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:
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.}
cassie says
congrats for complete this race.. sounds like a lot of fun..
Michele @ nycrunningmama says
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!!!!
Megan @ Run Like a Grl says
Great review!! Sounds like a fantastic time, I’m getting more excited for my RTB relay now 🙂 Your gear is SO cute from new balance, love it!!
Congrats, you did an awesome job 🙂
Jody - Fit at 54 says
WOW!!! Amazing & great pics too! yes, the NB stuff is cute!!!!!
Jess says
I NEED to do this next year. NEED TO.
Sounds incredible.
Caroline says
This sounds like such an awesome experience! Congrats!
Abbe Lew says
Hooray! Loved this and loved seeing you out there!!!
D says
What an amazing feat! You inspire me to keep on running, thank you!
Amber says
Congratulations on a job well done! I am excited for your marathon dreams this year!
Jess says
Thank you, Amber!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says
It sounded like a pretty amazing weekend. I loved seeing all the tweets and pictures. You all are rock stars!!
baker says
Great recap Jess! I agree, dont miss an opportunity to run this if someone asks! Awesome hanging out with you on the course too!
Farah says
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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