I have the nicest friends.
(enter sarcasm)
So nice, they volunteered me to run the Mt. Si Relay to fill the void of one team member. I had to rearrange a few things in order to meet their demands, but managed to follow through and be a nice friend in return. I had less than four weeks to train for a possible 13 miles total to be ran during the 10 leg relay. (5 members on a team, 2 legs ran per teammate) E2 Fitness Center in Lynden, had 19 members sign up and I rounded it off making it four teams total that represented the gym with one AMAZING cheerleader who clapped all day long for us. (Thanks Mandi!) We ranged from road-runner to turtle speed and all completed the 59 mile challenge without injury. I ran a total of 13.3 miles and in the end, after bickering and complaining, honestly enjoyed myself!
We headed south Saturday late afternoon for a group dinner then tucked ourselves in bed after a competitive game of Catch Phrase. (Some of us need to learn to not throw things and others need to learn to share the shared seat as couples. )
The morning started dry, but as the day progressed the weather went from clouds, to rain, to sunshine, and downpours. The wind trailed behind us all day, but overall the beauty of the surrounding landscape out shined the northwest weather. No real surprise to us!
All four teams did awesome! This wasn't a chipped timed race (although awards for top teams were given) and had a very relaxed feeling throughout the day which gave all the runners no-pressure as they splashed along the trails. There was a since of nerves as some moments you were the ONLY one on the trails besides some "puma" eyes watching and waiting. Thank you Jesus for protecting us all in the wild west!
After my fingers thawed out and wet clothes were peeled off, I was able to refuel and head home. Thank you E2 for orchestrating a fabulous relay and joining forces with other members!
High fives and spirit fingers to all 20 runners!
{ Carbs consumed and friendships made with a table of almost 20 team mates. }
{ Thanks to a friend of the Duque's, we had a beautiful home to sleep at the night before. Yes, Jackie and I may have gotten the giggles before bed, but we gathered ourselves to get a bit of rest before the race. Dressed and ready loading up the cars to make our first stop at Starbucks! }
{ E2 Fitness Represents }
{ The boss bringing it in strong at exchange 3 passing the hand shake to Kelly. }
There was a moment of emotion that overwhelmed me pre-exchange as I run for My Hero but, I pulled it together to knock out a turbo 6.2 mile race…almost lost my tummy at the end, but kept it together to spare those in the cheering crowds. Managed to maintain a 8:30 minute average with the last mile pacing at 7:40! Helps to have the man in orange to motivate you to bring your A-game.
It was a pleasure catching up to you Brian P.!
{ Julie M. & Melissa waiting to take off on leg 6 }
{ Jackie looking strong as she nursed an achilles injury. Run like the wind Melissa! }
The sites on this 59 mile stretch were stunning! There were waterfalls, rivers, bridges, old grown trees covered in moss and magnificent cliffs with snow topped peaks. Yes, there was also sudden down pours which drenched you to the core but, they were followed with patches of blue sky and sunshine.
{ "Vision in Blue" had the opposite reaction at exchange point 10 handing off the final leg to Jackie. }
{ Brandi and her groupies rocking a 7 hour 14 minute relay.
Awesome work David, Erik, Kyle, Adam & Brandi! }
{ Team Emmanuel Endurance completes. }
Check out
www.e2fitnesscenter.com to join or participate in these awesome team races.
{ Who knew that chocolate milk was one of the best recovery drinks? Downed it in just a few sips! This was the drink tab for just three of us…we found ourselves a little thirsty. }
A day later, our faithful friends dry out as I recover in the sunshine thinking of other races to sign my nice friends to participate in…who's ready to run?
