Relayniacs Talking ULTRAs

When a team decides to take on the challenge of running a relay as an ULTRA team {6 runners instead of 12}, the first question they contemplate is whether to run the relay with each person running 3 longer legs {2 legs back-to-back} or 6 shorter legs {running every 6 legs}.  With more and more teams being up for the challenge of going ULTRA, and the question being brought up more frequently, I decided to recruit some other relayniacs to provide input, from their personal experience, on how to go about running an ULTRA relay.  

Lauren, who I have had the privilege of relaying with twice, joined 5 other bada$$ women last summer and took on Ragnar Northwest Passage for her first ULTRA relay! I think Leslie, who has run on 3 ULTRA teams, just might love relays as much as I do {which I didn't think was even possible!} I have my work cut out for me, as both of these ladies prefer {and think its the best way to go} running 3 longer legs, where I, hands-down, think running 6 legs is the only way to go! 

Here is my story...
A little over a year ago, NUUN was putting together teams of ambassadors for several of the Ragnar Relay events.  After scheming with Meghan, in hopes that we would be able to run another relay together, we along with 2 other ambassadors, selected Ragnar Wasatch Back as our first choice.  When an email started circulating with the question, "Should we run this as an ULTRA team!?" I knew it was ON! All 4 of us quickly agreed, recruited 2 other runners, and then started asking people who we knew had run on an UTLRA team if they preferred 3 vs 6 legs, and the majority of people said 3...cue major freak out! What had I agreed to??  I reached out to the girls of Team Sparkle, as I knew that they had not only run Ragnar SoCal as an ULTRA team, but also won; they preferred 6 shorter legs. While getting advice from others, Meghan did what she does best, organized the data.  Within minutes of us agreeing to run it as an ULTRA team {no lie} she created a google doc that compared the legs {difficulty & distance} for running it both ways. At this point I am REALLY freaking out, as I see that several runners would have to run legs longer that a half marathon. Umm, what!?! "Don't mind me, my second leg is going to be 16 miles!" For us, the deciding factor was that one runner would have a 19 mile leg, and another would have some astronomical amount of climbing.  At that point we unanimously decided to run 6 shorter legs...cue sigh of relief! 

For me, it was and is still SO much easier to wrap my mind around {approximately} 6 10Ks rather than 3 half marathons.  In addition, in terms of time {if that's important to your team} you can run the shorter distances significantly faster than the longer ones.  With anything that's challenging, it is so much more manageable to break it down into smaller segments, and focus on one segment at a time.  From my experience, I can't comprehend setting out on a 12 mile run after already running over 20 miles within the last 15 hours or so.  With that being said, I can see where it would be beneficial to map out the legs and possibly run a few back to back.  For example, some of the legs are only 3 miles, so it might be beneficial for one runner to take on two back-to-back shorter  legs, potentially distributing the miles more evenly amongst the runners.  

Two arguments for running 3 longer legs are rest and fuel. Well, I hate to break it to you, but sleep is minimal during any relay and fueling is always an obstacle to overcome.  No matter how you decide to break up the legs you still {hopefully} stop and cheer on your runner during their leg and at the exchanges; therefore, unfortunately, there is no "off" van that is able to go park somewhere, allowing the runners to get rest.  The van is constantly stopping and going, runners are constantly climbing in and out, and everyone is constantly cheering and cowbelling.  Every relay has a few no support legs, some more than others, allowing the van to head straight to the next exchange, providing the runners an opportunity catch a few ZZZZZZs.  

Regarding fueling, with an ULTRA relay you are constantly on the go and don't have much spare time to stop, so you need to be prepared with everything you need in the van.  Of course, there is always time for a quick stop at a gas station for extra salty potato chips {its crazy the things you eat during a relay}.  While the window of opportunity is smaller when running an ULTRA relay, it is crucial to fuel in between runs, with lighter, high protein snacks being ideal.  When on a 12-man team, its fun to stop and eat during your off time, but not only do you not have the time, a large meal would NOT sit well in the stomach of an ULTRA runner {and usually doesn't for any relayer...can we say #codebrown}.

