It is that time again. It’s time for Lori’s Lusty Lads to pile into 2 vans and run 199 miles. 

This weekend, our team (Lori’s Lusty Lads) will be participating again in The Relay. (Not part of the Ragnar Relay series) It is a 199 mile relay ran by teams of 12 runners. This is how it works: A single team is comprised of 12 runners. They split up into 2 vans and run in shifts, or legs. Everyone in Van 1 will run a “leg” of a predetermined distance and course. Van 2 will drive to where the final runner in Van 1 is going to finish. Van 2 will then take over and those six runners each run a leg. While Van 2 is running, Van 1 will rest and drive ahead to a point where the last runner in Van 2 is going to finish. It is like a giant game of leap frog across 199 miles. FUN!

Each runner will run 3 legs in varying distances and difficulties. Here are my three legs and estimated start times (based on what we estimate our team’s pace to be — yes, we are extremely organized)

Leg 8 (Map)

7.4 miles, difficulty = moderate, starting at 4:30 p.m., Saturday, near Vineburg

Leg 20 (Map)

5.9 miles, difficulty = hard, Starting at 3:40 a.m., Sunday, near Pacifica

Leg 32 (Map)

4.7 miles, difficulty = easy, starting at 12:31 p.m., Sunday, near Boulder Creek

As you can see, there is plenty of time for recovery in between runs. Rest stops will also be provided by friends throughout the two days for us to shower and grab some shut eye, but most of the weekend will be spent in a van.

Last year we had a blast. It was one of the best weekends I’ve ever had and am really looking forward to it this year with a majority of the same team that ran it in 2009. Above is the new shirts for this year (that I designed) Last year we finished this race in 28 hours, 36 minutes and 26 seconds. I’m hoping we can beat last year’s time. Our current timeline has us finishing in a little over 30 hours, but last year we ran well ahead of schedule and am assuming this year, we will do the same.

I’ll be on Twitter and updating my Facebook status as the event unfolds. If you want live coverage, be sure to check it out. With the shenanigans that happened last year, I’m assuming this year will be even better.