200 Miles, No Sleep, All Heart

Running 200 Miles With Coworkers? Why Not!

Endurance athletes are always pushing boundaries but what happens when the finish line is 200 miles away and you’re doing it with 11 coworkers packed into two vans? Welcome to the Wild West Relay, a gritty, scenic, sleep-deprived team race through Colorado’s mountainous terrain and a reminder that running is as much about community as it is about competition.

On the latest episode of Fireside Chat on the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network, host Jason Bahamundi sits down with Sherry and Tommy of the Canvas Run Club to relive the highs, lows, and hilarious in-betweens of their Wild West Relay journey. If you’ve ever wondered whether relays are your kind of fun—or chaos—this conversation will give you perspective, laughter, and maybe even a nudge to sign up.

From Skeptic to Four-Time Finisher

Sherry didn’t plan on becoming a Wild West Relay regular. But after her first leg of the race—a brutally hot and hilly stretch—she was hooked. A 28-year veteran of running, she brought experience and heart to the team, proving that even seasoned athletes can find new ways to challenge themselves.

Tommy, by contrast, is newer to the running world. With five years of experience, he joined the team thanks to a nudge from Christine (shoutout to the unofficial team recruiter). This would be his first Wild West Relay, and his excitement lit up the conversation. Together, the duo represents what makes the sport so inclusive. The show that there’s room for everyone, no matter where you are on your endurance journey.

What Makes the Wild West Relay Unique

Think Ragnar meets summer camp, but with more spreadsheets and less sleep. The Wild West Relay features 12 runners per team, split into two vans that leapfrog one another across a 200-mile course. While one van runs, the other rests (and laughs, and snacks, and sometimes panics over porta-potty availability).

This isn’t just a physical feat, it’s a logistical one too. From timing exchanges to figuring out who’s running what leg (and when), the relay requires trust, planning, and flexibility. Oh, and humor, especially when you’re chowing down on gas station pickles at 3 AM.

Camaraderie, Not Just Competition

At the heart of it all is connection. Sherry and Tommy emphasize how running together transformed workplace relationships into genuine friendships. You stop being just coworkers and start becoming teammates. You are cheering each other on mid-race, sharing war stories from the course, and celebrating every mile conquered.

In a world where we often isolate ourselves with solo workouts and digital metrics, relay races are a beautiful reminder that endurance is a team sport too. The finish line isn’t just about pace or PRs; it’s about shared experiences that change how you see yourself and those around you.

Jason’s Signature Humor and Humanity

Host Jason Bahamundi keeps things light and real, as always. With his mix of heartfelt questions and side-splitting banter, he brings out the best in every guest. This episode has it all: motivation, inspiration, and enough laughs to fuel your next long run. From pickle juice hydration hacks to porta-potty tales you can’t un-hear, it’s the perfect mix of real talk and ridiculous.

Takeaways for Every Runner

Teamwork makes the miles go faster. Whether you’re a solo runner or relay curious, community matters.
You don’t need a PR to feel proud. Finishing as a team hits different.
Mindset is everything. Relay racing demands adaptability, perspective, and a good sense of humor.
Running is supposed to be fun. Embrace the weird, the sweaty, the wild.

Ready to Relay?

If this episode leaves you smiling, inspired, or at least curious about organizing a 12-person running van trip through the mountains, mission accomplished. The Wild West Relay is a reminder that the endurance journey doesn’t have to be lonely, or serious, all the time. Sometimes, it’s about letting loose, supporting each other, and laughing your way across 200 miles of gorgeous terrain.

So lace up, grab some friends, and remember: it’s not just about running—it’s about becoming a better version of yourself along the way.

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