Wasatch Back Ragnar Relay Team Roster MonaVie Runners 2009

Wasatch Back Ragnar Relay #1

Tara and Rich organized our MonaVie corporate sponsored team #415 in the Wasatch Back Ragnar Relay June 19-20, 2009. We were recruited from different departments; six men and six women. We were assigned a relay position based on our 10k running speed and abilities. Each of us would run 3 legs of the race totaling 12-18 miles. Each leg was rated for difficulty by the change in elevation and number of miles to run. We were divided up into two teams of six. Each team would drive together and support each other during the entire race. Team #1 was Steve Profitt, Allen Steele, Rena Thomas, Annie Thomas, Karli Thomas and Sally Harvey. Team #2 was Chriss Romney, Tara Lauritzen, Andrew Marsh, Vince Romney, Mike Lauritzen and Rich Millar.

During our team meetings, Rich reviewed the rules of the race, how to train, hydration and nutrition strategies (Hammer gels) and race safety. Vince was very popular at the meeting because of his experience running the Ragnar before. He answered many of our questions and concerns. Allen was concerned with his slow 10k time. He had been pulling himself up by the bootstraps running with sore ankles, knees and a low aerobic threshold; he couldn't run for more than 5-7 minutes without having to slow to a walk before running again. He was concerned that he would be able to complete his legs of the race fast enough. Annie was concerned about running at night especially on trails.

As Rich read some do’s and don’ts for behavior in the race, it cracked me up that Rena would turn and whisper, "Karli!” as if she were a frequent offender. It was especially funny when he read the rule about "no flashing" other runners. Karli is a quiet and reserved person who comports herself in a reserved manner. She didn't react very much to Rena's teasing remarks.

Rich Miller read the rules of the race and it cracked me up when as he read some of the rules and Rena would say, "Karli!". It was especially funny when he read the rule about "no flashing" runners. It was so ironic because Karli sat there very quiet and reserved. She appeared self-contained and reassured and didn't react very much to Rena's teasing remarks.

Team 1 started the race in Logan, Utah

Rena Thomas is a compliance specialist and was runner #1. She is a mother of 2. Rena was a good leader, making sure that we found our way when lost and waking up after our 3 hour rest to arrive at the exchange point on time for our final legs of the race. She made friends with other runners during the race. She had some painful moments where she felt it was too much and wanted to quit. Annie rallied her and she continued to run a good time. Her attitude and sense of humor lightened every situation. I affectionately named her “Aphrodite” for making everyone feel loved.
Karli Thomas is a legal distributor compliance specialist and was runner #2. She was a bit camera shy. In this picture she almost bolted had it not been for Annie holding her down while I took her picture. She won my respect, running with a temperamental stomach, learning the hard way a few things about botany and after completing the race, fulfilling a work assignment by attending the MonaVie convention in Salt Lake City. She made the best of things and kept a smile through it all. She was nicknamed “Island Girl” for her reserved demeanor.

Sally Harvey is a Commissions specialist and was runner #3. She is a mother of two. She always managed to deliver a great time on her runs. Sally's last run was a challenge because she feared her knee was going to blow out. During her run, she kept passing this guy. She learned that he was also struggling with his knees and was getting a little more support from his team than the rules allowed. Sally encouraged him to run with her and finish this leg of the race together. They finished together at the exchanged point where hugs and high fives welcomed them. "Mustang Sally" showed her indomitable spirit.

Annie Thomas is a compliance specialist and was runner #4. She is a mother of 3 boys. Annie enjoyed running the race. It was just enough of a challenge to be fun. She enjoyed the sunshine and made a good run in the dark despite her concern for running in the night. She provided a calm and steady influence. In a moment of crisis for Rena, she rallied her spirits and provided the needed push to keep running. Annie was a good influence on us all. She was an enthusiastic runner and team booster. Her smile and cheerful attitude encouraged her team mates to run when morale was challenged. She was very helpful in navigating to exchange points.

Allen Steele is a Senior Technical Writer and was runner #5. He is a father of three girls. This was his first running race. He was excited to be out running with coworkers and representing MonaVie. He had a difficult time during his second run, the flash light batteries failed, he fell and lost the team’s baton. He managed to make it back okay by following closely behind another runner with a bright flashlight. Allen ran dressed as Spider-man in his final leg. He had fun encouraging team mates and felt inspired to continue running. He never stopped running or training since and has a goal to compete in an Ironman Triathlon.


Steve Proffit is a Business Analyst, an army reservist and father of three children. He was runner #6. He was assigned some difficult legs and ran like the wind. I called Steve "Sarge" because he is a Sergeant in the army reserves and for his gung-ho running and singing army marching songs as we drove around. We all appreciated Steve's steady confidence, sense of humor and support during the race.

Team 2 started the race at exchange #7

Chriss Romney is Vince’s wife and was runner #7. Chriss was recruited off the treadmill and into the race by her ever loving husband Vince. He encouraged her to stretch herself by running with us. This was a major accomplishment for Chriss. She surprised herself and her team by running much faster than she anticipated. She learned new confidence and has since joined other races.

Tara Lauritzen is a Human Resources Generalist and was runner #8. Tara helped organize the race and recruit runners. Tara served as team captain for team 2, keeping the two teams coordinated. She made her husband Mike proud as she consistently ran her legs of the race with excellent times.

Andrew Marsh is a Supply Chain Coordinator and was runner #9. Andrew has been training athletically most of his life. He was assigned some of the toughest legs to run. He is a tennis player and triathlete who enjoys a good challenge.

Vince Romney is a Senior Project Manager and was runner #10. Vince is an ultra marathon runner who helped anchor the team by answering questions and reassuring us all that we could do this. Vince and Chriss went on to run in the Vegas Ragnar. He said it is not the most challenging race but it is one of the funnest.

Mike Lauritzen is married to Tara and was runner #11. Mike was recruited by Tara and was excited to bring two loves of his life together. Mike was a cross country runner in high school. His experience of the Ragnar reminded him of why it is so important to train well for this race. He over exerted himself on his first leg and had a tough time recovering. He pushed on and endured. He showed that faith and love are helpful to achieve a goal.

Rich Millar is a Human Resources Fitness Manager and was runner #12. Rich served us all by organizing fitness activities for MonaVie employees. His sense of humor, enthusiasm and work ethic helped us all to give our best.

Our teams were an interesting mix of people from different departments. Most of us didn't know each other and it took some time to bond and come together as a team. Our teams were confident, assertive and lively. We talked to each other with a light and easy banter. These people would be a fun group to run a race together.





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