Our Official 2009 Start Time is (drumroll please)…

…7:20am on Friday, September 11th!!!!  This is a fantastic start time in my opinion.  Allows us to leave the Charlotte area a tiny bit later than in years past while still giving us maximized dawn/dusk/night/dawn running hours.  We will talk about these logistics in our August 17th team meeting but this should mean we can leave Charlotte around the late hour of 3:45am (sorry) and make the start line in Grayson Highlands with proper time to sign in, use facilities and hit the road for nearly 30 hours of continous team running.  Here’s the full list of teams and their start times:

In this fine print you should see "Team 4Tunate (to have 2 more runners)" starting at 7:20AM. Cool!

In addition, Ken has shared some important information for us all to have (this guy does an amazing job with this race) – please take a few minutes noting the slight changes to the course.  Unfortunately nothing was done about the severe elevation changes in legs 31 or 33.   Enjoy!

TO: Captains and Teams

From: Ken Sevensky

DATE: August 12, 2009

RE: Blue Ridge Relay Planning

30 Days and Counting:

1.    Items Needed:  Head counts needed by August 14 to assist these community groups with planning.
a.    Head count for EZ 18 at Plumtree, sandwiches, etc… provided by Green Valley Volunteer Fire Dept.  $5.00 for sandwich, bottle water, and apple.
b.    Head count for EZ 30 at Pensacola.  Pancakes and the fixin’s for $5.00.
c.    If you have suggestions for food or drinks at Exhange Zone 24 (new location, see notes below), please let me know.  This Exchange Zone will now be at the Bakersville Fire Department and they are rolling out the red carpet for the Blue Ridge Relay.  One suggestion already offered: cases of bottled water.
2.    Start Times: If you have a concern with your start time, based on your team’s ability to finish by 5:30pm, please email Ken ASAP.
3.    Start Time Data: If an item needs to be corrected on the Start Time document, such as number of runners, seed time, team category, etc…please email Ken.  This information listed has been pulled directly from the Captains’ Application, as it was on August 11.
4.    Start Line: Be at the Start Line at least 30 minutes before your start time.  If you miss your start time, you will start with the next wave, but your race clock will have started at your official start time.
5.    Substitutions/Additions: Made after this date must be completed using the Substitutions/Additions Form located on the Online Registration page.  A $10 fee applies to each change made.
6.    Volunteers: Volunteer assignments will be completed by August 15.  If your team’s volunteers have not yet registered, they can do this online via the Online Registration page.
7.    Course Changes: More detailed leg descriptions will follow.
a.    Leg 8: Because of bridge construction, we need to re-route.  The re-route will impact the leg as follows: distance will be comparable (maybe slightly shorter), 3 turns will be added, an extra noticeable climb and more changes in elevation.
b.    Leg 12: Bridge construction on the Parkway is not complete.  We will re-route on the same roads as last year.  The re-route will impact the leg as follows: 9.1 miles, rated very hard.  The profile for this alternate route is comparable to the profile posted on the website.
c.    Leg 13: This has become a permanent leg.  We are required to be off of the Parkway by 8:30pm and have looked for ways to keep this Parkway leg, but it’s not possible.  The re-route will impact this leg as follows:  7.1 miles, rated hard.  The profile for this leg is rolling with some good climbs and descents.  Total gain approximately 200 ft.  Several tight/blind turns, stay alert for traffic.
d.    Leg 24: New route for improved course.  Exchange Zone 24 will be held at Bakersville Volunteer Fire Department.  Plenty of parking, lots of grass for camping, fire house will be open for relaxing inside.  The re-route will impact this leg as follows: approximate distance 2.2 miles, slight uphill.
e.    Leg 25: New Route for improved course.  Other than a different initial 2 miles, the leg is the same.
8.    GoMotion: 20% discount on their lights for night running, via their website.  The promo code is SCevent20.
9.    Blue Ridge Relay t-shirts, crew sweatshirts, hoodie sweatshirts, baseball caps, water bottles, and travel mugs are available for purchase on the website Apparel and Goodies page.  These items must be pre-ordered and will be available for pick-up at the finish line.  These items will not be for sale at the finish line.  These are the soft, washed comfort colors.  They’ll make great gifts for your drivers, spouses, and children!  We are working on locating Technical Shirts…will keep you posted.
10.    Habitat for Humanity is our Charitable Partner this year.  Every dollar raised will go directly to local Habitat for Humanity affiliates.  As noted on the Charities page, please make checks out to Ashe Habitat for Humanity, mail your donations to the Blue Ridge Relay, and the funds will be dispersed from the Ashe Habitat affiliate.  The Blue Ridge Relay is again offering a FREE ENTRY into the 2010 Blue Ridge Relay for the team that raises the most ($3,500 minimum).
11.    Rules:   Some updates please:
a.    Quiet Hours are 7:30pm – 7:30am.  Please be extra courteous during these designated night hours.  Please no shouting, whistling, loud music, etc…Even though we’re awake, the local folk are sleeping.  Hushed talking in Exchange Zones is acceptable, but Relay Officials will be enforcing the Quiet Hours.
b.    Please read and comply with all of the rules (click this link and select “Rules and Penalties” from the left-side frame).

