mile 1: Warmup

Starting at almost 7,600’ elevation, the start of the marathon is adjacent to the Mt Charleston Lodge on Kyle Canyon Road. The first ¼ mile climbs almost 60’ as you exit the lodge area. This definitely should be just a nice easy warmup for you. Start out nice and slow, and conserve your energy.

After you get past this first ¼ mile, the next ¾ of a mile to the mile 1 marker descends about 200’ of elevation with zero climbing.

Miles 2-4: Swift Downhill

After the mile 1 marker, the next 3 miles drop well over 600’ total, with an average of over 4% downhill grade and no climbing until just before mile 4. Just past mile 3.75, there is a climb of about 40’ as you approach The Mt Charleston Resort on your right. Once you hit the mile 4 marker, however, this short climb is over.

This is a segment where you do not want to get caught up with the pace of other runners if they are passing you. You still have many miles to go, and you want to conserve your energy for the miles ahead. If you feel yourself working too hard, then simply slow down.

Mile 5: The Loop

Not long after you pass the Mt Charleston Resort, you will reach a roundabout (traffic circle) at the entrance to the United States Forest Service’s Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway. At this point, the course diverts from the main road – Kyle Canyon Road – into the visitor center parking lot. You will make a counter-clockwise loop around the parking lot before re-entering the main road again.

The total distance around the parking area is less than ½ mile. However, you will climb about 40’ for the first ¼ mile of that loop, and then descend the same elevation as you exit the parking lot.

Miles 6-21: Steady and Fast

When you exit the visitor center parking area, you will be at nearly 6,600’ of elevation. For the next 16 miles, you will lose approximately 3,700’ of elevation. That’s an average of over 4% elevation loss per mile, which makes this course so extremely fast. More importantly, there is only one climb in that entire stretch, and it happens about mile 12.5. That one is a short but very visible climb that is over fairly quickly: the entire climb is only about 1/8 of a mile long. 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 22-23: Flatten Out

Just past mile 21, you will make a right turn onto the frontage road along U.S. 95. After more than 16 miles of steady downhill, you will definitely notice how the 3-4% elevation loss quickly becomes less than a 1% downhill grade. Keep in mind that you will still lose about 200’ of elevation in this stretch of the race, with no elevation gain. However, the flatter terrain will make it feel like climbing.

Mile 24: Get Past This Short Climb

Just past mile 23.1, with 5K to go, you will make a right turn onto Grand Teton Drive. For the next .65 miles, you will climb just over 30’ until you are nearing mile 24. After that, the course begins the gradual descent to the finish.

Miles 25-26.2: Pick It Up for the Finish

Once you reach mile 24, you can say to yourself "now downhill to the finish!" The elevation loss from mile 24 to the finish is over 170’ – a nice downhill for your final 1.2 miles! Better yet, you will encounter terrific crowds who will cheer you towards the finish line of the fast and beautiful Mt Charleston Marathon!

Summary of the Marathon Course

The Mt Charleston Marathon course loses almost 5,100’ 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 1-8: Swift Downhill

Starting at over 4,500’ of elevation, the course drops almost 1,600’ from the start to mile 8, with zero elevation gain in that stretch. That is an average of about 200' per mile, which is a significant but manageable descent each mile. You will want to manage the early part of this downhill segment by easing into your pace, settling in for the long haul, and letting gravity pull you along at a comfortably fast pace. You should not feel as if you are running “too hard” or “too fast.” If you do, then you should ease back a bit and aim for a “comfortably hard” pace.

Miles 9-10: Flatten Out

Just past mile 8, you will make a right turn onto the frontage road along U.S. 95. After more than 8 miles of steady downhill, you will definitely notice how the 3-4% elevation loss quickly becomes less than a 1% downhill grade. Keep in mind that you will still lose about 200’ of elevation in this stretch of the race, with no elevation gain. However, the flatter terrain will make it feel like climbing.

Mile 11: Get Past This Short Climb

Just past mile 10, with 5K to go, you will make a right turn onto Grand Teton Drive. For the next .65 miles, you will climb just over 30’ until you are nearing mile 11. After that, the course begins the gradual descent to the finish.

