BIG NEWS!!

Hello, hello!! 

Happy pre-Friday y'all!  We're on the down hill side now!!  I don't know about you, but I'm ecstatic about it because we all know I'm just working for the weekend!

I told you yesterday that I had some awesome news for you. Well, drum roll please........

I'm pleased to announce that I have been selected as a "run-bassador" for Run Revel race series. I was contacted by them a while back about becoming an ambassador. I was delighted when they contacted me because I had been looking for a fall race and ran across the Big Cottonwood half marathon in Salt Lake City, Utah in September. I was considering this as my fall race as it is one week before my birthday. I thought it would be a great birthday present to myself!! So, naturally, I was thrilled when they contacted me to notify me that I had been selected as an ambassador.

 

REVEL is a series of running events that is gaining a broad presence in the running world by distinguishing its races in a number of ways, including its unique courses, emphasis on runner experience, and partnerships with local communities, nonprofit organizations, sponsors, and government agencies.

 

REVEL races can best be described by two words: Fast & Beautiful. Our events take place in the most beautiful venues available in the areas in which they are held. REVEL races seek to maximize the time our runners spend running in canyons, forests, state or national parks, and so forth. In addition, the downhill nature of REVEL races provides a unique opportunity for runners to achieve personal best times and qualify for exclusive events.

In addition to providing unforgettable experiences for our runners, REVEL races also deliver value to the communities who graciously host our events. Each REVEL race brings significant financial benefits to local economies, provides an opportunity for communities to brand themselves, and creates a healthier and more fitness-friendly community. Additionally, proceeds from each REVEL runner's entry fee are donated to local nonprofit groups geared towards health and environmental causes.

Currently, they have marathons and half marathons in  Denver, CO; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Los Angeles, CA. I'll be running the Big Cottonwood Half Marathon in Salt Lake City on September 13, one week before my birthday.

The Hoka One One REVEL Big Cottonwood Half Marathon may be the fastest and most beautiful half marathon course you will ever run. Experience the amazing views in the canyon with the sun coming up and the fall leaves glowing brightly. The half marathon begins at Spruces Campground in Big Cottonwood Canyon and runs straight downhill among the canyon cliffs and alongside Big Cottonwood Creek for nearly 10 miles to the mouth of the canyon.  After exiting the canyon the course is straight, downhill, and fast, without a single turn on the entire course and a continual slope down to the finish. At the mouth of the canyon runners will continue straight onto Fort Union Boulevard and continue due west to the finish line in front of the Cottonwood Heights city offices.

The marathon begins at Brighton Ski Resort at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon and runs straight downhill among the canyon cliffs and alongside Big Cottonwood Creek for nearly 15 miles to the mouth of the canyon. Runners enjoy an average 5% grade during this stretch. Make sure you train appropriately for this downhill section as downhill running works your muscles differently than flat or uphill.  After exiting the canyon the marathon course heads north for an out-and-back on Wasatch Boulevard. With the road completely closed to all traffic and reserved solely for the marathon, runners will be able to witness incredible views of the Salt Lake Valley and cheer on their fellow runners as they pass going the opposite way. This 7 mile stretch of the marathon is relatively flat with slight rolling hills.  After the out-and-back the marathon course returns to the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon and enters the city of Cottonwood Heights, following the same downhill course as the half marathon to finish in front of the Cottonwood Heights city offices. The marathon course is USATF certified and is one of the fastest Boston Marathon qualifying races in the country. 
 
In the upcoming days, I will create a team that you'll all be invited to join. Once my team is created, I will be given a discount code to share with you so that you can join me. All teams will receive a professional team photo at the finish, and team scoring. Teams of 12 or more receive additional benefits, including the option to create official Hoka One One REVEL Big Cottonwood team shirts with their team name and a custom color, as well as team tent space at the finish. I'll have more information about it in the upcoming days. Keep watching the blog or follow me on Twitter @RNrunnerdiva or on Instagram @tunruh67 for more details and information.

I'm incredibly excited to be working with and representing Run Revel! And I would be thrilled to have you all join me in Utah in September! It would be a wonderful birthday gift to have you all run with me!! Or y

Until next time--get up, get out, and get moving!!  Whatever you do today, be awesome at it!!

Your friend,

Theresa