Sunday, August 12, 2007

Wild West Part II


More about the race, I personally had great time. I was fortunate enough to have a pit support crew of Jennifer and Alexa. Both are great people and were gracious enough to make a running vacation out of the trip. As of 5 weeks prior to the race we were a strong team of 6 runners. And after 2 people dropped our team quickly dwindled to 3-4 runners. We collectively decided to drop out of the race as a team. But Jennifer, Alexa, and I had non-refundable airline tickets so we were going regardless. I found a 12 person team that was looking for 1 runner. I joined the team, and added that 2 fantastic runners from OC wanted to get in some extra miles and would pace the others at night. The night prior to the race, I was informed that I would be needed in Van #1, because they needed a runner to run a 10mile leg, and also the runner that I switched with was about 2 weeks pregnant. I was a little bummed at first, because I had wanted to get to Anca a little bit more in her van #2. But it turned out things went very smooth in Van #1. The crew treatment in Van#1 was first class. I found out that one of the runners Monique, was a doctor. I have never witness such a classy group of individuals. The way we organized transportation was a little spread out. Since we had Jennifer, Alexa following in another minivan, I was trying to keep both groups entertained. But I think in the End, I had a bit more leg room to stretch out, and Van #1 had minus 1 runner, and had a little extra leg room.


Jennifer and Alexa were able to really bond with the runners from Van#1 and they got the feeling towards the end that they really enjoyed the extra company while running together.
Jennifer, Alexa and I did not get much rest- while Van#1 was resting for 5hrs we continued to run run and run. We kinda got little hints that Van#2 did not want much pacer support, but we went ahead and ran anyway especially at night. Night running was the BEST. I have never seen so many stars, and shooting stars. However, as day came around. Van#1 was well rested and it was time to set it up notch to complete the relay under 34hours. After our 6 legs, we were all pretty much toasted and smelly. We had a window of 5hrs before Van #2 would finish. We quickly drove into Steamboat, checked into the hotel, showered and ate food. I kinda dosed off, and soon realized that our team finished. I felt kinda bad that I was not there to close out the race. I was not sure what the group plan was to celebrate and with limited cell phone coverage in steamboat, Jennifer + her daughter and I went to a Hot Springs located in the mtns. That was icing on the cake, I did not realize how sore I was while soaking in the hot water. 2hrs later I was fast asleep. :)

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3 comments:

Jessica DeLine said...

Sounds like it was such a great time. I'm you 3 were at least still able to run and have fun out there!

Adelyn said...

Thanks for the recap! That scenic view is gorgeous! Glad with all the changed plans that everyone still had such a great time out there :)

Unknown said...

i almost didn't want to read your recap, because i knew i'd be envious. and after finally taking the time to read it, well i guess i am.

glad you enjoyed yourself out there. and a hot springs to top it off too. wow! good job.