The Wasatch Back Rockstars Soundtrack

Hey ladies!  At our meeting we talked about putting together a race soundtrack for our team.  I would love to have your input on what you'd like to have on that soundtrack.  So start commenting away with your input!  Otherwise you're going to be submitted to my whims.  Tee hee.

A Little About Me!!

Greetings and Happy Valentines!!

I am Kathy, and I have wanted to run the Wasatch Back for a couple of years, and now I am!!! Thank you for letting me join your group.

I am married to John for 11 1/2 years and have 2 wonderful twin girls Summer and Whitney, who are 4 1/2. We love to be active as a family and we enjoy rafting, skiing, camping, hiking, 4-wheeling, and riding horses. John has taught me to work hard to play hard. I am a Dental Hygienist and have the wonderful schedule of working one day a week, just to get"out". John is a geotechnical engineer, and works in Salt Lake.

I have ran most of my life, with a long break while I was in school and for a couple of years afterward. I love to run, but I am hot and cold with training, but I am always happier when I do run. I ran the Ogden half marathon for the last two years, and this year - proving I am growing crazier with age - I signed up for the full :)

I am so excited to get to know everyone, and experience this race. I am PUMPED, hope everyone is excited too!!

Taking the girls skiing at Snowbasin

My favorite picture of my favorite people

John and I backpacking in Canyonlands

Whitney left and Summer right

Greetings from me!

Hello!  I am Lisa and I am excited to embark on this new adventure called "Running for Fun!"  I am the wife of Trevor and the mother to four insanely busy, but wonderful kids.  I have been athletic all my life and have played competitive sports, but never have I just ran for fun until mid-September after being on "not-quite-bed-rest" for about 6 months.  I ran my first  race on Thanksgiving at ORMC and thoroughly enjoyed it.  I have found that running is quite addictive and theraputic!  I actually took a break from running in January but am ready to get going again.  I have known Amanda and Carla for a long time-in fact, I used to scoff when Amanda started running at 5ish AM-and now that's my favorite time to go!  I am a self-proclaimed dork who likes to read, work out, eat and sleep!  I look forward in getting to meet all of you! 

a bit about me

Hi everyone! My name is Sabrina, and am associated with this group through being in the same book club as Kristin, Trina and Kathy. Last year I heard so much about this race, and I thought it would be an awesome experience, so I am super excited I got the chance to join you all! I started running after my daughter was born, and have slowly gotten my endurance up, though I still have a long way to go. I have finished two triathlons (not open water) and am currently training for a duathlon in St. George at the end of February. I have two kids: Lily is 3 years old and Jackson is almost 18 months. My husband Adam is an accountant and we have been married for 5 1/2 years. I work a few hours a week giving dietary recommendations at a rehabilitation center, even though it has nothing to do with my English Literature degree. Besides running, I love reading, cooking, road biking, gardening, and watching Hulu with Adam after the kids are asleep. My family blog: The Birds

Hey there!

Hi girls! I'm Trina and am really excited to run the Wasatch Back again this year. I love running but it often scares me to death :) . Running the Wasatch Back last year was an incredible experience. It took some serious coaxing, but it was so, so worth it. It was one of the hardest, yet most rewarding experiences of my life. I had so much fun in our van and made some super great friends. So gear up….it’s going to be a blast!

I have been running for about six years now. I am 36 years old and running is something I NEVER dreamed in a million years I would do, and grow to love. I run with Kristin, my very best friend, and thanks to her I make it out of bed in the morning for our long, or NOT so long, cold runs. I am quite certain I lack the willpower to do it on my own, so we keep each other going and that works great! AND she tells me all sorts of interesting and scholarly stories while we run! She is cool like that. :)

In our family we have four great kids, Michael (10), AJ (8), Sam (5) and Rachael (2), two very spoiled dogs and a cat. I love watching them grow and change (my kids…the animals, not so much). My husband, Dave, works at Weber State University and I work part-time at Prevent Child Abuse Utah.

