I lately wrote an article concerning the bizarre quicks all runners do, however whereas I used to be operating Hood to Coast, I spotted that relay runners are even quirkier. They’re a particular breed with fascinating rituals, data, and obsessions.
I polled my fellow relay runners to assist provide you with this checklist.
1. Honey Buckets –
Relay runners have an incredible appreciation for the port-a-potty. We use them so much. Generally they’re clear. Generally they’re greater than disgusting – however we’ll use them and recognize the truth that they’re round.
2. They know easy methods to pack –
Regardless that relay runners trip round in big 15 passenger vans, area is a worthwhile commodity. The relay runner is aware of easy methods to cram an infinite quantity of drugs into one bag. We now have outfits for every leg and the end line, further sneakers, sunscreen, first support kits – with Advil and Aleve galore, meals, further shoelaces, etcetera.
3. They wish to put on costumes –
Some relay runners get pleasure from operating in a fancy dress. I admit that the concept of operating in a single seems like a sure type of torture, however I do get pleasure from seeing them on the course. I’ve seen unicorns, Napoleon Dynamites, Baywatch lifeguards, and plenty of others.
That mentioned, I’ll proudly put on a banana swimsuit at exchanges.
4. Child wipes –
We use them to scrub our our bodies – faces, armpits, toes – you get the concept. After operating for days with out entry to a bathe, child wipes hold your van mates from spraying you with Febreze.
5. Security pins –
Relay runners, and even people who run plenty of races, stockpile security pins. Throughout final 12 months’s Hood to Coast, our van didn’t get sufficient security pins to accommodate everybody’s bibs. Sharing bibs shouldn’t be enjoyable. Now we’ve got luggage of pins we take with us, they usually all the time turn out to be useful. You may pin up decorations, repair clothes or sneakers with them, or dangle issues from the seats with them.
6. Severe about outfits –
Whereas runners are inclined to take care when choosing out any race outfit, relayers want to contemplate the climate for not only one morning race, however three runs at completely different occasions of the day and over two days. It takes some cautious climate checking and consideration to select an outfit that may hold you comfy in no matter circumstances you can be operating.
7. Meals –
Relay runners even have bizarre meals necessities. I do know for me, I’ve to have a field of Rooster in a Biscuit crackers. Others I do know all the time have a bundle of Oreos, selfmade peanut butter Rice Krispie treats, or a container of salami and cheese, or fruit.
The meals we pack for a relay virtually turns into a superstitious obsession. Sure, these crackers make me really feel wonderful after a run. They’re salty and carblicious.
8. Kolsch – or the post-run beer –
Disclaimer right here: Hood to Coast frowns on consuming alongside the course. I’ve seen groups hanging round their van slurping up PBR, however that’s their enterprise.
Nevertheless, throughout different relays – my pals and I’ve loved a post-run beer. Our favourite is Pelican’s Kolsch. It’s recent, creamy, and has a slight citrus taste. It’s the proper post-run leisure system.
Is it good to have an ice-cold beer proper after you run within the sizzling solar for 7 miles? Completely!
9. They know easy methods to keep cool –
Relay runners have staying cool right down to a T. We help different runners alongside the route by spraying them with tremendous soakers. We assist our runners by assembly them on the course midway by way of their run and handing them a chilly Gatorade, Slushie, or pouring ice water over their head as they run previous.
My all-time favourite cooling technique has bought to be when it’s particularly sizzling outdoors, and my workforce meets me with a cup stuffed with ice so as to add to my sports activities bra. Now that’s workforce help.
10. Power from nowhere –
It appears loopy to have the ability to end three difficult runs in a 24 to 30-hour time-frame with VERY little sleep. Nevertheless, someway relay runners can pull vitality from completely nowhere to get issues executed.
11. They know easy methods to tape nearly any harm –
Drive handed any relay course and you will note a myriad of runners sporting all completely different colours and designs of KT or Rock tape. We are able to tape on the fly. We are able to tape with our our bodies folded in half behind a van. Do you’ve gotten an ache, ache, or pressure? We all know easy methods to tape that factor so you may get your legs completed.
12. They know easy methods to sleep wherever –
I’ve a tough time shutting down my pleasure throughout a relay and getting some good sleep. Often, although, after my second leg, I’m so drained I can sleep wherever. That’s proper – stretched out on a van seat with a seat belt sticking into my again. Sitting up with my brow pressed towards the headrest in entrance of me – drool sliding down my chin. Generally I even discover myself nodding off standing up.
13. Hatred of seat belts – they could be a actual ache within the tush –
Talking of seat belts digging into your again – relay runners have an actual dislike of these seat belts. They’re nice for saving lives, however if you find yourself attempting to sleep, they could be a actual ache within the tush.
14. They know easy methods to change garments wherever –
Relay runners have a knack for altering their garments wherever they will. Be that behind a van, behind a held up blanket, or in a Honey Bucket.
15. Absolute lack of filter –
There comes some extent throughout each relay when the filter drops. It depends upon the persona relating to how lengthy that takes, however the conversations can go from banal to ‘eewww, gross!’ very quickly.
I hope you discovered these humorous and relatable. You probably have some other bizarre relay runner quirks, I’d love to listen to them.