Miles 12-13.1: Pick It Up for the Finish

Once you reach mile 11, you can say to yourself "now downhill to the finish!" The elevation loss from mile 11 to the finish is over 170’ – a nice downhill for your final 1.1 miles! Better yet, you will encounter terrific crowds who will cheer you towards the finish line of the fast and beautiful Mt Charleston Half-Marathon!

Summary of the Half-Marathon Course

The Mt Charleston Half-Marathon course loses 2,000’ of elevation from start to finish. With an average loss of more than 150’ 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 CarmonaBy Paul Carmona. Paul Carmona is the REVEL Online Coach. He has run every one of REVEL's races and is familiar with the unique demands of downhill racing. He has run a Boston qualifying time on all of REVEL's courses, and knows the right training, pace strategy, and race planning that will help you succeed in your marathon or half-marathon.

Do you want to be our next featured writer? Email us at revel@runrevel.com for details.

Price Increases Wednesday
REVEL Mt Charleston
March 28, 2017
REVEL Mt Charleston Logo
Save $10 on REVEL Mt Charleston Half Marathon
Mt Charleston

Don't miss out on the savings! Make sure to register by 11:59 PM TOMORROW to save $10 on this beautiful half before the price increase.

Register Now

Due to the popularity of our REVEL Mt Charleston Marathon, we are offering Priority Registration for the 2018 race to anyone who is registered for any 2017 REVEL race. If you want to get first dibs on a spot at the 2018 REVEL Mt Charleston, make sure to register NOW for one of the 2017 REVEL events, including this year's REVEL Mt Charleston half marathon.

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Price Increases Tomorrow
REVEL Rockies
March 14, 2017
REVEL Rockies Logo
Save $10 on REVEL Rockies Marathon & Half
Runners

If you haven't already, make sure you register by 11:59 PM TOMORROW (March 15) to save $10 before the price increase. You don't want to miss this fast and beautiful marathon & half! We'll see you on Sunday, June 11, 2017.

Register today!

REVEL News and Rockies/Mt Charleston Price Increases
REVEL Race Series
March 9, 2017
The Run Down - REVEL Race Series Newsletter March 2017
Getting Motivated For Spring Race Season
REVEL Clothes

If you are like me, winter seems to take a toll on my running. While I don’t just sit around eating Bon Bon’s all winter, running in cold and icy conditions or running on the “dread”mill is just something that takes a lot of motivation to do. Now that Spring is right around the corner, how do we snap out of the Winter doldrums and get back to work? Here are a few ideas that have got me out the door after a break in running.

READ MORE

Angie Whitworth Pace is a REVEL Ambassador (and legacy runner at the Big Cottonwood Marathon), Marathon Maniac and member of the 100 Marathon Club of North America.

Do you want to be our next featured writer? Email us at revel@runrevel.com for details.
 
REVEL Rockies

REVEL Rockies & Mt Charleston Price Increases

REVEL Rockies in Denver, CO has a price increase on March 15th! You don't want miss your chance to REVEL in the Rockies. REVEL Mt Charleston in Las Vegas, NV has a price increase on March 29. Even though the Mt Charleston marathon is sold out, there is still room in the half. Save $10 by registering before the prices goes up!
 
Priority

Get Priority Registration for 2018 REVEL Mt Charleston

Due to the popularity of our REVEL Mt Charleston event, we are offering Priority Registration for the 2018 race to anyone who is registered for any 2017 REVEL race. If you want to get first dibs on a spot at the 2018 REVEL Mt Charleston, make sure to register NOW for one of the 2017 REVEL events, including this year's REVEL Mt Charleston half marathon.
 
Training Tip

Training Tip: How Fast is "Too Fast" Downhill

Runners at all levels have heard the warning to never “go out too fast” in a race, but what exactly is “too fast,” especially on a downhill course where gravity aids runners in maintaining speed?

REVEL means fast downhill courses, and downhill racing means runners need to prepare their legs to run at “faster than normal” speeds. How fast? Generally, runners should train to become comfortable running anywhere from 15 to 20 seconds per mile faster than normal goal pace, and include enough training to be capable of sustaining that pace for many miles.

Regular downhill training sessions, coupled with consistent speed work (usually on a track) and pace work, are critical for any runner who is preparing for a downhill race. More importantly, those training workouts should be designed to help each runner find a "sweet spot" for fast downhill miles: not too fast, but not slowing down unnecessarily.

