The Revel Race Series is known for scenic, downhill marathons.  Last summer, we registered for Revel Mt Hood in Portland, OR which took place on June 29, 2019.  We had hopes that just maybe, if we were healthy, we’d have a great race and possibly snag a PR or BQ.  No need for suspense, that did not happen.  I’m healthy for the most part.  My concussion or “post concussion” symptoms are mostly gone from the bike crash last September.  I can go long but not fast.  I had some hip issues after IMTX in April that I’ve been working thru and I’m carrying an extra 10#s.    Not complaining, but weight does make a difference when you are trying to run fast. 

We flew into Portland, OR.  Packet pickup was at the Oregon Convention Center.  Small expo.  Easy in and out.  A few photos at the expo with Julie & Judy below.

 

Logistics for this race are definitely more challenging than most.  It’s a point to point race with the marathon starting at the top of Mt Hood at the Timberline Ski Resort and running down the mountain to the Rainbow Trout Farm.  There is a shuttle directly from one of the host hotels to the start for an additional fee; however, most participants drive out to Sandy and take the free shuttle to the start area.  Insider tip:  there are hotels in the Sandy area.  If you have a car and want to cut your travel time on race day, stay in Sandy!!  The area where the host hotel is located isn’t great anyhow and you won’t be missing anything. 

Race starts in waves based on pace.  And the buses to the start also leave in waves.  Be prepared, the temperature drops as you go up the mountain. Have some throw away clothes or extra stuff to wear prerace.  It was in the low 30s when we got to Timberline.

 

The descent begins as soon as you get off the bus.  And the views at the top are breathtaking.

   

I didn’t see a sign for the percent grade for the first 5 miles.  However, I can say that it was a lot.  And we were all moving pretty quick.  And it was fun!  I did feel the descent pulling me down, I was just hoping that it wouldn’t be that big of a deal.  Revel offers free photos of the runners, which is nice.  I usually don’t buy pictures of myself running …. cuz they just aren’t cute!     But this is one of the free photos.

  

Initial road down from Timberline was closed to thru traffic, which was nice.  Aid stations were set up every couple miles.  Potties, water, Gatorade, first aid, Deep Blue rub, food & gels. 

Second 5 miles were at a 6% grade.  The views were hidden behind big pines, the race course joined roads with vehicular traffic, and it was starting to get hard.  I’d say miles 1-4 were fun.  Miles 4-8, I noticed things were starting to tighten up.  And by mile 10, I was slowing down and it was actually starting to hurt. 

    

The sun came out.  It was warming up as we were heading down, down, down. 

    

After mile 15, it started to flatten out, and there we even some inclines in the distance.  By this point, all the people who could handle the terrain were long gone.  My friends were long gone.  I was run/walking but not alone.  Lots of people also struggling.  I tried to enjoy the scenery but really just wanted to be done.  Lots of aches, pains & tightness by this point. I stopped several times and used the Deep Blue rub that was on course.  I was so happy to see the 20 mile sign, but also in disbelief that it was “only” mile 20 and I still had another 6.2 miles!

 

As always, the finish line finally arrived.  I was in the pain cave by then.  The race organizers did a great job.  As did the volunteers and support on course.  Finish line festivities included a NormaTec Recovery Boot station.  Donuts & Pizza.  Local Beer.  But ultimately, we were just ready to pack it up and head out.  Since we flew to the Pacific Northwest to grab a new state in our journey to run a marathon in every state, well, you may have guessed it.  We had to pack up and head to Washington to run a marathon the following day. 

SWAG – Revel Race shirt (upcharge for long sleeve or tank top) & Goodr sunglasses.  Marathon Maniac race shirt, luggage tab & extra medal for the Marathon Maniac & Half Fanatic Race Series. 

 

Mt Hood was my 54th marathon; Oregon was my 31st state. 

I’ve had some questions on tips on how to train for a downhill marathon.  I wish I had some to give.  This was the hardest marathon I’ve ever done.  The hardest endurance event that I’ve ever done.  The downhill pounding really requires a lot of strength, not only in your legs but also your core.  The recovery has been long.  I’m almost 3 weeks post race and my legs are still heavy.  I’ve had 2 massages.  Done a lot of cycling.  And no running.  My body is just not ready to run.  I’ll try something short this week.  Maybe.  Not really sure how one could adequately prepare for a downhill run of this magnitude without living somewhere with ample elevation for training.  If you figure it out, please let me know!  At this point, we can say we tried a downhill marathon.  It was hard.  Harder than it should have been.  And we probably won’t try anything this steep again.  But only time will tell.

Heading to Washington State next!  In an attempt to see something other than run courses, we did stop at Snoqualmie Falls in Snoqualmie, WA.   Pictures of the falls below.  Race report on day 2, the Super Marathon in Snoqualmie Pass, WA up next!

  

** Happy Running, All! ** Amanda – TooTallFritz