Beautifully Me: Cambridge Relay 2013

First race of 2013 turned out to be cold, cold and cold. It was about 32 degrees, snowing, raining and a little windy. Most of us were froze before we even started. Drinking coffee to keep warm - not a great idea, unless you want to stop mid-run for the loo. A few of us even thought of saying "screw it" and going home.

However, we stuck it out and each of us finished our either 1/2 marathon or Relay race. For me, it was Relay this time. I'd never done a relay race, so I thought why not. It was pretty cool way to run a race. I wouldn't have a problem doing more relays if asked. ;)

Here are few photo highlights from the race. If you look at our group photo and then compare it to the 'running' photos, you'll notice we started to shed layers as we warmed up. There for a while I thought I was gonna have to run wearing my coat! Glad I didn't.

I had the last part of the Relay race. 4.4 miles and here I am coming up to the finish...SMILING! Crazy uh? I took the advice of a friend, Marguerita, and tried a 5 to 1 running system. You run for 5 minutes - in my mind I think, "anyone can run for 5 minutes", but then I realize those just starting out may really struggle with that. So I don't recommend the 5 to 1 until you know you can run for 5 minutes at a time. After the 5 minutes, you walk for 1 minute and then you repeat until your finished.

This seemed to work out really well for me. I was having issues with my right knee, but the 1 minute breaks helped and I felt great at the finish. I even started to speed up!!! I wasn't sprinting at the end, have no desire for that really, but it was as if I'd found 5th gear and off I went. I was really pleased. I would love to repeat that run without knee pain and see what my time would look like. I'm still very happy with my 56:51 time.

You can also use your 1 minute break to a. refuel b. take photos or c. go pee - believe it or not you CAN pee in ONE minute.

I should also mention a few of our running club members set new PB's or PR's (personal best/personal record) which ever you prefer to call it. CONGRATULATIONS!!! Everyone did a great job!

And here, I have to give a shout out to the BEST dressed Relay team: TEAM AWESOME!!! You ladies rock!!! Loved your outfits and I totally want those socks! ;)

I don't have a photo and she probably wouldn't want it posted if I did (cause she looked miserable), but this shout out goes to my friend Sam. She braved the cold crappy weather to run with us while she herself was not feeling well at all. That's hardcore and a little bit silly. I do hope she is feeling better!

Lastly, my team did amazing!!! I'm so proud of us! Thank you Jessica & Sam for being a part of it!!!