Call me crazy, but I just love these running relays. My first relay was back in 2007 in Minnesota – for some reason I waited another four years to do another. That was the Wild West Relay back in 2011 that acted as the playing ground and initial groundwork for what is now the Rock Runners – an amazing crew of runners/drinkers and those that I now call my dear friends.
Team Rock Runners finishing the 2011 Wild West Relay finishing 2nd in the Mixed Category
Last weekend I had the opportunity to take part in the EPIC Rocky Mountain Relay: 190 miles from Canon City to Crested Butte, CO. Invited by the oh-so-fabulous Jay Oyer, I somehow found myself on the competitive side of two fully-sponsored relay teams: Team Forza Competitive. The best part? I was completely humbled and in awe of my teammates in which I had the opportunity to run elbows with. The difficult part? Several of my friends and family were on the other sponsored team: Team Forza Misfits, including my brother, sister-in-law, sister-from-another-mother Amanda, all-time favorite hippie Katie, and of course one of favorites, Earl. While I did get to see them at several exchange points, I felt a tug at my heart strings as I missed my friends. However, I wouldn’t take back the experience and new friends made during the 25 hours that was the EPIC Relay.
Team Forza Competitive at the start of the EPIC Rocky Mountain Relay
After convening with the team and heading down to Canon City, our first runner took off with the last wave and what would be our closest competitors. I was put in the 12th slot and had quite a bit of downtime before my first leg. No matter, I LOVE to cheer others on – which is one of the many reasons I love relays. The comradarie and support you get from your team during a relay is unmatchable. Instead of envisioining a finish line and shooting for an individual time, you’re thinking about running your absolute best for THEM. It puts the sport in a different perspective.
When It's All Said and RUN 