Ragnar Relay: Leg 1 I started out the 2013 Ragnar relay for team Running Chaos. What a fun experience to be the first runner. As with every race you have those who bust off the line and then fade when they turn the corner. It wasn't any different this race. We set off and I was right behind the guy who took off. We were moving. We turned the corner and ran up the street for a bit. When we turned to go up the hill the guy quickly faded and I was in the lead. It was nice, then out of no where some other guy comes up on the hill and takes off. I was impressed. I didn't want to head off too quick so I let him go. We jumped on to a trail on the mountain and we were cruising. It was so nice to be out running trails. I kept an eye on this other guy for a while and then as the downhill started I slowly pulled him in. As we came close to the first Van support section he and I were running together. I didn't want to make a big deal out of who was winning or not so I just hung with him and we ran the rest of the way together. It was cool to run with him. We had 2 miles left and we came upon 2 little girls who were handing out gatorade for runners. They were so cool that we had to turn around and get some. We were so far ahead of the other runners that we didn't even see them there. Placido, the other runner, took pictures and we enjoyed the quick break. We cruised in to the exchange point and I had to finish first, so I took the lead. It was a great first run. (7.7 miles, 6:52 pace) Leg 13: The second leg I had was going to be a quick run. It was mostly downhill and was going to be fast. I felt great. I got the handoff and we ran up the grass and rocks and hills at snow basin. As I got to the top I felt great and started the decent. I was cruising. I just let my body to the moving with as little effort as I could let happen. It was cool to see a few miles under 6 min. I finished up the leg with a faster time than my previous leg. (8.2 miles, 6:14 pace) To end the day there was another runner who had an injury that prevented her from finishing up her long run. She had ran 5 miles of her 8.7 mile leg. I was so ready and jumped out to finish things up for her. It was a cool evening and starting to get dark. I spent a lot of time running with others who were struggling and offering encouragement to them. This is one reason why I love to run the ragnar. So many people run this and learn how much they aren't in shape. But they struggle through. They work so hard and accomplish things they never thought they could. Never underestimate the heart of a runner. (3.7 miles, 8:14 pace) | 