As an end note to my last post, the Greatist team took a trip up to the Catskills for a retreat this past weekend. (Or, as we like to call it, “Gretreat.” We tend to put “Gr” in front of most words. Grot it?) It was a wonderful mix of brainstorming and hard chilling, morning runs and meditation, cooking together and drinking by the fire. I loved “living” in an old house with 12 other friends, talking about everything from our families, to not-so-sober college days, to how we’re going to change the world with the company. It was a special weekend.

We came back to the city Sunday afternoon, and after four days of relaxing, I was completely…. exhausted. I fell asleep from 2-5pm, which is unheard of for me, and woke up with what felt like a ton of bricks on my body. I got up and went for a walk around my hood, picked up some seltzer (<3) and spent the rest of the evening catching up with friends, writing, and reading.

Oh, and getting super excited about my marathon. And… super nervous.

I go back and forth in regards to what I want out of this race. A year ago, I would have never thought I’d actually be running one, and crossing the finish line would indeed be a feat within itself. And of course that still rings true. But as I surround myself with more runners (and friends!) who are racing pros, the word “marathon” gets tossed around as frequently as “dinner.” I know a lot of people who’ve run a ton of marathons in their little lifetimes, and do it quite often. (“Hey, want to go out tonight?” “Sure, let me just run a marathon and then I’ll meet you there…”)

These people absolutely AMAZE me, and have helped motivate me to run longer, train harder, and sign up for races. This marathon became less intimidating, and way more feasible, and seemed (almost) as “easy” as  making “dinner” with friends.

But I also don’t want that to disappoint me. As I’ve written about before, I started created expectations and times I wanted to crush, became super competitive in my own head, and almost set myself up for disappointment before getting to the starting line. Sure, I’d LOVE to BQ, and I honestly think I have it in me. But, I may not. It’s not because I don’t believe in myself, I just am being realistic, and I know how many factors go into a race. (Just pray I don’t go out in 7:30, Marjorie and Jocelyn have helped me big time with this one!) I also know I was injured just a month ago, and that my training was side-tracked, then rushed, then..

Regardless, what I’ve decided is to simply run it. And try to love every ounce of it. Go out conservatively (840-9 min miles) and try to pick up the race. See what happens, and go by feel. And along the way…enjoy the beautiful scenery, enjoy the race, enjoy the moment. Namaste, if you will. 

Today marks my one-year anniversary with Greatist.

I never have actually written about my job in full on here: what I do, what we’re is all about, and why I feel incredibly lucky and proud to be working for the company. And since I’ve let 365 days slip by without some concrete details, I am going to spill my little heart all over this post and explain not only why I love my job, but why I believe in it.

First thing’s first though. What exactly iiiiis Greatist? In PR-friendly, mundane discourse, we’re a “health & fitness media startup,” or a “high quality online health & lifestyle resource.” But what I dislike about those phrases is they lack character. If I had it my way, I would always pitch us as “the ultimate and freakin best site on the web that provides quality, trusted, fun, relatable, and friendly health, fitness, and wellness content that  inspires people to be conscious of and improve their health in order to make better choices and in the short and long term, be happier.”

Too bad that’s a mouth-full. But in all seriousness, what we (currently) are is site that produces health, fitness, and happiness content. Frustrated by the lack of any one place to find really high quality health information online, Greatist is filling that gap, giving people trusted, quality content. Every fact is cited by a PubMed study, and every article approved by multiple experts. And even though the editorial team spends the day devouring studies, all our articles are written in a relatable, friendly tone; we take the hard, sciency facts and turn them into digestable, fun stories. The result? Articles like how to avoid computer eye strain, the myths of carbo-loading, and if you can be too sore to workout, among many, many (thousands!) more.

(Incase you were wondering, that is my chest on the homepage. I think I’ve finally made it.)

Currently my job title is “Outreach Director & Staff Writer.” Basically, I split up my time writing for the site, and doing  PR or “friend-making”….basicallly creating and managing partnerships while forging relationships with other influential, inspiring, and curious people in this sphere. But the beauty of a startup is we all do a little bit of everything and are always encouraged to think of and tackle new projects. We can wear many (purple) hats, and take on a ton of roles. 