I am very excited to get to know all of you. This will be a fantastic experience!

Hi Everyone

Hey there everyone! I am Kristin.

I am so excited to run this race! I ran the Wasatch Back last year and it was amazing. It was a fantastic experience in SO many ways. I love the physical and mental challenge of this race and I love the great friendships I made while running it.

It sounds like we have an awesome team this year. I know about half of you and I am looking forward to meeting everyone else. I have been running off and on since high school, but I started running more seriously 6 years ago. My best friend, Trina, and I have run lots of 5K races and three half marathons. We ran the Wasatch Back last year after calling/emailing Lori at least a thousand several times to ask if she thought we could really do it. And, after she assured us that we'd be fine, we joined the team. And we are so glad.

I am 35 years old and have a great husband, Jeff, four happy kids, Sophie (10), Elisabeth (8), Jillian (5) and Reed (2) and one whiny cat, Viola. I taught Jr. High English and History for a few years, but have been a stay-at-mom home since my oldest was born. Recently I went back to school to get a Masters Degree in English. I spend a lot of time studying, and sometimes Trina is lucky enough to get a rundown of Shakespeare or Chaucer while we run. Ha. Ha. Lucky Trina! :) I have a really hard time going to bed before midnight, so my early morning running schedule is sometimes painful. But, on a night that Jeff and I really want to stay up late watching TV, I just consider the next day's run as Ragnar Training. So, since 24 just started and Lost starts in a few days, I'll be getting a lot of Ragnar Training in the coming weeks. Ha Ha!

Can't wait to meet you! Happy running!

10 things about me

1. I'm Lesa
2. I'm 30,or will be in a week, so I'm rounding.
3. Wife of Brian for 8 1/2 years, mother of Bradley (3) and Daniel (9 months). I'm outnumbered, but have been most of my life.
4. I'm a stay-at-home mom, but was a Corporate Accountant for Flying J in what seems like another life.
5. I graduated from Weber with a bachelor's in Accounting in 2004.
6. I've run for fitness on and off for 15 years, but I am a racing novice. I've only done 3 5Ks, and the Thanksgiving run at Ogden Regional last year.
7. My favorite color is green.
8. I only eat one hot dog a year.
9. When I'm not chasing my boys (or in the midst of chasing them), I read, listen to talk radio, cook, clean, do a Sudoku puzzle, watch my favorite show Chuck or our latest movie from Netflix, and blog occasionally (I like to read other blogs better).
10. I love sweets, especially baked goods like cookies, brownies, and cake.

That's me in a nut shell. I'm excited / scared about Ragnar, but I think it will be fun. I'm especially looking forward to putting one of those stickers on my car showing the world that I'm crazy, I mean tough!

Hi, my name is Carla.

I have been married for 12 1/2 years to Stephen. He is totally wonderful! We have 4 children-2 girls and 2 boys. Girl #1 is 12, girl #2 is 7, boy #1 is 6, and boy #2 is 2 1/2. We have a black lab/weimareiner named Jake. I like to read books and other peoples blogs. I love movies. I like to go hiking and camping, but only because my husband needs to do this. I am a soccer coach to boy #1 and I love having that time with him. We have blog so, if you'd like to learn more about me and my family, click here.

I haven't always been a runner, in fact, I never ran until a year ago. There are several reasons for my running; health, didn't want to embarrass the kids at soccer or school, want them to have the healthy lifestyle that I didn't, many personal issues, and my mom got breast cancer. Due to the last, I have been doing the Susan G. Komen S.L.C. 5K since 2008. I walked (with a little running) it the first year. The next year I ran 2/3 of it with a goal to be running a 5k all the way by Thanksgiving in 35 min. I ran a lot of 5K's last summer, running the whole way, but never under the time limit I set for myself. I completed my goal 2 days after Thanksgiving at the Ogden Santa Run 5K. 34:50.1. My new goal is to run a 5K in 30 min. or less. I am signed up to run the Ogden Marathon Relay because I was so slow to sign up for the 1/2 marathon.

