Elkhorn Relay 2018 – The Report

Elkhorn Relay 2018

Team Gang Greens at the start

Elkhorn Relay 2018 found us on our fifth year as a team of running buddies sharing an experience that proved once again that we are alive, healthy, able to endure fatigue and discomfort, supportive, happy, and maybe a little bit crazy! Due to circumstances beyond our control, only three of the original team members were able to participate this year and we missed the Pages dearly. Although the complexion of the team varies from year to year, every participant becomes a part of the Team Gang Greens family. You simply cannot share an experience like this without becoming forever one of the gang.

Check out the bank reader board. 

107 degrees!

Elkhorn Relay is organized and carried out by Doomsday Racing, a non-profit organization sending excess relay proceeds to a charity or ministry in foreign countries. You can learn more about Doomsday Racing and Elkhorn Relay HERE.

We chose this race for several reasons:

Accessibility – that was before I moved to Montana!

Affordability – all the organization and race weekend legwork are done voluntarily. Even the folks providing pancakes, pulled pork, and hamburgers and hot dogs!

Challenging Course – they bragged about the course and we know why! The 100+ temps magnified the challenge.

Where's my leg?

We loved this race for these reasons:

Accessibility – a short drive from the Treasure Valley, this relay is convenient for the running community in Boise and surrounding areas. The drive home is especially nice as the weekend’s sleep deprivation begins to take its toll.

The view!

The Course – we don’t train all season for a Fun Run! If you’re going to challenge yourself and your teammates, you might as well go for it. We dubbed this course the EKG and even put it on our team shirts!

Free Food – Really! Except for half a banana and a muffin at the end, most races require you to purchase your food. It isn’t so much about the money, but the convenience of having a meal ready so you don’t have to locate your money in the chaos that is your race van. Fresh water and sports drinks were also provided. Oh, and huckleberry muffins!

The Volunteers – they might not have been running, but many spent long hours volunteering at exchange zones, some fulfilling multiple shifts. I’m rather certain they were also experiencing sleep deprivation. One station lit up their canopy AND the portable toilet with Christmas lights! It was a welcoming sight at midnight. They were happy to be there, or they were very good actors. Best volunteers I’ve experienced at a relay!

Portable Toilets – okay, this is important to relay runners. They were clean and plentiful. Thank you!

We love our teammates for these reasons:

Adventurous Spirits – not every person you meet is willing to try something as challenging and unpredictable as a relay race. The weather may change (and it did) from blistering heat to a thunderstorm and back again. The team deals with it.

Happy People – its not okay to be grouchy when everyone around you is also tired, sore, uncomfortable, and doing their best to remain positive. It’s not easy to go without normal sleeping and eating patterns while exerting repeated physical activity. The team deals with it.

Injuries happen.

The team deals with it!

Runners to the Rescue – someone often gets injured. It’s just the nature of the running beast. And someone always steps up to log extra miles, or swap out an easier run, or run early to allow his teammate extra recovery time. It wasn’t planned, but the team deals with it.

Assisting a teammate

 at the end of her run.

Runner’s Respect – running is hard. Don’t ever think that the guy out their logging miles is doing it pain free or that you would be a runner if it was as easy for you as it is for a runner. It’s just plain hard and there is a bond that forms when people share misery. I often say, “A relay is the most miserable fun you will ever have.” It’s also a very effective way to gain family, the kind of family you were not born with, but will never let you down.

“Are you crazy?” People will ask, or maybe its an accusation. Perhaps we are, but we get to hang out with the best kind of crazy people on earth! They are relay runners, and they are family.

We made it!

206 miles in 31 hours 46 minutes!

Thanks, Elkhorn Relay, for a great weekend. We had fun and your volunteers were the best!

Catching some ZZZ anywhere he can!                      Cooling off!

Van 1 is done!

Team bonding. We love our pre-race dinner!

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!
Carol - aka Running Granny Green

I could hardly walk and now I run!

My amazing relay team!

The human body is an amazing creation. It’s ability to endure injury and repair itself is nothing short of miraculous. Even while sporting scarring evidence of pain and imperfection, it often grows stronger as it heals the wound. What other things in nature can claim the same?

Twenty-three years ago today I could hardly walk. My mid-section had just been sliced open to deliver my third child – a little boy with stick up hair and long feet. He still has stick up hair and long feet. As I stood and willed my legs to move, I recognized the familiar sensation that my insides might actually fall out in front of me. I expressed that feeling to a physician once and he replied, “Just walk backwards and you won’t step on anything!” I’m quite certain I held my breath for the first few steps.

