Ragnar Running & Getting Lost Together!

Wasatch Back Ragnar Relay June 2009 #3

The relay required cooperation and team work. The rules of the race were that we had to run when it was our turn. We shared race strategy, food and we supported each other. The bonding process was a little awkward at first. What was okay to say or not say? Some members of our team used colorful language and told jokes that were really funny. One of the ladies made the comment, "do you notice that the boys haven't made any crude remarks or told any off color jokes?!

We helped each other to prepare to run. We pinned on our number bibs, gave each other water and most importantly we made sure we found the exchange points and arrived on time. This was our biggest challenge!

Karli was off and running and we scrambled to figure out a route to the exchange point. We also wanted to make sure we saw Karli along her run so we could offer water, shout some encouragement or just watch the race. It was a challenge that required each team member to take a turn driving, navigating and cheering our current runner. I tried to personally witness the exchanges as it was an accomplishment that I wanted to acknowledge as each member crossed the line.

There was a bit of rivalery too. One running team was dressed up as Hufflepuff (Harry Potter). They had capes and had some attitude that really seemed to rub Steve wrong. Every time we saw a member of the team run by he would make a face and mumble something under his breath.

We had a little trouble finding Karli along her route. She had made a pit stop at a 7-11 to relieve herself. She managed to make up time and smiled when we waved and screamed encouragement from the truck windows to her. It certainly made the race exciting. The adrenaline ran high as we watched beautiful pastoral scenes go by. I kept thinking about the office. What was going in back at MonaVie? What was going on with the other team? They were probably driving to the exchange point where Steve would pass the baton to Rich.

Karli looked a little uncomfortable when she handed the baton off to "Mustang" Sally at the exchange point. Go Sally we shouted and headed out to the next exchange point. Karli made a note to herself to not eat a whole package of mint oreo cookies before running in hot weather.

Read next
Read previous