Regardless of how you breakdown the relay, I highly recommend only one van/vehicle! The team camaraderie is perhaps the best, most enjoyable part of any relay.  And with only 6 runners, the team bond that forms is truly like no other.  I also, highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend a driver. Running on an ULTRA team is exhausting, and its nice to have one less thing to worry about! In addition to making things go more smoothly and efficiently, the driver has just as much fun, if not more, and almost instantly becomes a valuable, irreplaceable part of the team.  

Find a driver, break the relay down into manageable segments, recruit 5 FUN running friends, and conquer a relay as part of a winning {I couldn't resist!} ULTRA team.  

Now for the reasons supporting 3 longer legs...

Leslie, a 3-peat ULTRA relayer prefers 3 legs,  primarily due to the fact that she only has to pack 3 different outfits.  Simplicity at its finest.  The added rest in between legs and an opportunity to eat a real meal are an added bonus.  Read about her love for endurance running and relaying here! While you're visiting her blog, make sure to check out her Ironman Canada training...such an inspiration! 

Lauren had so much fun running on an ULTRA team that she's doing it again this year!  Touché, she throws out the #badass card when discussing why she prefers 3 longer legs; read more here! 

If you are even thinking about running a relay as an ULTRA team..do it!!! It's an amazing experience.  And no matter how you decide to break up the miles, its the runners who truly make the entire relay experience one to remember! 

All this relay talk is giving me relay fever! Good thing I am running a relay in a few weeks....

COLORADO: A different kind of ULTRA

Ragnar Colorado was an AMAZING experience, and one I won't forget! But for some reason it was different  {not better, not worse, just different} than Wasatch Back.  Yes, Colorado was hard, but so was Wasatch Back.  So what exactly was it that made the experience difference!? I did my best to put into words what made the it different for me.  {WOW, I just used the word different} a lot!

1. ALTITUDE

10,000 ft vs 6,000 ft is a BIG difference.  I don't recall the altitude effecting me all that much in Utah, but I felt it instantly in Colorado.  While I was anticipating it mainly effecting my breathing, I was shocked at how much it effected my entire body! My legs were like lead weights and I felt as if I had nothing in the tank. Ironically enough, I felt much worse than was reflected in my paces {thank goodness}. Not the mention, at 10,000 feet the sun rays are intense!! And as you know, its always sunny in Colorado.  With little shade along the runs, the altitude and sun really took a lot out of each of us.

2.  BIKE PATHS

I would say 90% of the legs were on bike paths...beautiful bike paths that stretched from Breckenridge to Aspen.  While it was so nice to run on the paths and not have to deal with cars etc., it meant minimal support from your team during the run itself. Without being able to get out & cheer, make power tunnels, and yell #getitgirl, the energy of the relay was definitely different than that of Wasatch Back.

3. A NEED TO DIG DEEP

Due to the nature of the course and several of the runs being on bike paths, resulting in minimal team support, it really forced me {and I think it is safe to say the rest of #highNUUN} to dig deep and push myself through the tough times.  One of my favorite aspects about running relays is the support and encouragement of my team, and other teams out of the course.  Crazy enough, despite not having them literally supporting and encouraging me during each run, I felt their support more than ever.  During each run, I KNEW that they were at the exchange, anxiously waiting for me to come in, cheering for me {from afar} the entire way.   With that being said, I was required to really personally dig deep, and I came home from Colorado a stronger runner,  both physically and mentally.

4. OVERCOMING PERSONAL STRUGGLES AS PART OF A TEAM

This race effected everyone in a different way, some more some than others. But no matter what each and every one of us was personally dealing with, we were still part of a team, and focused on the best interest of the team! Colorado threw more things at us, from stomach issues, to personal health issues, to exhaustion, to battling with mental obstacles resulting from the difficulty of the race; but no matter what the obstacle was, we rallied as a team to support and encourage one another, and we could not of done it without the determination, dedication, and heart of everyone on #highNUUN.

