Training Log Archive: Mona

Write up for the MC200:

Last weekend I was part of a 12 people team in the Madison-Chicago 200 miles relay run (who's idea was that?). To non-runners this may sound pretty crazy, well, I run a fair amount and it still sounds crazy to me!

A little bit about the race: the 200 miles are divided into 36 segments (or legs), and every team member runs 3 segments. For example, I was runner 5, so I ran segment 5, 17 and 29. The route went through Madison, then glacial drumlin trail, then through Milwaukee (I ran in West Allis at night!), then down to Chicago, finish line at the Montrose Harbor.

A little bit about the team: "HealthCareHeroes" 2 women and 10 men, most from GE, in 2 vans, with 2 volunteer drivers. In average, the "running" van will run for 5 hours, then rest for 5 hours, repeat 3 times. Ages and running abilities were all over the scale. From the top runner in Milwaukee (Eric runs 6 min miles averages!), to your average jogger (Ioana runs 10 min mile average).

So I started this race with no expectations (probably best way to start anything, not low expectations, NO expectations). I knew it would come down to being able to maintain calm and supportive attitude through lack of sleep, heat or cold, injury. So I lucked out with some amazing team members that accomplished just that. Honestly, my first “training” session in supporting others was last year’s boot camp when I finally understood the value of it, and that is what made me come back to the boot camp this year!

We started out in a 90F and humid weather, sun beating down (11am- 3pm), every runner's "dream". Not even one leg in the race, a runner from a different team collapses from the heat right in our arms, we were fortunate to be there and call support right away, and the situation was under control. However that raised our awareness of ensuring everyone on the team gets enough water, rest, and does not push themselves to the point of collapsing. It was just amazing to see my teammates meeting me half way during my run with water and ice, but even more rewarding for me to cheer for them or other runners on the trail.

Second running session was at night (7pm- 11pm), not so hot but still humid. As we were getting a bit tired and could not see much, we actually had to look at our running maps. Everything went as planned, only one runner from my van tripped and got a bit of a scrape, but he ran right through it, and we doctored him real good when he finished. Way to tough it out!

Third and last running session was 4am - 9am. Things were totally upside down: it was FREEZING! I had to wear around my snuggie, as I had no warm clothes with me. Now were so tired that the main challenge was to keep our eyes on the road, maintain the route on the map (mostly marked on the road, but not always). We did see people WAY off course... I guess they really wanted to get their money's worth :). Well, we all got the best run ever during the morning run, and the importance of cheering just got a new meaning! We met the runners from the second van at the finish line and we were so thankful everyone finished safe, and to top that, we got an unbelievable good finish race time too: 26h:35m only 25m off our predicted total time, and within 7 seconds of our predicted average pace (7:45 min/mile actual vs. 7:38 min/mile expected!!!) That translates 98.4% accuracy under pretty challenging circumstances!

Anyway, if you made it reading thus far, you are probably now sort of questioning if you can do it too. And like I said in the beginning, the answer is not necessarily in being able to jog 3 miles, but being able to look out for your team mates just as much if not more than for your self... as they will end up doing the same. And that is what made this such an amazing experience for me. I just can't thank them enough...

3rd leg.

This was the best weather wise (ok, we were COLD now!). But I take that anyday over the hot and humid. The only thing now is that I was tired, but my team stopped a few times along the way for cheering (did not need any water).

Awesome! Then we napped at Gabe's, showered and headed to chicago where we missed Eric finishing (I heard he's like the king of running in Milwaukee... well, he seems like a really nice guy, that's all I can say). So, we slept through the storm (the 2 hour race pause) so that was awesome.

Overall, awesome, no major injuries (Nagesh tripped and fell, got some road rash). Otherwise all good.

C • short legs 2

Event: Madison-Chicago 200 Relay
 

1st leg in MC200.

team HealthCareHeroes (from work). Van 1. 5th runner.

This was awesome. First time doing this relay. I will need to forget about the tiredness and pain to even consider doing it again!

I was in van 1 with James driving, me navigating and running, and Steve D, Steve T, KP, Mike and Nagesh.

Everyone was very supportive and we got along so well, even if we didn't really know each other too well (or not at all for 2 people). It did help that we saw one guy from a different team collapse right in front of us, cause of the heat, I guess, then we really paid a lot of attention to make sure everyone gets hidrated and such.

First leg was most painful, due to heat (very very hot) and humid. I got dizzy one mile in my run, and had to walk at least 5 times to make sure I can finish. Probably not adjusted to the heat. My guys were there half way and all I cared was to pour the water on my head, not necesarily drink it. Body was definetely not tired, but just simply had trouble handling the heat.

2nd leg, in west allis

This was a lot better, still a bit hot and a lot humid, but at least the sun was not out. nagesh ran with me, and that helped.

We already had a bit of a nap by now, at Steve's place. And headed to Mike's for second nap (and shower!). Now this was a clean race! We took 2 showers :)

down the road. sorta cold. last session in my "tapering" program :)

better pump up some protein and ibu cause it's not the best time to get sore muscles!