Ragnar---Wasatch Back

What an awesome experience! Our "Ragnar Weekend" began Thursday night as our team all met up to pack the truck. I started getting really excited that night, knowing we were going to have a blast! We headed home to finish packing and get some sleep. Unfortunately, Bronson had a rough night. I ended up sleeping on his floor and tickling his back all night long. We had decided we better leave a half an hour earlier than our original plan so I told Julie to come to my house at 6:15. She did, but my alarm hadn't gone off. SOOOOO I was STILL asleep! Jake woke me up at 6:29. I freaked out. Luckily, the rest of the team was running a few minutes behind too. I brushed my teeth, threw on my running clothes, and called it good enough. Talk about a stressful way to start a busy weekend. We asked Siri to get us to our desired location, and we were all feeling pretty good about things. It was a fun drive with lots of laughs. Then... I gave into the peer pressure and called Siri a bad name. She was mad, and got us lost. After driving through Ogden and ending up at our "desired" location we realized she might not know everything. We plugged in some GPS coordinates, found a coupe of decorated vans, and were back on track. Until we stopped for a potty break. Then Siri got us lost again. But not bad, FINALLY we arrived where we were actually supposed to be. The volunteers were pretty intense, and there were SOOOOO many people. I was blown away by the outfits people were choosing to run in, and I loved reading all the decorated vehicles. Nothing can describe the atmosphere. We went through the safety trainings and got our packet. We texted our other runners in van one and told them we were ready. We had never met some of our teammates, and the runner handing off to Julie was one of them. Candace told us "She has pink shorts, a pink tank, long hair, and she is running fast." So, we went with that. We saw a couple of girls that we thought could be her, but when we actually saw her we knew exactly who she was. It was funny how well it worked out. Julie took off on her 5 mile run, and we went after her. She did so good. It was hot and long, but she never stopped! It's so fun to be in the van cheering for your runner. Deanna and Erin both did so good too! Then it was my turn. I get so nervous waiting for my runner to come. I saw Erin coming and my adrenaline started pumping. She handed to me and I took off. It was a four mile run. I felt really good starting. My van passed and cheered which pumped me up too. Then... I turned onto the highway. I checked my GPS and I was at 1.67 miles with an 8:15 pace. I was so happy with that! On the hwy it got windy, hot, and there was LOTS of traffic (and tons of semis hauling cows... stinky!). So that really sucked. I followed a guy who had been running barefoot, but when we turned onto the highway they were doing road construction and there was no where to run except on the road or in the gravel. With all the traffic most of the run was spent on the gravel. So, the guy asked his van for shoes. They gave him sandals. What a freak. I was so excited to see the exchange. I was handing to Josie, and I was so happy to see her standing there. I wished her look on her run and handed her the bracelet. My final pace had gone to 9:12, which I was good with, but I was kinda down. The run was so hard, and was rated easy. I felt a little scared for my upcoming runs which were rated hard and very hard. I knew I had trained hard, but I was worried maybe I hadn't done enough. After my run I stretched for a minute, and drank a protein shake and lots of water. We took off up the mountain to meet Josie. Her run was so hard! It was pretty much eight miles of straight up hill. It was also unassisted, meaning the van couldn't follow her. She was on her own. We hung out on the grass for awhile waiting for her, then went to watch for her and cheer Sarah on. We were super excited to see her running up the hill, and so proud of her for doing so good on it! Sarah started and finished her run at pretty much the same spot so we got to just hang out and chat. Van 1's runner, Mark, was ready for the handoff from Sarah. She did great, and as soon as we finished we were all excited for our long break. As we were walking to the truck I got a text from Jake saying, "Bronson is walking". I was so happy for him, but sad that I was missing his first actual steps. We went to the nicest people in the worlds house (Deanna's Aunt and Uncle) to shower and rest. They had made us food too, which was so kind. It was the perfect break. Not one of us wanted to leave their house when it was time to go. But, we sucked it up and went. Knowing we had a long night ahead of us! Again, Julie took the bracelet from van 1, and off we went after her run. Julie's run was ranked moderate, but it was so hard. There were so many hills. She handled it great, and I was so jealous of her when she finished. I was nervous for mine, cause I don't run long distances very often. Deanna had a five mile run, and when she finished it she kept saying how awesome it was and how good it felt. Her positive attitude and excitement helped me so much. I decided I would be like Deanna and love it too. While Deanna was running Josie asked Erin how her girls were feeling. Sarah was confused and thought Josie was asking her. Sarah went off about how much better she was feeling and how the medicine really helped her and etc... We all were kinda laughing, but not. Then Erin lets a little awkward silence happen and said, "Kendall said they still have a fever." We all busted up, and poor Sarah was confused. Then she got it and we all laughed again.  