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. :)