Yesterday I got a Google messenger message from Melissa that intrigued me so much that I ended up e-mailing someone I’ve never met and asking them if they’d be interested in having me join them for a 200 mile running relay in Utah. Now, about 24 hours after sending that e-mail, I’m feeling as anxious and nervous as a comically desperate and overdramatic woman at a rose ceremony on The Bachelor. (Yes, I’m aware that my man card is receiving several demerits for that comparison, but I feel that’s a pretty fitting one at this point).

So here’s some back story for you:

Last year I had one of the most enjoyable/hectic 36-hour periods of my life when Melissa and I joined Kevin and Sarah (big bro and his wife) for the Madison to Chicago 200 mile relay. Think 11 people, two minivans, mass junk food and electrolyte beverages, gallons of sweat, humidity, short shorts and lots of “wicking” shirts.

It was only minutes after finishing that talk was circulating among at least a segment of our group about re-convening to do it again next year. It was never even a question for Melissa and I, this was simply too much fun not to do again.

And I’ve had the date saved on my Google calendar since. Unfortunately, as it seems to do more often than not these days, work got in the way and I have now have an unavoidable obligation that weekend, so it’s a no go. FML. Fortunately, Melissa has found a group of friends to join and will be heading back. YAY!

Then, out of the blue, Melissa sent me the aforementioned Google messenger message telling me that on the Ragnar Relay website there was a group listed as “looking for a runner” that was doing the Wasatch Back event. A quick perusal of the event on the website and I got giddy when I saw that the relay was on my one free weekend in June. So I immediately created an account so that I could contact the team captain of the “Family Friends and Fools” team and I let him know of my interest.

While I got into running in large part as a competitive outlet, I try to never let that aspect of it get in the way of a good adventure and meeting all the other cool, interesting people that share the passion. I can hardly think of a better way to have one hell of an adventure and meet some cool people than to join 10 strangers and spend 36 hours crammed in minivans to cover 200 miles with them.