Deanna passed to Erin who had a 12 mile run. I knew I had a long time before I ran, but not long enough to sleep (I was too nervous to anyway). We drove to the exchange, and Jos, Julie, and Deanna hung out in the truck. Sarah and I talked on the tailgate of the truck for over an hour. It was so fun. It was really cold outside (48 degrees) so we were in our blankets. We started thinking Erin would be coming so we walked over to the exchange zone. We watched some girl come into the exchange and completely faint. (12 mile runs... UGH!!!). I knew Erin would be fine, but after seeing that it kinda makes you worry. At 1241 we saw her coming! She passed to me, and I took off. I felt awesome. I had .5 mile down a hill on  a normal road, then we turned onto a dirt road for the rest of the run. I pushed it, and never one time did I feel it was too much. I found two different guys to run with for awhile which always helps. One I was faster than, and the other was faster than me. So, I only had friends a couple of miles but those couple of miles distracted my mind. I would see butt lamps ahead of me and just push to catch up to them. It was fun, and by far my favorite run. I checked my GPS thinking I had gone 3-4 miles and was shocked to see it say I had actually gone almost 6. My pace was good too, so I got a super runner high! I passed the girls with the 1 mile left sign and told Siri, "Text Sarah Ryan less than 1 left". She did. She had forgiven me. My GPS told me I had a quarter of a mile left so I started pushing. The RagMag was wrong (on most of our runs) and it was actually a half mile longer than it said. I didn't care though. I passed to Josie and away she went! We went to the truck, and saw Erin was sick. I started getting chilled. I changed while we stopped for Erin and wrapped up in my blanket. We got to Josie's exchange with Sarah and everyone but Julie and I got out of the truck. Julie and I slept about 15 minutes then everyone came back. We drove to Sarah's run and got out to watch her finish. SOOOO COLD! Mark was there and ready for his "short" (5 mile) run. Van one took off, and we headed to our final exchange with them to sleep. Josie, Erin, and I fell asleep on the way their. We all slept in the truck while Julie, Deanna, and Sarah went to check things out. They came out and told us we could pay 10$ to sleep in their gym, shower in their locker room, and eat pancakes. They had already paid and eaten while we slept. haha So, the three of us hurried and paid our money and passed out on the gym floor. I slept great and woke up 2.5 hours later. Josie and I went and ate, she got massaged, and I watched van 1's runner come in. Poor girl was hurt. She was super fast, and her last run was two miles. We thought it would take her 15 minutes, but her knee was giving her trouble. It was good it took her a little longer cause we weren't all the way ready yet! Julie took off, and went way fast. She texted saying she had a mile left and we hadn't even left the school!!! So, we sped off and got there RIGHT when she finished. Perfect timing! Deanna had a hard run, and then it was Erin. I didn't know how Erin would be able to do it because she was so sick! But, of course, she nailed it! Her run was called "You've got to be kidding me". It was so hard. I knew mine was very comparable to hers, and I was FREAKING out! I just wanted the next hour of my life over with. She handed to me and my goal was to run five minutes. I ran 3.5 and wanted to die. So I power walked, ran, power walked, ran, turtle walked, and anything else to get me up the hill. When I got too tired I took scenery pictures (and selfies... whatev!) to distract my legs from the pain. My van would stop every half to every mile depending on how I would feel. They would have water and powerade ready for me. Other vans would poor water on me. I ran as much as I could and walked as fast as I could. It was so hard. But I felt so empowered and proud while I was doing it. Kinda weird. It is just so cool that all those people are there encouraging you and cheering for you. I wore my old shoes cause on my long run I felt some rubbing on my toe, but my old shoes are, well, OLD! They blew out by the toe and I ended up with a blister from my toes to the arch of my foot. It'll heal fast, but it hurt like crazy. I was so relieved/happy to see the exchange with Sarah. As I ran up the mountain I kept thinking how grateful I am able to do things like this. My body allows it, and I have so much support from my family and friends. I am glad my friends have the same interests, and so glad I have Jake. He doesn't understand why I do it, but he is my biggest fan. Before each run (even the middle of the night) he texted me wishing me luck. As did my parents, sister, Granny, Angie, and people at work. I am so lucky. Sarah ran down the other side of the mountain Erin and I ran up. OW! Running down hill is hard, running down a steep hill for 7.6 miles is something I NEVER want to do. We thought Josie's last run would be around Park City and then into the track. NO... it was up a mountain on a single track mtn. bike trail. And, it was unassisted as well. Poor girl was on her own. We headed up to the finish line to run in together. She came in a lot faster than I had planned (her knee was hurt, but she still killed it!) We all finished. I know our time was 32:15:00. They haven't put placements on their website yet, but I bet we are in the top half? After the finish line we ate lunch and hit the road. I passed out and woke up just before Duchesene. I was so excited to get home to my kids and husband! They were outside waiting for us and I just wanted to squeeze them all. We hung out at home for awhile, and then did our nightly four wheeler ride. We went to Granny's and visited with them for awhile. Then, Jake needed to get ready to bail the hay. I told Bri we could go say hi to the Laws'. She ran to the 4 wheeler and while she waited for Bronson and I she somehow fell off. So sad. Her head shot out a golf ball sized goose egg, she was bleeding, and she has a black eye. Jake came running and checked her out. Granny got her ice, and then Donny looked her over too. She was fine, but looks rough!!! I decided it was bed time after that. Jake and I put the kids to bed, I went to bed, and he started bailing hay. He finished at 8:15 this morning. He was gone all night, and I was exhausted, so who knows if Bronson slept all night. But I know I didn't get up with him because I sure didn't hear him! Jake is now sleeping, Bronson is napping, Bri is playing, and I am feeling happy/relieved/exhausted/blessed!

