I met up with some of my team mates Thursday night for dinner and headed towards Bar Harbor for our last night of sleep until the race was over.
Friday:
We got up and ran a few errands; then head to the start at Bar Harbor. We meet up with the rest of our team, got our gear, received the safety briefing and are ready to roll!
Prior to this weekend we had to turn our paces in to the race director. He then uses those to predict the average race time for the team and provides us our time to start the race. These are staggered, based on our 'speed' so the teams all end around the same time at the finish line. Our start time was noon.
The weather was chilly and the clouds were dark. We were prepared for anything!
After cheering our first team member across the start line, Van 1 left to support their runner and run their legs. Van 2, my van, set off for some food and to pick up few final necessities. We then headed to Ellsworth where we would meet up with Van 1 and begin our running...right around 3:30pm.
I was nervous. This was my 4th relay race. So why was I nervous? I had packed all the outfits, sneakers, food, fuel, and hydration I needed. I had a great van of team members. I know how to run. But I was nervous...and excited!
I was runner #10, the third runner in my van. After we start running the time goes pretty quickly. As the runners run we drive the course cheering them on a providing anything they may need...water, hydration, fuel or just a well deserved and usually much needed "Woohoo!!" Next thing you know it's my turn.
The weather was cool on the sidelines, but very warm while you were running.
I took a peak at the map to see what my leg looked like. 5.7 miles, with a few well placed hills. Around 5:30 I headed out. My goal was to run a close to my pace time as I could without hurting myself or pushing myself too hard...as I had two other runs to complete and they were both hilly too.
My first leg took me through Scurry. Part way through my run on the first big hill, a local came and ran with me to the top. I was thankful to have him to talk to!! Found out that I was the third runner he did that for...definitely cool! He helped me forget about the hill and my heavy tired legs. I grabbed a drink from my team mates and took the turn to continue my route. I was more relaxed and concentrated on just running instead of how fast I felt I had to run. The second hill didn't seem as hard. I got to the end of my route with a strong push, handed the 'baton' to the next runner and cheered as he headed out.
Friday Night/Saturday Morning:
About 8pm we finished our first set of running, handed the baton back to Van 1 and headed to find a place that may be open for food. After stopping for Subway we headed to Rockport where we would meet Van 1. Our goal was to try to get some sleep before we took over the running at 1am. We all stretched out in the van...and tried to get comfortable to and rest as much as we could.
I was excited to run this leg. I like running in the dark, through the sleeping neighborhoods. Knowing my teammates aren't too far away makes it way less scary than it could be. It was a bit cooler than the afternoon...but a perfect summer night. Decked out in my reflective and lighted vest, lighted hat and headlamp I was ready for my longest run, 8.7 miles. By 3:40am I was on the roads of Warren ME heading to Waldoboro. This felt like my hilliest run. I like running hills in the dark...you don't really know how bad they are until your half way up them and are trying to figure out why your legs hurt and you can't breathe. I had decided I was going to run this leg totally based on effort and paying attention to my breathing. The hills were tough...especially towards the end of my run when I could see them...the sun was starting to rise. I took the time to look around as morning was waking up. I am almost positive I saw an eagle flying over the pond...circling away from me. The route finished flat and I was able to finish strong...so excited to see my teammates!
I've taken a look at my stats for this leg. My pace wasn't steady as I slowed down on the hills, but my cadence was steady through the run! I'm kinda excited about that!
Our van finished just after 6am, handing the baton to Van 1. We then headed to the final big transition area in Brunswick. Our goal again was to try to get some sleep before we took over running. More of the van closed their eyes and rested this time. We were up and ready for our 10:15am start. We weren't really awake. But there was Gorham Grind with their coffee truck providing the best ice coffee I think I've ever had. That may be because it was the most needed coffee I've had in a long time.
Saturday Afternoon:
This is it...our last set of legs. Van 2 is running to the finish line! Now the sun is shining and the routes don't have a lot of shade. It's a lot harder to find our speed as the sun beats down on us and we're running tired on legs that haven't had a lot of rest. But we are doing it!
I start my last 4.5 miles. I love the summer...and I love running in the summer. It was sunny and humid. My goal again was to run a pace based on how I felt. I listened to my breathing and just ran...up some more hills. My team mates met me just before and just after the biggest hill of this leg. Knowing where they were going to be along the route made it a bit easier. The last half mile went by quick and I saw the next runner ready to go! I ran as hard as I could to pass the baton...and then was done!
After our last runner hit the road we set off for the finish line at the Maine State Pier.
All 12 of us met her near the finish so we could run the last few hundred steps with her and all cross the finish line together!
The best part is the new friends I've made, the new memories made, the new experience to add to my book. 6 people in a van for 26 hours is an adventure. I can say that I would join them all again for another adventure if invited.
During the race you get to know some of the other teams and meet other runners along the course or at the transition areas. All the teams support each other...even if we are kind of excited when we pass other runners on our runs. 52 teams were part of the relay this year. We didn't meet all of them, but it was great seeing them along the course. They cheered and provided support to us and much as we did them.
Saturday Night:
I came home and told my babe all about my adventure...I think he might have volunteered to be a driver if I was to do it again. I unpacked my bags, took the longest shower of the month, stuck a whole bunch of stinky clothes into the washer and headed out to dinner with my babe. I'm not sure I had eaten anything real since the salad at Subway Friday night. We headed to my favorite restaurant, filled my belly and went home...where I crashed on the couch.