5.  STRONGER FRIENDSHIPS 

This is by no means different from any other relay, but the way it unfolds at each relay is unique and special.  After spending 30 hours in a van together, accomplishing something so amazing together as a team, pretty amazing friendships are formed.  Being that this was our second relay as a team, the friendships grew stronger.  Following the relay, during our celebratory dinner, Vieve and I were having a heart-to-heart conversation, which resulted in me getting emotional {I am sure the exhaustion of the relay followed by 2 beers definitely played a part}.  I was allowing myself to be vulnerable, which can be tough, but it was so nice to be able to be real with them.  I don't recall how the conversation started, but somehow it lead to me talking about how blessed I am and almost everything in my life is so wonderful, with the exception of a few things, including being single {talk about being vulnerable}, in Medford, OR {not a lot opportunities, with a small dating pool} This topic/conversation is always tough for me, and oddly enough, even more so when people respond with how wonderful of a person I am. I cried a few tears and it was time to head to the van and make our way back to Denver...
I am thankful to say I left Colorado with 5 stronger, even more amazing friendships.

Not sure what was so funny!?

6. THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS

Every relay provides the opportunity to make connections with strangers; and its neat to see everyone's "relay story" unfold.  As we were walking to parking garage we stopped for a few photos {of course!} and this wonderful couple stopped to ask us about the event, our team, etc. They own a condo in Vail, and were visiting from Texas. I honestly don't know how the conversation progressed to this, but somehow it came up that I was single and that they have two single, Christian sons {ironic following the conversation we had a dinner}. At this point I think the rest of my team was getting annoyed, so we exchanged numbers {in case I ever came back to Vail and wanted to rent their condo} and were on our way. No, he did not set me up with one of his sons, nor did I expect him to! BUT, what he did was far more meaningful.  After he text me information on his rental, and I thanked him and said it was nice to meet him and his wife, he sent me the nicest, most Christ centered text saying to keep the faith, and that he would be praying for me to find a Godly man to marry! I was blown away by the kindness of a complete stranger. What an amazing testimony of what it means to be a Christian and to love others with Christlike, AGAPE  love. I really hope people see a reflection of Christ's love in their interactions with me.

Ragnar Colorado....stronger runner, deeper friendships, defining what it means to be a team, and memories that will last a lifetime.

I'm ready for another relay! I think its time #highNUUN takes their show on the {international} road, eh!?

#highNUUN: Ragnar Colorado

Oh my goodness, I can't believe it has taken me 3 weeks to write this post...to say the last several weeks have been busy {but so incredibly amazing}, would be an understatement! So, without further adieu, her is my recap of Ragnar Colorado.  Actually, I have one thing first, before I go into my recap...continue to dream big and pursue your passions and dreams. Looking back it is amazing to me that I not only ran an ULTRA relay, which was a goal of mine immediately following my first relay, but that I ran both Colorado and Wasatch Back within a couple months of each other {the two relays I dreamed of running}, for a company that has been a huge inspiration and support in my running, on a team that is made up of truly amazing individuals who all bring something unique and so valuable to the table.  To say I am feeling blessed beyond measure would be an understatement.  Back to the recap...

Thursday night we all met up in Denver, and it was seriously SO great to see everyone and be together as a team again! Hugs were exchanged and the laughing, sharing of stories, and relay excitement was in in full force! 

Before the relay started, we knew we needed to give Ned a "twitter 101" as he was confusing hashtags with twitter handles, and referring to himself in third person in several of his tweets!  Bry was kind enough to walk him through the basics of tweeting so he was ready to roll!

Because Bry was getting married 2 weeks {YES, 2 weeks!!} following Ragnar Colorado, it only made sense to throw her a little Bachelorette Party On The Run.  And a running theme bachelorette party wouldn't be complete without personalized cowbells...

Following dinner, it was time to decorate the van. Only one problem, it was dark out! No problem for us...headlight lit van decorating! 

The artist at work!

