SIMPLOT RUN

I believe it was in April when Anya, Sara, and I decided that we would run the Simplot Run together. Sara and I volunteered at the Joint Jaunt at a watering station, so that we would be able to get a free run for Simplot.

In July, we found out that Sara and her family were moving, so we would not be able to make this run together. But we still wanted to do it.

Then came August and the beginning of September. Motivation to train was low, and I neglected it. So, with 1 practice run on Tuesday, I went to do this one . . .

Grace slept through it all!

Bryleigh did amazing and Anya kicked my butt (no surprises there!)

The only thing that was missing was Sara

On a brief highlight, for a small moment I came in 3rd in the 10K run and Anya came in 1st in the 5K walk. I finished in 29th place out of 49 in my age group - at a time of 37:38 ... breaking it down to 12:06 minute miles. Add in a few hilly parts and the fact that I was not training, I feel like I did pretty good ...

But I stilled missed Sara!

BROOKLYN'S FUN RUN

I was able to volunteer on July 2nd for Brooklyn's Fun Run (5K or 1K). It was a bunch of fun to be able to help out such a great cause. Brooklyn's mom, Melissa, was one of the ladies that I hired when I managed Kids' Klub. She is wonderful! On a side note, it was also her birthday.

This is from Brooklyn's website!!!

Play is magical. Play is essential to the healthy development of our children.

Play is important, for all of our children.

Brooklyn’s Playground is a community-wide volunteer effort to build the first fully-inclusive playground for the Pocatello-Chubbuck area, a place where children of all abilities can come together, interact, and grow through “the gift of play.”

Brooklyn’s Playground is a place where magic will happen.

We invite you to be part of this effort. Explore this website. Learn more about the need for an all-inclusive playground in our community, and how Valley Pride is opening the way to give the gift of play from the community’s heart.

Won’t you help? Brooklyn’s Playground is a labor of love and joy.

Here is everyone gathering before the run. Civitan donated money, along with another lady that lost her husband in military service. Very touching!


Their coordinator for all of the things that they are doing to raise money, Amy Belnap.

The lemonade stands that give 100% to Brooklyn's Playground. (I really want to do this with my kiddos.)

The local celebrity herself:

And Johnny, Brooklyn, and Leah finishing the 1K.

IT'S ALL FUN ... 'TILL I RUN!

Before our third run, we all had a little time to sleep

and stretch

and take pictures


Oh, and brush teeth!

By this point, I had come up with a better team name, which I might use if I ever do anything crazy like this again ... It's all fun ... 'till I run! Much more fun to cheer on your teammates, but it is amazing to accomplish something like this.

Brandon - runner #7 (leg #31)
My third leg was absolutely horrendous. I started out at 1:42 pm. By 1/2 mile out, I was cramping and having lots of pain. I tried to push threw it, but it felt like someone was stabbing me with a knife. Ang tried to motivate me by coming after me with a squirt bottle. But little did she know that she was going to get soaked by my water bottle! The run was really flat through residential neighborhoods. It was always nice to exchange off to Ang because she always had my chocolate milk waiting for me. I was very satisfied that I had finished Ragnar after so many people doubted that we couldn't do it!

We took a lot of pictures when Brandon was running. He was very disappointed!!!


Ang - runner #8 (leg #32)
The only sleep I can recall getting between Leg 2 and Leg 3 was in the van that was parked outside an elementry school which would be our last major exchange with van 1! The sleep was minimal and I still hadn't showered yet so I knew I was smellin a bit ripe! Thank goodness for pit stick and fresh clothing! Disposable toothbrushes were also a plus to helpi n scraping the fur off our teeth! I can only imagine the funk that aerated from our van! Leg 3 had to have been the worst run for me. At this point the lack of sleep, poor eating, and sore locked up muscles were beginning to take affect! It was 5.9 miles moderate in the worse heat of the day. I believe this part of the course had actually been changed last minute to 10 miles hard, cuz it just dragged on and on and on and on!!!! Did I mention it was hot, yeah it was like 90 degrees hot! I was grateful my leg had support because without the gallons of water poured over my head to help keep me cool I think I may have joined one of Zoey's decomposing deer buddies on the side of the road. I pressed forward and was able to complete my last leg; it was however at a sloooooooow pace! The last mile was brutle. Not only did it drag on, but it was also uphill. I did not envy Penny, April and Misty that had to conquer parts of Ragnar hill! When my 3rd leg was complete I couldn't help but be excited to be done! I had just completed my portion of a ridiculously crazy relay of 192 miles from Logan, Utah to Park City, Utah! What a huge accomplishment and defeat! As we got closer and closer to the finish line and more of us completed our legs the sentiment of accomplishing such an amazing feat begin to become apparent to many of us. The comradery and support we received from one another was uplifting. Having complete strangers cheering you on, offering you aid, and even sharing advice. I couldn't have asked for a more amazing group of people to have been cooped up in the same van for 3 days with. Being able to cross off Wasatch Ragnar Relay off my bucket list will always be a memorable moment for me! So proud, I wear my Ragnar medal every Sunday to church! Go team Bucket List Brigade! Its always fun until you run!




