The Wasatch Back is one of the toughest Ragnar relay races around (in my personal opinion and the only one I've ever run :) with 192 miles of some of the steepest climbs around. Doing it as a family was a fantastic experience and a great ending to our Hacking Reunion. 12 runners, 2 vans, 192 miles, 32 hours=bonding, blisters and memories for a lifetime.
Decorating the van for the race--Team "Hack the Back"
I got to be the first runner-starting at 5am in Logan. I was so excited to run through my old town past familiar places. It was FREEZING cold that morning, so I was so glad when the race started and was making great time when I took a wrong turn (with a whole pack of other people) and ended up running uphill 1/2 a mile before someone told us we were going the wrong way. Not good for morale at the start! Luckily it got better from there and was a fantastic experience.
Brad giving Tyler some support during his first leg. One of the best things about the race was having the van support, cheering, giving water, gum, encouragement. It was such a team effort.
Curtis (wearing a sombrero to get a free burrito) handing off to Holly. Whoo-hoo!
More beautiful scenery?--Brad rubbing his chest hair for good luck :)
After all 6 of us in van #1 had run, we got a little break to "sleep" a bit and rest up for our second legs.
Angela came in and ran one of the hardest legs in the middle of the night when Emily's knees gave out (I can't believe you ran as much as you did, Emily!) She ran the whole way and did fantastic. You are amazing, Angela!!!
So fun to do as a couple. I got to hand off to Tyler each time--I was always so glad to see him.
This leg of the race was called the "Ragnar" and to quote from the RagMag "in mythology and legend, a man, often of divine ancestry, who is endowed with great courage and strength, celebrated for his bold exploits and favored by the gods" would run this leg. Fours miles with an elevation gain of 1700 feet. Alex, you are the Ragnar! We came up the pass to give Alex some support, cheer, give him water, etc., but couldn't find him among the runners. When we got to the top we realized we must have driven right past him. Later when I looked at my pictures I found I had taken a picture of him when I randomly stuck my camera out the window and took a picture of the snow. So here's the big cheer we meant to give you--Whoo-hoo!!!
Taylor--the superstar of our team!!! Only 13, he had 3 of the hardest legs of the race and ran them like a rock-star. Way to go, Taylor!!!
The team: Jay, Rob, Holly, Taylor, MariKai, Curtis, Emily, Brad, Tyler
Devin, Angela, Alex, Leilani (supporting cast: Natalie-the Whatchamacallit was the best I've ever had!)
Running does not come naturally for me, but I love it. I love it the most after I'm done (all those natural drugs--endorphins and all are great!), but I love the way it makes me dig down deeper than I thought I could, and break through the barriers I set for myself. It is a spiritual experience for me because I am usually praying my heart out just to make it through. I hope I will be able to run my whole life.
The "bum" team--our nemisis. We passed them, they passed us and so on throughout the race. They ended up beating us, but we'll be back. Next time you can be sure that the bums will be behind us.
2 comments:
Can I just copy this into my journal? You wrote it perfectly. Thanks for all the fun times! PS- I'm stealing these pictures!
I agree with Emily! Love that you took a picture of Alex and we were looking for him the whole time.
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