Gates Place: Mitacek Madness - River to River Relay Part 2

There were eight runners to a team - each runner had three segments. So after Joe (runner 8) finished, we were back to runner 1 and on to Round 2 of 3. I didn't get any pictures of Rob and I running - since he passed the baton to me, I was mostly warming up for my run instead of taking pictures. Rob's second leg was rated HARD; it had a lot of hills and was mostly on gravel (dusty) - but with beautiful views.

At this point in the game, we were ahead of schedule. We had produced a spreadsheet that told us what time we needed to pass each transition in order to get to the finish line on time. Abby and I were looking at our legs and were wondering if we should switch to save a minute or two. In looking at the legs ahead, Brian's leg 14 was rated an "easy". So, we also got him into the conversation. He was willing to take Abby's moderate leg, I stuck with the second runner (a moderate leg), and Abby took Brian's leg. Abby and I got the last laugh...we both avoided this "moderate" monster hill into Goreville...thank goodness...thanks Brian!

Brian was a champ - he already had two hard legs, and took this moderate in stride!

This transition was a fun one with music and a quilt of old R2R t-shirts.

Brian then handed the baton to Alex…and Alex to Sarah.

It was at this point we finally caught up with the Angry Beavers! (This was one of the teams we were hoping to make a deal with to get an earlier start time).

The Soul Sisters were probably the best dressed that we saw, and had a lot of support along the way! In the end, it turns out Aunt Linda knew one of them.

Much of the day was spent transitioning in the van…and finding a parking spot. Joe & Rob were the expert drivers – he did awesome! The transitions all went by so quickly.

Sarah did great on her second leg...the "moderate" rating was a bit better than her first "hard" leg!

…Sarah then passed the baton to Abby for her “easier” leg (HA! Nothing was easy on this course!).

After her grueling first leg, I think Abby was much happier the second time around - she did great!

Abby then passed the baton to Beth who rocked her leg; at this transition, we were near the Tunnel Hill bike trail – and adventure for another day.

Beth then passed the baton to Joe – who brought the second rotation in strong. It was warmer at this point...and we were all getting tired. We knew we needed to change things up some to finish in time – so the musical chairs began!