Ragnar Relay, Part I

So, never mind that earlier stuff about taking it easy with the running and not worrying about speed. I am currently en route to Miami to run a 199-mile group relay race to Key West.

I was "called in," as I like to think of it, to join some friends' group after one of their members had to back out at the last minute.

After some hours of contemplation, research, and Q&A, I decided to go for it. The physical challenge would not be too demanding; I'd be running no more than 3.6 miles in one leg, and the three legs would be separated by hours in between while the other 11 members ran.

What I was more concerned about was sharing very close quarters for hours on end with running friends I've been slowly getting to know over the past eight months. This would be a fast-forward in our relationship that I wasn't sure I was ready for. I like to control the pace of my relationships, and this trip would surely take some control away from me. In the end, I decided it would be good for me. And now I'm glad I'm doing it.

Now, however, I'm concerned about my running pace. Since the legs I'm running are all short (comparatively), I'll be expected to practically sprint them. This isn't something I'm particularly comfortable with, as speed isn't my forte, nor have I prepared for it, given the day-before notice.

But I will do my best. Knowing that 11 other team members will be waiting for me will help propel me through the runs.

As we near Miami, I look forward to a good night's sleep in a hotel and a morning shower before I spend at least 24 hours in a van with smelly runners and little room to stretch out.

Go Flatwood Degenerates!

(Race report to follow.)

Comments

CM said…

Good luck! You'll do fantastic, I know you will. Try to enjoy the scenery, too :).

January 5, 2012 at 8:21 PM

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