Looking for personal coaching to maximize your training and race day efforts? Consider the REVEL Online Coaching Program designed specifically for downhill racing by REVEL’s own veteran marathon coach! Our REVEL Coach has run every one of REVEL's races, and is familiar with the unique demands of downhill racing.
 
Pacers

Seeking REVEL Ambassadors

The REVEL Race Series is now accepting Ambassador applications! We've revamped the program and are currently seeking ambitious and enthusiastic runners to join our team. If you want to help spread the word on what it means to REVEL, are active in your local running community, or have an influence in the online running community we encourage you to apply.

Apply Now

Race Calendar

Apr. 29, 2017 REVEL Mt Charleston
Las Vegas, NV

Price Increase Mar 29, 2017!
Jun 11, 2017 REVEL Rockies
Denver, CO

Price Increase Mar 15, 2017!
Sep. 9, 2017 REVEL Big Cottonwood
Salt Lake City, UT
Nov. 4, 2017 REVEL Canyon City
Los Angeles, CA

Merchandise Highlight

Supernova REVEL Jacket Supernova REVEL Jacket

Brand new 2017 gear is now arriving, and first off the truck is the REVEL Adidas Supernova Jacket.

This Adidas running jacket keeps out the chill by sweeping away sweat. REVEL screen print on the front chest. Made with moisture-wicking climalite® fabric, the front zip lets you adjust for more or less coverage as you need it. Finished with a handy sweat-resistant pocket on the arm. Climalite® fabric sweeps sweat away from your skin. Zip sweat guard pocket on left sleeve keeps contents dry. Full zip with stand-up collar; Thumb holes. Reflective details. Regular fit. Front body and upper back panel: 100% polyester plain weave; Collar, sides and sleeves: 87% polyester / 13% elastane plain weave.

Sponsorship Highlight

Total Nutrition

Is this your first race or 50th Marathon? Are you looking to lose weight while training, or maintain lean muscle and increase your endurance? Your nutrition plays one of the biggest roles in your perforamance, what you get out of your training and how you recover and bounce back the next day. 

Total Nutrition is the leader in delivering the highest quality supplements exclusively from the highest quality GMP Certified Manufacturers with the best customer services and expertiese in the industry. Total Nutrition Certified Sports Nutritionist will walk you through custom supplement plans tailored to you to make sure you get the right micro and macro nutrients at the right time to accelerate your performance and get you to your goals. Mention that you are racing in REVEL Mt Charleston and receive 25% off your entire order! 4 Las Vegas Locations! (702) 405-8724

Participant Highlight

Estril

In 2014 Salvador Estril had a procedure done to ensure he did not have colon cancer. Even with this health scare, he did not take his health seriously. Later his employer started a fundraiser for the American Heart Association (AHA), and he was in the lead with the most money raised when a coworker blatantly said "Don't you think it is ironic that you are raising so much money for the AHA, when one day you may actually need a heart?" Stricking a cord, he immediately challenged his friends to keep donating money. For every milestone hit, he promised them 10 days straight at the gym. In the end he owed them 40 continuous days of working out. After being in the gym for one week, he started running and hasn't stopped. Over that time he has lost 55 pounds, while completing countless 5K's, 10K's, a dozen half marathons including REVEL Canyon City and one full marathon. Keep it up Salvador, you rock! 

Team Highlight

Team

Team Courtyard Pasadena decided to take on the 2016 REVEL Canyon City Half Marathon with 21 total runners, 12 first timers. They used the event along with training as motivation to raise money for St Jude’s. Their goal was $10,000 and it was surpassed, raising over $12,000! Everyone, including the 12 first timers, trained and crossed the finish line. Everyone loved the experience and is looking forward to 2017. We congratulate the team's achivements on and off the race course!

Random Race Entry Giveaway

Winner

Congratulations to Tracy Cook who ran the 2016 REVEL Rockies Marathon. She was randomly selected as the winner of a FREE race entry to any 2017 REVEL event. Keep your eyes out each month to see if you're the next random winner. Tracy, email revel@runrevel.com to claim your prize.
 
The Run Down
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