What are you afraid of?

That is a good question.  Not that I have asked this question to 10 runners, but here are a few of the fears I have heard about from runners.
- Looking stupid. That is the beginner fear.  You probably will look stupid, but not as stupid as you think.  You can learn to be a runner.  Go to a running specialty store for shoes and a running outfit, give it six weeks and you will be a cool runner.    
- Getting injured. You can do something about this one - be smart out there. Pay attention to traffic and what your body is telling you. Get help and give yourself time to fully recover. Afterall, it is a marathon.

- Losing friends. Running will change you in ways you may not have imagined.  You might lose a friend or two - sorry about that.  Running provides the opportunities and confidence to make new friends, that may be a small consolation in the short term, but in the long term it will be worth it.    
- Not improving.  That is a fear, but it will happen to all of us.  Ouch. 
- Getting out of shape.  Not really a fear, but does motivate many runners to keep running.  I admit to being afraid to miss workouts, because I do not want to get out of shape.

Ragnar Madison to Chicago

After Hood-to-Coast I said never again to a relay team.  Here I am on a relay team.  197 miles / 12 runners - Madison, Wisconsin to Chicago, IL.  The race is organized by Ragnar.  I never heard of it before, but you can google to learn more.

From Hood-to-coast

Like: team work, atmosphere, getting to know people

Did not like: being in the damn van for hours, exhaustion.

Turn #3 was really difficult for me. I had to walk much more than run.  Felt bad letting my team down, but I could not make my legs go. 

Back to today, my plan is to take the first two turns very easy and try to run a sub 9 minute per mile pace for my third relay leg.  My last turn is 8.2 miles and ends on Northwestern's campus. 

Have you done one of these relays?