Big Sur Marathon | North Vancouver

Big Sur Marathon: Interview with Hillary Ewart

Runner’s world magazine has picked Big Sur as one of the 3 best marathons to do in America as well as it is the nations best destination marathon. In April, Hillary Ewart completed the Big Sur Marathon.

Hillary, I know this was your 3^rd marathon in 10 months (NYC and Edinburgh). How did this one compare to the other two? And why did you decide to do Big Sur?

Why Big Sur? I was looking for a race that captured the excitement and energy of New York combined with the scenery, intimacy and fun of Edinburgh.

Big Sur exceeded my expectations. This race is a must for your bucket list of things to do. The scenery is truly incredible. With the ocean on my left, a heard cows keeping pace with us to my right, with 13 hills to go and a winding road leading up to the infamous Hurricane Point, I knew I had found it, the perfect marathon.

I am obsessed with the importance of sleep so I will have to mention the starting times of the 3 races. NYC and Big Sur require you to rise before the sun! Say around 3.30am. As with NYC I was on a mission to avoid the Big Sur early morning wake up call. No such luck. The bus is the only option unless you are staying in Big Sur and unfortunately for a princess such as myself there was no luxury 5 Star Resort in Big Sur. So a decision was made to stay in Carmel where the race finishes.

For some reason on race day I embraced the 3.30 am wake up call and woke with a smile and a bounce in my step much to my 3 room mate’s dismay! Maybe it was the ocean air, the relaxed pace of a Bay area town or perhaps it was the numerous visits to the hot tub the day before or the driving around in the open top convertible, who knows.

In comparison, at NYC, even though we managed to avoid the 4am wake up call I felt exhausted by the time I reached the starting line. (We stayed on Staten Island). I think this had something to do with the amount of site seeing we did prior to the race. We covered approximately 15 site seeing / shopping miles the two days prior to the marathon, not a good idea unless you are Laura Jones! Lesson learned; arrive the day before so you don’t have time to look around!

Edinburgh was a Scottish dream. We woke up at 7.30am enjoyed a leisurely breakfast and took a gentle 10 minute stroll from the Bed and Breakfast we were staying at to the starting line. The Bag Pipes announced the start of the race at 9am. By the way I don’t think they are as familiar with the running hydration belt in Scotland. We received a number of comments such as what do you keep in there, is that the North American version of a sporran! My other habit, I like to chat! Not during the entire race just on the odd occasion when I need a distraction.

Both Edinburgh and Big Sur were extremely accommodating. NYC was a little different. The noise coming from the crowd support for the entire 26.2 miles made it almost impossible to converse with anyone. Oh and maybe because there is something like 40 thousand plus participants!

Did you go down there with anyone?

I travelled with Laura, Patty and Patsy. Laura has been my run coach, roomy and tour guide for all 3 marathons. Unfortunately Betty who also ran with us in Edinburgh and NYC couldn’t make Big Sur. We arrived in SFO hired a convertible and laughed our way to Carmel… I would tell you a few stories but what goes on in Big Sur stays in Big Sur. However if you ever need advice on how to avoid using porta potty’s on race day please contact me or Patsy. I have discovered a full proof method for not having to go on the day!

How did you prepare for the marathon?

The NSA marathon clinic insures you are ready. With a training schedule that incorporates hill repeats, speed workouts / yasso 800’s and of course your Sunday sometimes hilly long run, you can’t go wrong. Reality check, it’s hard to avoid hill training when you live on the North Shore!

Were there any physical challenges during your training?

No I did not encounter any physical challenges.

How many days did you spend in Big Sur? What did you do?

We spent 4 days in the Big Sur area. We stayed at Carmel Valley Ranch a beautiful resort just 5 minutes outside of downtown Carmel.

Prior to the race we spent our time exploring Carmel, wandering along the white sandy beaches and through the quant boutique shops.

Like all professional destination marathoners we drove the course the day before the race and fooled ourselves into thinking Hurricane hill wasn’t that steep, the same grade as the Lions Gate Bridge in Vancouver, right? Upon reflection I am not so sure! Race day was perfect, after the race we headed straight to the local pub and downed a few beers, margaritas and a big plate of Nachos and then it was back to the resort to relax by the pool. It was decided, we would return.

How was the marathon experience? Challenges? Memorable moments?

Amazing. Challenges, I ate too much too close to the start of the race. Also food that I was not accustomed to! I felt it big time for approximately 15 minutes at mile 13, apart from that, great! The locals are very accommodating. At mile 18 two army guys came up behind us and asked if they could hold onto our jackets and pull them up the hill! My response, only if you tell us a story to pass the time. He proceeded to tell us about a local bakery and how they prepare the pastries....15 minutes later we were at the top of yet another hill and we waved goodbye as they sped off into the distance! A very relaxed and friendly marathon. Can you call a marathon relaxing!

Spectacular, rewarding, unforgettable, and mystical are some of the words that have been used to describe this event. If you had to pick 3 words, how would you?

Magical, unique and inspiring.

How did you celebrate?

A local pub. Beer is my favorite drink after a race (*Writer’s side note: ME TOO!!!)

Would you do the Big Sur marathon again?

Definitely. I won’t be as intimidated next time around!

What advice would you give those who are currently training for the Big Sur marathon?

Advice, take your time on the hills and just remember there is as much down hill as there is up!

Last but not least, do you have anything on the race schedule for 2010?

In April we, as in Laura, Patsy and myself are heading off to France to run the Lac D’Annecy marathon (approximately a one hour drive from Geneva and Chamonix). Then it’s back onto the trails to prepare for the Knee Knacker in July.

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