Just one race at a time

We arrived late Friday night and went right to the captains meeting.  When we got there we found out that there would only be 38 teams running the race.  We also found out that there was a required pace to make the exchanges.  Each runner had to run under a 12 minute mile or the exchange would close.  Cristy was having a problem with her calf and was actually concerned that she might not make it.  I was sure she could as long as she stayed healthy. 

When we got to the start everyone looked really fast and we were sure we would come in last.  So that was the goal right there….Not to come in last!

Cristy ran her leg and finished 34th, Kim then passed 3 and I passed 1 on my leg.  The hags had now run and it was time for the stags to show us what they could do.  Nick, my son, ran next and thought he passed 7 runners but was not sure because there were everyday joggers on the path.  Then Paul the other stag made his move and when he finished we were in 14^th place.  Yes you read that right, the boy were smoke’n fast!  Cristy went again and held on but was passed by two speedsters; Kim ran her leg and held her own.  Then it was my turn.  I could tell there was a runner behind me; I could hear her team cheering for her.  I held her off until the last really, and I mean really big hill.  She passed me with in a quarter mile of the hand off.  I went up and asked her if she had got the memo that you couldn’t pass on a hill.   Her face drop and it was obvious she didn’t know I was kidding.  I told her I was just joking and she said she was not sure because there were so many rules. 

Nick took off and quickly passed the team that passed me and then set a goal to pass one more.  I have never been as proud as when I watch him run.  He went down one hill in three beautiful strides.  As Nick came into the exchange there was one runner ahead of him I told him to take him so he could have the kill not Paul… he did he passed the dude on a hill!  I could brag about my son all day but then you would stop reading and never know how we did so I will move on.

Paul then started out on his leg.  The runner in front of him had a huge lead and we thought for sure he couldn’t pass her in just four miles. He did!  Amazing!!! We came in 15^th over all and 6th in our division.  We also won best team name!  It was a really fun race and we want to do it again next year however I don’t think we will do as well, the stags want to form there own team and call it hag less… or hag free!