To the Start….

Runner #3 Profile – Kevin D

Assault on Cherokee - on the run

1)  What should your BRR Team 4tunate running nickname be (note: this will be assigned if you don’t submit)?

Snot Rocket?

2)  How long have you been a runner? I would have to say about 8 months now.  I ran track in High School (400M sprint), but started again this year after an 8 year hiatus.

3)  Why do you run (or what are you running from?)? I run to stay in shape; I run from life’s stresses.

4)  How many BRRs have you run? This will be my first!

5)  Last 3 races you have run? 2009 Assault on Cherokee International Triathlon, 2009 Recon Off-Road Triathlon at ASC Greenway in Fort Mill and the 2009 5 mile trail run at ASC Greenway.  Jasons – next year I will run the half with you!

6)  Upcoming events you might be training for? Blue Ridge Relay!  Then 2009 Thunder Road Marathon in Charlotte

7)  What Brand/Model running shoes do you run in?Saucony ProGrid Ride

8)  When you aren’t running you are  ______. Biking or swimming preferably, but most likely I am at work.

9)  Favorite/Rave Run (location, course, etc.)? Lake Wylie Splash Dash was a lot of fun.

10) What is the running accomplishment you are most proud of achieving? So far the 10K at the Splash Dash and completing a 10K run in the hills after swimming 1300 meters and biking 27.5 hilly miles at the Assault on Cherokee Triathlon.

11) Favorite BRR Memory (or for 1st timers:  why do the BRR?)? Doing it for the challenge and reward – And because Alex asked me to!

12) What is your favorite running song currently in your ipod?I am a Deadhead, but I find running to most of their music is not the best.  I came across a Black Eyed Peas song on the Ipod and it worked!

Read more on my blog at http://justkev.in

Runner #2 Profile – Jason S.

My "home" for the 2008 BRR: Van Bench #3

1)  What should your BRR Team 4tunate running nickname be (note: this will be assigned if you don’t submit)? I have been called many things (“Nap”, “Chatter”, “Racin Jason” as a reference to the speed of my mouth as a kid I think, etc.) and so long as you aren’t calling me “Jay” (reserved only for my parents) you are ok by me.

2)  How long have you been a runner? Started in college to keep in shape/drop weight for rowing the 5-seat starboard in a Lightweight 8 (funny how High School marching band never required me to be in shape) and have been running ever since.

3)  Why do you run (or what are you running from?)? To think.  To be outside.  To think about being outside?  It brings me great balance and perspective and I have made some great friends doing it to boot! All of this, plus my dad ran when I was a kid – good role model to have.

