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Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.7 
Organization 4.1 
Spectators 3.0
Number of comments: 103 [displaying comments 21 to 31]
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v. v. from SF Bay Area
(10/12/2009)
"Gorgeous Course, But Not "Fast" or Very "Downhill"" (about: 2009)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 I chose this marathon because of the gorgeous trail course, which it delivered splendidly. I also chose it because it was advertised as "fast." Well, not exactly. 1) The first part of the course is at 5,600 feet, which means your effort is much harder than usual, if you live at sea level with all of the abundant oxygen there. 2) The "downhill" is so gradual that it actual feels flat (but the "uphill" is also quite gradual). 3) Gravel/dirt trail isn't a fast surface to run on. As a result, I didn't get the PR I was hoping for, but instead ran it 30 minutes slower. The upside is that the weather went from the 40's to the low 70's quite fast. The intimacy of this small race, organized by real runners, and the intimacy of the field make it a great experience... unlike the mega monster marathons of 15,000+. I only gave spectators one star because there were only about 12 of them (but those few were GREAT!) because no cars are allowed on the trail. Organization got only four stars for little things, like not being able to hear announcements through one bullhorn, not enough lamps/light in the tunnel (trip hazard), and making you walk UPHILL after the race to fetch your gear bag. The course only got four stars because it's advertised as "fast" when it really isn't. I think the gorgeous old train route trail should be enough spin to get folks up there. | |
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M. M. from SF bay area, California
(10/9/2009)
"A great experience" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This had to have been one of the most beautiful marathon courses I have run. It was my first trail marathon, and the friendly support at the aid stations was most appreciated. I would recommend this race to others, although I would tell other sea-level types like me to be prepared for the elevation. The race director put on a very well organized event - no complaints! | |
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S. M. from San Rafael, CA
(10/30/2008)
"Beautiful course, overall positive experience." (about: 2008)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I ran the half-marathon, not the full. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The course was beautiful and well maintained, the volunteers at the aid stations were great and enthusiastic and, although it was a little too cold for my taste, the weather was sunny and beautiful. A shout-out thanks to the gentleman who let me hang onto his shirt as we ran through the last verrrry long, dark tunnel so I wouldn't trip and fall. I think every race has its pros and cons. Overall I enjoyed it and have already signed up for next year's half. My only minor complaints were: there should have been more port-a-potties at the beginning of the race and there should have been volunteers keeping the end of the course open. Runners and friends had to walk back over the end of the course in order to get back to the train depot and they didn't make much effort to keep out of the way of those of us coming into the final leg of the race. It was frustrating having to dodge them to get to the end of the race. That should be corrected (hopefully) next year. Also, after running so far and being cold, tired, sweaty and hungry, it was a letdown to have to walk that last almost mile to get back to the train depot. There should have been some kind of shuttle system to get everyone back to the depot. Also, to all of you who whined about Eric; would you rather have a director who was super friendly but ran a poorly organized race or a RD who maybe was a little short with everyone but overall ran a very well organized and fun race? Both before and after the race he answered all of my emails in a very friendly manner. I think he had to wear more hats than anyone realized and he was just being very focused to be sure everything ran smoothly. Give him a break! Great race and I look forward to next year and encourage everyone, if you love the outdoors, to plan on coming next year too! | |
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V. L. from Boulder, CO
(10/29/2008)
"Incredible experience for a first-time marathoner" (about: 2008)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I loved this race. The support was great, from the numerous aid stations, to the buses, to the t-shirts. The small number of participants made it seem almost intimate, as you were able to talk with other runners. The trail is simply gorgeous. | |
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D. H. from Pleasanton, CA
(10/28/2008)
