Ragnar Ultra - Journey to Las Vegas (part 2)

This is the week!  It's here...Oh my gosh!  I can't believe it.  It's been an exciting ride to this point already.

 I was training for multiple events this summer...and I thought I was doing a great job.  My foot had already started feeling "bruised" after Ragnar Del Sol (Arizona) in February.  So...I took some time off, but wasn't really aware of the trouble that was brewing.  Because I wasn't aware (and it wasn't terribly painful at the time) I wasn't doing anything pro-active to help the foot.  I kept running on it.  Add to that, a (somewhat) dislocated ankle that I got as a souvenir from last October's Gladiator Rock 'n Run!  (All this was revealed to me after the fact!).  I had a terrible summer Half-Marathon in San Diego...yet I PR'd.  Running was becoming a slow death to me, and getting harder and harder as (I now realize) I was working harder to make things work out of alignment!   It all came to a head as I painfully ventured to Temecula, Ca. in September to attempt my Spartan Beast for my Trifecta medal.  I shamefully had to ring out at 4.5 grueling miles...in excruciating pain!   It was finally time to go see a Podiatrist! (Thank you, Dr. Loo!)   Turns out I had a pretty decent case of Plantar Fasciitis that had resulted in a heel spur...and I had done some serious tissue damage at the Spartan Race!  I had to re-evaluate what was on my event calendar and make some decisions.  I dropped down to the Half-Marathon from the Full that is scheduled for January in Walt Disney World.  Thankfully, the Half-Marathon that was scheduled for November 3rd was cancelled completely...

Nothing was as important as making sure that I could run with my amazing team #BONDiGirls !

I bought new, supportive shoes, and did daily extensive therapy to help heal my foot.  I did resort to a cortisone shot so I could start training again, after being forced to take a 4 week hiatus.  I finally feel like things are coming around...just in time!  All my energy was focused on being healthy for this awesome adventure...and I'm so grateful that I have the shortest running distance.  I chose that initially because it was supposed to mesh with my marathon training...but now, it's just about all I can handle at the moment!  As Runner #5 out of 6...22.5 miles over 2 days is plenty for me!!

Bring it!!

Now...I'd like you to re-meet my awesome teammates...

Amy...who can be followed on Twitter and Instagram
Tina...who blogs at Fabulosi-T and can be found on Twitter and Instagram
Angela...who blogs at Cowgirl Runs and can be found on Twitter and Instagram
Cheri...who blogs at Overactive Blogger and can be found on Twitter
Katie...who blogs at Chase This Skirt! and can be found on Twitter and Instagram



And...our amazing sponsors!

First...a HUGE Thank you to Bondi Band !  They are the company that launched the contest to put #BondiGirls on the map!  They have sponsored our team registration, hotel, van and super cute team gear!  Follow Bondi Band on Twitter and Instagram .

Also...

#BondiGirls would like to thank our other sponsors who have graciously provided product for our racing endeavor:

• ENERGYbits
• Chase This Skirt from our very own Katie!
• Vega, providing us with #VegaSport and #VegaOne products
• Clif Bar Company, providing us not only with Clif Bars...but also ShotBlox and Mojo bars
• Krave Jerky
• Nuun Hydration
• KT Tape
• Shower Pill

Thank you so much for making this happen for us!

cheer us on!!!

#RagnarLV

#BONDiGirls

#RagnarVegas

#teamBondiBand



Runners' World: "Why Should Long Runs Be Slower?" (re-post)

Why Should Long Runs Be Slower?

Each run in a training schedule serves a specific purpose.

