Even though I’ve had a few days to recover from being a member of #TeamPumpedUpKicks from Reach The Beach, I’m still wrapping my head around the event.
It was a whirlwind trip with a ton of experiences and I’ve found that it’s been exceptionally difficult to get the words together so today, I’ll share the 12 lessons I learned overall and I’ll recap the relay itself tomorrow.
1. New Balance really is all about quality:
- From being the only major athletic shoe company that manufactures athletic footwear in the US –
- To every aspect of product development, quality control and design innovation
In the Design Lab, the Smash Lab and a pair of track shoes for USA Track & Field Star, Kim Conley.
- To treating their Media team like royalty:
I’m a dork. I’ve never had someone hold up a sign to pick me up at the airport.
2. Boston is all heart. You fall in love with Boston – even if you’re there for less than 24 hours.
3. Proper running shoes (that just happen to be cute) makes running #allthemiles a little bit easier.
Duran Duran bling optional for some, essential for others.
4. Cell service is everything: Social media > GPS. Shoddy service makes people (read: me) stabby.
5. Sleep deprived runners can be transformed into human beings with food and coffee (or hot chocolate).
6. Vanmate encouragement should be bottled as Super Hero Juice – it can make someone conquer fears of altitude, distance and the elements.
Marissa@BarefootColorado killed beastly hills and still managed to smile. Incredible! Image: Melissa@SoTheseAreMyThirties.
7. New Hampshire is incredibly picturesque – but also very hilly.
…and you sleep whenever you can.
8. This is “Pimp My Ride” Relay style.
9. Gear: You will always pack too much, Night Glow Yellow is fashionable and you will walk around like this in public because you just don’t care:
10. Must haves: Ziploc Plastic Bags, Action Wipes, Skratch Hydration (affiliate link), Pretzels, Aquaphor and BarkThins.
I love this hydration mix. Flavor without sweetness. Thank you Kia Ruiz for letting me try some during Ragnar SoCal.
12. You can go from a beach in New Hampshire, to the airport in Boston, to a bed in LA in less than 12 hours and survive.
12. 2 vans, 12 people and 207 miles of a relay can turn running into a team sport (inspired by the words of Sandra@OrganicRunnerMom).
A happy but tired Team Pumped Up Kicks at the Finish Line in Hampton Beach.
…and after all is said and done, I’d still do it all over again.
Disclosure: While New Balance did sponsor me for this relay, providing travel/lodging, gear and race registration, this is not a sponsored post. I did not receive monetary compensation and I am not obligated to write this post. All opinions expressed here are my own.
I have to agree with all the lessons learned! Some were harder then others but yes, the power of your teammates should absolutely be bottled. It will definitely be remembered! xoxo
it was super fun watching from the sidelines! It looked like an awesome trip, I can’t believe how much travelling you did!
Love this. Running is a team sport. Can’t wait to be on yours again! Love the Super Hero juice, so true. And the food one. Oh, and the no cell service one. I was totally stalking you all weekend and wish u had better cell service.
I am so impressed you made that trip, killed the race & flew on back home in a weekend! It looked like an amazing time, it was so much fun living vicariously through you guys on social media!
You (all) rock, that’s all I can say. I’m exhausted just reading this, but am so impressed with what you’ve done, MB!! (Even though you–or New Balance?–have song-poisoned me with that damn Fixx album. Good thing I like it!) XO
What a great weekend! Can’t wait to read the full recap!
Love this. You all rock and are amazing. And I can’t believe you made it home that same day. Nutso.
Miss you all already!!
So amazing Melissa! Looks like such a great time! And I agree, Boston is great! Congrats to you all for doing such an awesome job!
Melissa you know I live through you and all your fun races ! One day I want to do something like this with you ! I am so glad our beloved DD brought us together … Love u
I really didn’t think I’d ever do it all over again but I swear by Sunday I was ready to sign up for next year! It was great to meet you and I loved reading this post especially the shoutout to my fave AQUAPHOR! 😉
I’m so glad you had such a wonderful experience. Reach the Beach seems like such an amazing race and I loved following you guys throughout the weekend. Congrats! xo
I definitely did some serious traveling. I was impressed that I got everything into one carry on bag, to be honest. Next time, you NEED to be a part of this experience. I say next time because I’m pretty sure that I’ll be doing a relay again but I can’t speak for the others on my team.
I hope your training is going well. You seem like you’re loving it and that makes me smile big!
You were always the person who made me believe that I could do a relay in the first place and I’ll never forget that! I look forward to Round #2 with you as well.
Oh the lack of cell service was ridiculous! BTW, our van got hit. I have bad van karma.
It was quite an experience. It isn’t for everyone but for someone like me (with a back injury), it’s great. Glad you were following along (likely not with me due to my shoddy cell service). It was definitely a fun, fun time though. Next time, you need to join us!
Thank you, my friend! You and I might be the only ones for whom RTB has double meaning.
It’s coming….eventually. This is a course you’d probably love and would decimate. It was tough but very pretty.
That’s me. Ms. Nutso (or Anxiety Ridden Nut Case as I’m sure the NB team and my Van would likely confirm). It was quite a ride…and run and ride again and fly and collapse. Would you do it again?
Trying to get over my post race withdrawal. You and the other Van 2 peeps definitely made this a memorable experience!
Thanks lady! I hope your Babymoon was a wonderful time as well. I think I would have switched places with you if given the chance.
Right back at you, girlfriend! If you are serious about doing a relay, lmk! I have a potential one being planned as we speak.
LOL! Caitlin, you cracked me up during this race. I think you should be wicked proud of what you accomplished out there. I know you didn’t think you could do it but you did and did it well! You’re one smart cookie and I’m glad I got the chance to get to know you. Let’s stay in touch and I hope to read that you’re signed up for Relay #2 soon!
#TeamAquaphor!
It was definitely an experience (not like signing up to do a race while on vacation in Hawaii wasn’t an experience either, RockStarWoman!). Thanks for following along. Your ears must have been ringing because we (Allie, Lorraine and I) were singing your praises. Hope to see you sometime soon!