The final product...and a huge thanks to TC Chevy for being a van sponsor!! 

This was my first run as part of the Oiselle Team...so we couldn't pass up an opportunity for a 'bird' picture! Seriously so thankful to call both of these girls teammate and friend! 

Thanks to Endorphin Warrior, we were each able to choose a word or saying that had meaning to us, and would inspire us throughout the relay! Looking down and seeing LIMITLESS helped push me through the difficult times!  

Rocking our personalized, #HighNUUN Kate Farm shirts! Such an amazing company! 

And now for the running...

Leg 1: 5.1 miles, 9:06 avg

It wouldn't be a relay if I didn't take a cheesy relay hand-off photo...I take the exchanges very seriously! 

I really didn't know what to expect with the altitude, but I anticipated that it would make running a tad more difficult.  Well, that was an understatement...it kicked my butt! I took off on my first leg {and yes, I took off..as usual, I went out way too fast}, and no sooner than mile 2 I knew it was going to be a long run, and perhaps long relay! My legs seriously felt like lead weights.  I kept focusing on relaxing, deep breathing, and just having FUN! I was cheering on and encouraging the runners going the other way on the trail while taking in the beautiful scenery and the fact that I was running in Colorado!!!! All 5 miles were tough, but I was happy with my pace, and beyond happy to be running! 

There was one issue...my lower legs! It hasn't happened in a long time, but occasionally I have an issue where my feet fall asleep {and I mean they go completely numb}, and the pain and numbness works its way up my calves.  Well, that happened! And it HURT! The only thing I have ever been able to contribute it to is tight calves, so I rolled the heck out of my calves, in hope that it would be better for my next run...

Leg 2: 7.1 miles, 9:01 avg

This leg was interesting, and stressed Ned out! Vieve and I were able to decide where we wanted to make the exchange along a 3 mile stretch of road, but we were instructed to remain at the previous exchange {where Vieve took off} and leave 10 minutes before we expected to meet the runner and make the exchange! Well we waited an hour and a half or so, and then made our way to the location where we would be making the exchange. At this point it was pouring down rain...ugh! We exited off of the freeway, thinking we had 10 minutes or so until we would meet up with Vieve, but just as we are asking another van and their runner what mile they are at {it was quite confusing as we were driving in the opposite direction the runners were going} Meghan says, there's Vieve! I threw on my vest, clipped on a light, jumped out of the van and off I went! I was a little discombobulated, but I pulled it together and settled in to my run, and the rain stopped...thank goodness! And it didn't take long for my feet to fall asleep! The first part of the run was along a bike path that bordered a golf course, which was beautiful, but I was a little nervous due to all the talk of bears! About 3 miles into the run, the bike path ended and we ran through a gorgeous neighborhood in Vail.  At this point, due to the weird exchange, I really didn't know how far I was going to be running, therefore I didn't know how much I had left to run. The pain in my feet/calves was getting worse, but I knew I didn't have far to go! After about 2 miles, I ended up in the Vail Village and ran through all of the shops and restaurants....kind of fun, with people outside cheering, etc. I was so happy to see the "One Mile To Go" sign and enjoyed the downhill to the exchange!

Leg 3: 4.9 miles, 9:08 avg

I really don't remember much about this leg, other than my feet and calves felt so much better than they did the previous two legs...and I was so thankful for that! This leg was on Hwy 6, and it was a beautiful, clear, star lit run. 

Leg 4 {where I ran for my life}: 3.8 miles, 8:21 avg

We wear our NUUN Trucker hats and sunglasses at night...

