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Reach the Beach Relay: Van 1, Runner #2

It’s not easy to summarize a relay race composed of 12 runners running 200 miles in 31 hours and 41 minutes. It was a crazy-amazing journey filled with a roller coaster of emotions.

Our Team: Team Off Balance sponsored by New Balance

Van 1:

Sarah of Sarah Fit
Patricia of Run Foodie Run
Bridget of Yogurt and Berries
Melissa of Fitness NYC
Me

Van 2:
Elizabeth of On Tap for Today
Monica of Run Eat Repeat

I’m not sure how one is suppose to prepare for a relay race other than making a packing list and checking it twice, but I know that my nerves started Wednesday night. I left for Boston bright and early Thursday morning and packing for what was to come ignited my nerves.

Little did I know that several hours of this race would be filled with pre-race jitters. There were many factors to consider and my brain was in overdrive.

What’s the terrain like?
What if I get lost?
Where are the port-a-potties?
What should I wear based off the temperature change?
Will I have time to go to the bathroom before my next leg?
What will happen while running in the dark on country roads?
How can I possibly run 17.5 miles unprepared?
How will my injuries hold up?

While packing for this race, I never thought about the fact that running three different legs is much like running three different races. Before each of my legs I got a huge case of the pre-race jitters.

Leg 2: 3.22 miles (easy terrain)
Start time: 11:08 a.m.
Average pace 7:22

This leg of the race was exhilarating. I’m not sure my strategy for this leg of the race was a sound one, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. It was billed as my shortest and easiest leg. I decided I wanted to start off with a strong 1st leg and I did.

Leg 14: 6.0 Miles (hard terrain)
Start time 9:58pm
Average pace 8:27

Once again I was nervous for this leg to start. I was scared of night running on back roads. I was also worried that I ate too much during at our one solid meal of the day (one van runs while the other van rests, eats and travels to their next destination).

Before heading off on this leg of the race I thought it would be one of two things, terrifying or very zen like. Turns out it was neither of those things.
At night runners are required to wear headlamps, vests and a minimum of two lights. On the back roads I couldn’t see more than a foot in front of me. This meant my brain was on constant over drive. After tripping over a pothole and running off the road three times, I had to focus my efforts on not tripping and getting hurt.

The six miles went by quickly due to the over-processing my brain was doing, but this was one leg I was glad to have complete.

Leg 26: 8.34 miles: (hard terrain)
Start time: 6:54am
Average pace: 8:17 (plus one stop)

I was extremely anxious about this leg of the race. I had about 30 minutes of sleep before starting my final leg. I hadn’t ran 17.5 mile in a 24 hour period in years. The ‘ole injuries were also showing their ugly head so, I was mentally psyched out.

I started this leg of the race at a comfortable training pace. The first few miles were a little rough as my injuries decided not to join in on the relay fun. Around mile three I started to feel a bit better and after a brief stop for water and gu, I was on top of the world.

This was by far my favorite leg of the race. I fell in love with running as kid in middle school and I learned it would be a life long love affair when in my twenties I ran along quite, suburban streets. In the quiet cool of the morning, this run reminded me of those days.

This recap is getting out of control in length so I’ll wrap up quickly for those of you still reading.

Reach the Beach was an amazing experience thanks to the race organizers and to New Balance. I couldn’t have had a better team or been in a better van.

A soreness I hadn’t felt since my last marathon began to settle in before the race finished. I’m still exhausted and definitely still recovering from the hills and thrills of the race. There was something about completing my three legs and being able to run the paces I ran without properly training for this distance that give me the confidence that all of marathon dreams are going to come true in 2012.

If anyone asks, “Hey, I need one more runner for my relay team, so and so dropped out would you want to join us?” answer YES!

{Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. Our team was sponsored by New Balance. All race fees were covered and we received New Balance gear to train for the race as well as to wear during the race. All thoughts and opinions are my own.}

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  2. The whole weekend sounds fantastic!! I love the team that you guys put together!! You kicked butt on your legs, Jess. Honestly, I don’t know how you guys do the stop and go running. I can run long distance, but if you ask me to run, stop for a few hours, then run again, I’m exhausted and my legs feel like rubber!
    Congrats!!!!

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  11. Great recap Jess! I agree, dont miss an opportunity to run this if someone asks! Awesome hanging out with you on the course too!

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  12. Congrats!!! On what looks like an amazing experience. I’m hoping to do Ragnar Cape Cod next year and may well inbox you for some tips! Job well done!

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