I Wanna Run Hood to Coast!
| June 15, 2011 | Posted by Lauren under Running |
When I saw that Nuun was putting together an all female blogger team for this summer’s Hood to Coast Relay, I knew I had to apply. As HOTR-readers, you all know how much this {ontherun} girl loves a good relay. So you won’t be surprised that the opportunity to be sponsored to run the greatest relay of all time with an awesome company and a group of female bloggers was one I could not pass up. The following post is my official entry.
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Dear Nuun,
When it comes to 200-mile, 24-hour adventure relays, I am a girl obsessed. Ever since I ran the first leg of my very first relay in 2009, there has been no hope for me. I’ve fallen head-over-heals in love with these races, and I can’t see the love affair ending any time soon.
Don’t believe me? In the year I’ve been blogging, I’ve written 10 posts and created an entire page devoted to my favorite race. I’ve proclaimed countless times that the 200-mile relay is the greatest race ever created, and have sent out public pleas for a sponsorship that will allow me quit my day-job and tour the country running them (well no, I haven’t actually gotten an offer yet, but I just know it’s going to happen…one of these days…).
I’ve run 6 relays in 3 states with 6 different teams. That’s 1,200 miles, 144(+) hours, and 66 teammates. But in all that time I’ve spent running, I’ve never actually left the East Coast. How can a girl really call herself an experienced relay runner if she has only run relays on one coast? And if she’s never done the greatest relay of all time – the Boston of the relay world – Hood to Coast?
The truth is, she can’t. I may love relays, but until I compete in the most epic relay of them all, my relay resume just can’t be complete.
This is why becoming a part of the Nuun Female Blogger team for HTC would be an absolute dream come true. For one weekend, my geeky dreams of sponsorship would come true, I’d get to run with 11 other amazing women through the most scenic course I can imagine. I can’t think of anything more exciting.
But I know I can’t just tell you how much I would love to be a part of the Nuun All-Female Blogger HTC team. I need to show you. So I’ve put together a little list about just why I would be the best teammate you could ever ask for.
Why LB should run HTC
I ran my first relay in the summer of 2009, after a little convincing from my boyfriend. I went into the weekend incredibly nervous about what I was getting myself into, and having serious doubts about how fun it would actually be to run 17 miles over the course of 24 hours and sleep in a van. I came out with a new obsession.
If there’s one thing I love almost as much as running relays, it’s blogging about them. I like to think my craziness dedication has inspired at least one person to sign up for a relay after reading some of my posts.
12 Runners. 24 Hours. 200 Miles
What to Pack for a 200-mile Adventure Relay
What it Takes to Run a 200-mile Adventure Relay
Green Mountain Relay 2010 Recap
I once convinced a girl who I had met only one time to join myself and 10 other strangers spending a weekend in a van driving and running through rural NH.
That girl has since become one of my best friends, has run 2 relays with me and is gearing up to run a third.
When the team I had originally planned to run the 2010 Green Mountain Relay with fell through, I hopped on the message boards and found a team of random runners for myself and my boyfriend to run with.
And I dragged my 18-year sister along.
Since then, I’ve developed a habit of hopping on teams with people I didn’t know. Because what could be more fun than spending a weekend trapped in a van with strangers…right??
I’ve learned that nothing bonds people more quickly than facing the challenge of running 200 miles through challenging terrain on no sleep.
I have pretty much become a professional van decorater. I mean, have you ever seen such a nice-looking row of boxes? Or handwriting so scribbly neat??
I really know how to keep a van packed with 6 people neat and clean.
I have become an expert at surviving on packets of peanut-butter and coffee–I mean Nuun! 
I am always positive, encouraging, and cheerful, even during the late night or early morning hours.
I have mastered the art of coordinating team outfits.
And I strongly believe that bold colors make you run faster.
I never forget the race essentials.
And if you run with me, you will never be short on snacks.
I am selflessly missing my favorite relay this summer so that I can attend my younger sister’s wedding. Okay, so she didn’t really give me a choice. But if she had, I’m 99.9% sure I would’ve chosen the wedding.
Over the years, I have become an expert cheerleader.
My enthusiasm for relays is overflowing…and contagious. Doesn’t this face make you want to run faster?
The relay has changed me as a runner. It has taught me that I am stronger than I think and capable of more than I know. When I feel like I have nothing left to give, all I need to do is dig deep, and believe.
It has also taught me to never underestimate the power of a positive attitude. Looking on the brightside when you’re exhausted and everything suddenly seems to be going wrong (as things inevitably do during these long races) can turn a frustrating experience into a manageable one…and at least give you something to laugh about later.
And truthfully, running relays makes me feel completely, utterly, undeniably alive. An early morning run through peaceful streets, a late night run over hilly terrain, or even a long hot run in the middle of the day – there’s nothing like the beauty of a relay to make you truly appreciate the amazing gift that running is.
