Ragnar Relay Time

Thanks to all of you who commented on my last post and gave me more food for thought than an all-you-can-eat buffet on a Carnival cruise. I gather that the public consensus is for me to give up my pipe dream of running a marathon in late May, and for all intents and purposes, I think this is what will end up happening. But there's still the kid in me who believes and who wants to believe in miracles and I'm going to hold on to that tiny possibility, no matter how small, for as long as I can because honestly, I don't think I am ready to deal with the alternative just yet. (C'mon, am I really the only one who thinks it's absolutely ridiculous to lose that much fitness, strength, speed AND endurance from one week of sickness? It's just so so hard for me to believe. Sigh!)

Luckily for me, a final decision on this dilemma isn't due for another week or two because right now I've got my hands full preparing for an awesome running adventure this weekend. For those who don't know, I'm participating in a 12-runner, 24 hour, 200+ mile relay race, affectionately known as Ragnar NY, this coming Friday and Saturday. I'm not sure about the rest of my teammates, but I for one am completely nervous yet excited. For one thing, I've never participated in an overnight relay before, so running multiple times in the span of a day, running in complete darkness, and running without the benefit of much sleep, are all completely new and foreign experiences for me. For another, I'm signed up to be one of the drivers on this trip so trying to find my way around the course while looking for teammates and avoiding other runners will also prove quite challenging. Finally, did I mention how much I suck at staying on course during races? I've gotten lost each of the two times I've participated in off-road relays, both in bright daylight. I've gotten lost in a practice trail race last fall in Westchester. Heck, I've even gotten lost in a half-marathon in my own park! So what do you think it's going to happen when my first leg calls for an 8 mile run up the side of mountain in the middle of the night? I might as well bring along camping supplies with me while I run!

Yet, even though I am completely freaked out right now, I know I will have great fun. I will be surrounded by many friends, some old, some new, and all of us will have a grand ol' time cracking jokes, telling stories, and sharing in the craziness of our runs. Our team name is "Kidz Who Whiz" and our team motto is "Work It Out!". We have all already chosen nicknames to be used exclusively on this trip and our t-shirts are all made and ready to go (or so I've been told). We have a very strong team as we're lead by a guy and gal who've each done 50 milers earlier this year and the Flyer VP who just ran a 2:54 marathon in Boston! Others have run 50ks and marathons in the past month and have all done well. So if you get the impression that I'm the weak link on this team, you're probably right! Haha! My job, as far as I'm concerned, is to bring up the back of the pack (I'm Runner #12), and try NOT to fall too far behind and NOT to get lost! If I can handle that, I'll be golden. (Oh yeah, and maybe I should make it a goal not to crash the van or hit other runners either...)

Okay, yes, so somewhere in the 23rd hour or the 199th mile, I'm going to yell out "Yes, I'm having fun now..." if I make it back alive, I hope to have a good recap and maybe some pictures and videos of our race for your viewing pleasure. In the meantime, I better recheck my clothes, my supplies, my shoes, my headlamp, and everything else that I will eventually not find in my bag. If any of you have experience with this, feel free to let me know what I shouldn't forget or leave any tips/suggestions on how to survive an overnight relay. (If I sound like a totally newb...that's because I am!) Otherwise, have a great rest of the week and I'll catch you all on the flip side!

Ragnar, I'm ready for you...are you ready for the Lam? Woohoo!