The Market to Market Relay Race!

Yea, this is me posing like I'm running. But, I don't think this is what I look like when I'm really running. You're welcome.
This is still not what I look like running either. Oh well.

It is finally here! Tomorrow is the big race day! Me and my team of 7 women will run 86 miles, from Market Street in Omaha to Market Street in Lincoln!

I am actually WAY more excited than nervous...which is the complete opposite of what I thought I would be the day before the race. I'm ready!

Recap:

Running last Friday, 3.5 miles, went very well. Running 5 miles last Saturday went okay. I actually didn't run the full 5 miles because of a blister that made itself and popped itself all in 4 miles but I limped the last mile. I was bummed but still happy for the good run of 4 miles.

Nathan ran with me both times and then he ran again with me on Monday, 3.5. He pushed Marley in the winnebego (bike trailer/jogging stroller thing...my nemisis). What a champ!

Then I ran Wednesday, 4 miles. That went well also!

I was supposed to run 2 miles yesterday but didn't because "Aunt Flow" came to visit. You are welcome for TOO MUCH INFORMATION. But, I'm glad she came before Saturday!

Today:

After I pick up Nathan in about 40 minutes, I will run 1 mile, just keep me loose for tomorrow.

I'm drinking a lot of water today.

The sad part:

It's going to be COLD! Lows in the 20's and highs in the 40's with possible snow showers. It's hard enough to run....and then to run in the cold. Bummer. But, I'm going to run and I'm going to run hard! Ain't no cold gonna stop me!

Here are the details of the stages of the relay I am running:

Stage 8
Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
Length: 4.50 miles
Surface: Gravel, Crushed Limestone, and Pavement
Exchange Point: 114th and Fairview
Description: Your teammates almost got you to the top of the hill, after a short climb on Fairview you get to enjoy a downhill jaunt to Springfield, NE home of the Sarpy County Fairgrounds.

Stage 16
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Length: 3.58 miles
Surface: Crushed Limestone
Exchange Point: 250th and O St.
Description: Runners continue down the Mopac Trail heading west towards the next exchange point in Eagle, Nebraska. This relatively flat section of the Mopac runs parallel to O Street and passes Wright Cemetery on the runner's left. As soon as runners reach Eagle, they will make the transition to the next runner.

They have a great description of each stage, if you are interested in reading about more of the stages you can click here.

I am runner 8:

8 Person Team Matrix
Runner 1- Becky A. Leg 1 --> 2.77 H Leg 2--> 5.41 EM Leg 3--> 4.14 E Total 12.32 MH

Runner 2- Sally Leg 1 --> 4.19 MH Leg 2 --> 5.50 EM Leg 3--> 3.35E Total 13.04 M

Runner 3- Jana Leg 1--> 5.09 EM Leg 2--> 3.00 H Leg 3--> 2.72 EM Total 10.81 MH

Runner 4- Sandy Leg 1--> 5.00 EM Leg 2--> 3.59 M Leg 3--> 2.95 E Total 11.54 EM

Runner 5- Sonia Leg 1 --> 5.40 EM Leg 2 --> 3.91 EM Leg 3 --> 3.64 E Total 12.95 EM

Runner 6- Shauna Leg 1 --> 4.70 MH Leg 2--> 3.02 E Leg 3 --> Group finish 0.15 E Total 7.87 M

Runner 7- Janelle Leg 1 --> 3.49 M Leg 2 --> 4.33 M Total 7.82 M

Runner 8- Becky F. Leg 1 --> 4.50 EM Leg 2 --> 3.58 E Total 8.08 E

Stage Difficulty RatingsE= Easy EM= Easy Moderate M= Moderate MH= Moderate Hard H= HardLeg ratings are 90% based on elevation and surface and the remaining 10% is based on distance

I got the easiest position...but, that was my only stipulation. What? This is my first race...and I'm going all out!

After the race I'm going to keep running as long as the weather will permit it. After it get too cold I will go back to working out in our apartment. Sonia will help me make sure I feel the burn...bu-leave ME!

Even after the race I can't promise I won't still have posts about me crying while exercising....but, we'll see.

Wish me luck.... Actually, pray for me.

I'll let you know how it goes.

We love you all!