The past two nights we’ve been treated with Pace Runners here in Colorado. It is amazing how energizing it is to have new and enthusiastic faces milling about in running gear at exchange points. The time usually drags on during the night shift, as we spend our time between running segments flipping through radio stations and resting; however, the past two night shifts have flown by as we’ve made new friends and had companions to chat with during our runs.

Throughout the US, anyone can join us as a Pace Runner for a 10-mile segment, so long as they donate $100 or more. This is not only a great idea in terms of fundraising, allowing potential donors to actually become a part of BPR, but also in terms of boosting the morale and energy level of the runners.

Two nights ago I had Catherine join me for my leg from midnight to 1:30am. When she signed up to run the leg, I don’t think she quite realized that she was committing to run one of the hardest legs of the entire BPR. The exchange point where we met up with Catherine was 3.5 miles from the summit of Loveland Pass, which is one of the highest paved roads in the US and reaches its summit at an elevation of 11,990 feet. Although Sunil was carrying the baton up a large portion of the pass, Catherine and I would be completing the steepest section while dealing with the oxygen-poor air, following it up with a steep descent in the dark. Although we couldn’t chat much between our panting on the uphill, it was just so great to have someone else there to non-verbally commiserate with on the climb. Thanks again for coming!

The following night I was slated to run last (1:30-3am) and was a bit worried about keeping my motivation high. I ended up having one of the best runs I’ve had in weeks, in large part due to the company of another pace runner. Steve showed up at the exchange point, along with some fellow training partners of the Runner’s Edge group, and was quick to share his enthusiasm and pizza leftover from dinner. Although the ham and pineapple was critical to my performance, I’m pretty sure Steve’s positive energy was even more helpful that night. I have been running with a nagging sore calf / shin for the past 3 weeks, but last night was the best it has felt since China and it helped to have Steve running at my side, helping me push the pace a bit through the second half of the run.

Thanks to both Catherine and Steve for making the huge effort to come and join BPR in the middle of the night! If you are interested in joining BPR for a leg, it is an amazing way to experience it first hand, and it is easy to sign up at: http://blueplanetrun.org/runwithus.