Over the following several days my walks grew longer and quicker as my incision healed and I regained my strength. I soon resumed normal activity. The limitations of those first few days faded and life carried on.

My boys

A few years ago, ten to be exact, I once again found myself facing a physical challenge. I began to run. I thought I was too old, but a friend encouraged me and so I tried. I have since participated in many races with half marathons being my longest. I even coach middle school cross country runners. I don’t know that I will ever attempt a marathon. My favorite race is a relay (about 200 miles) with my team of twelve. I enjoy the comradery and shared misery unique to an overnight endurance challenge. I rejoice that my body will allow me to participate.

Walking seemed almost insurmountable when I was younger and had just given birth with the aid of a surgeon. Now I run, because I can. Yes, it seemed insurmountable at first. No, it isn’t easy and it isn’t always fun, but my body can do it. This body that has years and miles, wounds and scars, heartaches and joys, can run! I think that is miraculous and I am grateful that I am so blessed! I bet you are, too.

What can your body do that once seemed insurmountable? I would love to hear about it.

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!
Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Grand Teton Relay 2016 - The Recap

Gang Greens ready to run!

Grand Teton Relay 2016 is over and I can’t wait until 2017! After three years of running around Island Park, Teton Basin, and over Teton Pass into Wyoming, I am as fascinated as ever by the beauty of that land. I am blessed with a community of runners who have become family to me and I am ever pleased with the supportive running community at large. I am amazed at the miracle that is the human body and the way it rises to the task, endures and eventually repairs itself. Yes, I said “repairs.” Grand Teton Relay is no easy feat, but the rewards are worth it!

Carb Loading at Olive Garden

We indulged in the traditional pasta dinner at Olive Garden Restaurant in Idaho Falls before heading north to spend the evening in St. Anthony. Our race start was 8:00 am in Ashton – two hours earlier than the previous two years. Van 1 consumed breakfast burritos in the hotel parking lot because the continental breakfast didn’t open before we had to depart. I have yet to learn what Van 2 ate that morning. They arrived at the start in time for a team photo in our shirts sponsored by Caldwell Immediate Care and TrailridgeDental and then we were off and running!

Runner 2 coming in strong!

Rolling wheat fields stretched out before us and then behind as we ran and climbed towards Island Park. That first leg is a lung burner for us lowlanders of the Treasure Valley! I kept thinking, “My lungs hate me right now!” Gratefully, the temps were lower than GTR 2015! Van 1 finished our 32.5 miles and handed off to Van 2. They ran off into the forest and mountains with their bear spray while we refueled our bodies and attempted to get some rest. We had no contact with them until they were within about a mile of our next van transition.

No visit to Island Park would be complete without a stop at Mesa Falls. Gorgeous! I could listen and watch the water run over those falls for hours.

Mesa Falls

Anxious not to miss Van 2 we arrived at the transition point very early where we watched other teams arrive and move on. The views grew more scenic as the sun’s angle lowered and smoke from a distant forest fire filtered the evening light. Excitement and a little anxiety festered as we awaited our second leg and the night run. Van 2 arrived after pounding out 42.5 fast miles and we were off and running once again!

Van 2 returning from Island Park

Injuries happen. We were registered as a competitive team meaning we had to cover all of our miles with the original 12 runners. Suited up in reflective gear and headlamps, we began our night run. When Runner 1 had to pull out, two others rose to the occasion and logged extra miles to keep us in competitive status. You should have seen me scrambling with reflective vests, lights, new batteries and such to get my teammates geared up for their unexpected tag team duties! The night air was cold. My run was on an abandoned rail bed, part of the Rails to Trails system. Unlike the advice often given to runners to keep their eye on the goal and off the road, it is best to keep an eye on the trail. As I neared Tetonia, I could see the lights a half mile ahead and I fixed my gaze on the goal – and off the trail. When I discovered myself face down on the ground after being tripped up by a rock I considered for a moment calling my teammates and asking them to come rescue me. My pride and my knee were both hurt! I got up, walked for a few yards, and then decided it best to finish my run. After all, my teammates were already doing their part.

Sasquatch Sighting!

After handing off to Van 2 in Tetonia at 12:30 am, we made our way to Teton High School in Driggs where we found some cold grass on which to rest. Warm showers were available, so I washed the dirt off of me and warmed up a bit before attempting to rest on the cold ground. (Temperatures dipped to below freezing before sunrise.) At 2:50 am I received a text that Van 2 was on the move up Targhee Ski Hill Road and we needed to get moving in order to meet them at the top. I was afraid to move. Any movement stirred up the cold air around me. We mustered our courage and hit the road.

