Las Vegas Ragnar

So, I am finally getting around to posting about our RAGNAR experience. I knew it would take me awhile to write this post, so many things to say, so many emotions... In October, Blake and I ran in the Las Vegas Ragnar relay together. Two days, a team of 12, two vans (suburban and truck in our case) lots of water, good running shoes, no showers, good music and no sleep. Does it get better than that? It was our 8th anniversary weekend. And what better way to spend your anniversary than with 4 other people in a suburban for 2 days? We had the BEST team ever. TEAM BONK! We ran with our good friends the Jensen's and the Jensen family and a few of their friends. Our van consisted of "Non Jensen" runners. We had Blake, Myself, Amy, Kim, Chris, and Cameron. We called our van the "Mugbloods". Because we aren't of Jensen Decent. :) The race was such an incredible experience. I can honestly say I experienced just about every emotion. It was such an incredible feeling to set a goal, train for it and then go out and do it. Our van was so encouraging and so supportive. We started at Lake Mead and ended very close to downtown Las Vegas. It was hot, and dry, and at times I felt so discouraged, and just when I was ready to stop and walk, my team would drive by, honking the horn, yelling from the window and cheering me on. We had the best team! I can't say that enough. All 12 runners did an awesome job. We experienced sleep deprivation, thirst, anxiousness and tons and tons of laughter. Sleeping on mole hills at a truck stop near a freeway entrance has never been so much fun! :) I'm pretty sure I cried about 10 times, out of joy, pain, pride and just being touched by everyone's kindness and support to each other. At one point, one of our runners, Larry got injured and was unable to even put weight on his leg, I was amazed at how everyone was willing to help out. Brad (Trent's dad) and Trent ran his last two legs for him...making their total distance longer than anticipated. At the end of the race, our team carried Larry through the finish line, (once again, causing more tears). This was an incredible experience for Blake and I to do together. If you would have told me 8 years ago that this is how we would have spent our 8th anniversary, I would have laughed. I was not a runner...but I am proud to say that now, I AM A RUNNER. Running is my time to think, to escape and to just listen to my own thoughts. I am so grateful to Blake for training with me (early saturday morning runs) for encouraging me in all that I do... (sorry to get sappy)...for believing in me and cheering me on in all of life's journey's. I am so lucky to have you in my life. You are my best friend. We have been through a lot together, I know that you will always be there for me. You make my life so much better and so happy just because you are in it. Happy 8th Anniversary! I loved being a part of this race, and look forward to doing more of them. Thanks to the Jensen's for all of their planning and letting us join their team. Trent was an awesome team captain, and kept us super organized. It was a blast! Go Team Bonk!