I always love the nighttime legs of relays, but I can honestly say this one kind of {ok, MAJORLY} FREAKED ME OUT! Being that it was a smaller relay, it wasn't uncommon to go a while without seeing other runners. Well, as we were waiting for Vieve to come in, there would be groups of runners, and then a stretch of no runners..I kept hoping and praying that Vieve would come in with a group of runners. NOPE! She came in with one other runner she had met up with, but as soon as she handed me the slap bracelet I took off into the dark abyss alone, not sure if I would ever return...NO LIE!!! The run was on a path that followed I-70, but it was 20 feet or so below the highway, alongside a canyon, with no cell phone reception, and there was NO ONE in sight.  I was SO SCARED!! I kept hearing noises...rustling in the bushes {BEAR!? Crazy man!?}. My own footsteps...I swore at one point someone was following me! I finally saw a red flashing light in the distance, and focused on catching it.  As if I wasn't scared enough, a train came rip roaring through the canyon!! After the initial spike in my heart rate, I took a moment to look up and take everything in...the canyon lit up by the lights of the train; the clear, star filled sky! Truly breathtakingly beautiful. OK, enough of that, I am freakin scared! I caught and passed the one red flashing light, and occasionally I could see more up ahead. My headlight seemed so dim during this run, and I seriously could barely see where I was going.  At this point I had reached mile 3, but no "One Mile To Go" sign...cue more freaking out! Did I make a wrong turn!? Is this really a 5 mile run {I wasn't sure how much longer I could run at this pace...I had already ran 17 miles!}!? I started catching and passing several runners, and was approaching what appeared to be a rest area {which is where several of the exchanges took place on this stretch of the relay}, HALLELUJAH!!! I wasn't about to slow down at this point, as I just wanted to be done! I came around the corner and couldn't have been happier to see Bry! 

Leg 5: 4.5 miles, 8:57 avg

This run was pretty amazing...starting just as the sun was rising. Beautiful.  The run was 3 miles downhill, followed by 1.5 miles flat.  I felt great on the downhill portion and took in the scenery while enjoying music and feeling so blessed to be there; and loved having my team stop and cheer for me about 2 miles in {due to most legs being on bike paths, there was minimal cheering on of runners during the relay}.  As soon as the road leveled out I felt the previous 20 miles in my legs! But I pushed through, and as always, was so grateful to see my team and came into the exchange with a big smile! {have I told you how much I absolutely LOVE relays!?} 

Leg 6: 3.3 miles easy

It was amazing to see Vieve make her way down the bike path to me, with a huge smile on her face; I gave  her the biggest hug as she had just finished her 2nd ULTRA relay! There are no words to describe the sense of accomplishment.

I took off on my final leg and my only goal was to enjoy the last three miles! It was warm, I was exhausted, but I was determined to end on a positive note. Yes, I had to walk some.  For the first mile, I was running towards runners making their way to the exchange and I cheered on/encouraged each one of them.  I love the support and encouragement given and received during a relay! Due to the next exchange being pretty tight, only the runner was allowed to be down there...as I came into the exchange I saw Bry and gave her the biggest hug as she was off on what would be an extremely challenging leg.  I did my best to encourage her, as I knew she was nervous about it. 

As I made my way back to my team and the van, my eyes filled up with tears...tears of joy. Tears of accomplishment. Tears of feeling beyond blessed.  Ned, our biggest support and cheerleader, was waiting for me at the crosswalk with the biggest and proudest smile on this face! Such a remarkable moment. 

And with that, my second ULTRA relay was complete! 

With a few cowgirls at heart on the team, we couldn't pass up a prime photo opportunity at one of the exchanges, which was at the rodeo grounds! 

Waiting for Meghan to run us into the finish! 

CHEERS to another ULTRA relay!

28:49.20

1st Place Women's ULTRA and 3rd Place Overall ULTRA team

There is no doubt that this relay was TOUGH!!! Running an ULTRA relay requires determination, dedication, heart and team work...all of which all of the ladies of #highNUUN embodied from start to finish.  Everyone brought something different to the relay, and it wouldn't have been possible without the strengths and positive qualities of each person. I can't say enough how much each of them mean to me, and I will be forever grateful to call them friends and teammates! My heart is fuller and life more blessed because of them. 

