This

[Ed Sheeran]

Going into Ragnar I was worried about 3 things. (1) The lack of training I had done. (2) An injury I had been dealing with, my quad, flairing up. (3) And my night run.

I am not an animal person. Let’s me say that again – animals terrify me [with the exception of my own cat and many reptiles… I know, weird. What little girl gets a pet frog?].

Luckily, the lack of training hadn’t put in me in a position of NOT finishing. I HAD run a marathon only 2 months previous. I was capable of getting through it. Still, I am disappointed in my performance, because I am better than the performance I gave, had I the chance to have trained regularly.  And miraculously my quad didn’t give me any problems. So good and great!

But, my night run…

After the gun went off and I saw only 10 runners and RunWiki take off...

My first thought was… “Oh crap. There isn’t going to be ANYONE around during my night, and it’s inevitable. This is really happening.” I immediately started to have a panic attack, despite what my teammates kept telling me… that the night run typically ends up being people’s favorite leg. But, this was me… scaredy cat, Vieve! I mean last time I went camping (last summer) I didn’t sleep a wink because I was convinced a bear was lurking. It’s not like we had seen one… I was just convinced one would find me. Wimp.

Only certain people would understand exactly the magnitude of my running-meets-animals phobia. Nate. Krick. Mom. They KNOW.

So as I was about to embark on my 1,200 elevation climb over 8.5 miles at midnight of the summer solstice, I hit the portas and geared up in my reflective vest, headlight, reflector light, and knuckle lights.  On my way back to the van from the potties, I overheard a breathy runner return to his team and say, “Did you guys see that bobcat cross right in front of me?”… my heart rate picked up…WHAT! THE! *#!$!

I scurried over to the van, “Holly, that guy just said he had a bobcat cross in front of him!” The look on Holly’s face went from smile to terror, “Don’t say that! Big cats are my worst fear. I can just picture them tearing apart my skin with their sharp nails and teeth…tell me you are joking.” Me: “Yaaaa…I am joking….” [I totally wasn't]

So when my teammates asked me what they could do during the partial van support distance. Typically the request would be for water, Nuun, fuel, and cheering. My request, “Let me know if there are any animals ahead of me. Anything I need to watch out for: Moose, coyotes….BOBCATS!” Classic Vieve.

I stood waiting in the below 40 degree weather, panicking within, and waiting for Bry to come running towards me with the Baton. I stretched. I turned on my music. I thought… “This could be either a really slow run, because it’s gonna be very hard. Or this could be a SUPER fast run, because I just want it to be over with (or I might be running from something).”

As soon as the baton was slapped onto my wrist, I took of for my secluded mountain run. I was stiff. I was anxious. I was jumpy.  For the first two miles, I was on edge. I couldn’t see runners in front of me, nor behind me. It was dark, only lit by the full moon. I was intensely focused on my surroundings.

I jumped when I heard something ahead, but relieved when I saw that it was Holly and Ned standing on the roadside waving the crossing flag. As I passed Holly says, “No animal sightings… Just 2 bobcats is all. You’re lookin’ good!” [I love that girl.] She made me smile and instantly calm down. I can’t say enough how much the team aspect got me through this. Thanks, Holly, for that specific help.

The next 6.5 miles were physically hard. I climbed hill after hill. Ocassionally, seeing a runner and passing by them… most walking up the hills. But, my fear subsided, and I sunk into the incredible experience. I say that running is probably the most spiritual thing I do. It’s when I ponder life. This particular run was more incredible than just a reflective period. I lived in a different world for that 50-60 minutes. It was indescribable.

I wanted to hear my surroundings, during the run, so I had wedged my earplug up into my hat and turned up the volume. I had a soft, faux stereo going. One of which, runners would overhear as I passed by. I listened to a special playlist I had made for that run. I had to laugh as I passed people who got a taste of it. My favorite was a look I got on a particular hill while listening to Celine Dion (Talk about cheese! Moonlight mountain run to a little Celine!). I joked with my team the list was, “Love songs after dark.” And that wasn't an exaggeration. It was.

By the time I came through the exchange, I had passed 15 people. The most our team had seen yet. It set us on fire. Bry never got passed. I think Meghan had some absurd 40 kills or something during her 12 miler. Just incredible.

But, my teammates were right about the night run... it was my favorite. It was special. Life changing. I didn't expect this to happen... but, I fell in love more than I ever would have thought I could. I can't wait until get here again. Then again... What are the Colorado mountains infested with?

