Would you run a relay with people you didn't know?

[InBetweenDays]

I have been trying for years to get a spot in the Hood to Coast. I just got an email at work that one of our other offices has a team and they're looking for runners. There may be one or two people from my office that do it, but other than that the team would likely be complete strangers.

And for those that don't know the HTC is a 2 day relay race with teams of 12. Teams are divided into 2 vans, and each runner does 3 legs. So you're in a van with 5 others for 24 hours or so. Would you do it? I'm leaning towards saying yes!

DH told me to go for it, and he'd meet me at the finish line with the kids.

[grk2012]

I had a spot available to me, too, but decided this isn't the year for me. After reading RunBlondie's recap of her 24hr race, I realized I'd rather get up close and personal in a van with people I knew rather than perfect strangers.

[ebeth]

I wouldn't do it in a van with 5 strangers. I'm too shy to stew in my own filth around strangers for 24 hours.

[trigal]

Hmmm.... I've clicked on this post a few times, but I still don't know how to answer it!

[InBetweenDays]

I'm torn! A coworker I'm somewhat close with is doing it. So at least I'd know one person (and I'm assuming they'd put us in the same van).

[Wines Not Whines]

I'd do it if I knew one other person. If they're all co-workers, you could arrange a lunch or happy hour to get to know people beforehand.

[Bob Loblaw]

I would definitely do it, especially if you will know someone else. I did a Ragnar relay with a couple of people I knew and a bunch of strangers and I had a blast and made new friends!

[MrsE]

If you've been trying to do the race for years, and know at least one person who you're semi comfortable with, then why not?

[InBetweenDays]

I'm going to do it! This will be a great introduction to the race since I don't have to do anything to organize it. Plus the company is paying for it! Our office is in Seattle and the other office is in Portland so I very well not meet most of the others until race day. But we were just bought out by this larger company that has many small satellite offices so it could be a good networking opportunity too.

[arterr0]

The first time I did Ragnar, I only knew one other person on the team. It worked or great, so I say go for it!

[grk2012]

Good for you! I expect a giant detailed recap.

[shorty20]

Yup, I would totally do it!

[ericakaspar]

I did it. My office had something similar where we ran 203 miles from Bastrop Texas to Houston Texas. It was Saturday - Sunday (all day and night) and I didn't know anyone there. I had the time of my life. It was so much fun. We were filthy, we were sweaty, we were delirious but it was so much fun! We had to sit in vans and RVs with people we didn't know. Sleep in beds and vans with people we just met but it was awesome. We have so many silly stories and seriously had a blast. It was an opportunity I am so happy I didn't pass up.

I would do it again in a heartbeat.

[clseale]

I did it for Ragnar FL Keys and it was awesome. Technically I knew 2 people, one person in my van and one person in the other van. We had one group meeting beforehand so I had a brief chance to meet other people, but they were basically strangers. I was lucky that the people putting the team together chose good people. No whiners, we all got along and had a fantastic time. By the time we were done, you would have thought we had all know each other for years.

[daisysle]

I think I would. I have no shame though so spewing my running filth around strangers wouldn't bother me at all.