"A nice trail run in a beautiful location." (about: 2008)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I was pleasantly surprised when my friend said I *MUST* run this trail marathon in Susanville - "A what in where?" I was not disappointed. It's a bit off the beaten path, and you're rewarded with a beautiful course with aid stations every two miles. I was trying to describe it, and found it was like running 13 two-mile races instead of one marathon. As such, it was very easy to stay on pace. The aid stations were staffed by friendly folks, welcoming front-runners and back-of-the-packers alike with cheer. Being an old railroad line, it's all a gentle 2-percent grade either up or down (with a little hiccup at mile 20, but you're rewarded there with an aid station). So, don't expect any quad busters on this course. Moreover, the gravel trail was extremely forgiving, though a little slower than a road run. By the time you hit the last couple of bridges and tunnels, you're almost there. If you've been to an ultra-marathon, you'll find the same supportive crowd at this race. It's a refreshing change from the overcrowded and bustling big-city races. | |
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K. R. from Folsom, CA
(10/28/2008)
"Most beautiful and scenic race!!" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The race was great, and runner support was fantastic, with aid stations every 2 miles. The scenery was breathtaking, as was the temperature (a brisk 22 at the start!!). I had a lot of spiritual moments while running and viewing the amazing scenery and beauty of God's creations. The miles just seemed to drop, like at no other race I've done. My only surprise was that, as I looked at the hill profile, I expected a steeper downhill over the last 6 miles, but it seemed relatively flat. Loved us all singing our national anthem together at the start; it was moving, and felt very patriotic! Great job! Worth the drive, and I hear they ordered heat lamps for next year! : ) | |
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N. T. from Palo Alto, CA
(10/28/2008)
"26.2 miles of downhill dirt and beauty." (about: 2008)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Beautiful, peaceful trail through pine forest, meadows, and gorges. Not as fast as the profile would indicate, with the dirt and altitude, but a great race. | |
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J. B. from CA, US of A
(10/28/2008)
"Had a wonderful time!" (about: 2008)
2 previous marathons
| 2 Bizz Johnson Trail Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I did my first marathon on this course in 2007 just so I could say that I turned 50 and did a marathon! I did poorly and felt I really should have done better. I viewed it as a learning experience and recognized several mistakes I made, so I corrected them and came back to do 2008. The increased knowledge and preparation worked well and I was doing much better. Unfortunately, I slipped off a rock and injured my foot, so I was unable to finish. I do not quit, however, and am more determined then ever to do it and do it well. See you all next year! | |
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Vickie Adams from Pinon Hills, California
(10/22/2008)
"Very well organized event. Most beautiful scenery." (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 4-5 Bizz Johnson Trail Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is my race report for the Biz Johnson Marathon, held on 10/12/08. It marks our 42nd marathon together. Here goes! We left school a little early on Friday 10/10 because we had a 9-hour drive ahead of us. We headed up highway 395 toward Mammoth and were told that we would probably need chains. So we stopped and picked up a pair of chains; otherwise, we could get as far as the pass and find out we would have to drive back a long way to get them. So $70 more and were on our merry way. Driving along we finally hit some snow and it came down off and on for miles, but not enough to warrant chains. We thought we might get stopped up ahead, but that never happened. So after 8 hours of driving we realized we would not have to use them after all. Dan was already planning their return for a full refund. Just to let you know, that never happened! That is another story of its own. We finally arrived at our destination after 10:00 p.m. and hit the sack. Saturday morning we were scheduled to work the finish line for the half-marathon. As we arrive at Hobo Camp to work, it was downright freezing. The sun just didn't want to break through the clouds. I was surprised that it didn't snow on us. Anyway we awaited our instructions for setting up the food tables and prepared for the runners at the finish line. We wore gloves and took turns going to the fire pit to keep warm. We also kept our bodies moving as much as possible. When the runners started coming in we placed finisher medals around their necks. These were unique, wooden train whistles, with the inscription of "Biz Johnson Half Marathon " stamped on them. Everyone loved them so much that it brought a smile to their faces. After helping out, we caught a movie at the local theater. Back at the hotel, we prepared our race gear and got ready to go to the pasta dinner. Upon arriving, Eric Gould (the race director) approached us and asked us if we would like to help out the guest speaker. He meant assist her in getting through the food line. We said sure, but why? Well it turns out she is blind! We were more than glad to help her out. We then seated her and went back to get our food. We decided to sit with her and chat a bit. She was a very interesting and wise woman. Her name is Sharlene Wills. We shared stories of the road and our journeys along the way. She has run so many marathons that she's lost count. She has run in marathons with a guide dog, but now runs with a pacer. She has an instrument