Launched in April 2011, we’re the fastest growing site on the web. And now, we’re almost one of the biggest. But content is only the beginning. What we’re building is a brand people can trust. Once enough people can turn to us for health and fitness information, they’ll keep turning to us for other advice. In the (near) future we hope to offer products, apps, programs, and services that will help people make better choices.

The culture of Greatist is just as enticing as its mission. We have a kickass office. There’s a zen room with a big red couch, medicine balls, bean bags, and a wonderful place to catch an (always encouraged) nap. There’s the Maker’s Mark Distillery (that yes, has Marker’s) for meetings and phone calls. There are hot air balloons on the wall, fresh veggies in the fridge, and ice cream in the freezer. We have access to a gym across the street, super flexible hours, and daily sing-alongs. (Not kidding.) We joke around while getting shit done. We have happy hours, go on fitness adventures together, and hang out on the weekends. My co-workers are my friends, my office my second home, my job..such a huge, integral part of my life. 

And the real reason Greatist works is the people. We’re all in it for the same reasons; we believe in what we’re building, are incredibly frustrated by the lack of what’s out there, and are super motivated to make a change to truly impact people’s lives. Without such a passionate team, nothing would have or would continue to get accomplished. It also helps that everyone on the team is freakin hilarious, thoughtful, and genuine. So to Derek, Tao, Kate, Jordan, Shana, Kelli, Zack, Nicole, Laura, LC, Becca, and Sophie, thank you from the bottom of my heart for being the best 12 reasons I get up every morning. (Oh my goooodness TEAR JERKER UHGGGH).

I recently read an old blog post where I was obviously bitter about a lot of things (oh, and worked at a restaurant), and these lines caught my attention: “You can make a lot of money working at a restaurant. Unfortunately, working at a restaurant is also one of the most awful jobs on the planet.  I’ve realized that working in an environment that I strongly dislike doesn’t just take away my time, it takes away …me.”

So with that, thanks to Greatist for bringing “me” back. Here’s to 365 awesome days, and many maaany more to come. 

This was another run-filled weekend, and a great one at that. On Saturday, Danielle, Jocelyn,  Meggie, and I ran the Northport Cow Harbor 10K and had a freakin blast. The weather, crowd-energy, and overall organization of the race was awesome.

With 22 miles on the calendar the following day, I knew I shouldn’t race it. Buuut, I was afraid that once the gun went off, so would I. So when Meggie told me she was hoping to PR, I offered to run with her and be her pacer and “coach.” I wasn’t sure if my words of encouragement and the one “ok if you want to pr we gotta go NOW”  actually helped, but regardless, Meggie ran AWESOME: a 46:38 finish (7:30 pace!) and over a minute PR. GO MEGGIE. Ms. Jocelyn wasn’t racing either, but she still managed to killllll it. And Danielle (obviously) crushed the course, finishing at the front of the pack despite not training for the race. NBD. 

Other musings: Joc, Meggie and I supporting Picky Bars and Oiselle ala tats, a ton of free seltzer, cheese, and beer at the finish, and Danielle grabbing a celebratory bud-light immediately after the race. That’s my girl.

The four of us left Northport soon after to get back to the city, so after a 6am wake up call, an 830 race, and a trafficy drive back to BK, I crashed. Hard. Then I remembered some of my co-workers/friiiends were at a beer garden in Williamsburg, so pulled myself out of bed so I wouldn’t accidentally fall asleep at 4pm. Plus, a little beer does the body good, right?

I got home around 9pm, made my first loaf of pumpkin bread since it’s SEPTEMBER, sort of almost ate half of it, then tried to fall asleep early since I had a 6:30 wake up call.

I was really anxious about this run. I have never run 22 miles before, I was pretty exhausted, and I was afraid my legs would feel tired from the 10K. I had running “nightmares” all night, and kept waking up in the middle of the night. Finally, I gave up and got up at 5:45, even though I wasn’t planning on meeting Jocelyn until 8am. Stress mess much?

