Lynn Woods 10 Mile Relay

On Tuesday afternoon, I got a text from my friend Jeff that he had lost a member of his team that was running a 4x2.5 mile relay at the Lynn Woods reservation on Wednesday night. I wasn't aware there was such a race, but it sounded like fun, so I agreed to fill in. I held back a little because I was worried about getting hurt - not something you really want to chance this far along in marathon training. The last time I ran trails was almost thirty years ago in the Marine Corps, and I had a vision of dodging roots, stones and branches. At least this time I wouldn't have to do it wearing boots and carrying a rifle.

Jeff assured me it wasn't that bad, and for the most part it wasn't. There's one part called the "goat path" that is a short climb straight uphill over roots and rocks, but other than that it's mostly about dodging rocks on the path. The path itself is more an old dirt road.

I ran the second leg on the team, and I was happy I was able to run it in 19:42 at slightly less than an 8 minute mile pace.

Our team didn't place (we competed in the "senior men's" division - even older than the "master's" division. Ouch.) but the whole event was a lot of fun with a great atmosphere. About 100 teams competed, so at any time there were 100 runners on the course and 300 hanging around the start line cheering on teammates. 

One of the nice things I like about running (and this it shares with Irish music) is the way it brings together people of a variety of different ages. Just like the Danvers 5k, this race featured runners from high school age to those in their 70's. I hope to do it again next year.