To sum it all up, “I {really} Wanna Run, Nuun!” I can’t think of a higher honor or a more exciting opportunity than being selected as a part of Nuun’s HTC relay team. I have been training for HTC since I was 8…I mean, 25. I am ready to spread the Ministry of Nuun far and wide, to proclaim the value of hydration from the top of Mt. Hood, and to share the love of relays with blog readers across the world!
And just in case you’re still not quite convinced that I’m the girl for you, I put together a brief video for you below.
(For the record, I know how to spell teammate. But what can I say…it was late?)
Thank you very much for your consideration!
Sincerely,
HealthonthRun (LB)
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And now, dear readers, I’m turning to you. Although Nuun is making the ultimate decision, I’m sure your support couldn’t hurt. So if you think I’d be a great teammate for the Nuun blogger relay, please let them know! Write a comment below about why I should run this relay, share it with your friends, or Tweet it to @ministryofnuun. And most of all – please keep your fingers, toes, and shoe laces crossed for me!
Hey Nuun,
if you are looking for runners for HTC you have found your girl! She has inspired me to run on days where I want to quit and with the exception of Beck I don’t know of a single other blogger who does the relay race justice via her blog and real life accounts of the eperience. In fact I may run a relay one day because of Lauren and her passion for it.
Pick her for this or know that you’ll be missing out. Do it!!
Sincerly,
One Runner Who Believes in Another
Dear Nuun Friends,
I am that random stranger that Lauren convinced to run Reach the Beach last September. 28 hours after I entered our beautifully decorated van, I walked out with a new best friend who inspired me to cheer loudly for my fellow runners and push harder than I ever thought possible. I’m not the only person Lauren has inspired. Through her exuberance and enthusiasm for relays, Lauren has shown so many runners how fun running at midnight in the mountains can be.
As her friend, I want Lauren to be selected to represent the Ministry of Nuun at HTC because it means so much to both of us (yes, I will be living through her). As a female runner and blogger, I honestly believe that there is no better example of a woman’s strength and power than Lauren. She will make you proud!
Sincerely,
BeckOnTheRun
YES! Oh my gosh, Lauren, you would be so perfect for this. Your energy and enthusiasm are so contagious. Your posts have made me—a van hater who is terrified of running later than 10 am—think a relay could be in my future. I hope you’re chosen!
Dear Nuun,
Lauren is amazing! Her motivational post on running races is what i attribute to winning third place last weekend in my own race, among other factors. Not only is she a speed demon and will pass other runners left and right as well as the fact that she is crazy knowledge and enthusatic about relays but she is also just a great person. I could not think of someone better to be stuck in a van with, she would be my top pick
Lauren – wow that is awesome if you get to do this!!! I saw this and totally wanted to but it is too far if I want to do Vegas as well. But if you are planning on doing one again soon in New England I would really love to be a part of the team?
Dear Nuun,
You really can’t find anyone to better represent you in this relay. Not only will Lauren be a delightful and inspiring part of the team, those of us who are in no position to run this relay will have an amazing time too as we are able to live vicariously through her experience. Which will be shared with her characteristic wit, extremely infectious enthusiasm and total honesty.
I for one have put a 200 mile relay on my must do list, purely due to Lauren’s blood, sweat, tears and laughter accounts. You could not ask for a better ambassador for this race or your product, seriously…
(Please, please chose her… I want to read the recap and epic tweets…
)
Dear Nuun,
If you don’t choose Lauren to be a part of your relay team, it would be a horrible mistake. She is the most inspirational, positive, supportive runner I know. Before finding Lauren’s blog, I knew nothing about relays. Now it’s my dream to run one.
Her enthusiasm is 100% contagious. She is just as much fun in person as she is on the blog. Oh and did she mention that she’s super fast? Probably not because she’s way too modest.
Please, please, please choose Lauren! I promise you will not regret it
Sincerely,
This Runner’s Trials
Seriously, Nuun, I can’t think of anyone better suited for running on your Hood to Coast team than Lauren. She obviously eats relays for breakfast, is fun and motivates her friends and teammates. How could you NOT want her?? So pick her already!!
Dear Nuun,
How could you not pick Lauren to be a part of your relay team? I have run with her in two relays and she is an amazing teammate. She is always smiling and so happy to be out running. She was a pleasure to run with. She is a great cheerleader and looks out for her teammates. Please don’t pass up this opportunity to have a great teammate like Lauren, you won’t regret it one bit!
Nunn,
Lauren NEEDS to be a part of your relay team! As the sister who is causing her to selflessly give up running her favorite relay in order to stand by my side this Saturday as my Maid of Honor, I know how much she loves running more than anyone!
She has inspired me my entire life and has made me a better runner! Her enthusiasm is contagious and you will love having her as part of your relay team. And seriously, no one else looks that good in neon green compression socks and racing flats….
Nuun!!! You must pick Lauren! She is an amazing runner, teammate, friend, race support, encourager and inspiration and she would be a great addition to the Nuun team. I love this declaration of love of the relay Lauren and you deserve a spot!