We finally found each other along the East River and decided to go over to the West Side for nine or ten miles, then loop back around. The first 10 or so miles of the run were rather pleasant, but theeen my mind got the best of me and I decided to freak out over my stiff legs while poor Jocelyn (aka my mom) had to convince me I wouldn’t keel over in two weeks up at Wine Glass. By mile 12 or 13, I was a happy camper again.

(Jocelyn here looks really happy, since this is right before we departed and she would no longer have to talk to me. Bye Jocelyn!) 

At about mile 15, we parted ways since she told me I should practice picking up the pace for the remaining miles. I said goodbye to human inspiration and plugged in my headphones for some music pick-me-ups. I started running 7:30’s and felt GREAT, until I was running back over the Williamsburg Bridge at about mile 19. The bridge is basically one long annoying hill, and  I felt like I was going to…die. I fell apart and slowed waaaay down, and turned into a complete mental case. I wondered why I picked a hobby like running instead of something a little more low-impact. (Chess?)  When I crossed the bridge I had two miles left, and deliriously shuffled around Bedford ave before ending back up at my apartment. 

I grabbed ice out of the freezer, a sandwich out the fridge, and plopped myself in a freezing tub while I wondered why I put myself through this. Jocelyn, I think, was on a similar page:

Looking back, the run wasn’t awful (I love running with friends, so thaaat part was great) but I didn’t feel as strong as I wanted to, especially at the end. What I’m mainly battling with is the mental stuff — and especially being afraid to push myself out of my comfort zone. Ever since beating myself to the ground in HS xc/track, I’ve been hesitant to really stretch my limits and see how fast I can run. I’m not actually sure what I’m capable of because I’ve never tested myself: Maybe I’m a 3:40 marathoner, or maybe I’m not. Or maybe a marathon isn’t the right distance for me. I have no idea.

Somebody feeeed me answers! (And more pumpkin bread, it’s almost gone now…) 

As a runner, I’ve never owned much by the way of gear. Getting an iPhone and using RunKeeper was as far as I went, although the bulky armband got the best of me and I reverted back to my purple watch with weird squiggles on it, from Santa Claus, circa 2008.

(It tells the time and occasionally how long I’ve run)

I realized with my marathon coming up I needed to make some technical decisions. I probably want to know my pace/mileage/time/whatever during the race. (Especially so I don’t end up like this guy.) I also want to listen to music at some point, too. But taking my phone was not an option, considering I usually want to throw it off my arm three miles in, and I would probably die on me half-way through.

So, I made some rash-but-actually-pretty-normal-runners-decisions. Firstly, I needed a Garmin. I held off for so long because they usually are supppeeerr expensive, but then it was brought to my attention that a new, more affordable option just hit the market:

@lschwech they JUST released the forerunner 10 – have read good things

— SarahOUaL (@SarahOUaL) August 30, 2012

MANY thanks to my speeedy Running Sherpa Sarah over in SoCal. (westcoastbestcoast!) I looked up the forerunner ala her suggestion, read some reviews, crunched some numbers, and ordered it online. BAM.

To solve the music sitch, I decided to get an iPod shuffle, so I could clip the little thing on my shorts and (hopefully) barely even feel it. Easy decision, easy purchase. 

I had a chance to use the iPod shuffle during a track workout yesterday, and decided that having music while running laps and wanting to shoot yourself in the shin is really, really helpful. I did 2 sets of 1200-1000-800-400, and was proud of my first set and disappointed in my second. I’m still not really sure what pace I should be running at for speed stuff, and go back and forth from thinking I’m too ambitious to too reserved. Plus, it’s reallllly hard doing workouts alone. (Danielle, wake up early and kick my butt on the track, pls.) In any case, I sorta wanted to vom after, so at least I know I was pushing myself…?

