The United Relay (www.unitedrelay.org) is a three course nationwide relay that starts on the west coast and ends in New York. The race is sponsored by AfterShotz. I like relays and when I found out the blue route ran through Atlanta; I couldn't wait to join the adventure. I signed up to run legs 251 and 255 of the race. I also took a stab at raising funds to support the charity Girl Rising.

Leg 251 (May 26)
Time: 11:15 pm
Distance: 5k
Location: Piedmont Park, Atlanta, GA

My first leg was at Piedmont Park at 11:15 pm, which is my bed time. The route was around the parameter of the park. The terrain was classic Atlanta and well lit. It felt like humidity was having a picnic in the park during the run. My fellow BibRave Pro Jessica Moore joined me for the journey. Overall the leg was fine. I have run this route many times so it was all good.

I passed the baton to Jessica Moore so she could cycle the next leg in the relay. I went home to get some sleep for my next leg.

Leg 255 (May 27)
Time: 6:15 am
Distance: 9 miles
Location: Conyers, GA

After 4 hours of sleep, I woke up to run my second leg of the race out in Conyers, GA. Leg 2 was the complete opposite of the first leg. The first leg was in the city (sidewalks and concrete) and second leg was rustic (waterfalls and farms houses).

My route started in Conyers on State Road 20, which has no sidewalk and is not really ideal for runners. I started going north on the road and crossed into Walton County. I was so focused on not getting hit by cars and not stepping on snakes that missed my turn at mile 2. Once I realized I was going the wrong way, I was at mile 7 and too far way to get to the finish in time for the next leg. Thankfully, the support team picked me up and I got 8 of the 9 miles in the race. If this leg available next year, I will run it for redemption. I even got a #buffie with the support crew.

Fundraising Efforts
This race was my first attempt to fundraise for a cause. Fundraising is difficult and this probably my last time raising funds for a race. I will donate for causes though. I was able to raise $230 of the $300. I am glad to be able to support Girl Rising in their efforts to raise awareness to women education opportunities.

Overall it was a great race and it is not too late to sign up to run a leg (www.unitedrelay.org).