Ragnar

Last weekend was Ragnar, and it was crazy amounts of fun.  I was really nervous about my first leg, but it turned out to be incredible.  I felt like I was running through the Swiss Alps.  There were snow capped mountains and wildflower meadows.  It was absolutley breath taking.  My second leg ended up being at 9:30-10:30 at night, and I loved running along the rolling hills of Morgan in the dark with my reflective gear and head lamp.  I made great time, and I think it was because I couldn't really see the hills and therefore couldn't mentally psych myself into thinking the run was hard. It was actually so peaceful and serene.  My last leg, the easiest one (or so the site said), was definitley my hardest.  I was physically exhausted and my legs were jell-o.  But, I did it!  Mike did amazing, everyone in our van kept saying how awesome he was and how inspiring he was and so on.  He just keeps such a great pace and makes it look so easy.  We got to know our neighbors really well and made some great memories, including camping out on a highschool gym floor with hundreds of other runners - trying our best to soak up what sleep we could.  I think I got maybe 3 hours.  It was definitley exhausting and we felt it after the race was over. We are already registered for next year, and we already have nearly a full team committed! 

 The pass off.  This was probably the most nerve wracking part for me!  The baton was actually an orange slap bracelet.  I thought it was pretty fun and quite a throw back to my elementary school days.

This was my 7.4 mile "very hard" leg.  Beautiful scenery, sucky dirt getting kicked up by all the vans as they drove by to support the runners.  This leg was also crazy because a van got stuck in the mud, causing a traffic jam.  I was about 1/4 mile away from the exchange as I ran past my team.  I was nervous that I would be waiting at the exchange since they were stuck in traffic, but Mike was smart and had already gotten out of the car and ran ahead so he could be there at the exchange for the pass off.  Quick thinking, babe!

Just a sample of the scenery, this is right after we came out of Avon Pass.  So pretty.

I loved this leg. All alone on the country roads on a clear night.  Plus I looked pretty awesome with my head lamp, tail lamp, and black mesh reflective vest.

Running across the finish line.  I thought it would be fun to carry Sam across.  Not as easy as I thought.  His little head was bobbing all over the place.  I ended up walking across.

My sister-in-law, Shannon, was kind enough to watch Sam for us while we did this.  She is awesome.  Then Mike's mom came to cheer us on at the finish line and brought the little booger with her.  I was so excited to see my little man.  I have never left him somewhere over night and I really missed him. 

This is just a really cute picture, not of Ragnar, but of Sam and his friend Bridger.  Both little boys are so cute.  The moment Sam saw the camera, his face lit up in a smile.  Little cheese ball.