As I said, this relay was TOUGH!!! Up next, "What Made Ragnar Colorado Different"

I'm No More ULTRA Than YOU Are

People think I am crazy when I say I am going to or did run a relay as part of an ULTRA team! But I am here to tell you that I am no more ULTRA than you are.  With ULTRA thinking you too can become a ULTRA relayer! All you need is:

A DESIRE

A WILLINGNESS TO HAVE FUN

AND A CAN DO ATTITUDE

Here are 5 Tips For Taking On A Relay As An Ultra Team. 

 

If you have ever wanted to run an ULTRArelay, now is the time! Find 5 dedicated, determined, supportive, FUN teammates and DO IT! I promise it will be an unforgettable experience! Find your next Ragnar Relay!

#highNUUN does Ragnar Wasatch Back

Here is a compilation of all of the #highNUUN Ragnar Wasatch Back ULTRA recaps! Happy Reading!!!

5 of the Top 10 Highlights from Running Wasatch Back
The Final 5, ok 6, Highlights from Running Wasatch Back 
The Part Where I RUN Wasatch Back

Meghan

The Beginning-Ragnar Wasatch Back Recap Part 1

Running The Dream-Ragnar Wasatch Back Park 2

Sh** Happens-Ragnar Wasatch Back Part 3

Vieve

Sparkle
Run
This

Lisa G

#highNUUN Ragnar Did Not Disappoint. Ragnar Wasatch Back race report, Part 1
#highNUUN, High Hopes {Ragnar Wasatch Back Part 2}

Lisa

Ragnar Wasatch Back 20123: An "UTLRA" life event- Part 1

Ragnar Wasatch Back Part 2

Bry

The Beginning of my Adventure at Wasatch Back, Utah

Part 2: My Running Adventures in Utah, the Part Where I Actually RUN!!!

Part 3 of My Adventures at Wasatch Back, Utah

The Relay Race That Changed My Life

And don't forget to head over to NUUN and stock up for your next relay!

The part where I RUN Ragnar Wasatch Back

Van decorated, laughs shared, 6 friends {no longer strangers}, and one phenomenal driver...we were ready to conquer Ragnar Wasatch Back. 

There are two main ways to run an ULTRA relay: 3 longer legs {2 back-to-back} or 6 shorter legs.  After debating, and going back and forth, we finally, as a team, decided to run 6 longer legs. Due to the difficulty of some of the legs, the length of some of the back-to-back legs, and the altitude, we decided it would be best to run 6 shorter legs...which I think was a smart decision.  As I mentioned before, I was nervous, but just as excited, to run this bad boy as part of an ULTRA team. The morning of the race is was ALL excitement, that giddy, nonstop chatter and laughter kind of excitement. We put on our cowgirl hats, cut footloose,  and worked the cameras one last time before we were on our way. 

Oh, and I forgot, did a lil texting and instagramin!

 Leg 1: 7.7 VERY HARD miles, 9:08 avg

Despite having "winning" in the back of our minds, we all stressed the importance of "taking it easy" the first run...well my adrenaline got the best of me I took off like a mad woman.  After hearing "mile 1: 8 something" I backed off a little and just got into a groove! Oh my, I was seriously so happy to be out there, grinning from ear-to-ear. I had read the map wrong {upside down to be exact} and I was anticipating no van support for the first part of my leg.  But to my surprise, around mile 2, there they were, cheering and a hooting-and-a-hollerin. They told me I wouldn't have support the last part of my leg, made sure I was ok and headed to the exchange. I enjoyed the next 5 miles running through a quiet, country setting. It was seriously so peaceful.  Around 5 mile, my breathing started getting shallow, and instead of freaking out about the altitude  I just focused on my breathing, ensuring I was taking deep breaths, and I was good! I turned at mile 5.5 and started about a 3/4 mile climb; as I peaked the hill, I came across the "One Mile To Go" sign and kicked it in to the exchange, getting in one last road kill and chicking a guy! 

Leg 2: 2.6 EASY {but HOT!} miles, 9:01 avg 

While this leg was easy, it was HOT, and I don't do well in the heat! Not to mention, this was everyone else's {in Van 2} first run of the day, so they were like spring chickens ready to go! I started off looking pretty good...

and then...