Penny - runner #9 (leg #33)
My third leg was a 1500 ft elevation change over 3 miles. It was tough and I really wanted to walk, but I had set a goal not to and I didn't. I probably could have walked way faster than I was running, but I accomplished my goal. I also was able to do my whole run with out getting passed (which was another goal). The run was very pretty but the best part was killing 3 people at once.

The proof!!!

April - runner #10 (leg #34)
My 3rd leg was very challanging and emotional. It was just 4 miles. However it was the leg called Ragnar. Which after reading the definition of my last leg it gave me anxiety, strength and the will to continue. The definition: in mythology and legend, a man, often of divine ancestry, who is endowed with great courage and strength,celebrated for his bold exploits and favored by the gods. As I started up my severe uphill climb through the Wasatch mountain I was able to think a lot. The view was beautiful and given the name I wanted to succeed. Most of it I had to walk like those fast old ladies you see moving so fast. There were so many people who supported me and gave me words of encouragement that I knew I could do it even with a sore knee. There was snow along the side of the road that was as tall as me and the temp was perfect. I couldn't have asked for a better leg.







The beautiful views!


Getting to the exchange point. The higher we got, the more snow that was there. One team had members hiding behind a snow bank. They threw snowballs at each other. How fun!!!

Misty - runner #11 (leg #35)
My 3rd leg was the most challenging for me. I took the hand off from April after she completed her grueling 4 miler where she gained 1600 feet in elevation. Starting at 8800 feet, I still had a pretty good climb ahead for the first mile where I would summit this mountain dubbed Ragnar Hill by the Ragnar Officials. After the first mile the terrain changed to a steep decline for the next 6+ miles where I dropped nearly 1800 feet in elevation. The run was beautiful as I followed a windy road down into the Canyons Resort. I had many lookout opportunities off into the valley. There were secluded condos and private driveways along the way belonging to those fortunate enough to live or vacation in such a beautiful place. My foot was bothering me quite a bit with the steep downhill, so I had to take it quite slow. When I passed the "1 mile to go" mark, i was deep in a 'zone', with my headphones on as I tried to tune out the pain in my foot, concentrating on finishing. A runner passed me, as she did she called out "good job" to me. This startled me and I jumped in the air flailing my arms, screaming. She apologized while laughing. I was laughing so hard at my foolishness, that I was having trouble running. Somehow I gained my composure and finished the ascent to the finish line. Seeing Zoey there, ready to run with her headlamp on was such a relief. She was beginning our teams last leg of the entire relay!



Waiting for the exchange

Ang started crying and got all of us going! Her big last hur-rah before leaving to Kansas.






Zoey - runner #12 (leg #36)
I was so pumped to see Misty come in. The exchange went smoothly, and I took off on a little path. I was excited to know that after the first bit, there would be a mile of straight downhill. Little did I know that it would be trail running with a bunch of loose rocks. I wanted so bad to walk it, but the momentum kept you moving extremely fast. Once that finished, I was on trail the rest of the way. Flat on the first part and then very hilly on the next. I helped a newbie runner keep going as well. It was so exciting to come to a water station and have them announce to you "Welcome to your last water station!" Temperature was pretty good and I managed to make it to the finish line where I tried to leave my team in the dust! So much fun, but so sore I literally could not walk!

Riding to the finish line:

The finish line:

We did it!!!

No worries about eating real food now!!!

MY MIDDLE LEG IS THE HARDEST

Our nights rest was a little over an hour. Yes, you heard me right. At 12:30 am, we got the call that Noel was about a mile away. We made a mad dash to the van, threw all of our bedding inside, and tried to figure out how to get out of the parking area and up to the exchange. For a few minutes, we were thinking that we wouldn't make it!

The exchange took place at 12:46 am. Go van #2!

Brandon - runner #7 (leg #19)
My second run was my night run. It was a little crazy because of the short notice. I also had a lot of adrenaline because of being woke up. The temperature was nice --- I could see my breath. You know you are slow when a pregnant lady passes you. 3.8 miles in total and I felt pretty good at that point.

