Wasatch Back. The hardest Ragnar to get into - as well as one of the hardest Ragnar's that you can run. We long dreamed of being able to run this Ragnar, especially after Vegas last year. Things weren't looking promising though as spots sell out before it's even opened to the general public. This, however, seems to have been our year. Because it was the 10 year anniversary of the first Ragnar ever (Wasastch Back, of course) they almost doubled the number of spots they allow by hosting a Thursday/Friday race as well. We were in as soon as I got the email.
That meant that we had to get together a team, though. We were pretty convinced that we knew enough people that would be willing to participate, and sure enough within a couple weeks we had 10 other people wanting to run with us. However, things change, schedules get in the way, and conflicts arise. There were multiple times of having a full team and scrambling to find someone right up until 2 days before the race - and to all those who can up and run a Ragnar, I am impressed and hope one day to be like you. We were able to do it though and had a full team excited and ready to run! Remind me though how much I didn't like this part next time I think it's a good idea to organize a team. haha.
On Wednesday, June 19th, our van (Van 2 - I don't know why we did that to ourselves again. We vowed after Vegas that we would never be van 2 again. Then, even being in charge, we both chose legs in van 2. I suppose we are glutton for punishment.) loaded up and headed to Logan to stay at one of our van member's Mission President's house. Can I just say - WOW! I have never seem a house and property as incredible as this one was. Everything was beautiful, well kept, and extravagant while still being welcoming and homey.
We dined that evening at Hu Hut. I'm not even sure how to describe it except it was tasty and an experience I had never had before. We had smores for dessert - see the cute little fireplaces?
Breakfast the next morning was provided in the home we were staying at. We all carb loaded nicely on pancakes, eggs, and bacon.
The boys even did the dishes for us!
Here is a picture of the entrance to the room Hunter and I stayed in. Incredible, right?
After breakfast it was van decorating time! Nothing better to put you in the Ragnar spirit!
...and the finished project! Well, one side anyway. The other side will make multiple appearances later on in this post.
Then we loaded up and were on our way to exchange 6 where Brit would begin. Random side note: we actually had to drive all the way back through Ogden to get to our starting point. It might have been easier to just stay at our house the night before, but, then we wouldn't have gotten the amazing Bed and Breakfast experience that we did. I like to think of it as our little mini vacation pre-Ragnar. haha.
We also all applied our Ragnar tattoos - which ended up leaving tan lines after the fact on at least 3 of us.
Brit got the bracelet from Catherine around 3 o'clock and we were off!
Cute little newlyweds :)
Jes handing off to Hunter for his first leg - the hardest leg of the course and the only one manned by EMTs.
But, he survived it! He came in strong a couple minutes ahead of time.
One of our lovely volunteers as well as our van captain from team one. Both of these lovely ladies have said they will run the next Ragnar we do - even if it is on the East Coast.
In the midst of crazy sun and no sleep, pictures stopped for a while. haha. This is me checking off my final leg of the race. Hooray! Notice the little check marks associated with my name for baby? Cute, yes?
And Hunter making his final check mark....
We did it! Our final time was 32 hours 45 minutes. It was such an incredible experience and I'm just not sure how to describe it. It is fun and crazy and will make you more tired than you have ever been in your life, but once you are caught up on sleep and the soreness wears off the itch to do it all over again starts right up.
All of Van 2. Some of our favorite people.
More finish line festivities...
One of my favorite purchases of the day...isn't it soooo cute?
Here are some couple shots from our van...
Brit and Andre, little cuties. They will definitely be doing another Ragnar with us :) Despite not wanting to, they loved every minute and felt the itch to do another one the very next day.
Jes and Rendy post crazy, straight uphill legs. If you get a named leg you know it's going to suck. Both of them had about 4 mile long legs that were pretty straight uphill with very little to no relief. Of course they both rocked it.
And of course, Hunter and me.
We decided that since the only purchases we have made for our baby up to this point have been running related that means we are going to have to run again. Oye. haha. It'll probably be a solid 8 months or so before I set out on anything too serious though.
We are officially Ragnarians - again!
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