26 | September | 2011 | The Runner's Plate

Running relays are so much fun!

If you have never run a relay, you definitely need to!! Even my husband—who is not much of a runner—enjoyed himself!

Team: Snot Rockets

(L-R: Greg, Katie, me (Michelle), and Craig)

On Saturday, Craig and I drove down to Kenai, Alaska to run the Kenai River Marathon Relay.

It was a gorgeous drive down there, but there is NO green left on our trees here. And with a temperature of 35* this morning, it reminds me winter is all too close!

The race started Sunday morning at the Kenai Visitor’s Center.

There were 4 people on our relay team, working together to run 26.2 miles.

Even Craig committed to running a leg! I don’t think he knew what he was getting himself into!

Greg was our first runner, running 5.7 miles.

We are pretty sure this was the smallest marathon ever! There was maybe 40 people at the start of the marathon and marathon relay!

It was chilly at the start—only about 40*!

Ha! I love this photo of Greg. It looks like he is waving to all his fans!!

We stopped at various places during Greg’s leg to cheer him on.

He average about 8-minute miles, which was awesome considering he hadn’t trained much!

Then it was time for Craig to get ready to run.

I don’t think that excited face lasted too long after he started running.

It was a gorgeous fall day. . . . crystal clear and beautiful scenes of the mountains in the background.

Waiting for Greg to finish.

Then it was Craig’s turn to run.

Craig actually ran the 2nd longest leg at 6.7 miles!! Go Babe!

The classic thumbs up and open-mouth smile pose.

Here he comes!

I ran with Craig for a little while to give him a pep talking. I could see he was struggling, and he still had 3+ miles to go.

Almost done!

Hand off to me.

And I’m off!

Woo! Hoo!! You finished, Craig!!

And still smiling after he was done?!?! That’s always a good thing!

He should be smiling. . . he ran the ENTIRE way without stopping! With absolutely zero training! I’m impressed!

This is me at the beginning of my 6.5 mile leg with a beautiful view of the mountain in the background!

Through the tunnel.

I felt pretty strong during my entire leg. I averaged about 7:20 minute miles.

I think this distance is my best distance. . . . something around a 10K.

Then it was time to hand-off to our 4th and final runner: Katie.

Katie ran 7.3 miles and is a Boston Marathon finisher!

She got a whole bunch of “kills” (i.e. runners she overtook)!

Going strong the whole way!

Finish line. . . .

Overall, our team’s time was 3:44.

I am so glad Craig ran with us! It was great sharing in the same hobby!

After a shower and getting warm, dry clothes on, we went to St. Elias Brewery to get some grub.

Pizza stone oven. I loved watching them make the pizzas!

Fun, eclectic decor.

Craig and I split The Farmer’s Cobb salad, which was HUGE. I totally forgot to get a picture.

We also split a Hawaiian pizza with caramelized onions.

Both the salad and pizza were very delicious! Some of the best food in this area of the state.

Good times with friends!

We had a couple of “only in Alaska moments” during our trip.

When I was pulling into a parking spot to pick up our bibs, I heard my car hit something and immediately thought I hit the curb. When I stepped out of my car, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw this huge moose bone laying on the ground!