I’m still recovering from the totally epic race this past weekend, the Lake Tahoe Relay. The first year we had a team together was 2007 and we have managed to do it almost every year since. The DeCelle Memorial Lake Tahoe Relay is the oldest distance relay in the country and this was the 51st year. I hope that it continues on for a very long time, because it is by far one of my favorite races of the year.

So, what makes it so amazing? First of all, just being outside in Lake Tahoe is gorgeous no matter what the weather. But on top of that, running around the circumference of the Lake is a truly beautiful thing. Combine that with spending the day with amazingly supportive and inspirational people, and you have a recipe for a day that just can’t be beat.

A few of us at the start, bright and early!

The seven person relay starts at 7:00 am in South Lake Tahoe and travels the 72 miles around the Lake. With a team of seven, each team member runs about 10 miles, give or take a few. The legs range from downhill to flat to rolling to steady, long climbs. There is something for everyone. The leg that I have run year after year is leg #3, which travels from Spooner summit North to Incline Village. The net elevation change is a decline, which can leave your toes and shins screaming. Pretty sure I am going to lose a few toenails…I am hoping that they simmer down before my half marathon on Saturday (which is less than two days away now, eek). I ain’t got no time for soreness! Oh well. It was a great day and I averaged a 9:25 minute per mile pace, which is about 30 seconds faster per mile than I was aiming for.

I annoyed my teammates all day long and took video of our adventure around the Lake. Take a look for yourself and put this race on your list for future events. You won’t regret it!