How do you sum up the events of one of the most life changing experiences in one little post? Yes, I am talking about the Ragnar Relay. We did it and boy was it ever amazing ~12 people, 189miles in 29 hours and 32 minutes! I've been asked several times, "what was so incredible about it anyway?" and I am at a serious loss for words. It is one of those things that you just have to experience to understand. Like I posted earlier,this is a race that connects you with what is best in yourself. For 30 hours we were saturated with shattering our own limits and watching others do the same.
What was the highlight? There were too many!
Watching my younger brother bust out an 8.5 mile run (1/2 uphill) with only 2 weeks of training and still come into the gate with a smile across his face.
Or, Becky conquer something that she never thought possible! The girl was originally assigned one of the easier runs(if you consider 12 miles easy!!)however as training time progressed and team mates dropped out, she had to take on one of the more difficult runs of the race. Don't put anything past Becky, she loves a challenge and boy did she ever perform as she pushed her way up 3 or more miles of monster hills.
Then there is Jolynn~does the girl ever stop smiling? Being the last runner of our set, she mentally had the toughest and longest battle and yet smiled through the entire run. I love JoLynn's divide and conquer attitude. She believes she can accomplish anything she sets her mind to, and she does!
Dave was a volunteer last year and was so inspired by the runners that he decided to start running himself. He injured himself about 2 months ago and try and he might to heal, that leg was still aching when he started that first run. However, anyone that knows Dave, knows that he would never let a little bit of pain get in the way of accomplishing his goals. I couldn't help but sob when he finished the last 4 miles of his 12. I think the people at the line thought I was a little off my rocker!
Props to my father who amidst his incredibly busy life and work schedule put this team together and ran the race with very little training. His fine example of give it all you got spoke loud as he pushed his way through.
As for myself, the highlight was my run at 3:30 in the morning accompanied by only the stars and the moon and my ipod. Who knew running a 7.8 mile leg in the middle of the night would be so emotional and spiritual. I am now suffering from a serious emotional let down and can't wait to start preparing for next year!
Comments
Love,
Bean
Later!
David
One note, your playlist seems busted. I could hardly read your post because the most horrible sounds were coming from my computer. My dog went running, the TV stopped working, my neighbors called 911. It would be impossible to describe the noise - but I've heard it before when I I accidentally hit a country station. I'm still reeling.
Clark