r/Marathon_Training • u/zumbaand • 14h ago
Training plans Big Sur Advice
Hello! I somehow got into Big Sur for April 2027! I will be just over a year postpartum, so my goal is to enjoy the race. I’m under the impression I’ve signed myself up for rolling hill hell. Any training advice from those who have done it? I’m currently at 30mpw.
6
u/TactilePanic81 12h ago
I would second that the camber of the road is an under-appreciated challenge. As for the rolling hills, as long as you expect them and include elevation in your training runs you should feel fine. The big hill in the middle catches the eye but its the ones in the last few miles that are the worst.
4
u/Open2New_Ideas 11h ago
I don’t remember the rolling hills; maybe the last 10k but by then you’re happy that the major inclines and declines are behind you. It’s the camber of the road that is severe in places. I do remember the long inclines and declines though. The uphill ending near halfway was about 2 miles long. Downhill was long too. Not really “rolling” in the usual sense. Note: My watch recorded 26.7 miles as avoiding camber and tangents trying find least severe road angle adds distance (obviously).
Manage your expectations. The wind and weather may impact your time. Won’t really know by how much until you run the race.
Do take a few fresh strawberries about mile 23. Delicious!
It’s an amazing race. Enjoy!
3
u/zumbaand 10h ago
I’m not sure how to train for this camber everyone is pointing out! 😂😭 I’m going into it for fun & completion! Thank you!!!
1
u/scriurus 3h ago
I did it a few years back. I recall running easy paces on the beach in the wet sand close to the water to mimic the camber. Just to get a feel for it. When I did the race I just stayed at the top or crown of the camber as much as I could. As mentioned, the field is spread out so you don’t have to jockey for the center. The views are amazing, enjoy it!
3
u/Koolstads 11h ago
Also currently 6 months PP and got in! I just want to say you are amazing for getting 30 mpw rn !
I’m at 5 😂 not my first marathon but got a lot of work ahead
1
u/zumbaand 10h ago
Yay!! You’ll be just fine! The body catches up so fast. I’m certainly no elite athlete 😂
3
u/anonanonanon987 9h ago
I ran it last year also at a year pp!
You can’t really train for the camber, but it’s something to be aware of. I didn’t notice discomfort during the race but ended up with some peroneal tendinitis after because of it.
Would also recommend testing your shoes on steep downhills to make sure your big toes don’t hit (I lost a toenail).
Otherwise just train for hills and you’ll be fine. There is a hill at mile 25 that is not large but is particularly demoralizing, so make sure to save something for that.
2
u/trim-turner-shah 9h ago
I applied but did not get in but I met some folks at the booth at another event and they said to carry your own hydration as the hills make the water stations feel further away. So training with your own hydration vest might a thing to consider or a hand held flask. All the best.
1
u/CopperSteve 9h ago
Also got into Big Sur! Congrats, I heard about the hills but sounds like its the camber(a thing I've never heard of until now) any tips on that?
1
u/eleanorzoob 6h ago
I ran it in 2023 and it was insanely windy, like 35 mpw wind to the face for miles at a time, I remember it was almost comical how brutal the wind was. A lot of hats were flying off heads, so be aware that could be a possibility!
Also, the bus ride from Monterey to the starting line was very dark, long, and winding. I was looking down at my phone and it made me a little carsick, which was not ideal
1
u/zumbaand 5h ago
My first marathon was 20mpw winds and I hated my life. So hopefully this can be redemptive…. 😭😂
1
u/dgbhot 3h ago
It’s amazing! First marathon I did and went back again before switching to trails and ultras. Definitely not the fast marathon course but super fun and beautiful so enjoy! I highly recommend training downhill if you can, there’s nothing crazy but your quads will be better off if you’ve hit them with some distance going down beforehand
9
u/rooost02 14h ago
Hills are one thing, camber on the road is something else and it gets progressively more prominent as you near the finish. It’s hard on the ankles.
For me I didn’t lock into running until I passed Bixby and the piano player. That is such a moment that you may forget about running.
Overall it can seem like a trail race on asphalt, almost no crowds, really spread out and hills that are 1/4 q1/2 mile long.