Whoops. I finally looked up the reviews and comments for the Desert News Marathon I’m doing on Monday. I knew the shuttle bus was leaving at 3:30 AM to take us to the start line for a 5:30 AM start. And I knew we were starting at altitude… but I assumed that meant we’d be going downhill. And while technically we ARE getting a negative altitude, net downhill, there’s, um, a few bumps along the way.
Here are some Zagat-ian style comments:
“I am local and run many times in our beautiful mountains here to train. I knew the big climb between miles 5 and 8 was coming up and thought if I could make it past that, the race would be in the bag. It is a daunting climb and looks and feels much worse than the elevation diagram depicts. I did not do my city homework as much and after we got out of the canyon, I was surprised at how many (though much less pronounced) stretches of incline there were throughout the remainder of the course.” — C. O. from UTAH (8/19/15)
“I was a little scared going into this race because of the altitude and negative reviews. I’m a flatlander so I knew it would be a challenge. The race was very well organized but fairly basic (do another race if you expect lots of extras). The course was absolutely beautiful and a quadriceps killer (make sure to train for down hills or prepare to be sore).” — A. S. from Sikeston, MO (7/30/13)
“The first portion of the race is on narrow moutain roads. The air is thinner, the downward grade will hurt (even though you think it won’t), and you will be dodging bikes and cars. After you come off the mountain, you’re running in residential areas, and then along some pretty boring roads. There aren’t too many spectators. By this point, it’s pretty hot too.” — B. H. from Texas (10/24/12)
“This race offers a very scenic course thru Emigration Canyon with views of Salt Lake valley and I found the ‘Days of 47’ history of Pioneer Day holiday interesting. Logistics weren’t great but this is a smaller race. Not a race to run a PR though (unless you’re from the Rocky Mountain West) and expect a rough day if you typically run on either the east or west coast.” — Jim Daigneau from North York, ON, Canada (8/4/12)
Gulp. Given my ankle and foot issues, I’m a little more worried now than I was before I looked up the reviews. Hence, the title of this blog — Ignorance Would’ve Been Bliss.
In 48 hours all will be revealed. At least I checked in to Southwest and got into the “A” group on the flight out. So that’s something.