Intimidated and Intrigues At the Same Time

I'm intimidated by the whole idea, but very intrigued.

Can someone soothe my nerves and tell me about how fun this is?

If the idea of this race intrigues you, then you've got what it takes (that is, a sense of adventure). The rule of thumb around here is, if you're properly trained for a 10K, you can handle some of the easier legs on a recreational team. Half-marathon-trained gets you one of the harder positions on a recreational team, and marathon-trained is required for a competitive and/or ultra team.

But really, a sense of adventure will be the biggest requirement.

Do it. If it even sounds remotely intriguing to you, then you will love it. Find a fun team and you will have a blast.

This race is a total blast. Running on no sleep, running in the rain, spending 36+ hours with other smelly people, eating lots of junk food- what could be better?!?

The most important part of the race is being on a compatible team. You spend a LOT of time with the people in your van, and if you don't get along, it can be tough. Especially when people are tired and sore, and it's the middle of the night. It's really important that everyone have the same goal, especially if you are not trying to be competitive. Just one person not playing the same game can create some friction.

As for training, the better trained you are the better you'll be able to handle the running, but there are plenty of legs that have shorter and not as difficult, so you definitely don't need to be in marathon shape.

This year will be my third year, and it's the highlight of my running year by far. I'm already excited!

Alison

If you enjoy running and enjoy the company of other people. You will enjoy RTB. Unless you get in with a team that has a few folks that don't meet those prerequisites (in this case start drinking early). You will find most everyone is there to have two days of fun and friendly competition. The if you are joining a group that you do not know very well be sure that everyone is clear on expectations, that an a good Captain you'll have a great recipe for rewarding RTB experience.

This run is so much fun that you'll be planning next year's run on the way home. I was the 12th person replacement runner on the team two years ago and joined just before the cut off. (No time to think about what I was getting into.) This year I'm the team's captain. Not bad for a replacement runner.

As others have said much depends on the composition of the team.

Have a great time.

Elaine