Sunrise over Teton Valley

We decided it best if I ran down upper Targhee as it is a non-support leg. If Runner 1 tried to run and got into trouble, we couldn’t help him, so at 4:00 am I was once again on the move. Almost four miles downhill was a blessing for my lungs! My quadriceps, however, would pay for it the following day. Temperatures continued to drop as we made our way through Driggs to Cedron and then finished our task in Victor. There were places where ice covered potato fields. The smoke from forest fires obscured the usual view of the Teton peaks. Still, the lighting made for some interesting photos.

Runner 1 attempted to run again, but couldn't complete his leg. Runners 3 & 4 picked up extra miles and we met Van 2 in Victor. The relief and lighthearted attitudes of Van 1 contrasted with the anxious anticipation of Van 2 as they faced the task of climbing up and over Teton Pass! (Summit 8,432’) We cheered them on and then enjoyed a much deserved hot breakfast at Sherwood’s Post.

Smokey Grand Teton Sunrise

After dining and some freshening up with Shower in a Box (my name for baby wipes), we made our way via vehicle over Teton Pass and into Teton Village where we awaited the arrival of Van 2 and Runner 12. The entire team joined her for the last 150 yards to cross the finish line together. In the end, Team Gang Greens finished in record time this year! We received our medals, took a few pictures, munched on ice cream sandwiches and headed home! A short rest in Ririe for pizza and reminiscing preceded the five hour drive back to the Treasure Valley where we arrived as the sun was setting on another day and muscle cramping and exhaustion was setting in.

Why, you might ask, do we do this? It has been over a week since we returned and most of the team is still experiencing GTR2016 withdrawals. We see each other at a community or church event and we talk about the relay. We post pictures and share finish times (28 hours 20 minutes) on social media. We miss each other and we miss the experience. There is something magical about sharing difficulties with others. Those experiences forge friendships that last. We celebrate life by pushing our bodies to do difficult things and then experience the miracle of recovery. We learn that discomfort can be endured and joy can be found even during misery.

Why, you might ask, do we do this?

Because we can!

Sasquatch Impersonating!

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!

Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Mental Trick to Run Beyond Your Goal for Beginners

Choose a landmark and then run past it.

This mental trick will help you run beyond your goal. It's especially helpful to new or beginning runners. I use it to keep me moving when I want to quit. I’ve taught it to my middle school cross country runners and it works for them, too. When I am on a run I choose a landmark and plan to run to that mark before taking a walking break and I give myself permission to rest when I reach the goal. The landmark may be a crossroad or a driveway or mailbox. Rural running offers fields, canals and ditch banks, even a tractor parked in the field that can be used as landmarks. 

Here is the mental trick.

I force myself to run beyond the landmark – even if it’s only a few steps. If I have chosen a crossroads or corner as my goal, I run around the corner for five to ten strides. I often find, however, that I can keep going because I have endured through the difficult part of my run. Perhaps the scenery has changed and I want to keep going or my perspective has changed. Sometimes I've controlled my breathing or the discomfort in my calf has moved to another part of my body. I may have reached a downhill slope on the course and running is suddenly easier. Whatever the reason, I usually find that I have endured a difficult stretch and I can now run farther.

Try this:

On your next run pick a stopping point and then run past it. You may choose a telephone pole, a driveway, or a crossroad as a point for a rest. Just look ahead and decide, “I can run to that point. Then I get to take a break.” In the meantime, determine to always run past the stopping point. You might choose to turn the corner, run up the driveway, or run to the next telephone pole. Force yourself to run beyond the landmark – even if it’s only a few steps. Going a little farther will help you grow confidence and increase your physical endurance.

Whether you are a beginning runner or a seasoned competitor, this mental trick can help you in other parts of your life. If you think you can’t keep going through one of life's challenges, find a point to allow yourself a rest and then turn the corner, endure for another day, exercise patience one more time. Hang in there a little longer than you thought you could and things might get easier!

Do you have a mental trick that helps keep you moving? Please share it in the comments below.

Happy Running!
- Carol aka Running Granny Green
Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!

