Running Doesn't Have to be a Solo Sport

I took up running a long time ago for the simple reason that I didn’t have to join a gym to do it and all the equipment I needed was a pair of running shoes.  The other aspect I enjoyed at the time was that I didn’t have to be part of a team to participate.  Running as far as I was concerned was a solo sport.  Today it seems like a truism that all people believe.  I agree that training to run is a solo sport.  Most races I have participated over the years from the 5K all the way up to the marathon were solo efforts. But anyone who’s tried out the sport with a fellow runner knows the numerous benefits associated with hitting the pavement as part of a group.

My first experience running with others was when I was training for my first marathon back in 2000.  I did all of my long runs with my brother Boyd and his friend Greg.  I found that knowing that others were counting on me to help push them to complete the training run made me more accountable.  It also pushed me to new levels in return.  The other major benefit was the social aspect of the group run which helped take our minds off of the physical exertion, allowing us to push harder than we might have if we were running on our own.  Long runs are easier when you are running with others period!  I enjoyed training with my brother but I still had not found a team environment as a runner. 

I did run as part of the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge Team in 2009 and 2012.  My training for both of those marathons was all done on my own.  What I found running as part of the DFMC was that on race day I had a lot of support out on the course.  If one of the other DFMC runners saw my singlet, they always shouted words of encouragement.  I am convinced that I never could have set my marathon PR or finished the race in the heat of 2012 without the crowd and my fellow teammates out there to cheer me on. It’s amazing what happens when you see someone you know.  When I recognize someone on the course, I completely forget about my pain and I pick up the pace.  I also catch myself grinning as I approach them.   No matter the pain seeing them helps push me onward.

Finally I found the ideal mix of solo effort and true team effort in road racing when I found adventure racing or long distance relay races.  These races allow weekend warriors like me to participate in a team sport that involves running.  I am not talking about track teams.  The days of participating as part of my school’s track team are long gone.  Since I don’t consider myself a senior citizen, I am not planning to join any master’s track team.  Instead I have become a huge fan of adventure racing.

If you aren’t familiar with what I am talking about, let me explain.  These races are 200 mile +/- distances run over a 30 hour period.  In my opinion they are the greatest and most exhilarating road race ever invented.   It combines team camaraderie with an insane challenge.  You have the chance to run in beautiful areas all while you are exhausted from the effort and lack of sleep.  You have to run 3 legs of varying distances all during a 30 hour period.   When I talk about these races, my non-running friends question my sanity.  But I tell them that these are my favorite races even when I am out there and wonder if I will be able to run one more step.

I have had the chance to run several adventure races over the past few years.  I have run the Reach the Beach in New Hampshire, MassDash in Massachusetts and last year I ran the Green Mountain Relay in Vermont.  The Green Mountain was by far my favorite course.  The scenery was unbelievable and actually distracted us enough that we didn’t even notice how tired we were out there on our final legs.  The last two races were as part of the MustDash team.  It is made up of friends from Staples and my theater family.  It has reinvigorated my running knowing that I am going to get a chance to go back to Massachusetts to run with this team again in the Cape Cod Relay.

Adventure races are truly a team sport.  There are two vans with six runners in each van.  Each van is responsible for supporting its runners.  This includes providing them water along the route.  But more importantly they are there to encourage the runners.  I can’t tell you how much it helps when you are running down a dark road in the middle of the night to have your teammates pull alongside you to shout words of encouragement.  When you arrive at the transition areas they are there to greet you.  It really makes the race a lot more fun.  I have found that when we reach the finish line and cross it as a team all I can remember is the way our team came together and helped each other get through the pain and effort and that I feel truly alive.

What is really interesting about these races is that you still have your solo runs and you are focused on hitting your paces to help the team reach their overall goal.  But once you complete your leg, you become one of the supporters.  I find that the race is the perfect mix of individual achievement and team success.  There is no other type of road race that provides you this mix.  I think this is why there are so many adventure races across the country.  It is challenging but fun at the same time.

I have been training hard for the Cape Cod Relay.  Our team finished the Green Mountain Relay in 30 hours.  I would really like to see us break the 30 hour mark.  We have some new runners joining our team for this race.  It will be us veteran racers responsibility to help them along the way.  For the first time in my adventure race career will be running the final leg.  I cannot wait to get to the finish line area where I will be joined by all of my teammates to run across the finish line together.  I will be taxed on my legs but I know that my team will be there to support me.  I plan to do the same for the other five runners.  If we all pull together I am sure that we can break the 30 hour goal. 

Mar. 18 – 6.20 miles (57:21, 9:14 pace)

Mar. 19 – 3.20 miles (24:22, 7:37 pace) – Speed Work
Mar. 20 – 5.10 miles (41:33, 8:09 pace) – Tempo Run
Mar. 22 – 5.10 miles (48:57, 9:41 pace)
Mar. 23 – 7.20 miles (1:02:17, 8:42 pace)
Mar. 24 – 6.20 miles (55:22, 8:57 pace)
Mar. 25 – 6.50 miles (58:40, 9:02 pace)
Mar. 26 – 3.20 miles (25:28, 7:58 pace) – Speed Work
Mar. 28 – 6.30 miles (54:13, 8:36 pace)
Mar. 29 – 5.20 miles (41:31, 7:59 pace) – Tempo Run
Mar. 30 – 6.20 miles (53:45, 8:42 pace)
Mar. 31 – 7.20 miles (1:03:39, 8:49 pace)
Apr. 1 – 5.20 miles (46:26, 8:57 pace)
Apr. 2 – 4.20 miles (30:52, 7:21 pace) – Speed Work
Apr. 4 – 5.20 miles (41:36, 8:00 pace) – Tempo Run
Apr. 5 – 6.20 miles (55:15, 8:55 pace)
Apr. 6 – 7.50 miles (1:06:08, 8:49 pace)
Apr. 7 – 8.20 miles (1:11:30, 8:42 pace)
Apr. 8 – 6.20 miles (56:59, 9:14 pace)
Apr. 9 – 3.20 miles (25:05, 7:50 pace) – Speed Work
Apr. 11 – 5.10 miles (46:18, 9:05 pace)
Apr. 12 – 5.60 miles (50:20, 9:00 pace)
Apr. 13 – 10.40 miles (1:35:13, 9:09 pace)
Apr. 14 – 8.20 miles (1:11:47, 8:45 pace)

Total Miles: 142.8 miles

2013 Total Miles: 550.3 miles