4)  How many BRRs have you run? 2009 will be my 4th (6 person team in 2006, 4 person team in 2007, 4 person team in 2008).
5)  Last 3 races you have run? 2009 Half-Marathon Trail run on Anne Springs Greenway, 2009 Ellerbe Springs Marathon and 2008 Charlotte Thunder Road Marathon (Jason M and I tend to “run” in the same circles or maybe we just run in circles).
6)  Upcoming events you might be training for? Mesa Falls Marathon in WY and a few other marathons (Charlotte, Raleigh, Disney Goofy Challenge, Myrtle) in the fall/winter.
7)  What Brand/Model running shoes do you run in? Asics Gel DS Trainers – although they are about to price me out of the market after 12 years running in them.  Asics:  if you are listening out there it is time to drop those prices!  We are in a recession here!
8)  When you aren’t running you are  ______. In order of time spent:  Working, Sleeping, Playing with my family, being a geek (could be argued this is the most as it is occurring all of the time), reading, eating, twittering, mowing the lawn, showering, taking out the trash, bringing the trash can back in, getting the mail…ok, you get the picture.  Best answer is likely being a wise-arse.
9)  Favorite/Rave Run (location, course, etc.)? I love running on the Anne Springs Close Greenway trails here in Fort Mill, SC.  Running in rural locations is always cool to me.
10) What is the running accomplishment you are most proud of achieving? Running the NYC Marathon in 2003 with my wife Cindy.  On record it should be known that it was one of the worst marathons I have ever run (out of shape, 80+ degree day, etc.) but such a cool experience running most of the way together.  Running Disney in 2007 was also cool as we ran the 1st half together and then I ran my fastest 2nd half of a marathon to date.  Cool stuff.
11) Favorite BRR Memory (or for 1st timers:  why do the BRR?)? Wow – sooo many cool memories.  I have such vivid memories of the legs I have run in the quiet of the wee morning hours.  I remember cresting a hill and seeing the moon rise from behind the mountainside just beneath a cloud.  Way cool.  Also think fondly of the sun setting while running up the Grandfather leg – because you are under the trees it gets dark very, very gradually.  Lastly – the sandwiches at the Green Mountain Fire Station are vividly fresh and tasty compared to powerbars, GUs, gatorades, etc.  I could go on and on…have I mentioned how much I like this race!?!
12) What is your favorite running song currently in your ipod? I rarely run without music.  Everything from Block Party to Sufjan Stevens to The Beasties to The Kooks to Queensryche (yep, product of the 80s metal era here).  My thing is never wanting to hear any song twice while on a run and never wanting to play the playlists in order.  My marathon playlists are set for the target time I want to run as incentive.  Geek on!

Ken Speaks (please listen – he’s one good guy)!

Alright – the first of what will be a few well-worded, expertly written numbered bullets from the Race Director (RD) to all 100 TEAMS (yikes – I remember when it was 30 or so…) in the race.  Please take a few minutes to soak it all in – especially the last few lines.  Seriously – this guy pours it all into this race…the least we can do is everything we can to make it safe and fun.

TO: Captains and Teams

From: Ken Sevensky

DATE: July 25, 2009

RE: Blue Ridge Relay Planning

Several items to assist with your planning and to assist with our planning.

