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June 5, 2008
again ... ?
P.O.M asked an interesting question about the relay ...
Would I do it again?
During the last hour of the relay the question came up, it was fairly easy to answer.
No
... At least not next year.
But much like running a marathon, after a few days you forget the pain, suffering, torture and the promise you made to yourself never to do this again, ever!
So my absolute NO, is more of a persuadable Possibily now.
Why, the change, beside the ability to forget the bad, well you remember the good. And there was a lot of good. In fact there is nothing really like doing a relay.
It's a combination of every emotion, pushing yourself physically and mentally, a test of patience, a measure what you will or won't do for others, all in a small environment of a 7 seater van with no sleep.
I've done it twice now, and each time I learn from it. So for those of you thinking of doing a relay, or those already signed up here are my tips.
1. Support - the runner out there, your team, the other teams, the driver, the navigator. There is no such thing as too much support. If I'm out there running, I like to see my team every km, I may not want anything, but it's reassuring to see them and helps tick off the kms.
2. Juke food - it does not matter how much healthy food you bring, no one wants to eat trail mix, you want crap to eat. Pack chips and chocolate. Your team mates will forgive your bitching and body odour if you offer them trans fats.
3. Share - the responsibilites. Give everyone a task before hand, maps, food, music, t-shirts etc so everyone feels involved. When things go wrong or people aren't happy with something there are plenty of people to blame. During the relay, take turns, driving, navigating, supporting the runner, picking the tunes. After 12 hours the team member who hasn't done anything feels left out, and everyone else is pissed at doing everything.
4. Coffee - if I could of had an intravenous drip hooked up I would of.
5. Forgiveness - things are going to get tense out there. Know that you are going to get snappy, people will develop annoying habits, you may want to and might try to kill someone. It is just because you are tired, hot, dehydrated, soar and hungry. After an ice cold beer, a steak sandwich and a lot of sleep the love will be back!
6. Clean clothes - bring them, lots of them!
7. Capture it - bring a camera.
8. Bitch'n - it's going to happen, but no one likes a negative nellie it brings everyone down. Medicate if you have to.
9. Celebrate - everyones' run, good, bad, fast or slow.
10. Have fun!
Tonight at 6pm, my official "Fall Marathon Training Program" begins!
In tomorrows post, goals for this training program - stay tuned!
Posted by Ali at June 5, 2008 9:32 AM
Comments
Every year, I think #2 won't be true and it always is. I'll remember that as I leave for our relay tonight :-)
Posted by: Danielle in Iowa at June 5, 2008 12:48 PM
As much as I shook my head at you, it does sounds kinda fun (in a crazy way, of course).
Yea for fall marathon training. Which one are you doing? I don't know why I'm so excited to start. I posted my revised plan (long runs only) today.
Posted by: P.O.M. at June 5, 2008 1:59 PM
As much as I shook my head at you, it does sounds kinda fun (in a crazy way, of course).
Yea for fall marathon training. Which one are you doing? I don't know why I'm so excited to start. I posted my revised plan (long runs only) today.
Posted by: P.O.M. at June 5, 2008 1:59 PM
Someday i might do the relay for life. Someday.
Yay for full marathon training--which marathon are you doing??
Posted by: Tiger at June 6, 2008 9:30 AM
Someday i might do the relay for life. Someday.
Yay for full marathon training--which marathon are you doing??
Posted by: Tiger at June 6, 2008 9:31 AM
Ditto on the coffee
Posted by: D at June 6, 2008 3:05 PM
sounds like a day at the office to me!
Posted by: Kevin at June 6, 2008 3:16 PM
Medicate if you have to. HA HA
Posted by: Nancy at June 25, 2008 4:26 PM