I’m excited to try out the Garmin/iPod mix during the Cow Harbor 10K tomorrow in Northport, my hometown. It’s the largest race on Long Island and I’ve actually never run it. (I was that kid who had to be in the marching band parade instead.) I learned that Meggie has run it before, so I offered up my parents house (thanks ma!) for us to stay at with Jocelyn. And even though I’ve never done the race, I have run the course before — it’s prettttyy hilly — so I’m excited to push myself a bit and see if/how my lil gadgets help me out along the way.

After that, it’s a 20-22 mile “rehearsal” run on Sunday. The only piece to this “gear” puzzle I have yet to solve is where to hold fuel. I hate hate having “things” on me, so I’m afraid a fuel-belt will just be super annoying. I’ve held a Gu in my sports bra before (not ideal) but know I will need more than one during the marathon. Should I pin one on my shorts? Somehow tie it in my hair (actually kind of serious?) or make my dad be waiting with a grocery bag of sugary goods at mile 18 for me to chomp away at? HELP! Any DIY ideas would be highly appreciated…

It has been a little over a year since I moved to NYC (woaaaaah) and I have definitely maintained a solid love/hate relationship for it. And so, I have decided to write down what it is I exactly love … and hate … about the city that never sleeps.

 I love that there is always something to do. 

I hate that there is always something to do.

I love that I can eat pretty much any cuisine.

I hate how a sandwich is $10 and a beer, $8.

I hate how nobody smiles on the subway. Just look around, everyone looks miserable.

I love watching subway etiquette and seeing people give up seats for the expecting, the elderly, and the exhausted.

I love that I can visit Nicole in Moringside Heights or Melissa in Crown Heights, Kate in Astoria or my brother in Greenpoint, by just jumping on a subway or going for a walk.

I hate that apartments feel fleeting, no matter how nice you make them.

I love that my friends are nearby and my parents a train ride away.

I love how nyc’s passion and drive is contagious, and has fueled my own.

I hate how I’ve forgotten how to slow down, and to stop taking everything so seriously.

 I hate that this is the City That Never Sleeps. Not even a cat nap.

I love the people I have met, the neighborhoods I’ve grown to know, and the appreciation I’ve gained for all things and people in my life.

(sunrise unfortunately not NYC)

I’ve written a decent amount about the idea of rest. The importance of unplugging. The power of doing nothing in order to be more creative and productive once you finally start moving again. I think I write a lot about this because I hardly practice what I preach.

But, I’m trying.

“You may have to confront boredom at first. Sometimes things have to get worse before they get better.”

This came from a guest post on Zen Habits, rightfully titled: How To Slow Down Now (Please Read Slowly). Since returning from HTC, I came down from a wonderful high and found myself not sleeping too well, stressing about certain stuff, and freaking out that my legs were not cooperating when I’d get up and try to go for a run. So I had to change something. I slowed down. A lot.

And like the quote above, it did get worse before it got better. I spent a weekend mainly in my apartment, catching up on small things, reading, and sitting around. I was bored, but fought through it, telling myself over and over again that I needed the rest. And even though I wanted to get some quality miles back under my belt, I spent my mornings jogging to the track, and skipped the speed workouts for dynamic stretching and yoga poses before jogging back home and starting my day.

And lo’ n behold, things got better. I knew I needed to get at least one long run in before my marathon, so half/randomly picked this past Thursday to go for 16-18 miles, depending on how I was feeling. I was super nervous all day, anxious I wouldn’t feel strong, or that I wouldn’t be able to even run the distance.

I recruited Jocelyn to run at least part of the way with me. She took me on a route I’ve never been: down the West Side highway from Chelsea Piers, through Battery Park, and up the East River. That’s around nine miles. From there, I’d turn around and run back. We spent the first half of the run catching up on life and “enjoying” the stubborn humidity that’s failing to leave nyc. At the turn around point, she left me all by my lonesome, and I started back the way we came.

Miles 9-15 were incredible. They were meditative. I fell into a rhythm,and felt like I was flying. With a smile on my face (I probably weirded out so many people) I remembered why distance running was so alluring, how you have to break through a barrier to enter this sort of “no-mans land” that’s both physical and emotional. So yeah..whatever..it was awesome.  