1. Welcome to the 2009 Blue Ridge Relay.
2. The 100 team limit has been reached.  We’ve been communicating with several additional teams and will allow their entry.  So the final field will have a just over 100 teams.  Otherwise, the field is closed.
3. Rental Vans: We’ve partnered with Enterprise for special discounted rates for van or other vehicle rentals.  These rates apply to any Enterprise location. Any questions, please contact Molly at Enterprise.  Her contact information is on the Logistics page.
4. Finish Line Hotel: Four Points Sheraton is right across the street from the Finish Line and within walking distance (2 blocks) of downtown Asheville and Mellow Mushroom. Our reserved block of rooms with a reduced rate is almost full, so if you still need a room(s), make your reservation quickly.  Tell them that you are with the Blue Ridge Relay. Their contact information is on the Relay Logistics page under Lodging.
5. Mellow Mushroom will once again have a great presence at the Post Relay Drawing (PRD) and is extending their standard 15% discount for all runners who present their Relay bibs to their server.
6. Mizuno USA will once again have a tremendous presence at the Relay. Check out their latest shoes and apparel on their website linked from our Homepage and at their Finish Line Booth. Some highlights, in addition to team awards and prizes (including shoes) for the PRD, include:
   1. Best Decorated Van Contest: the team and driver(s) are recipients of Mizuno Technical shirts.
   2. Mizuno MVP: One runner from every tenth team to finish will receive a great Mizuno package including shoes, shirt, hat…the team chooses the MVP.  Don’t ask the Officials the team count, because we’re not telling.
   3. Mizuno Attitude Awards: Mizuno reps will be mixing and mingling at numerous exchange zones on the course.  Runners that show their Relay spirit…enthusiasm, encouragement, sportsmanship…will be awarded a Mizuno gift on the spot.  (I hope Mizuno is coming loaded!).
7. Night Running? Lights Required! Need Lights? Check out GoMotion, linked from the Sponsors page. In addition to offering a pre-Relay discount for Blue Ridge Relay runners, several runners will be leaving the PRD with the fantastic Trail Runner LiteVest.
8. Purple Mountain Massage will be offering massages at the finish line throughout the day.  Cost is $1 per each minute (e.g. 10 minute massage is $10).  Nine 10 minute massages will be given away at the finish line throughout the day.  All appointments will be made at the Officials’ Tent.
9. Blue Ridge Relay t-shirts, crew sweatshirts, hoodie sweatshirts, baseball caps, water bottles, and travel mugs will soon be available for purchase on the website.  These items must be pre-ordered and will be available for pick-up at the finish line.  These items will not be for sale at the finish line.  These are the soft, washed comfort colors. They’ll make great gifts for your drivers, spouses, and children!
10. The Green Valley Volunteer Fire Department will again be hosting the transition zone in Plumtree at Plumtree Presbyterian Church.  They will again be offering turkey or ham sandwiches with the fixins, fresh apples, and ice-cold bottled water for $6.  This group of men and women are exceptionally gracious to the Blue Ridge Relay every year.  This sandwich stop is not only great service for the Relay, but is also a great fundraiser for this community volunteer fire department.
11. Pensacola Community Group: This group of men hosts monthly pancake breakfasts as a community event and fundraiser for local charities, and have added one more breakfast to their schedule…to support the Relay.  Pancakes, coffee, orange juice, fruit cocktail, and bacon, will be available at our last Transition Zone (Exchange Zone 30 in Pensacola). Cost is $5. At this exchange zone, you may find a place inside to get some sleep. Get ready to be overwhelmed with hospitality.
12. Captains, please get a count of runners that will eat sandwiches at Plumtree and breakfast in Pensacola.  Email a count for each location to me by August 14.  This is not a reservation, but will assist these community groups in their food preparation.
13. Habitat for Humanity is our Charitable Partner this year.  Every dollar raised will go directly to local Habitat for Humanity affiliates.  As noted on the Charities page, please make checks out to Ashe Habitat for Humanity, mail your donations to the Blue Ridge Relay, and the funds will be dispersed from the Ashe Habitat affiliate.  The Blue Ridge Relay is again offering a FREE ENTRY into the 2010 Blue Ridge Relay for the team that raises the most ($3,500 minimum).  Several of our exchange zones will be staffed by Habitat volunteers.  The 2008 Blue Ridge Relay raised $16,654.08, which was donated to two local domestic abuse shelters.  Thanks for supporting our local mountain communities.
14. Post Relay Drawing and Awards: At approximately 6:00pm at the Finish Line, we’ll conduct the Awards Ceremony for the winning teams in each category.  But we won’t stop there…  We’ve got a bundle of extra prizes for our PRD from our Event Sponsors, including Mizuno USA, GoMotion, Mellow Mushroom Asheville, Trail Dog Outfitters, Jus’ Running, Foot Rx, and many, many more PRD sponsors. Runners must enter the drawing to be eligible.  To enter, drop the tear off “Raffle/Drawing” portion of your Relay bib in the PRD (may be labeled DRAWING) box at the Officials’ Tent throughout the day.  You must be present to win and you must have your Relay bib in hand to receive a prize.
15. Captains: As we approach last minute prep time, please share all correspondence that you receive from the Blue Ridge Relay with your team, including drivers. In addition, all correspondence to the Blue Ridge Relay should come from Team Captains ONLY.  We will only respond to emails received from Team Captains.  This is a busy time for you and us.  If your runners have questions, they need to direct them through you.  We greatly appreciate your understanding.
16. Solo Runner: We have one solo runner this year, who reports that training is going well.  He will be wearing #1 on his bib.  If his start time is planned appropriately and he has a strong race, you may see him over the final legs.
17. One Final Thought(s): This is the 5th year of the Blue Ridge Relay, which has grown from 10 teams (2005), 35 (2006), 48 (2007), 78 (2008), and 100 (2009). The BRR may not be the biggest relay in the country, but it is the longest, most challenging, and most scenic.  In addition, our desire is for the BRR to be the most intimate, friendly, and fun.  With 100 teams, everyone involved needs to do their part.  Please remember that safety is our first priority.  Drivers and runners need to be defensive.  Please be courteous at all times to those involved with the BRR and those that are not.  Please drive cautiously, drive slowly on gravel/dirt roads, do not shadow your runner, and always look at least twice for runners when moving your vehicle.  All rules will be enforced and every runner, driver, and team needs to know and apply them.  The rules are in place for three primary reasons: safety, courtesy, and efficiency. Thank you.

