Wasatch Back Relay 2010

I did it again. I'm crazy. I know. No need to remind me.  It was different this year, however since everyone in my family/regular team was either prego or just had a baby. They decided to put it on hold for a year. I needed some motivation however to get my booty off the couch and exercise and the only way to really do that is make me put up the money, knowing then I can't back out.  So I happen to come across several team members who live in my same area who needed a couple extra team mates so I said what the heck, why not I love pain. I love no sleep, I love exhaustion, I love humor, I love making new friends!!  I was in the first van this year and was runner #2. I lucked out and got one of the easiest legs to run.  My first run started around 11:00 and it was hot!!  I did ok, I didn't stop and that was my goal.  I knew I had one big hill at around mile #4 and it was my major goal not to stop once up that hill. I did it! I am happy to say that I was proud of myself. For one of the first times of my life. 

My second leg was around 9:00 and it was awesome. I love the night run the best. It's dark. You feel like its just you, your ipod, and the road.  Not like during the rest of the race where you can see all the cars passing you by, trying to motivate you, but it is nice to just have some breathing room during this race.  I did good again, if I say so myself.  I again just wanted to finish!  Don't get my wrong I'm not a fast runner, but steady as Casey likes to tell me.  I think that is a good thing?  During the race your inner competitive spirit comes out and you keep track of what you call "Road Kills" which are when you pass someone while running. Yes they have to be a running participant! You cannot count volunteers, dead animals, people in lawn chairs.  I tried to keep track, on my first leg I got 7, second I got 11 and, my third.....well I only got 4.  At this point when I was done with my second run it was around 9:30 but there are still 4 more runners to go in my van.  So we didn't finish until around 3 a.m where afterwards we went to a local high school and slept on the gym floor. Sounds glamorous right? It's not but you just don't care at this point. In fact I was so tired I slept with my reflective vest on and used a sweater as a pillow. Waking up about 3 hours later and actually feeling very refreshed.  The night run was fun though, we entertained ourselves by cheering on runners and calling random names out hoping someone would respond. It doesn't sound funny now, but trust me at 3 a.m in the morning it was! Very funny! 

My last leg was tough.  I have had problems with my left leg and I knew I was in trouble when I started at the hand off and could barely walk.  I literally hobbled like a peg leg for 3 miles.  It was awful. When I finished I was crying. More upset that I let my team down and taking so long.  I did not stop though!  Afterwards all our van had to do was sit and wait for the other van to finish their last runs so we could cross the finish line. I was excited because Casey and Olivia were going to come and see me at the finish line.  All sweaty and gross they were still happy to see me. When Olivia first saw me she said "Good Job Mommy, Good job!"  The finish line was cracy but pretty.  Now do I want to do it next year?????? We shall see. We shall see.

Wasatch Back 2009!

12 members (each member runs 3 legs, totaling 13 to 18.5 miles each).
2 vans, 6 runners in each van.
Supplies, IPods, sleeping bags, and coolers loaded with water, electrolyte-packed drinks, energy bars, bagels, nuts, fruit, and PEANUT BUTTER!

It is my 4th year doing this crazy thing I call FUN! And the thing is I pay a lot of money for what I ask. PAIN. NO SLEEP. EXHAUSTION. BUT LAUGHTER A WHOLE HECK OF A LOT OF LAUGHTER!!! Thanks to the "Lightly Chafed" team we have a great time. After 24 hours of running and 2 HOURS of sleep and only eating peanut butter, grapes, and jerky I am ready to do it again next year baby!! Here is a summary of what happened this year.

Started at 9:45
Ended: many many hours later!
Think of it as a 188-mile party with 12 best friends.


Nancy getting ready to roll!

Don't worry they are married, and for heaven's sake they are stretching folks!

Doesn't this look fun??? And not imagine doing it in the middle of the Utah summer heat and while cars are kicking up dirt in your face!! Wanna do it????

I love this picture for the simple fact that one of the reason's why I love this race is becuase you truly run in the backroads of Utah and in the most gorgeous parts of our state. So the fact that this picture has in the background a trailer and run down car I find ironic!

I also love this picture becuase it looks like I am running in slow motion. I really hate this but the point is so that one day I can prove to Olivia that her mama was tough one day!!

The whole gang. Go team LIGHTLY CHAFED!

One of the many gorgous views you get to enjoy during this hellish/fun experience. Its views like this that keep you going when you think you can't take one step forward.

Again why do we run in these conditions?

I love this lady!

Nancy is marking our "Road Kills" which are marks you keep track of for everytime you pass someone while running. One of the funniest/sad moments from this was when I was stoked to pass two ladies at the same time. Turns out one of the ladies is blind and the other was her helper. Um, I still counted it on my total!

Bless this man!! You get very familiar with Porta Potties during the race.

Start of the night run! Yes you DO NOT STOP RUNNING FOR 24 HOURS! Personally though I love my night run the most of the three. There is something about running in the middle of the night, with a head lamp, light vest, your running shoes, IPod, and the crisp weather. You can't tell who is in front of you or behind you (you can't think about it to much or it can freak you out) but it is truly so peaceful and you never get to do anyother time.

Danny getting ready to head out! Run Danny Run!

This picture I took after I had just finished by last run at about 5:00 in the morning. It was a sign that I had done it! One more goal accomplished and it felt so good! I am so proud of my team and how much they supported me, especially Nancy in my breakdown moment. She was there for me when I needed her the most.


So next year here we come.......maybe!!!