called a tether that connects her to her pacer. They look like a pair of handcuffs. She shared some of the comical stories, comments and looks she has gotten from others in some of her races. Good stuff! It turns out we happened to run the same race the weekend before the Biz Johnson Marathon. It took place in Oxnard, CA. It's a small world, huh? She spoke of not being afraid while running in darkness. She has no fear and places a lot of trust others. I remembered this as I ran on Sunday. This new friend of ours has such a zest for life. She even ran track in high school. We have tentative plans to run the Avenue of the Giants Marathon with her in May 09. I couldn't help but remember her speech as I ran on Sunday. Sunday morning arrives and it's 19 degrees outside. Brr! We headed to the bus that would transport us to the starting line in Westwood, CA. It must have been colder in the higher elevation. I wore one tank-top, two long-sleeve shirts, two thin sports jackets, oen pair of shorts, two pairs of pants and a pair of gloves. I was keeping my core as warm as possible. When it was 5 minutes before the start, I began to strip off the layers and head over to the drop bag truck. We began the race with the singing of the national anthem. We did a great job, I might add! It was a wonderful way to start the race. Eric does this as a tradition every year. The horn blows and we're off and running. I ran with one tank-top on, a long-sleeve tech shirt, shorts and gloves. The sun was out and it was a beautiful morning. It was still very cold, especially in the shade. I wore my gloves until mile 20 and my long-sleeve shirt stayed on until mile 23. I never wear long-sleeves in a race for that period of time. It was pretty darn cold. Running along the first 13 miles were all about pacing myself and allowing Dan to lead the way. At mile 13 I realized I was on track for a 4-hour marathon, a Boston qualifying time for me. So I continued on running at 9-9:15 pace, only to discover that I had to stop at porta-potty along the way. When I finished with my business, I thought about Dan. I began thinking I'll probably never catch him now! I released those thoughts from my head immediately! I did not let that get to me; I just kept thinking, I feel so good, I could probably do negative splits. So I pressed on! At mile 20 there was a large hill that we have to climb; I felt so good that I smoked that hill! The crowd went wild! Really they had the best spectator support at this point. The wall! I asked them where it was! Had I missed it? They laughed at my comment and cheered me on. This was a motivational moment for me. Not far ahead were the long tunnels that had to run through. As I entered the first one I thought of Sharlene. The tunnels were completely dark with a couple of glow sticks on the ground, but they were nearly dead. I ran without fear of stumbling or tripping, thanks to Sharlene. I even closed my eyes a couple of times just to experience what Sharlene goes through every day of her life. I left that tunnel feeling a sense of euphoria. Thanks Sharlene for the inspiration. After the tunnels were behind me, I focused on picking up my pace. I was able to run at 8:15's for a couple of the last miles. But the most exciting part was the orange poncho I saw up ahead of me. This was at mile 22. It was Dan, still wearing his disposable rain poncho. His first mistake was to wear bright orange. I was on his tail now. I told myself I could catch him if I just picked it up a little at a time and didn't push too hard. I gained on him and caught him at mile 23.5 or so. I gave him The Tap - he hates The Tap! That's on his shoulder. He looked at me in shock and said, "Where did you come from?" I just smiled and waved at him as I flew on by. But then I caught a glimpse of his face, as he had blood dripping down from his brow. I asked, "What the heck happened?" "Oh, I tripped on a rock a fell." I asked if he was ok; he said yes, and I said " Ok, see you at the finish line!" At this point I took off my long-sleeve shirt and took off running as fast as I could go for the last 2.7 miles. I've never felt so good at the end of marathon. I could see my porta-potty break cost me a little time, but I was still so close to my goal. I ran the last mile in 8:15 and finished strong. My goal was 4 hours and I finished in 4:01:22 - and Dan, not too far behind, at 4:03:17. Dan placed 2nd of 18 in his age group. I placed 7th of 37 in my age group. It was a memorable day at the Biz Johnson marathon and then we hopped in our car and drove 9 hours to get home. I had a great recovery week and went out for a 2-mile run the next day. And three miles the next, along with some biking and other exercises. Our 42nd marathon was an adventure to remember. | |
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M. F. from Reno, NV
(10/20/2008)
"The course is the only good part of the race" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 I ran the half-marathon. Good aspects: Course scenery, soft trail. Poor aspects: Contact with the race director, who was rude; only two shirts sizes left; they ran out of "medals/wooden whistle" for finishers; not really worth the drive/cost. Does this race benefit anything? If it was a fundraiser, I wouldn't mind them skimping on some race goodies, but geez, if there was a cause, I didn't get any info on it. |
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