To the Start….

Ok, NOW it is Official…

…The Blue Ridge Relay Race Director (Ken S.) has confirmed our team’s registration into the BRR.  Actually he was made official on July 13th but I failed to check my lesser-used web mail address for the past 3 weeks… Doh!  What does this mean for my fellow running compadres?  Individual runner registration time!  We are all set on registration fees but each runner on our team (that’s you!) is required to register online at the Blue Ridge Relay Registration Page.  Simple instructions:

• Click the link above.
• Click the “Click here to register new runner” link
• Fill in the details requested (paying particular attention to selecting our team name “4tunate (to have 2 more runners)”)
• Read liability waiver (see Alex S. for questions – ha!)
• Click “Submit my Runner Registration” button.

That’s it.  If you are interested you can play the “pick the former Team 4tunate runner out of the scrolling pictures at the top of the page” game (hint – it’s John and he’s the one with the mailbox shaped like a ‘4′ in the background – a perfectly planned photo op if you ask me).  Oh, yeah – and keep the questions coming.  The latest question I saw was about reflective vests.  They are required for night legs and any leg that runs up on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  At night blinking red lights are required both on the front of your shirt and the back.  A headlight/flashlight is also nice to have – we can share many of these as required.  I have 2 headlights and 3 blinking red lights.

Coming soon:  Runner #2 Profile.  Runner #3 will follow shortly thereafter, then Runner #4, you get the drill.  Start thinking of your responses as our loyal audience of 8 are on the edges of their seats!

Run on!

A Bit on Training…

Have I said how excited I am to be on such an enthusiastic team?  Seriously – this is going to be a great one!  Over the next week or so I expect to get the green light for us to complete the official online runner applications – just awaiting confirmation that Ken has received our entry fees.  In the meantime I am digging up the old laminated maps from last year, trying to find the shirt design and starting to remind myself on the race legs and their composition.  We are officially 7 weeks out (actually a bit under) so no time like the present to capture a few thoughts on training.

• Running uphill won’t hurt at this point.
• Trying on some runs at different times of day than your normal running time also is good.
• 7 weeks out is a good time to take a 4-5 miler after dinner and do it again before breakfast the next day.  Maybe repeat a day or two later.
• If you are a music junkie like me, start weening yourself from the iPod (they are STRICTLY forbidden).
• Start mentally building the pace you want to run per leg and tie it to an overall pace you want to run for all of your legs – goals are good.
• Don’t overtrain – fatigue is bad.  Injury worse.
• Next week a few multiday runs will help to understand how to stay fueled and hydrated.  Eating gets tough at the point you most will need it (legs 4-6).

More soon – couldn’t be more excited!

Runner #1 Profile – Jason M.

