At the last minute (one week before the race) I had the opportunity to join a women's team who was running the Wasatch Back, Ragnar Relay. I've thought about doing one in the future sometime, and my chance came sooner than expected! Thanks Rachael for thinking of me!
It was quite the experience and I really didn't know what to expect going into it. For those of you who don't know, the Wasatch Back Relay is a 188 mile race where a team of 12 (sometimes 6) runs in turn for over 24 hours straight. Each team member takes 3 different legs. It is quite an experience. You run a certain section hand off your wrist band to your next team mate, jump in your van and follow each runner until it is your turn to run again. You are suppose to sleep between legs, but lets face it, you don't really sleep for over 24 hours straight. It's a lot of fun energy and team camaraderie. You all decorate your vans with your team name and just cheer each other on!
My first leg was Friday afternoon. It was suppose to be my easiest leg (3.2 miles) but due to the heat and the altitude it was my hardest. The best part of it was seeing a surprise cheering squad for me at the end of my first leg!
The end of my first leg! Then back in the van!
I didn't get any pictures of me running my second leg which was a 7 mile run at 11pm!! What a thrill that was! Very chilly but beautiful with the millions of bright night stars!!!
Then I ran again Saturday morning, 6 miles. Justin, the girls and my mom were there to cheer me on! This leg was cool and even rained a bit on me. I finished before the torrent of rain pummeled the next 4 runners.
The exchange at the end of my last leg!
And then into the finish line as a team!
Go Team Tortuga!
(Lock up your men and children!)
Still alive, but DEAD TIRED!!!
Totally would do it again.
How fun! You look totally ripped in that picture of Sage giving you a high 5. There are so many fun races. I wish I wanted to become a runner. Biking is just SO much more pleasing to me...but all the gear makes it more complicated than running. I am training for a duathlon and I'm really excited!
Posted by: LuAnn | June 22, 2009 at 09:11 AM
You are sooooo buff and in such awesome shape. I don't know if my knees could take the running. Sounds like a really hard race but fun!
Posted by: Hollie Smart | June 22, 2009 at 03:36 PM
I'm so proud of you and thrilled you got to make up for all the years you couldn't run. I can't believe how ripped you are. What a great photo #2! You are really a true runner. Awesome!
Posted by: Grandmere | June 22, 2009 at 09:47 PM
You are one crazy chica (whoops, a little spanish there :) )! That's awesome though!
How's Utah treating you? Are you liking it any better?
Posted by: Karen G. | July 06, 2009 at 06:35 PM
U R SO AMAZING!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE IT!! YOU INSPIRE ME AND YOU ARE SO RIPPED!!! YOU LOOK AMAZING!
Posted by: Ami Arbon | July 06, 2009 at 11:36 PM
Wow! Way to go! You look so great even when you're sweaty and tired.:)
Posted by: Heather Pollei | July 08, 2009 at 07:49 PM