Hi I have done this a few times and am a running coach. The key to this race is recovery. Nutrition is key. Make certain you are drinking a good mix of water and electrolyte between your runs. Make sure your body knows how to handle this before the week of the relay. So practice that mix starting now, especially on your long runs. You do not want to find out on relay day that gatorade makes you sick and/or you have not been practicing with it and you are trying to catch up with hydration you should of already had prior to race day. You also need to eat real food between your runs. a good mix of protein and carbs with a little more salt in the mix. Turkey sandwiches, peanut butter and bagels, peanut butter and jelly, pretzels, trial mix, etc. Again you do not want to find out race day that you cannot stomach this. Try to do a couple of trial runs where you complete a 5 miler in the morning and then another 3-5 in the evening and see how you feel. I am not recomending this as everyday race training plan from here on out, but trying a couple of days between now and race week can provide some clues.

 

Every van should have a foam roller and instructions on how to use it properly. A massage therapist works well in your van as well....maybe someone in your van should just get certified before race day (okay kidding on the last comment, but geez wouldn't that be awesome??).

 

So bottom line, keep hydrated with water, electrolyte and saltier foods and have a foam roller and good runners stretching plan on hand. Make some sandwiches before the race starts, have a bag of pretzels and trail mix..... and hope for the best. This is the best part of the relay.....an entirely new race logistic challenge. At the end of the day remember....everyone is unique and requires a certian equation. Overall, do not stress about it way too much. Have fun and do not over analyze it. Mentally you will find that it will fall into place if you are relaxed.

 

Hope this helps!!!!

-Lori

 

PS- I forgot the most important thing..... you may or may not sleep that falls into place on race day. Just remember, if you are crabby ... DO NOT take it out on your teammates this is supposed to be fun!