I've been friends with Amanda since they bought the condo next to ours in 2003. I'm really glad to have her as my friend. Last year I knew Amanda was running ragnar and when someone pulled out of the team, I was really, really tempted to sign up and race with some of you. My husband nicked the thought due to obligatory-camping-with-family plans. We were in Morgan and I watched many runners go by and my kids helped me cheer on the runners. I told Stephen I was going to run it next year (I caught the running bug), so he'll have to camp without me. Maybe the kids and he will be cheering on our runner. I think it will be a runner from van #1.

I'm still not a great runner, but I will be. I want to be a healthy (physically and mentally) person and this is the best way for me. I'm totally stoked to run with all of you and to get to know you all better. I'm happy to have friends and a sister who will be running with us also. I love this. I am really and truly excited!

A little about me

Hello everyone, I am Celeste and I am running too. I am Amanda's little sister. I am 23, married to the best man ever, and have a cute 10 month old named Jackson. I grew up in Utah even though I was born in Canada. I did all of my education here and graduated with a BS in Dental Hygiene 2 years ago.
I keep myself busy telling people to floss (at work AND at home), chasing after adorable little boys, and looking at clothes online that I wish I could buy.
I'm excited to run with everyone and just enjoy this experience, it sounds like a blast.

Welcome Team Rockstars 2010

Welcome ladies to our blog!  Here I will be posting updates about the race, things to be aware of, random thoughts that cross my mind and so forth.  Tee hee.  Get excited.  You're going to be soooo glad that I'm the team captain.  Uh huh.  Moving on.
As the team captain I just wanted to take a moment and introduce myself.  I know that I know most of you, so I will make this breif.  My name is Amanda.  I am 27 years old and have been running for the last 5 or so years.  My BFF Lori (who is flying in all the way from ATL to run this race with us!!!) was the one that got me into and addicted to running.  I blame everything on her.  Haha.  I am a part-time nurse, and a mom the rest of the time.  I have one beautiful little boy, a fantastic hubby, and the most chill dog you will ever meet.  Our little boy came to us through the miracle of adoption, and we're currently trying to adopt again.  I have run 2 marathons, lots of half marathons and I did Ragnar for the first time last year.  It seriously is the best race ever!  I love running, being a mom, playing soccer, photography, and music.  I hate early mornings, but that's when I have the time to run, so I have this weird love/hate relationship with them.  I'm super excited to be doing this race again this year.  I really am looking forward to getting to know all of you.  So please post a little about yourselves! 

My cute little fam.

If you're just dying to know more about me, you can read my blog here.

Look forward to hearing from you!

Anyone Refinancing? Buying or Selling?

Hey ladies,
I got this email from Ragnar a few weeks ago, and thought I'd post it to see if this applies to any of us.  Apparently if someone on our team refinances, buys or sells through this agency within the next, well 60 days now, our registration fee would be refunded.  That means it would be free for us to run!  I don't know if this applies to any of us, just thought I'd check and see.  Here is the letter!

The Ragnar Relay Wasatch Back 2009 was an amazing race...maybe the best one yet...even that sprinkling of rain at the finish line didn't put a damper on anyone's spirits and ended up bringing people even closer together.
We can't wait until The Ragnar Relay Wasatch Back 2010 and it looks as though many of you can't wait either as the race is already over half full. If the thought of being left out of the race next year doesn't motivate you enough to sign up check out the great deal we have for you...it even applies to all of you who have signed up already.
As you know, the Ragnar Relay Series has made some great partnerships over the years. Rob Wathen and the Salt Lake City based Red Rock Mortgage is no exception. In addition to helping us make the Wasatch Back a reality, Red Rock Mortgage has also arranged a very unique offering.
Anyone completing a refinance, purchase or selling of a property within the next 90 days with Red Rock will have their team entry fees paid in full for the race of their choosing. Don't worry if you have already registered for an upcoming Ragnar Relay, Red Rock will refund your entry fee.
Several of us here at Ragnar have used Rob, owner of Red Rock refinancing and can personally vouch for him and his agency.
Rob is also a multiple Wasatch Back Relay runner and avid triathlete. Please contact him directly at 801-230-LOAN (5626), email him at robert@rrmortgageinc.com or apply directly online at www.redrockmortgage.com .
Best,
The Ragnar Promotions Team

