We're getting a team together to do the Great Midwest Relay (190 miles, 6 person), which takes place in June. Anyone done similar races that can provide tips for strategy? For example, is it better to do the shortest legs possible for each person (~3 miles)? Or should we double the legs up and cut down the number of transitions and do about 6 miles at a time? Thanks for your help.
If there are no rules that demand a specific distance each runner must run, it's by far the best to run as short as possible. We ran a 3400 mile relay across the US and averaged 6:14 per mile with a mixture of men and women and some were not better than 40-min 10k types. If you want to go fast run 1-min legs. This means you get 5 min rest between your 1-min runs and you can fly (two of my guys averaged 5:00 mile pace for 235 miles in our relay). Another way to get the max out of your team is if you have 2 or 3 outstanding runners let them run more often (if not prohibited by rules) or have 3 of your runners alternate for a couple hours then let the other 3 take a couple hours while the first 3 rest and eat, etc. I imagine rules will be put in place against some of these ways of doing it, but if there are none, it's simple. 3-mile legs age too far apart and too slow ( your get stiff waiting your next turn), whereas short legs and you keep loose the whole time. Good luck
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jtupper, I see that you recommend shorter runs and more alternating. My team is also going to attempt a similar task. The difference is this. We are 5 runners and the distance is 150 miles. Three of them can run well and can handle longer jaunts the the fourth is also a runner but can't handle much mileage, and the fifth runner has very little running (beginner).
Would it be wise to have the 3 strong runners do like 15 miles a piece and then the other 2 do shorter distances? And have legs in order, no repeats until everyone has run? Then do it again until the distance is covered?
This is not a race so there are no rules. What do you suggest.
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Was that the RIT team?
We got the idea from an RIT team of some years ago, but our time beat theirs quite soundly (also beat the more recent RIT time with that original run we did). Regarding the question about the 5-runner team with 3 better runners and going 150 miles -- let the better guys run by them selves for awhile then add the others for awhile. Might want to let one of the good guys take a break while the others go at it alone for awhile to let that good one get alonger food and rest break. Go for the shorter runs I mentioned before.
jtupper, I read your reply without realizing who wrote it. I thought, that sounds a lot like what I heard the Daniel's runners did...then I saw you wrote it. I just heard the story from a friend.
Where is this relay? It sounds interesting.