(And I know this was out of order... considering this was my 3rd leg...but I just didn't want to risk losing any of my memories about this run. So it's getting priority. And because it's my blog... and I roll like that.)

Run

[Matt Nathanson featuring Sugarland]

Ragnar Wasatch Back Ultra Marathon's go like this:

2... great sponsors (Nuun sponsored our run and Lunatik sponsored our compression socks)

Bry and I sporting our Lunatik Compression Socks.
Absolutely loved them -- physical support -- and got a ton of compliments.

Meghan made lights for our van out of her left over Nuun tablet containers.
They were so cute!
I think I am going to do this for my office at home :)

6 no 7... team members that I had never met in person and now am lifelong friends with

L to R: Lisa, Holly, RunWiki, Meghan, Bry, Ned, and myself

1... fabulously decked out 15 passenger van

(Holly's Instagram photo collage)
I am NOT an artist...so I did the stars :p

6... legs each

198.3...  miles run as a team

3... canyons crossed

30:02... our finishing time

28.5... miles that I covered on my own

3... trail runs

4:12... my 26.2 marathon time

944... my biggest elevation climb during a single run

-1125... my biggest elevation descent during a single run

2... number of new favorite running gear – the stick and knuckle lights

1... hour sleep during the race

2... hours of sleep the night before the race

1... violation for assisting a runner

We received a violation for supporting a runner during a no van support leg.
It was well accepted by the team, considering it was to our disadvantage to help our runner (Meghan) by having Bry run along with her. But Meghan is a machine and refused to quit, despite stomach issues. Bry (and all of us) just did what we could to support her desire to push through. If that is deserving a violation -- we'll take it. And then we'll report van after van that is stopped on the next no van support leg. If we break the rules, we'll own it. But we'll also seek justice ;)

3... sayings that are now in my vocabulary -- thanks to Holly ("Get it girl!", "SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!", and "Like a boss")

9... place overall (for both Ultra and Normal Relay teams)

72... minutes by which we beat the 2^nd place women's ultra team (also of which being the elite team... double score!)

1... place in the women's ultra division

2...  little caesars pizzas that have never tasted SO amazing

I was taking a picture of Bry...
No wonder she's so tiny. She hadn't ever eaten a slice of little ceasars pizza before!
That and that she run's 6 minute paced miles.

6... day in September we plan to hit up Colorado as an all women's Ultra team... AGAIN!

Sparkle

[No Doubt]

I don't know how to start this post. I've tried, but nothing seems right. My words are just not going to do this experience any justice. How do you try to explain a situation that has changed you? How can you express gratitude to the people that made the experience what it was? 

Just know... this won't be enough to describe it. [Even though it will be multiple, long posts!]

I feel like jumping right into the details of the race. Explaining the logistics, hurdles, successes, and events. That's easy. But, that doesn't feel right...

So, first and foremost, I'll say thank you to NUUN Hydration for inviting me onto the team,  for sponsoring me, and giving me the opportunity to be part of this experience -- It was amazing! I was a fan of the product before, but will be an ambassador (unofficial) of the product for life. I'll wear my cowgirl hat, displaying the NUUN symbol, with pride and cheer on your company... and maybe be an official ambassador someday? [Note: For those of you who haven't tried Nuun products, my teammate RunWiki just wrote a FABULOUS review of their products -- and has a giveaway. You don't have to be an athlete to drink Nuun. If you want to just drink more water, but use products like Crystal Lite or the drops, switch over to Nuun... they are tasty, some are all natural products, some containe caffeine, and for athletes they are incredible electrolyte replacers. I prefer them over any alternative. My favorites -- grape, cherry limeade, and fruit punch.]

Speaking of RunWiki -- aka Lisa. I owe her a HUGE thank you. I've been following her blog for over two years. She continually inspires me. I've cried and laughed with her, from afar. Getting to meet her in person was better than I could have dreamed. She is an incredible person. I owe her thanks for thinking of me when one of their teammates had to drop out. Had she not, I wouldn't have had this experience. Getting to pass the baton to her after each leg just made me so happy. It was surreal. You have an idea of how online personalities are and Lisa just lived up to the magnificent person I had built in my mind. Getting to be her teammate... Incredible. Thank you, Lisa!

