Ragnar Relay

My latest adventure happened last weekend when I participated in the Del Sol Ragnar Relay, a 202 mile race from Prescott to Mesa. I was on a team of 12 fun people organized by my friend, Kori. I ran over 15 miles from Friday to Saturday afternoon. It was a crazy, sleep-deprived, adrenaline-pumping experience and I loved every minute of it. I can't wait until next year to do it again.

This was my final leg in Fountain Hills. It was a short but brutal run. I spent the middle mile running straight up an insane hill. I should say I ran/walked. I am not that tough.

This is our team. We called ourselves the "Yoggers" , I think, from Anchorman. I don't get it. There were 5 girls and 7 guys. (Our first runner is already running and his wife is standing in.)

We had 2 suburbans with 6 people in each one. I was in the second car and was runner #7. Tessie and Garrett brought "Bettie," their motor home. It was great to have a place to rest and hang out when our group of 6 wasn't running. We watched movies, ate and slept. Kori and I even managed a couple of quick showers between runs. We had a new running outfit for each of our 3 runs. I don't think the guys changed once. Big surprise.

One of the most interesting and freaky parts of the whole experience was my 8 mile midnight run on a dark highway outside of Wickenburg. I ran with a reflector vest and a flashlight. I could hear coyotes in the desert that I was running next to. It was a little strange and scary. My team shadowed me so I was never completely alone. They had a blow horn and would yell encouragement to me. It was great. 

Here I am with Kori at exchange 7 where I was waiting for Julie (Runner #6) to pass the baton to me. It was a little nerve-wracking and I was anxious to get started.

This is 10 of us at the finish line. We ended at Riverview Park in Mesa around 3:30 pm on Saturday.

This was one of the coolest, most unique experiences I've had. I loved the whole thing. The people on my team were a riot! They kept the weekend super exciting and fun. I seriously want to do it again and can't wait until next year. Kaley, I should come up in June and join your team!