So, I have a little secret and I suppose now is as good of time as any to spill the beans…
This upcoming I’m going to be running my first relay. Ever.
Wha-whaaaat? That wasn’t in my upcoming race schedule?! Well, ‘tis true. Come Saturday, team “Real Runners Don’t Tri” (i.e. me and seven other crazies) will be running the 47th Annual DeCelle Memorial Lake Tahoe Relay. It’s a small, local race with seven legs taking teams around Lake Tahoe. Challenging? Yes. Beautiful? Indeed.
To be completely honest, I’m more nervous than I have been in a long time. The team captain called me up a month or so ago and asked me if I wanted to be on the team. In sticking with my 2011 resolution to make the most out of life, I said yes. However, the more I think about it the more my nerves are setting in. I think I may have duped the team captain into thinking I was super fast or something, because when I looked at the team’s times from last year, my stomach turned into knots. More than anything, I think I’m nervous because no longer is my running a personal thing, but now I’m part of a team that I don’t want to disappoint, and ever since Boston 2 Big Sur, my legs haven’t been able to achieve the “umph” they once had. Poor lil’ babies are still tired.
The good news is that I’ll be running the first leg of the race. The site described leg one as the “Coolest part of the day and before heavy traffic starts, run past casinos and souvenir shops. Mostly flat with 2 hills before the downhill finish into Zephyr Cove beach area.” Sounds harmless, right? Errr…
So there you have it folk, the next race is my first-ever relay. Have you ever run a relay? What are your relay tips?
Happy Running!
I’ve done the Lake Tahoe Relay a couple of times. It’s different than the Hood to Coast/Ragnar//Reno-Tahoe Odyssey type relays because you only do one leg – so you don’t have to worry so much about recovery between legs. But doing the first leg, it’ll just be getting your run out of the way, then driving around cheering for the rest of the day. Have fun with it – and hope the weather is good!
I did a Ragnar relay in Maryland and it was SO MUCH FUN! It was about 24 hours and a team of 12 people each running 3 legs– running 6 miles at 4 am for my last leg was actually really awesome, and you get to bond with your teammates over such a ridiculous, crazy experience only weirdo runners like ourselves can enjoy. Times really don’t even matter, it’s all about the experience and finishing! Good luck and don’t be nervous– enjoy the scenes! 🙂
Aah SO exciting!! I think you’ll do amazingly! With all that race adrenaline and stuff, your legs will be on fire as usual! 😀 Haha I feel sorry for the people on the last legs though- that elevation is pretty insane!!
Smart thinking – a clever way of lokniog at it.
Relay’s rock! Come race day you are going to be so amped! It’s a single leg that you can give your all. Burn the engines and set a flame to the route. You are fab and will do amazing.
Haha, I love how they neglect what comes before the downhill finish 🙂 I think an early leg sounds great though, better than running in the heat!
that sounds so fun! I have always wanted to do a relay race!
oooh, i bet it’s going to be gorgeous! i’ve never run a relay so i’ll just say, have a blast!
Sounds like so much fun! I have yet to run a relay race, except in track and that isn’t exactly fun – more like painful lol.
Awesome! I bet you will love the relay. My ex-coworkers did the race last year, and they actually asked me to do the race with them this year, but I had to say no because of my injury. It sounded like a ton of fun, I bet you will love it! And the good part about doing the first leg is that you can run and then just enjoy the rest of the day! Since Tahoe is at high altitude, I would definitely take it easy the first 1-2 miles to see how your body is responding, since altitude can definitely slow you down some. I bet you will have an awesome leg, enjoy it!
And I’m with J – I’ve only done a relay in high school, and those were usually painful, haha
ahhh this sounds like so much fun! i LOVE tahoe : ) in fact i think the leg you’re running is the same course i did for the bike leg of my first tri! have fun, i’m sure you’ll find some speed!!
I would love to do a relay some time and Lake Tahoe is gorgeous! That elevation though…oh my!
That’s so cool, I think relays look like fun!
I’m no expert but those look like some serious hills!! With spectacular views I’m sure!! I don’t think anyone is ever going to ask me to do a relay unless they call themselves team turtle!!
This sounds like a ton of fun and in such a beautiful location! Maybe the views will distract you from the hills. Good luck!
I recently did my first relay…..SO FUN!!! My best tips include bringing baby wipes (you can feel quite refreshed after them…) and bringing zip lock bags to hide away your sweaty clothes after each leg!
I love relays!! The ones I’ve done area a little different, but I think relays in general are SO fun! I know it can sound intimidating because you have other people depending on you, but honestly the team aspect is the best part of relays! It’s just really fun to hang out with a group of people with a common goal (and common suffering!!). And in general, everyone always seems really supportive. I hope you have a great time and your leg goes well! Can’t wait to hear about it!
Oh, and I second Susan’s comment above – baby wipes are key! I’ve also tried Neutrogena Sport Wipes for my face and I love them!! Having a clean pair of clothes and flip flops you can change into after your run is great too. Good luck!
Relays are fun!! Baby wipes and ziploc bags to change out of stinky clothes (and lock them down tight) are essential. Also don’t forget to pack a healthy dose of snack foods and your cheering skills. I’m sure the run is going to be GORGEOUS!!
Page, you are going to do great!! Your team’s speed and awesomeness is going to propel you 8 crazy runners to victory!! I am running my first relay in NH this September and I am SO excited about it! Good luck and have fun!!!