Is Cal International fast?

I think CIM is fast but don't be decieved by the course layout. The first half is extremely rolling, up and down and I don't remember really noticing a slight decline until the last 10K, there is one sharp downhill at about mile 10 which lasts about 150 meters or so than just raises to more slightly rolling hills. I took 4th overall last year and can attest, yes its fast but it is also challenging, just be aware of the undulation during the majority of the course itself. good luck!! I may be going back to compete there in 2009. Its a beautiful race and the race staff were very professional last year.

Nate

www.wcapsoldier.blogspot.com

How much net elevation loss?

less than 400 feet

More than 350?

340 ft. drop. took me 10 seconds to find and 30 seconds to post on here.

Thanks for doing my bidding, bitch.

what kind of times would you need to get some sub-elite treatment at CIM? would you be able to get a comped entry and lodging if you are a sub 2:30 guy?

anyone know?

It is my PR course (low 2:30s), but it can be a gamble due to weather conditions being iffy the time of year the race is held (can be windy/rainy/cold, or any combo of aforementioned, or all at once). And, as mentioned previously, the course undulates for the first 10, and then there are a few more steady slight rises prior to the 13.1. If a person runs smart and makes it to the 13.1 feeling reasonably fresh, the second half of the race is flat/fast. A person needs good weather also . . .

PR Course wrote:

It is my PR course (low 2:30s), but it can be a gamble due to weather conditions being iffy the time of year the race is held (can be windy/rainy/cold, or any combo of aforementioned, or all at once). And, as mentioned previously, the course undulates for the first 10, and then there are a few more steady slight rises prior to the 13.1. If a person runs smart and makes it to the 13.1 feeling reasonably fresh, the second half of the race is flat/fast. A person needs good weather also . . .

CIM is my PR course also. I agree that it's a gamble with the weather. I ran it one year where it was freezing cold rain the whole time -- not fun. I also agree with your assessment of not killing yourself the first half (something I did do -- killed myself the first half even in my PR race).

whynotme? wrote:

what kind of times would you need to get some sub-elite treatment at CIM? would you be able to get a comped entry and lodging if you are a sub 2:30 guy?

anyone know?

I had run 2:24 prior to running at CIM. I didn't get comped entry or lodging (didn't ask about lodging), but I did get starting line privileges, porta-john privileges, personal water bottles, and a course tour in a mini-van with any of the elites (and folks like me) who wanted to come.

I think this course has the potential to be very fast if you're prepared for the downhills, and run the first half of the race in a controlled manner taking it a bit easier than you'd expect (hitting about the time at half-way that you'd expect for a flat course) and then picking it up in the second half.

I think a lot of folks have a tendency to over do it in the first half and beat their legs up a bit too much. They'll probably hit the half a bit quick and feeling good (because of all the downhills up to there), and pay for it with beat quads over the final 10k.