I had the strangest running experience in some time last night. I don't recommend it to others, especially women, but it was really enjoyable. As part of my mental preparation for the MC200 relay (Madison-Milwaukee-Chicago), next month, I ran twice. I did my usual run before work at about noon, and ran again once I got home at 11pm. That's the part I wouldn't recommend for women: running late at night. But an overnight run is going to be part of the relay, and it doesn't hurt for me to get used to that part.
In any case, I came home from work a little beat, and with a full stomach full of Chinese take-out food that I'd eaten late in the news van on the way back from my story that evening. I didn't really think my body was in optimal shape for another run, but what the heck? I got out, reflective gear on, and flashlight in hand, and ran the same course I had run that afternoon. And before I knew it I was lost in the beautiful, cool evening. And when I checked my watch at the three mile mark I realized I was on the verge of setting a p.r. on that particular course. When I finished I looked at my watch again and saw that not only had I run a p.r., but it was nearly a minute faster than my previous best time on that course. And it was 2:30 faster than I had done earlier that day! It just reinforces the notion that you really can't tell how you feel until you get going.
So, what I was planning on writing about was the notion of overnight relay running, and our media team for the MC200. We had an organizational team meeting last week at Fleet Feet to get our team together and get some advice from Dave Zimmer, Fleet Feet owner, whose racing team has won the event twice. The 12 person team includes people from several TV stations, as well as print and radio outlets. Our team captain is Amy Freeze, the meteorologist from Fox. Our own meteorologist, Phil Schwarz, is also on the team. Amy has run the Hood to Coast relay a couple times, and she is really organizing a great team, and has lined up some great sponsors including Nike and Fleet Feet.
Runner's World had an article last month in their Racing Report about the growing popularity of overnight relays like this. They pointed to the huge numbers the Hood to Coast race draws, as well as the River to River, in downstate Illinois. One reason for the popularity is that the training is not as strenuous as for a marathon. The longest legs of these relays are typically 7 or 8 miles. For the MC200, each runner will run three legs, but will have 6-8 hours after to recover before the next leg. It's also a unique team experience in a sport that is usually for individuals. And most of us haven't pulled too many all-nighters like this since college!
Our media team is blessed this year to have our own representative from Runner's World running with us. Bart Yasso, whose title is Chief Running Officer with the magazine is picking up the 6th leg of the race for us. That will allow most everyone on the team to pick his brain a little. By that time many of us will also have had the chance to read his 
fascinating new book called, 'My Life on the Run'. It just came out, and it chronicles some of the amazing running experiences he's had running around the world in the last few decades. I can't wait to talk to him and pick up some nuggets of wisdom.
I have done this relay a couple times in the past, and know it can be a lot of fun. If you don't mind not sleeping, it can be really memorable. I expect I'll be writing about it quite a bit in the next few weeks.
Before I close, I want to congratulate a couple of friends who ran really well at the Cellcom Green Bay marathon last weekend. James Hall, who had never run before we met a couple years ago, began training about two months ago. He finished his first half marathon in just over two hours! Now he wants to do a full marathon. I'd say he's got the bug! And Greg Sanchez, despite the lack of sleep having a newborn brings about, ran just a couple seconds off his P.R. He is also on the MC200 team as a representive from NBC5. So congratulations, now recover quickly!
See you on the roads...
am also running the MC200 this year and came upon your blog yesterday. I really enjoy reading about your running “escapades”, specifically your MC200 experiences, since this is my first year to participate.
I used to hate running and only did sprint-oriented sports in high school (volleyball, basketball). A few years ago, I had some friends run the Chicago Marathon and I was so envious of their dedication. So last year I signed up to run the Chicago Marathon and trained with the Team In Training organization. What an incredible experience! With each stride, I surprised myself by how far I ran each weekend. Since then, I’ve been hooked. My boyfriend and his brother are really into endurance events too so I guess you could say I’ve had some “peer pressure” but in a good way! I think it’s great you and your wife are training together for the MC200 too. Every little bit of support and motivation helps!
Where did you run your first marathon, Chicago or in Des Moines? Have you always been a runner or did you start “late in the game” like me?
I was looking to run a marathon out in California (Wine Country Marathon J) this year but it didn’t work out, so I’m tackling the Chicago Marathon again. I know I can run the whole way so I want to push myself and reach my goal here then start to travel. It’s nice there are a lot of running events in Chicago though.
Well, best of luck with your training. Only a few weeks away! I’d love to try and connect with you at the relay. My team will be sporting some really bright lime green shirts with the brand name Elations on it. My client is sponsoring us. Elations is a joint-supplement drink designed to improve joint health. Although we reach out to active Baby Boomers about the drink, I’ve become an avid fan at 23 years old since my knees took a beating after training last year. How have your knees and joints held up over the years with all the running? I noticed you wrote about nursing some injuries too. I’ve been doing some physical therapy for my ankle too.
The drink is pretty good and comes in an 8-ounce bottle. Plus, as a liquid supplement, it’s proven to be more absorbable by the body than joint supplement pills. I’m all about fast results when it comes to pain relief. If you’re interested, visit www.elations.com. We’ll be bringing some samples with us too so be sure to swing by and have a taste.
Posted by: Kristin Orr | May 27, 2008 at 05:01 PM