Do you ever have those moments when you think you're being funny or cute, but really, not so much!?! For some reason, this happens to me every time at Ragnar {you'd think by now I would've learned}! As soon as I saw Meghan's camera hanging out the window, I knew I was going to regret doing my "slow motion sprinting" run.

Leg 3: 3.0 EASY miles, 8:38 avg

I was feeling GOOD going into my third leg! There were two transitions at Snow Basin, and Bry was running a no support leg, so we had plenty of time to eat {Mmm...love me a cup-o-noodle..insert sarcasm}, freshen up {there is something about brushing your teeth, with running water, that is so rejuvenating} and the temperature was starting to drop.  Oh, and did I mention it was now nighttime hours??  I had walked over near the exchange, and quickly turned back so that I could skip and jump my way to the exchange...now was not the time to let my energy drop, I still had 4 more legs to run. Throughout the relay, we had been running with Vegas Legs, a team from Las Vegas {duh, kind of obvious} and at this point they were ahead of us, but I was determined to change that, and change I did! Roadkill Vegas Legs. Ok, this leg was also the first time that "Feisty Holly" came out. As I was coming into the exchange, this girl was trotting along and I was going to run around her, but she kept cutting me off and finally looked over at me, said, "I'm not going to let you pass me" and took off in a full out sprint to the finish, and for some reason this pushed my buttons! I looked and her and said,  in a rather sassy manner, "Have at it, I'm running 28 miles!" Ok, probably not the nicest thing...please forgive me, and enjoy your "win" young girl. 

 Ok, as you can see, I get a little excited for the nighttime runs!

A relay wouldn't be complete without glow sticks, especially glow stick glasses! Don't be jealous!

Leg 4: 6 MODERATE miles, 8:44 avg

This was by far my favorite run of the relay; 6 headlamp and moonlight lit miles! Seriously the most serene, peaceful, and seeming effortless miles. At this point in the relay, we had caught up with several of the teams who started earlier in the day, so the roads were filled with runners. I loved seeing so many, what appeared to be more beginner runners, out on the course. You don't have to run a certain pace OR have "x" amount of races under your belt to do a relay.  It's more about getting out there, having fun, and supporting one another to the finish. 

Leg 5: 3.3 EASY miles, 9:16 avg

This is where things kind of got rough! While this was not a #sh**happens leg for me, like it was for a couple of my teammates, it was an I'm-tired-and-if-I-eat-Sh**-might-happen kind of run! I didn't eat anything before and just got through the miles! When I finished, and was asked how I felt, all I said was, "TIRED." I knew I wasn't done though...RALLY TIME!!! Not only did I have one more leg to run myself, I had 5 teammates who all had one or two legs to get through, and we all needed one another to push through to the finish.  

Leg 6: 5.5 MODERAT Miles, I don't know and I don't care avg 

Ok, this is where I mentally kind of fell apart...sorry team! I was done. Annoyed. Feisty. And I didn't start my final leg with the best attitude. PROOF that attitude is everything! While the run was not horrible, it wasn't my best either! I had warned Meghan I would come into the exchange crying {I'm an emotional runner, overcome with a feeling of accomplishment at every finish line} ...but I'm sure she wasn't expecting a full on ugly cry! Yes, they were tears of exhaustion, but they were mainly tears of accomplishment,  joy,  and overcoming fears & doubts. I'd be lying if I said I didn't doubt myself a little  going into the relay and I was thankful to my team for helping make my dream become a reality, in a way I never imagined possible. 

Team #highNUUN will always hold a special place in my heart; each person positively impacted my life! 

This opportunity wouldn't of been possible if it weren't for the wonderful people at NUUN for putting this team together and inviting me to be part of it AND for keeping us hydrated over the miles. NUUN has greatly impacted my running career, and I am forever grateful  Also, a huge thanks to Lunatik for keeping our legs fresh and flashy during our ULTRA adventure!  

NUUN and Ragnar, it has truly been EPIC! Until next time...

Photo courtesy of Meghan