I still haven’t quite figured out the whole “fuel while you run thing,” so took three super-sweaty dollars out of my sports bra and bought a Powerade from an outside vendor. (I know, I know….and my apologizes to the man who took my money.) I managed to down maaaybe a third of the blue-sugar water before ditching the bottle (I poured the rest out and recycled, #ecorunner!) and ran past the Staten Island Ferry to continue my journey north. 

By mile 15 the inevitable “my legs are tired and sore and my feet hurt and let’s please stop” came over me, so I did my best to just accept what I was feeling: Nothing was going to change it, and no matter what I was going to run 18 miles. I prematurely left the west-side highway (it’s one long stretch of road, and can be daunting) and had to zig-zag through Thirsty Thursday crowds headed to bars in the West Village. This kind of sucked, but made the avenues seem shorter as I meandered my way from 11th avenue to 6th, West 4th street to 22nd. And two hours and thirty-seven minutes later, I was done.

With hindsight, I can safely say resting and running lightly the week prior helped a TON. No hamstring pain, no foot pain, and no heavy, cranky legs that wanted to turn around after 4 miles.

And with that, I hope all that “resting” will continue to help, because I think I’m going for another long run this week before it’s taper-time. Who’s coming? ( :

28 days until my first marathon. Am I excited? Yeah. Am I petrified? Even more so.

I’ll be honest; I don’t think I went about training for this race the smartest way. I put off “actual training” until two months prior to race day, and before that stuck to my normal workout routines of speed work, yoga, strength, and a few long runs here and there. I was confident I had the endurance in me, and could wait till the last month or so to sneak in a 20-miler or two.

And then, for the first time in my life, I injured myself.
(Photo cred, my new friend Alex, with my other new friend (and injury twin!) Ashley.

I didn’t talk about it because I didn’t really know how to. It turned me into a very sad, grumpy, person. (I’m sorry for those who had to deal with me.) I would convince myself every morning I ‘d wake up pain-free (and be disappointed each time); I’d eye (and envy) the runners on the Williamsburg Bridge as I sat on the subway; I could barely watch the Olympics without wanting to punch the screen. Luckily, I finally found the right doctor (thanks to Sherpaa!) and was wrapped up and prescribed pills that would let me run Hood to Coast.

So then I ran 17 miles in 20 hours after literally not moving for three weeks. During my legs, I felt (mostly) great. My secret dream to BQ at Wineglass was beginning to surface, as I felt like I could tackle anything.

But in reality, I’m an idiot. Taking three weeks off and running tight and through an injury resulted in me coming back to NYC pretty beaten up. After taking a day off (only one day, really laur?) I went for a 4 mile “shake-out” run after my red-eye. Magically, I didn’t feel terrible. Then I decided to spend the next day doing squats, even though my legs were incredibly tight. (I’m kicking myself right now.) And then the next morning when I’m running fartleks around Greenpoint, what happens? I feel a snap. Pulled my hamstring. Of cooourseee.

I still plan on running Wineglass, but I think my expectations and goals  will have to change. Perhaps I should just focus on finishing while feeling strong. Then, I should sign up for a spring marathon (Eugene?!) and train the right way. Or maybe I’ll hate the 26.2 and want to kick ass in the half marathon I’m running in October. Or I’ll join Meggie in her 5K revolution.

Until then, I’ve been trying to jog and keep up with strength, while stretching and foam rolling and icing like it’s my second job. And trying to rest. Which I’m doing right now. Trying…

 I started off these posts saying that Hood to Coast was hardly about the running, but changed me as a runner.

And what I tried to explain but probably didn’t get across all that well was this: In the end, it wasn’t about splits, or pace, or passing people. Sure, we’re all runners, and have an innate desire to push ourselves. But the challenge of Hood to Coast wasn’t trying to win, or even PR. (Oh hello, remember that time we were waiting at the wrong exchange for ten minutes in the middle of the night? Sorry Mollly and Sarah!)