 Colorado had a fire on Wednesday that looked really close to Utah boundaries. 

 Our visitor Thursday afternoon.

 Yes, this is what they chose to run in.

 Our breakfast... Provided by Wasatch wrestlers. 

 View on Ragnar hill

 Thanks for the sleeping pics Josie.

 Bri kept apologizing to Chocolate this morning... "I'm so sorry I didn't buy any boy clothes Chocolate. You just need to quit being ornery and wear what you have. Bronson... leave Chocolate alone. He is having a bad day, and he is very cranky."

 Our whole team!

Motts- Thanks so much for letting us on your team! We loved it! 

Sarah- Thanks for being a doctor so we had your advice, plus you put together the BEST medical bag. Pretty impressive when six girls go through a WHOLE bag of Imodium.

Deanna- Thanks for driving and being so positive the whole time. Also, your Aunt and Uncle are amazing!!!!

Bullock girls- LOVE YOU! You are both amazing runners and friends! Life wouldn't be the same without you.

Julie- What would I do without you? I loved our late night runs together. 

Mom/Dad/Stac/Granny/Jenny- thanks for all the help with the kids!! 

Jake- You are the best. I am so grateful you push me to have my own hobbies and so grateful you make it so they can happen. All the long runs, late night runs, and thousands of conversations where you told me I would be fine made it happen. LOVE YOU!!!!!!


For Future Reference:
Bring 2 sweat pants and jackets!!!!

Our team began at 0600 and passed to us just before 1200. We finished at 1600 and got it again around 2000. Finished at 0400 and started again at 0800.

My first run was 4 miles and a 9:12 pace
My second run was 7.97 miles and a 9:07 pace
My third run was 4.4 miles and it took me 1:00:31 to finish. (I don't have my calc. to figure out my pace, and my GPS couldn't connect to a satellite...)