Ang - runner #8 (leg #20)
Leg 2 was possibly the leg I anticipated the very most! It was my longest run, and it was gonna be in the dark. In the dark meant absolutely no light in the Utah mountains with wild animals. My first concern was for mountain lions perched high above in a tree ready to pounce on me as I ran by. Then my concern shifted to a smaller more fearsome animal. The skunk! They seem ready to lift their tail and spray at the drop of a hat; I couldn't imagine the damage they'd inflict on you if they were startled as you ran by one in the wilderness! All chances I guess I was willing to take by signing up to run Ragnar! After sleeping under the stars on a grassy patch near a lake for just over an hour, we got the call! On such little sleep and freezing temps it was now van 2's turn to face our second legs! Physically I was feeling great and was ready to run. There was only one hold up. My stomach was having some major issues! I believe my sister is to blame and infected me with whatever she gets when she runs. Its called Pooping Paranoia. The honey buckets and I became real tight during this trip! I began my 2nd leg of 7 miles downhill hard in my night gear that consisted of my head lamp, reflective vest and tail blinker. My sister lent me her mp3 player that so "wonderfully" (said sarcastically) entertained me with music that would have made 2Pac roll over in his grave. At one point during my run the player was stuck on repeat and I was forced to listen to "I want to sex you up" 5 times before my sister came to my aid! Oh my virgin ears! The music however did keep my mind off my stomach issues for awhile. I believe this leg was the 1st time we ALMOST had 2 set up the tent and pooper pot! I decided with just a mile left I'd just run faster and visit the honey bucket at the next exchange! The 30 degree temps proved to be amazing to run in! As far as wildlife I saw a few horses, a dead deer and dog as I came into town. My 2nd leg was my favorite! It was a cool crisp night mountain downhill run! Almost refreshing! Really can't get better than that! My left knee did begin to feel some pain and I believe that was due to having to run on the left side of the road. All in all it was a great leg to run but I was ready to see Penny at the exchange and take a trip to see the honey bucket fairy!

Penny - runner #9 (leg #21)
My second leg was at night along the reservoir (or lake but water anyway). It was 10 miles. I was a little nervous at first because of the dark but I went away. I remember on part of the run we were running along a hillside and the guy next to me kept tripping on the road. It was funny but a little scary. At some point we went onto a path. I was so thankful for my head lamp because without it I would have ran right into two big boulders. When we were first on the path, I was mad because it was really uneven but then it evened out and got better. Over all this run was really enjoyable, and I discovered I enjoy running at night; as long as I can see someone in front of me.

April - runner #10 (leg #22)
The 2nd leg was one that I was mostly worried about. We had a chance to camp out for a hour or so before we all started our 2nd legs. It was a cold night. I believe it was in the 30's. I had pants, sweater and a jacket on, head lamp and my reflective vest. I visited the potty many times since this leg was going to be my long one. I was nervous waiting for the exchange for Penny. Ang, Misty and I were all taking pics when Penny came and was ready to be done. I never heard our # called out so I was not ready. I took the bracelet and began. The 1st part was downhill and shortly branched off to a trail along the hwy. The trail was rocky and dark. I had a couple times where I almost rolled my ankle a couple times just due to me not being use to running on that type of terrain. During my run I came upon a stream. I saw many men leaping over it. I looked and thought no way so I just walked right through it. I had 2 run about 2 miles more with water sloshing about on my feet and in my shoes. That was fun. I also ran through a tunnel which was a little scary but what's not scary about running at 4am and hearing animals rustling around in the bushes. I loved my night run. It was cool and hard but I had many things that went through my mind telling me I could do it.

Misty - runner #11 (leg #23)
My 2nd leg was awesome. It was 5.5 miles long. I started in Wanship, UT at about 5:30 AM. The sun was starting to rise by then. The first 2 miles was pretty nice, nice scenery and just a slight up hill. Ahead I could see a dam that I would soon pass. At about 2 miles, I passed the dam and I had a great view of the Rockport Reservoir off to my left. It was BEAUTIFUL! I ran the entire length of the reservoir rounding the tip and finishing at Rockport state park. I kind of cheated with my last 2 miles, when my husband Tim, met me with his daughter, Stefani (who is 13). Stefani joined me as my "pacer" for the rest of the run. She was pretty snazzy wearing her Vibram 5 fingers. It was definitely an amazing experience running with Stefani along the reservoir in the mountains of Utah with the sun rise.

Zoey - runner #12 (leg #24)
I did not sleep well underneath the stars. Once our van was going, I was really worried, because I was sleep deprived and hadn't eaten well. So, I decided to try and sleep part of the legs. Unfortunately, I think that was probably a bad idea because then I was car sick as well. Once I started running, it was around 7:30ish. I started to run, but really wasn't feeling well. I had the blister on my foot, my stomach was sloshing each step I took, and I had stitches on the right side. I saw two deer leap and jump across the highway. Beautiful and breath taking. 1/2 mile up the road, I saw their friend who was decomposing on the side of the road. Gross and more gross! The van stopped at one point, and Ang ran over to give me water and electrolytes, even though it was against the rules. So grateful for that boost! This run was a beautiful 6.9 miles (more than I have ever run before), but I couldn't really enjoy it because I wasn't feeling well and couldn't really run it. It was more of a walk ... but I pushed through and tried to give it my all at the exchange, only to find out that Jill wasn't there. I waited about 3-4 minutes and then the exchange happened!

Random pictures!!!


Free first aid to fix a bum knee


Ang and Shar (from van #1)

The honey buckets!!!