Notes
My first relay race! I had a great time. I will say though that I had the easiest two legs of the course and no responsibility as far as driving, organizing, navigating etc. goes so I would be hard pressed to complain. My four team mates did an incredible job doing all that and running in tough conditions. I enjoyed the heck out of the teamwork and being with such great folks against a common enemy -- the elements! Here's how it went:
We left Midway at 0630 in Dan's truck. It was Dan, Steve, Lisa, Peggy and me. We had some trouble finding the start so we ended up rushing a bit to get Dan, our first runner, in place and ready to go in time. We just made it in time for potty and picking up the packet for the 0900 start time we had been assigned. After seeing Dan off we headed to the end of the first leg to meet him and offer drink/support etc. Well, he was going a little too fast for us and we missed him! We saw him as he was heading past -- too late. So, back in the truck with Steve driving to another point where we did manage to catch him and give him a drink. The weather was cold, crappy, windy and wet. It was very tough running. He had to go over a bridge which everyone said was especially hard, plus he had rough terrain to conquer. We headed to the end of leg two where we met him again and I started out. Dan originally was going to run my first leg with me, but the conditions and situation warranted respect, and he wisely got in the truck and I headed on solo. Had to wait a few seconds for a train to cross, but then was off again. My legs were flat and easy. I especially enjoyed hearing the train go by. I need to put that sound on my IPOD. The only challenge for me was the wind on a few occasions and then the rain, which turned into ice pellets which turned into snow. All this weather was short lived but I was soaked through by the end. I wasn't uncomfortable though, and although I was working hard pushing against the wind I felt okay. My original plan was to do my two legs and join Steve for his first leg, but, like Dan, the conditions warranted respect , I was tired by then, and I was happy enough to pass off the bib to Steve and send him on his way solo. We watched Steve go up and down hills till the end of his legs when Lisa took off. The wind increased severely. We followed Lisa and met her at various points as she battled horrific winds, hills and a muddy boat crossing. The fact it was so tough on her really showed how difficult the conditions were. Peggy finished off with the last two legs, and like Lisa, had similar battles and was toasted at the end. We stopped as often as we could along the way to provide drink and support. Even getting out of the truck to minister to our team mates was tough in the cold, windy weather. We were all very glad when it was over. The food after wasn't very good, and if we do this again we think we'd eat somewhere else after. So, it was a great experience, but largely wet, cold, uncomfortable and very difficult running conditions. I guess this has a reputation of being windy though. It was a long day as well, as I didn't get home till 1930, but I really did have fun and am glad I did it. Oh, guess I should add something about the guy running in these crazy conditions with nothing on but a little red speedo! Apparently, he was in the mood for some attention. He got it. Others had more clever costumes on or carried little wands, bunnies etc. Cute stuff.