And then there is Holly. [Get it girl!] I hope you know, Holly, that I've named you my new BFF. I've told people this [and you don't have a choice... it's happening.] I also hope you know, I am expecting you to start that podcast. Not only are you the sweetest person, but wow, you are hilarious! I just need a list of all your Holly-isms. I seriously have said, "Get it girl!" and "SHUT THE FRONT DOOR" way more times than my husband wants to hear. Haha. But Holly, I want to publicly thank you for being our team captain. I've told you this already, but our success was greatly attributed to your organization, coordination, positivity, selflessness, motivation, attitude, and humor. You tied us together. You kept us focused on having fun and giving our all, all at the same time. You forwent sleep to keep things moving smoothly. You found us a house and a driver (and sexy hats), both of which were amazing. Girl, I freakin' love you! 

Bry... I am sorry I kept calling you Brie. It made no sense. But, it doesn't really matter, I mean... what you really should be called is FAST! You and Meghan. Geez. You've both inspired me to work harder, both physically and mentally. It's gonna sound stupid, but I look up to you both. Seeing you two running up that hill together will be something I'll never forget. It was a great representation of how incredible our team was. It was a representation of what I want to aspire to personally. Thank you for making up for my slowness. Thank you for being such a sweetheart. 

Meghan. Ya. I am in awe. Not only can you pull off those freakin' Bunz like a boss. You can run like a boss, too. You have the mental toughness of a... I don't know what... but you are strong! You kept us all from complaining or giving less than our all. You had it rough, but you stayed strong. You were an example to us all, that you can't give up, not for anything. Thank you for giving me that motivation. And just as I said above to Bry... thanks for making up for my slowness. And thanks for making me laugh so much. You are just all around a fantastic person. (And thank you for getting us the Lunatik socks!)

Lisa G. you rocked the Ragnar hill! Like really rocked it! I hope you are still beaming with pride over that. What an accomplishment! And thank you for doing that hill so that I didn't have to. But, in all honestly, you actually made me want to go back and tackle it some day. I loved your attitude about it. Your attitude about the whole race -- really. Thank you for keeping spirits high. And thank you for doing all the shopping. It made a world of difference. I know it wasn't convenient, nor easy, shopping for 6 runners all with unique needs. Thank you for taking that on and doing a fantastic job!

And Ned...our biggest cheerleader! And the best driver we could have asked for. Thank you for giving up 2 days and going sleepless. Thank your wife. It wasn't easy, I am sure. But it was GREATLY appreciated. It just felt better reporting my kills, knowing how excited you'd be! Thank you for being so proud of us. Thank you for being a part of the experience. You are wonderful!




I didn't really intend for the post to go that way... all sappy and thankful. But that's where I am at, right now. In fact, I know I've left someone out. I am incredibly thankful to you, too. 

And I was right. It didn't do justice. But I hope you get some idea... I couldn't have been more lucky to have ended up in this situation and with these fantastic people. Sponsored by an amazing company. I promise, next post, I'll get more into the race itself -- but I can't promise to be less corny about it.

Don't Let Me Fall Behind

[Jukebox the Ghost]

I've been struggling since the marathon 2 weeks ago. I've run once. A 7.5 mile run this last Sunday. I haven't stopped working out: I swim, bike, lift weights, and do the elliptical. None of these are as satisfying as a good run. But, that marathon did me in.

So, when Lisa of Run Wiki emailed me saying that she had some running spots open for the Nuun Hydration Ragnar Wasatch Back team, I was beyond myself.



First, following Lisa's blog... She's not a novice runner by any means. She runs for the Oiselle Running team, is a certified RRCA coach, a Fitfluential and Nuun Embassador, and the list goes on. How cool that she thought of me?! [I mean convenience was one thing -- I am in Utah -- but still!]

Secondly, am I ready to tackle another race? So soon? I know I said I was taking away the marathon as a "positive" experience, but I can't seem to shake the feeling of disappointment in myself. I find out if I get into the St. George Marathon on May 16th and I was, secretly, kind of crossing my fingers I didn't -- only because running a marathon in September seemed TOO soon. Haha.

But, this is RAGNAR! It's supposed to be a blast. And though I've tried to get a team together, year after year it just don't even get anywhere close to being a possibility. This might be my only chance to run this...

After emailing the team captain(?), Megan, I was informed this wasn't JUST any old Ragnar (12 member) team. This was a (6 member) ULTRA team!! I've done countless races -- but I never REALLY pictured myself doing an Ultramarathon. That's anywhere between 30 and 100 miles. Most lying around 50 miles. After looking at the legs, I would need to run about 30-40 miles during the course of Ragnar.

[Insert anxiety]

But I had a voice telling me that I had to do this. I mean it's an ULTRA! You HAVE to do this!

Plus, I needed something exciting. Something to look forward to. Something to motivate me to run.

