Another Running Thing

OK, so the last marathon thing did not go so well, but it was such a great experience to know that my family was waiting for me at the finish line. In August, I was also able to run in a 210 mile relay from LaCrosse, WI to Minneapolis, MN with one of our groomsmen, Phil. The event kind of took me back to old soccer road trips that we took in college. There were 12 of us on the team and we divided up into two vans. Each person ran three legs of the race for a total of 36 legs. We finished 28th out of over 100 teams and every member of the team said they want to do it again next year. Maybe I can kick one of them off to make a spot for Gretch? Anyway, below are some photos.

Here is a picture of the group before we started. Lucky for all of us, Phil owns a running store and was able to round up some free gear for the team. I guess I should put in a plug for him. "If you are ever in Lakeville, MN, stop by Runner's Gate for the best selection of everything you need to do crazy races . . . in vans . . . loaded with bagels and powerade . . . with lots of people that also have not showered for hours and hours and hours and . . . " Thank me later, Phil.

This was the side of our van. We put a check in a box for each leg that we finished. They had a contest for the best decorated van, but some other group OBVIOUSLY cheated so we did not win. Jackie was the only female in our van and deserves some sort of a reward for living to tell about it. Then again, maybe she rather not talk about it.

Above is the the start of my first leg in the race. As you can see, we are out in the middle of nowhere. This did result in few stares from cars that are not used to sharing the roads with people in painted vans and short shorts, but we started to care less and less about that as the race wore on.

This was the start of my second leg which took place about 1:00 AM. We were required to wear a reflective vest and headlamp, so that would explain most of why I look sillier than normal in the picture. I do have to say that this stroll through the middle of the night was the greatest running expereince of my life. There was not light other than what was coming out of my headlamp and no sound other than nature. What a great time to reflect on my life, my family, everything!!! I didn't want it to end.

This is the finish line of the race. It always feels good to get here whether you are with family, friends, or total strangers. Take some time to enjoy the company of those that are close to you and reach new finish lines that you never thought were possible.