Running at Night in the Ragnar

Wasatch Back Ragnar Relay June 2009 #9

Rena asked me why I didn't listen to music during my runs. I answered that I had a "lively" inner life. The truth is that I do not want to be distracted. While running on roads, I want to make sure I'm ready to move out of the way in case a car or truck gets too close. On trails, I've had some close encounters with snakes, mountain lions and startled rabbits! I like to be aware of danger and have se time to react appropriately. I think it's important to run in harmony within your environment. I have been hit by a car twice while riding a bicycle. It is important to wear reflective clothing and carry plenty of lights. As Bill, a fellow technical writer once told me, "better to look like Bozo the Clown then being hit by a car."

My second run started at 10:00 pm and it was dark. Annie handed me the baton and a flashlight. I was wearing a reflective vest and a rear blinking light. I was optimistic as I started running but the flashlight slowly started dimming and went dead in about 10 minutes. I was running but I could barely see anything.

I heard runners pass me wishing me well. I was running along the road and I felt abandoned. My team couldn't see me and I never saw them. I wasn't sure what to do. Each time a car passed me, I had to dodge to my left to make sure I wasn't hit. I tripped and fell and my right hand hit the pavement hard. I didn't realize until I was near the exchange point that I lost the baton. I also smashed the flashlight. I felt so screwed. I promised myself to bring extra flashlights on my next night runs and to wear reflective clothing and blinking lights.

I kept falling into a walk and looked into lighted houses as I passed. One house in particular stood out. I saw a family gathered together playing a board game. I felt so home sick in that moment. I wished I could knock on their door and join them, you know, just take a short break. My leg muscles kept cramping up. It became harder and harder to run. As I progressed, I heard someone running up ahead with a loud breathing pattern somewhat like a steam engine. He had a bright flashlight. I ran up close behind him. I followed him all the way into the exchange point where I handed off to Steve. Steve was a little confused when he saw my damanged hand but no baton. Volunteers told us to just go ahead without the baton.

Karli bandaged my hand. She was very careful and reassuring in her manner of administering aid and I was grateful. I felt ashamed for losing the baton, breaking the flashlight and turning in such a dismally slow run time.

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