RRR Park City

This past Saturday I got the chance to run a relay race that started and ended in my happy mountain valley:  Red Rock Relay Park City!

This was my first relay race since Wasatch Back 2012, and I was stoked to be running it.  With a nursing baby, a one day relay was just what the doctor ordered.  The specs were as follows-

70 miles

1 van

6 runners

2 legs each

S-C-E-N-I-C

Our team came together pretty randomly, so it was fun to get to know some new friends along our 12 hour journey.

Runner 1 was Leslee- She started us off at 6:10 AM at a balmy 28*. Runner 1 ran a total of 10.4 miles.

She handed off to me- runner 2!  My first leg was 3.85 miles through town.  It was slightly uphill with a total elevation gain of 227 feet.  After my frozen legs thawed, I was able to pick up the pace a bit finishing with a 7:41 average.

My second leg was a toughie.  Suffice it to say that I was humbled, my legs were trashed, and I gained a new found respect for trail runners after running 10.2 miles on a trail around Jordanelle Reservoir. Every time I started to really struggle, I would remind myself to LOOK UP.  I was so lucky to run this beautiful stretch- with three little kids I don't often get alone time, and I was so blessed to be able to do what I loved and enjoy some peace.

I finished the leg with a 9:46 average.  With 1600 feet in gain and nearly 1500 feet in elevation loss, Red Rock gave out medallions to the runners that completed this leg- it was an awesome surprise and well earned!

Runner 3 was my favorite Mindy- she is sooo little and sooo cute :)!  Mindy ran a total of 14.95 miles.

Runner 4 was a new friend!  Amy had recently had surgery, but was a total trooper and ran 8.5 miles including a killer stretch halfway up a mountain in Park City.  How in the world I didn't end up with a solo picture of her baffles me!  Sorry, Amy!

Runner 5 was another new face- Holly.  She was incredible to have on the team!  #1 Cheerleader for sure!  Holly ran a total of 8.7 miles and finished the challenging top climb to Guardsman's Pass.

Breona- the one and only Coach Carter- wrapped up our crew as she rocked it up and down mountainous climbs.

We all loved the relaxed atmosphere, the camaraderie of all the teams, and the challenging course that Red Rock Relay Park City brought for us.

RRR sold the race saying, "Have you been dreaming of a relay that will push your athleticism, pump you full of team spirit, and still allow you to get a normal night of sleep? Well, THIS IS IT, BABY! Red Rock Relay is bringing the chill running party style you know and love to Park City, Utah!"  It was 100% accurate.

This is a race that I will definitely be doing again!

Team "Desperate for a Party!"

Breona, Amy, Holly, Leslee, Mindy, Amylee