1)  What should your BRR Team 4tunate running nickname be (note: this will be assigned if you don’t submit)?  Jason will assign me “Sweaty” (obvious reasons)
2)  How long have you been a runner?  Ran a little in college, got more serious about 5 years ago
3)  Why do you run (or what are you running from?)?  I run to eat what I want and because it makes me feel good.  I don’t think I run from anything…I do run towards port-a-johns.
4)  How many BRRs have you run?  2009 will be my 4^th
5)  Last 3 races you have run?  2009 Ellerbe Springs Marathon, 2009 Half-Marathon Trail run on Anne Springs Greenway and 2008 Charlotte Thunderroad marathon
6)  Upcoming events you might be training for?  Mesa Falls Marathon in WY and a few marathons (Charlotte, Raleigh, maybe others) in the fall
7)  What Brand/Model running shoes do you run in?  Brooks Adrenaline
8)  When you aren’t running you are  ______.  Sadly, I must say working but on my best days I am playing with my 7-month old son. 
9)  Favorite/Rave Run (location, course, etc.)?  My favorite course is Boston – so many fans, so much history.  My favorite run around Charlotte is running uptown from the Starbucks location near the Harris Y.
10) What is the running accomplishment you are most proud of achieving?  Qualifying for Boston at the 2007 Green Bay marathon.  My family was there to cheer me on for the first time, which made it more special.  Also, the finish of the Green Bay marathon includes a lap around Lambeau Field which, as a lifelong GB Packers fan, was memorable.
11) Favorite BRR Memory (or for 1st timers:  why do the BRR?)?  This is tough…I have a lot.  I would say running the finishing leg in 2008 for the 4-person team.  2008 was more of a challenge because the 4-person team had to prove that we could do it again and it seemed like a tougher run.  Seeing Asheville with about 2 miles left was a great feeling and crossing the finish line was great.  Second place memory – eating 2 huge Qdoba burritos and chips after the 2007 BRR and falling asleep on my family room floor.
12) What is your favorite running song currently in your ipod?  I rarely listen to music – I stick with podcasts.  I usually listen to The Sports Guy – Bill Simmons, who is an ESPN columnist that discusses sports, pop culture and a variety of topics.  Keeps me adequately distracted.

Progress made – we have a van…

Rest easy – we won’t have to cram 6 runners and gear into my 8 year old 4-door sedan.  A luxurious 15 passenger, 4-bench, 2 captains chair van is awaiting our pickup on Thursday, September 10th (consider this detail a a not-so-subtle reminder that the race starts on Friday morning).  The 4-bench part of the past sentence is key.  That means that whilel 1 person is out running, 3-4 people can be snoozing while the 6 team member (likely the person who just ran) drives, eats, sweats, etc…  Don’t skim over the word “luxurious” either.  Although the van will be anything but luxurious after a few legs of the race, the added spaciousness a small team affords is oh soooo nice.  Aaahhhh – I can almost feel the “whole-bench-to-myself” mentality setting in!  We got an “early reservation” rate of $239 for the weekend so long as we don’t exceed 900 total miles.  $.30/mile after that – we should be able to avoid the extra per mile fee.

The creature comforts of 2-day van living reminds me of a funny story from last year’s race.  Tell me more you ask?  Well, ok.  But only because you asked so nice.  1:30am.  Leg 6/Exchange Zone 22 or was it Leg 7/Exchange Zone 26?  Can’t remember the leg/zone for sure but I do remember the 1:30am part and the small arts school on top of the hill that hosted the exchange zone.  I run up to the exchange.  The peaceful existence of night-running in the sticks gives way to a din of activity.  People are cheering.  Music playing.  Dogs uphill from the zone are barking.  Many, many, many team vehicles are parked.  No sign of John, the runner I was handing the wrist baton/strap thing off to.  No sign of a team member to get me to the van.  No sign of the van.  I wander calmly looking for our burgandy van.  Nothing.  Noone.  I decide that yelling for John was my only possible solution.  No avail.  Minutes tick by.  I wander some more.  No John.  Wait.  I see the van.  Lights off.  Engine off.  Huh?  Doors locked?  Passenger seat empty?  I politely tap on the window.  Nothing.  Walk to the driver’s side and guess who I find asleep?  The entire van but most notably John, the next runner.  Conked out in the driver’s seat.  Like they all had been drugged.  I tap the window with my light – John jumps up, bolts from the car with waist belt dragging, headlamp dangling, apologizing but most importantly running.  A quick check-out/check-in at the checkpoint and the sleep-running begins.  I crawl into the driver’s seat and off we go to the next exchange.

