Speed Walkers and Trash Talkers

S.W.A.T. representing before the brutality officially began
The Professor, Kristen, Tasha, Jo, Mandolin, Deb, Cara, Me, Mike, Sara, Jacee, Kristin, and Kevin

Last weekend I had the awesome experience of participating the the Ragnar Wasatch Back Relay that goes from Logan to Park City.  I've been trying to think about how I could possibly describe what it was like, and really it is just one of those things that is hard to explain. 
This picture of my new gal pal Deb kind of sums it up.  It is crazy, fun, awesome and exhausting.

Me, Cara, Mike, Debbie, Sara, Kristin, and Jacee

I thought I knew what I was getting into, but it turns out that the idea of run, drive, sleep, repeat is a lot more involved than I had anticipated.  Lucky thing I was in the lovely Van 2 with some of the coolest people ever.

 We laughed and cried, and stayed up all night until we all got the crazy giggles.  We ran our butts off and got to model some pretty chic reflective vests.  We made up a whole new vocabulary and got up close and personal with the honey pots.  

I was smiling in this photo because everyone was there cheering for me, including Mike and Adam.  Also because I didn't realize how steep Trapper's Loop is when you aren't in a car.  It is a good thing for peer- pressure because I promised myself I wouldn't walk until they passed and because of a photo-op involving a Sinclair dinosaur I had a longer time than anticipated. 

 I realized that I had nothing to complain about the next morning when I had to watch Kristin and Cara take on the meanest, rottenest, beast of a mountain.  This leg of the run is called Ragnar because it represents strength and courage.  I saw them both when I was watching these two sisters.  It is the utter toughness of the course that makes this thing truly great.

 And it the end, S.W.A.T. conquered it.

 At this point I was hiding out in the van trying to calm my nerves because I was running next.  I'm not that good at striking a pose anyway.  They tried to give me pointers but I am afraid I'm a lost cause.

And at last...triumph.  The finish line.

 Thanks to all my co-trash-talkers (who were much better at cheering than trash talking) for letting me in on the fun.  Thanks to Kristin for runnin' the show and a big big thanks to Cara for being such a true friend.  I love all of you guys and I feel like it was an honor to be standing there with you.

And thanks to Tanner (who I always consider Mr. Kristin Bell) for coming up with such a tough race.  While I was out there I seriously contemplated burning my running shoes and never looking back but after a good night's sleep I was already on the internet looking at the Northwest Passage that runs up by Seattle.  I can't get it together for this year, but I am getting an itch to consider it for next year.  Who wants to join me?