Y’all. I’m on a roll. I’ve had two weekends in a row of great races. First, I had such a fun experience at the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler. Then just this past weekend, I had SUCH an amazing time running a marathon relay with some gals from the DC area Oiselle team. This was my first experience running a relay and I loved it. Let’s just jump right in to this North Face Endurance Marathon Relay Recap, shall we?!
The race takes place mostly in Algonkian Park out in Sterling, VA although we also spent some time on the Potomac Heritage Trail. We had two teams of Oiselle runners – so awesome. My team consisted of Kathleen, myself, Taryn and Karen (in running order). We decided our order kind of randomly and it worked for us. We all met up (both teams of runners – the other team was Julie / Kristina / Kathryn and Colleen) at the parking lot where North Face was running shuttles to the event. We had all our gear: chairs, blankets, sunscreen, snacks and water (we forgot bug spray – noted for next year!) and quickly set up camp when we arrived at the park. We had some time so we strolled through the finishers festival area. After a minor mishap where a bird pooped on Taryn’s head (oops!), it was time for us to gather and get instructions on the transitions listen to November Project relay runners jump up and down and yell. Before we knew it, our first runner was off!
The course started in a grassy area and quickly got muddy. We were running through a swampy, marshy area and it.was.awesome. Kathleen (our first runner) got us off to a great start – as did Julie on our other Oiselle team.
Next it was my turn. I set out on a course that was muddy but not too technical. There were a number of sections that were off the roads which was awesome. I have to say that I had the best time. The other runners were so friendly and I managed to pass a few runners, which is always fun.
My only complaint was that it was HOT. The relay started at 10am (there was also a 50 miler, 50k and marathon happening – those events all started earlier) and there was not a cloud in the sky. It was beautiful but much warmer than we were all used to this early in the spring. So I really went for it – I didn’t try to run around the mud or water – I ran right through it and it was such fun. This was my first relay experience and I had the time of my life. I loved it, loved it, loved it. Each of us ran just under 6 miles, so our total distance wasn’t a true marathon but hey, who cares. Oh, and when I say each of us…Taryn missed a turn so she ended up running closer to 7 miles total. Ooops! Our team finished in 4:44 and change and I was proud of my 10:40 average pace. My goal was to keep it under 11 minute miles for the trail run and I felt good about accomplishing that! Of course, we weren’t running for time – it was just for fun and we had plenty of that!
My only question is, when can we do it again?
Have you ever run a relay race? Did you love it??
I’ve never run a relay but it sure sounds like fun! I’d like to do one of those North Face Races one of these days…they have one in Wisconsin that I think about doing every year.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Rewarding
oh you should do it! we had the best time!
Yesss I was hoping it was a recap today…cause you know I love them. Looks you like all had a great time this weekend – loved all the action and fun shots! Now onto Julie’s recap ๐
Jennifer recently posted…St. Michaelรขยยs Half Training 4/13-4/19 รขยย Week 4
yes! i had to get that one written quickly! julie’s is really fun as well ๐
Woohoo!! Good work ๐ now I wanna do a marathon relay! I wrote my recap from the weekend last night, it’ll post tomorrow. I had so much fun!
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Countdown to Pittsburgh: Training Update
you would LOVE it! it was SUCH a fun day. can’t wait for your recap!
I’ve never run a relay before, but they always sound like such an awesome experience! Glad you had great weather for the race, even if it was a tad on the warmer side.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Inspiration from Boston
It was awesome!!!
I haven’t done a relay but I would like to do a mud race. We’ve got a couple in Texas and would love to try it one year.
Lesley recently posted…Viewing the Boston Marathon
Sounds fun!!
Oh, my gosh!! This looks like SO MUCH FUN, Courtney! I’m so glad y’all did this together; what a great adventure! It’s no secret that I would love to do a relay; one of these days… ๐ Great recap!
Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Training Recap
I’d relay with you!!! Let’s look into it ๐
Ha! I’m posting mine today, too!! It was such a great fun day!! I want one every weekend!!! Heehee!! ๐ I love you comment here about the announcements/November Project people….
Haha, at least they were super nice on the course! ๐
I ran this last year and it was my first relay and trail race! It was also really hot last year. It wasn’t so bad on the trails but hanging out there the whole day was really hot. Great job!
Thanks! I know it was later in the season last year so I can’t imagine how hot it must’ve been!
I just ran my first relay race a couple of weekends ago and it was so. much. FUN! I’m totally doing another one. The one you did looks pretty awesome–might have to add it to my calendar next year!
Sarah @ Sarah’s on the Run recently posted…TOTR: Why Do I Run?
That looks like such a great time! Is it weird that, as OCD as I am, I like mud runs?? We were going to do Tough Mudder again in May but deferred to next year. If there’s one up by you we could make, want to join?! ๐
I’m not totally sold on mud runs but I’d do it with you ๐
what a fun race! I would love to do a relay at some point as I think it is a great way to run but also celebrate with other people.
Yes – it was such a fun environment ๐
So fun! Looks like a blast! I would love to do this next year. I’ve done Ragnar, but that is a totally different experience I’m sure!! Next year, i’m in!
yay! you would love it!!!
Love it – Sounds like you had a blast! I’ve never done a relay but every time I read a relay recap it makes me want to do one!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…BAA 5K – A Family Tradition
You would love it, Michelle!
I have never done a relay, but I would really like too.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…That Time I Realized The Boston Marathon Winner and I Were Practically Twins
It sounds like you guys had so much fun (except for poor Taryn and the bird issue)! I’ve run Ragnar DC and have Ragnar Trail WV coming up in June. I can’t wait to run right through the streams and mud!
Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…Rewarding Moments
oh that trail ragnar race is going to be such fun!
Yes I ran this! It was harder than I thought it would be ๐ And I got all muddy, which was actually kind of fun! ๐
Gwen Arredondo recently posted…Shamrock Marathon Training Week 14