Dear Nuun,
I don’t know anything about you – besides the fact that you’re putting together a relay team of fabulous lady bloggers – but I DO know that it must be an honor to be a part of this team if Lauren is applying. If you’re looking for someone who will be enthusiastic, encouraging, excited and effing FAST – pick Lauren. Her dedication to relays and running is amazing and inspiring. You won’t regret it.
Best,
Team LB
AHHH LOVE this post!! HEY NUUN- ARE YOU LISTENING!?!?!? PICK LAUREN, NOW!!!??? K thanks. shes effin A-MA-ZING!!!!!
Dear Nuun,
Not only is Lauren one of my favorite bloggers, she inspires me to be a better runner every day. Her relay recaps make me want to sign up for one the second I read them. Any relay team would be lucky to have her!
I think you were born for this race. I’m off to tweet!
Dear Nuun,
I’ve never tried your product but if you pick Lauren I most definitely will!! She is a constant running inspiration and she pretty much rocks. You’d have to be crazy not to want her on your team!
I hope we can be on the team together!!!
Go Lauren!!! You are the ultimate relay runner!! I really hope that you are chosen to rep the east coast in HTC!!! ps Nuun is the bomb.com
You deserve this more than anyone, Lauren!!! I hope you get it! <3
Girl you already know I want to run this race with you!!!
nuun if you pick Health On The Run and Mile Posts – I promise you won’t regret it!!!
Dear Nuun, how could you read this and NOT pick Lauren?? She destroys any race she’s in with passion, grace and speed and her blog is such an inspiration!
Dear Nuun (take two, idon’t know why the first did not work),
Lauren is the best person to add for your relay team. Not only is she a speed demon but she is crazy knowledgable and enthusatic about relays as well as the fact that there is not anyone who I would rather be stuck in a van with. I credit Lauren’s motivational race tips post for my win this past weekend. Overall, she is just an awesome person and would bee a great addition to your team!
Lauren – lucky duck, i hope you get this. it is an awesome event. i really wanted to try it but it is just too much with going to vegas too. but if you do another one in new england please keep me in mind! i would lvoe to try it… i have never done one before. finally i don’t know if you saw the thing in boston on saturday i would love to get some bloggers to go and check it out:)
dearest nuun,
Lauren should be your top candidate to run on this relay team for all the reasons she outlined and SO many more.
I signed up to do a relay with Lauren in September after meeting her crazy rockstar self, reading all of her relay recaps, hearing her stories and running past her amazing cheerleading skillz on the Boston Marathon course. I knew I had to experience the awesome combination of Lauren + 200 mile relays.
This girl loves running more than pretty much anyone i know (and all I do is read running blogs all day so that’s saying something), seriously, pick her.
Love,
Emily
Dear Nuun,
You must, must, must pick Lauren! This post is just another incredible example of her enthusiasm for relays. You CANNOT go wrong with Lauren! She’s the real deal
Kristy
I am a total lurker who’s never commented here but you should pick her! I am a slow poke who is training for her first marathon and Lauren’s enthusiasm is one of the reasons I read her blog. She even has me thinking about a relay one day?
i just got to watch the video because i could not at work. love it. you better get this! i would vote for you
You are SO fantastic! I want you to run Hood to Coast too!!
Now I want to run a relay with perfect strangers. It seems so normal!!
Good luck!!!
You are the queen of relays. You definitely deserve a spot on that team!
YES!!! You absolutely deserve to get a place on the nuun HTC relay team. You are definitely the keenest relay runner and your contagious enthusiasm expressed brilliantly on this blog has got me going too – I’m finally running my first relay race this weekend! It’s not 200 miles, just 90 along the east-west spine of England; 6 people, 1 day. I can’t wait.
Go on Nuun, give her a spot – she’s a legend!
Whaaaaaaaaaaat???? How come nobody ever told me about this race?
Ah well there’s always next year, GOOD LUCK!
loved it! Good luck!
Lauren, this entry letter is FANTASTIC! I can feel your dedication to the relay in every sentence and every picture. You and the relay were MADE for each other! You inspire others to run (including myself!) and your friendliness and enthusiasm is infectious. You 100% deserve a spot in this relay, and I know I’ll be cheering you on! You go, girl!!!!!! I’m tweetin’ right now!
I can’t wait for the team to be announced, and I hope we’re both on it!! It would be amazing to be reunited with such an amazing relay runner…fingers crossed for both of us. (Toes too!)
Girl, I’m pretty sure this post alone will convince them! You are such an inspiration and I love how much passion you have for running! Nuun, pick her!!
Congrats on making the team! See you in August!
you rock! Can’t wait to race hood to coast with you!!!
Thanks! Can’t wait to meet you in just a few short months!
OMG!! I LOVED this application!! Not only can I not wait to meet you, but I really want to be in your van! How lucky are we to have you on our team. You are our resident expert!
I am so excited to be part of this team!!!
Thank you!! I’m so excited to meet you too! And I sort of wish everyone was on one team – seems like such an incredible group that I want to run with all of you!!