Leg #1: 6.9 miles through beautiful Napa Valley. Time: 1:07:58 Pace: 9:46/mi
My cheerleaders were rolling vineyards and cows so close to the road, I reached out and brushed their noses. It was hotter than I anticipated and I ran out of water with a few miles left to go and the Acadia #2 support vehicle was already at the transition point. Another team’s support van offered me water as I passed by and I gratefully took a big swig from a strangers water bottle which seemed totally normal at the time, but looking back, it was kind of weird.
Leg #2: 7 miles through the Presidio of San Francisco, past the California Palace of the Legion of Honor and finishing down the long Great Highway along Ocean Beach…at 3am. Time: 1:08:11 Pace: 9:31/mi
After a two hour nap with the Acadia #2 team at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge, we met Acadia #1 at the transition area for the “baton” handoff. I was extremely worried about my energy level during this “middle of the night” run but I started it off with a crazy high-five for my teammate Linsey and I ended it feeling amazing. And the middle? So serene–just me, my reflector vest, headlamp and Team Sparkle Running skirt twinkling in the moonlight.
Leg #3: 6.2 miles down a winding mountain road through Redwood forest heading towards Boulder Creek. Time: 00:48:28 Pace: 7:49
I couldn’t have wished for a better “last leg”. With over 1300ft of descent in 6 miles, I just let my legs go, stayed loose and let gravity pull me down the mountain. It felt like I was flying.
The team ran the last 100 feet to the finish line, together, where there was much rejoicing (I’m actually surprised I was able to jump that high after running 25 miles–I guess the adrenaline was still pumping).
Final time: 36:04:54
The Relay was such a fun experience. I’d do again in a heartbeat. But next time, more hill training.
Relay Report Part 1: They Call it “The Relay”
Relay Report Part 2: The Supplies & Such
Relay Report Part 3: The Costumes
Relay Report Part 4: Tough as Nails
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
holy cow you can jump lady!
congrats!! it looks like you all had so much fun– what an accomplishment:)
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OMG I am dying over these pictures. You look like you’re just having so much fun…not running 25 miles. Elise is right – you really can jump
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I had no idea you could jump that high. Lots of adrenaline can make you do crazy things! GREAT pace on that last leg. I want to see you run faster than that on your next 10k.
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Hooray for vertical LEAP!
And also hooray for your speedy legs.
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Awesome recap. I felt like I was there with ya. You did fantastic. That will go down in the books as an experience you will never forget, I am sure. Way to go!!!!!
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Wow, you don’t know how much I look up to you. Seriously. You’re amazing!
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just found this site through Today’s Mama. What an awesome adventure/journey you all just completed! So very inspiring! I am doing my first sprint tri in July and very excited about it! Now even more after reading your whole story! Are you going to do this again next year?
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