Not terribly comical, nor common but a funny sequence of events that don’t occur in everyday life.  Anyways – bought new running shoes (Asics could back off the price a bit of their DS Trainers – starting to get a bit ridiculous) in anticipation of needing a couple of pair for the race.  Not 100% necessary but a nice luxury in the event of weather or heat-induced foot sweat.  Get that visual!

My assumption is a cute team race shirt like year’s past is in order – see last post for example.  Feedback here appreciated – would like to get the shirts and printing taken care of by mid-August.  Man this race gets me excited!  Comment away with your desires.

Look for our 1st runner profile coming up in the next post – Runner #1 (Jason M.), you are on deck.

We’re Baaack! Team 4tunate (to have 2 additional runners) Returns for 2009 BRR!

Yes!  It is nearly official (just awaiting Ken’s formal welcome note) we are in again for 2009!  Team 4tunate is back for our 4th year in a row but this time we are “new and improved.”  “New” as in 3 rookie BRR runners (welcome Alex, Kevin and Chris!) and “improved” as in our 4th runner Whitney is a returning team member from our first time (and our fastest time) running the event in 2006 (welcome back Whitney!).  Rounding out our team are the 2 in the middle above, Jason M. and Jason S. – we are just here to ensure our entry streak remains intact.   So of the picture above act like the 2 people of each of the outside ends aren’t there and instead envision 4 of the fastest, most in-shape runners you can think of in their place.  Hope the team members I have never met F2F don’t mind the high expectations I have set for our reading audience…

For those blog voyeurs out there we welcome your thoughts and comments so long as you don’t mind smatterings of our race prep jibber-jabber along the way.  Here’s a taste of some of the exciting topics we plan to discuss in the spirit of jibber-jabber:

• Runner Profiles – stealing a page out of another site’s playbook here…shameful, I know.
• Training plans
• Team shirts (see poll)
• Community van items (band-aids, TP, anti-chafing agent, ice, water, sports drink, etc.)
• Race morning logistics, pick-ups, etc.
• When I think of the BRR, the first visual that comes to mind is…
• The things would I like to forget about previous relays…
• Best race leg and why?  Worst race leg and why?

In addition we will add links to the sites, blogs, etc. of other BRR teams running in 2009.  Anything else?

As always we are looking forward to it!

2008 BRR Wrap-up #1

All Smiles - no miles...

I won’t even try to wrap this event up in one email as my mind is only now starting to think cohesively again about it.  208 miles, 4 runners, 2 drivers for a 2nd year in a row in the books.  Stairs the day after were not to be taken lightly – I planned my day around the “must-have” trips up and down them.  At one point I walked around the entire house to remove 2 stairs from my path.  It wasn’t pretty.  Things are starting to improve today as I traversed stairs nearly all day without the use of the rail.  Tomorrow, I vow to take a full step per leg vs. stepping both legs on each step.

I won’t get into large-scale reviews of this race at this point other than to say that it was flawlessly managed by the organizers and the volunteers were all wonderful (well, except that one at 1am in the Ingles parking lot who insisted I was missing a flashing red light).  It is 1am in Ingles, is it really a top priority?  I am almost over it.  More on the race in a later post.  This post is about pictures, results, and more pictures…The picture above will get you to our team galleries or click here for a slideshow.  The links at the bottom will get you to about 15 galleries from all kinds of race organizers, sponsors and participants – thanks to Teams Vac-n-Dash and Changes in Altitude for their pics.  The spreadsheet of our deterioration is also documented and compared to last year’s slow breakdown.  Results are not accurate nor official.

The BRR Race Pictures

Team Changes in Altitude Pictures

Graham K’s Race Pictures

Vac-n-Dash CEO’s Race Pictures

Wassim’s Race Pictures

Wes’ Race Pictures

Whitney’s Race Pictures