How many times have you run Relay Iowa?
6 times (2012-14, 2016-18)
What team(s) have you run with?
QCH3 DownDowns the first 3 years and the QC-TUR(d)s the last 3 years (and continuing for 2019)
What keeps you coming back?
Every year is a unique experience and while details might change each year….the incredible organizers, team camaraderie and physical/mental challenge are always present and keep Relay Iowa as a must-do annual event for me.
What is your best advice for people new to the event?
Relax! Don’t overthink things. There’s no single “right” way to relay. Embrace the miles, the fatigue, the laughs and everything in between. Be prepared to get to know your teammates better than you ever have and always remember that you’re all in it together.
What is your favorite memory from any Relay Iowa?
Extremely tough to narrow down from 6 years full of amazing memories but here goes…
2012 – Finishing the relay for the first time and coming up the hill into Eagle Point as a team.
2016 – Starting last and finishing first with a team of 9, through record high temps.
2018 – Taking a full team stop in Ida Grove and enjoying the water park for a couple hours…sinus blasting water slides, soul scarring high dives and all.
2018 – Getting to chase down and share miles with our all-female QC-TUR team…the lady TUR(d)nadoes!
What is your favorite food establishment, shower location or sleeping area on or near the route?
Spaghetti in Ida Grove for sure + showering & wrestling floor nappies in Independence.