I usually do not do crazy running events, but did the wasatch back relay for the first time. I was on a masters team from my area called "CUPS" We had 8 runners over 50, who are seasoned tough runners. The other 4 were in their 40's. Last year this team took second, in the master's division, so we had high hopes. We finished at 23 hours.
We had a 4:00 start time. Van #1 did very well. Beating projected start times. It was hot. I got to run at 11 at night for a 3.3 uphill run. I can't remember my time, but I think I averaged 8:30 miles for a "very hard" uphill run. I felt good and was in good shape coming in.
We got about 90 min of sleep waiting for van #1 to catch up to us on the second leg. I ran a 5 mile moderate course up a slight incline to Rockport Res. I averaged 6:50 miles for most of the time and felt good about my race. It was at 6 in the morning so I did not have to carry that dang flashlight around.
For the third leg, I got to finish out the race on a down hill. I hit some 6:15 miles and ended with a 33 min and 6:34 average. It finished with the who team finishing together and I sprinted as fast as I could to the line. . . . . I did not realize it was a cool thing to finish as a team. I have now two blisters on the bottom of my feet the size of quarters.
The culture was quite interesting. Women went bonkers with the team thing. . . . mainly mentioning women things (boobs, underware and bras). They dressed up in weird outfits. Decorated their vehicles. One group even clicked coconuts all the time I saw them and they quoted Monty Python.
There were some great runners there, and also a great team spirit to work for a goal. It was not an easy event. I have never heard such complaining from runners who run 10-12 miles a day. (I run 18 a week).
I am now sick of granola bars, gatorade and gu. Give me some real food and some sleep. | 