What Hood to Coast really encompassed (for me, at least) was this:

Being thrown into a completely new (and amazing) social situation.
Meeting 25+ strangers can be tough, and trying to be yourself without feeling a liiiittle uncomfortable at first is definitely hard. But it’s so worth it. We are all pretty different people too, but came together because of our shared, genuine love for running and writing.

Experiencing a new part of the country.
Most of us arrived from around the country, and many had never been to Washington or Oregon before (hellllo!). Every turn was awesome; Seattle was a fun, vibrant city, the bends along HTC’s route was beautiful, and Mt.Hood was absolutely gorgeous.

Running the Mother of All Relays.
Hood to Coast is a running adventure all on its own. It’s no Saturday long run, no hill workout, no fartlek. It’s running down a mountain, in the middle of the night, through the fog, up and down hills, in trails, through cities, down highways, and onto the beach. It’s 199 miles. It’s hot. It’s freezing. It’s beautiful. It’s tough.

Spreading the Nuun Love.
Running Hood to Coast would not have been the same had it not been for Nuun. We were running to help spread the word of HTC’s hydration sponsor. To tell people: Yo dude, you need to drink more water, and take more electrolytes. And will you stop drinking sugary Gatorade and wasting plastic bottles while you’re at it? Moreover, the energy at Nuun was contagious, and their mission and goals inspiring. I think I can speak for everyone that we were super proud to represent Nuun. (And put their tattoos all over our bodies..)

Motivating each other to reach for our goals.
So yes: HTC wasn’t just about the running, but running is still at the core. Never have I been more motivated to continue running, and fast. I have my first marathon in a month, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t freaking out. I want to be proud of this race and continue to create long term goals, now that I know I have a “family” of runners around the country who will join me on the starting line. 

I didn’t have the time to talk up a storm with every person (I truly wish I had!) but what’s so wonderful about all of this is the relay may be over, but these new-found friendships have just begun. (Do I sound like a Hallmark Card? Darnit.) But it’s true. I mean…I’ve made so many new friends, and I plan on keeping them. And forcing people to come to NYC and sleep on my futon. And asking to crash when I now sign up for a billiion races in their towns and cities. I hope you’re ready !

FIRST OFF! Before I begin, let it be known I just learned how to make collages (hello year 2012) so if I overuse them…sorry I’m not sorry? : /

Anyways, on to the rest of the running! After we finished our first legs, we drove to Portland as the sun was setting, and ate dinner at a bar right in the heart of the city. (Or so I think, it was dark and my first time in Portland.) It was strange ordering coffee with a burger…buuuut with a seven mile leg a few hours ahead of me, I figured it would be best to stay awake before running. (Sarah was a champ and had a beer with her meal. Hero.)

By the time Van 1 was ready to run again, it was close to midnight, the temperature had dropped tremendously, and most of us were digging for extra energy to stay awake. (I went with M&M’s.) By nearly 1am, we had driven to the third exchange and I threw on my night vest, hat, and headlamp, and rolled out of the van to go run.

I definitely wasn’t 100% feeling it, so I turned to Steph for some extra energy in the remaining minutes before Laura would be heading down the road, ready to pass the bracelet on to me. (Photo courtesy of Steph with Jay in their supercool night gear!) I also kept looking at my GoSportID to remind myself…miles to go before I sleep..miles to go… 

Once it was finally time to run, I grabbed the bracelet and immediately tried to get in the “zone.” I was running alongside a highway with the huge, starry sky above me, and except for the volunteers at every mile or so, along with some cars, I was (seemingly) alone. Then I saw a light shining from behind me, and watched a girl pass me. Out of instinct, I slowly realed her in, and once we were on pace together, started chatting.

For five miles.