Please Come Run With Us This Year!

We still have room on our team for runners for the 2010 Ragnar.  We want you to run it with us!  We're a super fun group of girls running because we love it.  We just want to finish this race.  We don't care how fast or slow you are.  So if you need any more convincing read my post about this last years race here.  Then email me about how much you want to do it.  You know you wanna!

Thanks for a great race ladies!

It was an awesome race. Loved it. Web albums are circulating through emails, so look for them!

Amanda is taking over as team captain for next year, so I'm deleting everyone as an author except her... she's in charge now. :)

Enjoy the rest of your racing season!!

Even MORE to read. Yipee.

The Team Captain Minutes.

Read it over and then we'll all be informed. :)

Discuss below if you have concerns or questions.

General Concerns

Seems like there are some logistical questions... 

On Thursday night we're meeting in Ogden to pack the vans for the race.  It will be determined that night where each set of 6 runners will meet the next day.  Van #1 runners will most likely meet somewhere between Davis County and Ogden and all pile in the Van to go up to Logan together.  I am going to meet you also and trail up to the beginning so I can show them required head lamps, vests, etc.  Also to pick up the swag bags for Van #2.

Van #2 will meet somewhere between Ogden and Liberty about 1-2 hours before Van #1 reaches Ogden Valley.  We'll all pile into the van and wait anxiously to hear from Van #1 how things are going.  

I have found a calculator online that will project our team pace.  Which will be helpful for the big exchanges for us to know roughly plus or minus 45 minutes when the van's will be meeting.  I know I've asked you a million times.  But if you could all leave a comment what your pace is, what you think you'll realistically run next week (7mm, 10mm, 15 mm) then I will input it.  The calculator (I think) takes into account the very hard runs and slows you down for those.  So just give me your regular 10k or 5k pace.  

Okay, looks like everyone just wants to bring their own food.  So look at the list of food, know what you eat and we'll go from there.  Also remember please that there will only be one cooler per van so don't bring an ENORMOUS about of food, but enough that you'll be fueled for 30 hours.  I think that's it.  Any more questions??

Go. Team. 

Forgot To Mention

You'll want to bring at least two running shirts, one pair of shorts, some running tights or warm up pants, gloves, a hoodie, and a long sleeve running shirt.  You feel much better after a change of clothing in between runs.  We are running in a desert so in the middle of the night it gets really chilly.  Make sure and bring warm clothes to run in and even warmer clothes to stand around and cheer in.  

Also, bring flip flops or sandals or something to wear when you aren't running.  Wearing you running shoes for 30 hours is fun and all.... but.....  

Important Info

Brief update, Jill is no longer going to be able to run the race with us.  I've found another runner, her name is Beth Harrop and she's super fun.  Van #1 you're going to love her.  I'll add her to the blog soon so she can introduce herself.  

If you weren't at the meeting go HERE and print off a Race Day Checklist.  This is where we're getting the majority of the topics from.  

Aside from your personal items these are the assignments we have come up with so far:

• Two headlamps -Lori & Sharlynn
  
• Two reflective Vests - Robyn & Trina
  
• Race Bibles (2) - Trina will print them off
  
• Cooler - Kristin & Robyn
  
• Music - Lori & Amanda
  
• First Aid Kits - Amanda
  
• Money ($10-$20) - Everyone
  
• Medical Information - Everyone needs to email me any special needs. If you are diabetic we need to know, if you're allergic to bees, etc.  a) what the allergy/special need b) what to do or what to tell EMT if anything were to happen. 
  