Running to Increase Physical Endurance on the Ski Hill

Running increases physical endurance. This increased endurance will benefit many aspects of your life by improving your ability to maintain activity and delay fatigue. Think of your favorite pastimes. From water-skiing and snow skiing to baking with the grandkids and hiking a mountain trail, your favorite hobbies will benefit from regular running. Fatigue is an enemy to us all. It can stop our fun or stop us in our tracks. Increased physical endurance gained through running will manifest itself in your ability to walk farther, play longer, and enjoy everyday activities more fully.

My favorite ski buddy!

I run to ski. I belong to a family of skiers and it appears that we will be skiing for a long time. The grandkids are embracing the sport and I want to be able to enjoy it with them for a long time.

When performed well, snow skiing appears effortless. It is not. While it requires strength in the lower body, skiing isn’t all about the legs. In fact, much of skiing is about endurance and a lot about technique. When I get tired my technique worsens. Fatigue brings on bad habits. Bad ski habits bring on danger and the opportunity for injury. (Read about one such experience HERE.) I have discovered that the more I run, the longer I can ski without fatigue. The longer I ski, the more I improve my technique and the less likely I am to experience an injury. The longer I can remain injury free, the longer I will be able to enjoy skiing with my grandchildren.

My skiing family!

Snow skiing is just one of my motivators for running to increase physical endurance. It's only one, but I think it's a pretty good reason. On days when it seems too difficult to lace up my shoes and get out the door, I can remind myself that I run to ski with my family and that may be all the motivation I need.

How has running helped you increase physical endurance? I would like to hear about it in the comments below.

Happy Running!
- Carol aka Running Granny Green
Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!

Running to Increase Physical Endurance

Running increases physical endurance. This increased endurance will benefit many aspects of your life by improving your ability to maintain activity and delay fatigue. Running may prove so enjoyable to some that it is motivation enough. However, many of us need more reasons to run than the satisfaction we feel during the run. I know I do! Whether you need to improve your endurance for everyday activities or a back packing trip with your family, running can help. Think of your favorite pastimes. From water-skiing and snow skiing to baking with the grandkids and hiking a mountain trail, your favorite hobbies will benefit from regular running. Fatigue is an enemy to us all. It can stop our fun or stop us in our tracks. Increased physical endurance gained through running will manifest itself in your ability to walk farther, play longer, and enjoy everyday activities more fully.

Benefits of Increased Physical Endurance in Daily Life

Housework? Yard work? Shopping? Laundry? Do you experience fatigue or exhaustion after a full day of any of these activities? Would they be more enjoyable if you did not feel worn out when completed? Would the anticipation of a full day of physical work be better received If it did not hold promise of the need for recovery?

Regular running, or any other sustained physical exertion, will result in an increase of stamina and physical endurance making everyday activities more achievable and more enjoyable. I have watched peers struggle to rise from a sofa and avoid a stroll through the park because they did not have the strength nor the stamina to perform the tasks.

Begin running now to increase your ability to enjoy daily life.

Benefits or Increased Physical Endurance in Leisure Pursuits

Think of your favorite pastimes. From water-skiing and snow skiing to baking with the grandkids and hiking a mountain trail, your favorite hobbies will benefit from regular running. The increased physical endurance will be most evident when engaging in physically taxing activities. I've experienced it myself and I've had reports from others who noticed improved strength and stamina, not during a run or workout, but while carving large S shapes in the water behind a ski boat or hiking with their family.

Whatever your favorite pastimes, they will benefit from increased physical endurance.
Running to Increase Physical Endurance on the Ski Hill

Benefits of Increased Physical Endurance for Longevity

Why do we stop doing things we love as we age? Do they become too difficult? Do they require more energy than we feel we can expend? Is it simply a mind set?

What if I said you don't have to stop doing what you love - at least not as soon as you might think? What if those things did not have to become too difficult and you could have enough energy to continue. What if it isn't just a mind set?

I'm not pitching a miracle diet or pill. What I am suggesting is that if you do something difficult on purpose, such as running regularly, you can enjoy life a little longer? Why is this important to me? I intend to be an octogenarian. I come from a long line of octogenarians. It's in my genes. I also have stroke, Type II Diabetes, and heart disease as hereditary risk factors. The way I see it, if I am going to be eighty-something, or even ninety-something I would like to keep my faculties as long as I can. And so ... I run.

What better motivation than to know you are doing something that may prolong your life and make it more enjoyable along the way? I'm a granny and its the best job I've ever had! I want to enjoy it for many years to come! And so ... I run.

Why do you run? Please share your motivation tips in the comments below.

Happy Running!
- Carol aka Running Granny Green
Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!