By mile six, I let her go so I could try to enjoy the fact I was running alone in the middle of the night, in the middle of nowhere. Then, my foot started to sear with pain. I tried slowing down, but realized the pain didn’t lessen. I knew Steph and Jay were behind me, so I even considered stopping and waiting for them to catch up and call for my van. But of course out of sheer stubbornness, I quickly realized running faster didn’t make the pain any worse…and the quicker I finished the last two miles, the better. I looked down at my Warrior Wisdom bracelet, which says “Breathe.” I calmed down, tried to relax my arms, and moved as softly and swiftly as I could (while yelling “fuck this hurts like hell” in my head…). I ended up closing the 7.2 miles in 52 minutes — around a 7:18 pace — and bit my tongue as my teammates helped me off the course and into the van to lay down and ice up.

The rest of the night is kind of hazy; I remember eating a lot of trail mix, trying to get out to watch the other hand-offs/cheer on my teammates, and also attempt to get a few minutes of sleep. Before I knew it, the sun was rising, and it was time to drink coffee and gear up for our final legs.

Regardless of the whole foot thing, I was having a blast. I was totally inspired by the positive energy throughout the rest of the night into the morning; everyone was so supportive of one another, and spirits were kept high through the sleepiness and super sore hamstrings. I was a bit nervous for my last six miles, but my awesome teammates offered to run with/for me if I kept having foot troubles. I taped up, crossed my fingers, and headed out into the sun. Luckily, the pain was bearable, and I did my best to fight through the heat and the hills. I reveled in the fact it was my last leg, and soaked in every challenging moment. The most satisfying part of the run was either the scenery (gorgeous) or when I passed another dude in the same blue sparkle skirt (epic). 

Once we all finished our legs, I finally changed for the first time (gross, sorry), used my Shower pill (can I always do this instead of a shower?) and headed to our cooler to “hydrate” (I swear I drank a ton of Nuun too). Then we drove to the beach to cheer the Van 2’s who were bringing our teams across the finish line. More on that soon !

Ah. Where to begin?! Each team from Van 1 left early in the morning to make their way up to Mt. Hood. When I first saw the mountain from a distance, that moment reminded me of when I drove into Arches National Park for the first time. I was totally taken aback; it was incredibly beautiful. I couldn’t believe we were headed that way to start the race.

But we were, and we did.

But before the gun goes off, let me introduce Van 1 from Team Noon! (And I totally stole this collage from Jocelyn because I have absolutely no idea how to do this, so Joc I owe you lots of $$ and red wine and my first born.)

On Mt. Hood, we hung out with the other Nuuner’s, covered ourselves in tattoos, and headed over to the start to cheer on Team Morning and Team Night. The gun finally went off for team Noon — with Kelly leading off — and we screamed our little hearts out before jumping back in the van and driving down the mountain to meet her at the first exchange.

Kelly (obviously) rocked her tough leg down the mountain, then handed off to Laura, a Nuun employee who heads their golf business of the east coast. She, too, had a kickass leg, and maybe we can partially attest that to the “Laura Energy” we gave each other before the start…

Next up was me, and I must say I was more nervous for the exchange than anything else. (Don’t ask me why.) However, it was a success, and many many thanks to  Sarah for capturing what will forever be the only “badass” picture of me.

 Now, most people told me they rarely ran with other people during their legs, and would occasionally pass or be passed by somebody. (Roadkill!) However, for two out of my three legs, I ran/chatted with someone practically the WHOLE time, which…had its pros and cons. For this first leg, it was all downhill, and I was running with a 60 year-old nameless woman from Michigan. She kept telling me how she was with “Team Old.” So even though the pace felt fast, I couldn’t let her go on without me. (I know, I know, stubborn stubborn.) Weeeell, turns out Teammate “Old” decided to run our first mile in 5:40, and I ended up averaging a 6:40 pace for 4.25 miles. Blame it on the speedwork.

Next up was Jocelyn, who crushed her longest leg, and then passed off to Sarah, who dominated the super hilly six miles that were ahead of her. Molly closed the first, final leg for Van 1 (and I think came in five minutes earlier than expected?!) before we handed off to Team Noon’s Van 2 and headed to Portland to get some food and gear up for our night shifts.

Next up: Portland in the middle of the night, one of the most epic/challenging seven miles I’ve ever run, and tons of delirium. Stay tuned.