This would be that.

...And more importantly, I've learned that doing a race WITH someone is better than doing a race WITHOUT someone. Running a race with a team of support... a team of avid runners.. that sounds completely AWESOME! (Plus, I'd get to finally meet the incredible Lisa. Bonus!)

I'm in.

-------------------------------------------------

One last comment. Lisa ran her first Boston Marathon this year. Her posts about witnessing the bombing was heart wrenching. I highly recommend reading those posts:

On the Boston Tragedy
Boston Marathon before the Bombings
Part 2: After the Finish Line at the Boston Marathon

Also, if you enjoyed her posts. Check her out on twitter, too:  Lisa on Twitter

All Summer Long

[Kid Rock]

Michigan was playing the University of Utah in football the fall of KC's 1st semester of law school. As we were walking into our new apartment we passed a fellow 1L in the hallway. KC relayed to me that he had said something to this student, Steve (a Michigan grad), about the imminent standoff. The story concluded with, "I don't think he was interested in talking to me."

I had to laugh as I sat in Steve's apartment in Michigan this past week hearing Kase and him breakdown the upcoming season and then plan out a future trip to see the two school's battle out another game.

I can't recall how they got past the first conversation. I guess guys just do. But, whatever happened, I am glad it did. I love these boys. I feel we've got a 2 guys and girl and pizza shop thing going on, without the pizza shop. Though we did eat some delicious pizza (and bread nuggs). That can count.

Kase, Me, and Steve
Whale watching in Boston, Sept. 2009

Though the period during law school typically result in just the 3 of us travelling around, this trip was upgraded with the addition of Steve's girlfriend Adanna. We had briefly spent time with her on a few occasions during the last year of law school, but it was fun to get to know her better.

Steve, Adanna, Me, and Kase
WNEC Law School Graduation, May 2011

The 4 of us toured Northern Michigan over the past 5 days. And honestly, I am 99% sure I've broken my record for laughter in a week. I couldn't stop giggling. We had so much fun. Michigan was beautiful and a great place to vacation, but honestly it was the people I was with that REALLY made this vacation. I am confident that us 4 could have had this much fun in Antarctica. Are their penguins there? Cuz, we might lose Kase and Steve on that trip. Maybe we should avoid vacations with lovable animals.

Pictures are better than words. So I am just go that route. Plus, most of the stories that occurred were under the idiom "you had to be there."

Tuesday

View from the end of Old Mission Peninsula

Me and Adanna at Old Mission State Park

Chateau on Old Mission Peninsula

Levi Britton performing in Traverse City

Wednesday

Bay @ Lake Michigan

Sophie, Steve, and Kase (L to R)

River into Michigan Lake
Natural Slide

Commuter River into downtown Traverse City

Dinner and dessert at Red Ginger
(Where Adanna works. Amazing food.)

Trigger Boxing Gym
Home to Adanna's family's business.
Adanna was Ntl. Boxing Champ for her weight class at 16 yrs. old.

Mohammed Ali signed boxing glove. 

Nerdy picture of me boxing Steve.
(Yes, I am in a dress. Haha.) 

Thursday

It was rainy, so while KC and Steve hung out at the apartment
I went for a 9 mile run along a trail near Steve's apartment. 

Smaller lake along the running path

The path eventually took me out to the Bay @ Lake Michigan
I took advantage of this peaceful rain and sat in silence there for 15-20 min.

Friday

Glen Lake

Kase and I

Lake Michigan Overlook @ Sleeping Bear Dunes
This doesn't do it justice. Believe me.

Kase and I

Steve blocking the wind for me.

And the jumping photos start... 

The decent...with more jumping... 

...and some from Steve...

But, most from Kase.

At the bottom of the dunes.

Kase goofing around.

Kase and I

Throwing in a duck face...

Steve, Kase, and I

Steve and I swimming.

Then we had to climb back up...
It took us 17 minutes. (Kase took 34 min.)
1 step forward, 8 inches sliding back, repeat...
My calves were on FIRE by the time we reached the top.

Cute fishing town in Leland, MI

We browsed the docks. 

And saw this really cool old steamer...

Saturday

I ran a 5k Trail Run
Then went and laid at the beach with Adanna for a couple hours.

Meanwhile...the boys went golfing.

Between all these events we ate, ate, and ate more. Then sat around chatted, watched Newsroom and Breaking Bad, and got lots of sleep.

It was a super relaxing, fun time. I loved Michigan. Can't wait to go back. Thank you, again, Steve and Adanna for inviting us! Love you both!