• 2 way radios per van - still need
  
• Cameras! - any takers?
  

Food List Per Van (please add if you think I'm forgetting something)

• 2 cases of water
  
• gatorate/GU
  
• cheese
  
• bread
  
• deli meat
  
• vegetables
  
• fruit
  
• granola bars
  
• Ice
  
• peanut butter
  
• jam
  
• yogurt
  
• munchies
  
• baby wipes
  

Van update

We still need a Van for Van #1.  A mini-van will be okay, just a little smushy.  If anyone knows someone with an expedition, suburban, navigator, etc will you ask them if we can borrow it for two days? :)  

Volunteer Update

Manda will let us know if those are covered or not.

Sponsorship

No one has lucked out.  Any updates on that from anyone else? Even if we can get $100 that will help us cover the cost of gas. 

What do I need to be doing NOW?

Make sure you get at least one multiple run day in before the race.  Which means you need to run 2-3 times in a 24 hour period to make sure your body doesn't revolt when the race comes.  Make sure you are getting very hydrated.  The day before the race you're going to want to drink at least 2 liters of water.  Trust me.  

Also, you need to go to THIS LIST and make sure you have everything for the race.  If you have ANY questions please leave them in the comments.  We chatted a lot about race logisitics and other issues.  What questions do those who weren't at the meeting have.  Any concerns?  Next week I'll be getting the team captain minutes.  I'll post them here.  They will go through the race in excrutiating detail and help you understand the race even more.  Okay... I'm getting excited... go team!  1...2...3.. Break!

Things Have Been Crazy

I have the minutes from last Saturday's meeting.  Which are VERY important for everyone to read. I'll get them posted hopefully by tomorrow night.  The post will cover things like:

• 
  
• Basics of the race
  
• What to bring
  
• Start Times
  
• Food Assignments
  
• Misc Assignments
  
• Clothing suggestions
  
• Gas Money distribution
  
• Medical Information Needed.
  

Life here has been insane this week so I apologize for delaying the post.  If you have specific questions you want answered and weren't at the meeting please leave them in the comment section. I will address them in that post.

One important piece of business.  We really really REALLY need to know if any of you are dropping out.  There are some of you that we haven't heard anything from since you paid your registration fee.  The same 4-6 of us have been at each meeting/run since January.  This is a team relay and if we don't have all 12 runners we can't compete.  I need to hear from everyone, yes everyone, with a definite confirmation.  If not we need to get sub runners in place. This is a time intensive race and not something that we could find a replacement for the night before. Please leave a comment if you're planning on running.  If you don't know how to leave a comment email me or someone on the team and have them leave a comment. 

Thanks!

Knee Trouble.

Hey Everyone,
I need some advise. I am so worried. I did a six miler this morning and my knees are killing me this afternoon. I can barely walk down the stairs. I have had problems with my Meniscus before but this is weird. It feels like someone hit me with a baseball bat on the outside of my both of my knees. I'm not sure what it is, but it hurts. I'm so worried about our race. So any ideas on what it might be and how I can prevent it? I already try to only run on grass and blacktop, I ice after every run, and I take an anti-inflamatory. Please let me know if you have any other ideas for me.
Thanks
Diana C

Training Runs

A great question was brought up in the comments on the last post, and since Lori is on an internet fast, she asked me to address it. The question was regarding training for Ragnar and if in your training you should do more than one run in a 24 hour period to train.
The answer is YES.
In your training for the Ragnar, at least 2 separate times you should run twice in a 24 hour time period to help your body get ready for running your respective legs. So a run in the morning and a run in the afternoon/evening that same day is definitely recommended. Tally ho! It's going to be great!