
This marathon was like a polar bear, beautiful from a far, but get to close and it will eat you alive. My brother Gus and I had a blast. It was a great experience and Gus' first marathon. I don't know if this one can be topped. According to Big Sur vets, this was the most perfect weather in its 21 year history. Additionally, we ran Hurricane Point with Dean Karnazes, the Ultramarathon man, and perhaps the best runner in the sport. He won the Badwater 135 multiple times and is best known for running for 350 miles straight foregoing three nights of sleep. For those who love the sport, it would be like playing a couple of holes with Arnold Palmer or Tiger Woods. Unbelievable!!!
Big Sur is the largest rural marathon in the world, winding through redwoods, paralleling ranches, and offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. I think even Dean would agree that it is tough. You get up and 3 in the morning, and to catch a 4:15 bus out to Big Sur.
To prepare, Gus and I drove the course the day before the race. I got tired just driving. Here are our official Big Sur Pre Run notes:
Big sur river inn motel
4.5 hill
6 bigger hill. Long
6 through 9 all hill
9 big relief
Then you're screwed!
Cross the bridge and its the beginning of the end
14 another hill
15 bad hill but only .6m
Then good downhill. Good time to tell jokes
18.5 good size hill. By good size I mean friggen huge. Ends 19.2
19.9 roll in the mud
Hill from 2O to 22.2. Good luck. You'll need it State reserve only 2 miles left 25 ass kick
hill. What you see is what you get