By

Susan Paul

Published

September 20, 2013

I'm considering training for my first marathon. I have run several 5k's and one 10k and now I think I want to train for a longer race. My question involves the long runs. I've read that I need to slow down on long runs, but how much do I need to slow down? And why?
Thanks for your help,
Debbie
Dear Debbie-
This is a great question and one of the most frequently asked questions about marathon training.
First, it's to your advantage that you have already been running and have done some shorter distance races prior to tackling the marathon distance. This conditioning will help set you up for success and reduce your risk of injury because it has given you a base upon which to build for the longer distance. Your body is better prepared to meet the demands of increased mileage.
Also, since you have run some shorter races, you can use these race times to help predict your time at longer distances. Predictions charts are only a prediction, but they can provide some helpful information for a starting point. Plug in your most recent 5K and/or 10K time to the race times predictor and it will calculate your predicted marathon time.
This predicted marathon time will help give you an idea of a goal time and help establish some run paces for your training runs. For a runner brand new to distance, long runs are typically run 45 seconds to as much as 90 seconds per mile slower than the goal marathon pace to reduce wear and tear on your body. Reducing the impact on the body means you can recover quicker from training runs and can continue progressing with your training.
Since you are new to distance training, many of your training runs are going to take you into new mileage territory. When running a new distance, it should be considered a "long" run, regardless of the actual mileage. For example, if you have never run 10 miles before, then your first 10 mile run should be considered a long run; whereas, a veteran marathoner would not consider a 10 mile run to be a long run. For experienced marathoners, long runs are typically those runs of 18 miles and above. Just think, you may get to that point some day too!
There are many, many physiological adaptations the body makes in order to meet the physical demands of distance running, especially for the marathon distance, and this why slowing down is recommended. These physical adaptations do not simply happen overnight. The adaptation process is stimulated when the demands of training are greater than what the body is prepared to meet. This physical overload triggers the adaptation process. Each time we go above and beyond, which is known as progressive overload, we stimulate this adaptation process. When we overload the body in gradual, incremental increases, it responds positively by becoming stronger. If we overload the body too rapidly or too heavily too soon, it doesn't have time to adapt and we risk poor performances, injury, illness, and/or mental burnout.
The physiological adaptations the body makes are impressive. Here are just a few of them:

1. New capillary beds are built, which is akin to building new highways. These beds allow for greater efficiency of blood flow to diffuse oxygen and nutrients to working muscles and increase the capacity for waste removal.
2. Heart muscle becomes stronger which lowers our resting heart rate.
3. Stroke volume, which is the amount of blood your heart can pump per beat, improves by as much as 2.5 times over normal levels, allowing your body to move more blood with each heart beat.
4. Training improves the endurance capabilities of your muscle fibers by increasing the number of mitochondria within your muscle cells. Mitochondria are the "powerhouse" of the cell because they are responsible for producing the energy required for muscle contraction. 

These are just some of the many physical changes that are occurring within your body during training. It is important to keep them in mind as you train because training plans recommend mileage, run paces, and recovery days based on this process.
As you progress in your training, you will find you are able to run closer to your goal marathon pace on shorter runs after your body has made some of these adaptations. For example, the first time you run 10 miles, take it easy. The next time you run 10 miles, it will probably feel easier after completing longer runs and you may find you are able to run it closer to your goal marathon race pace.
For your first marathon, I suggest using a training plan that uses 3 or 4 days of running. Running every other day provides automatic recovery time between workouts, which helps reduce the risk of injury, fatigue, and burn out. Look for a gradual incremental increase in weekly mileage, preferably one that follows a 10% increase in weekly mileage. In addition, every three or four weeks, your training plan should drop back in mileage, giving you an active recovery week, before building again. Your training plan should also give you some guidelines for run paces based on the distance of the run. Some of your shorter weekday runs can be run at your predicted goal marathon race pace, while the longer weekend runs should be run slower than this goal pace. Varying run pace also helps reduce the risk of injury too. Allow 4 to 6 months of training for your first marathon to give yourself time to use a gradual, incremental build. Consider this time frame when selecting your first marathon.
All the best to you!
Susan Paul, MS

Susan Paul has coached more than 2,000 runners and is an exercise physiologist and program director for the Orlando Track Shack Foundation. For more information, visit www.trackshack.com.
Have a question for our beginners experts? Email it to beginners@rodale.com. NOTE: Due to the volume of mail, we regret that we cannot answer every email.

Ragnar Ultra - Journey to Las Vegas! (part 1)

I AM GOING TO LAS VEGAS!!!!!  

November 7 & 8

To run.  

Pretty far.

Okay...let me back up.  I won a contest to be part of a Ragnar Relay running team sponsored by Bondi Band, a company that makes no-slip, sport headbands.  What is a Ragnar Relay, you ask?  It's an overnight, 200 mile relay race that 12 crazy people on a  team participate in.  Oh wait!  Did I mention we're an Ultra team?  That means there's only 6 of us doing the same course as the 12 man team....we're running double what the crazy people are doing.  What does that make us?  Probably completely insane, since none of us actually signed on for an Ultra team when we entered the contest...but no one wanted to give up the opportunity to participate!!!  

This will explain it!

It will be fun!

So....we've been working hard at getting this team organized since the winners were announced in April.  We've been through a few changes, but our team is gelling quite nicely.  We decided on a team name of "BONDi GIRLS"...a play on the 007 movies.  We've then been back and forth trying to decide if we wanted to costume ourselves like Bond Girls or go completely branded since we're sponsored by Bondi Band.   At this point, I think we're going completely branded.  Oh...and I should mention that this is Bondi Band's first time sponsoring teams, too.  There's a second team running the Adirondacks Ragnar Relay September 26 and 27th!

The Las Vegas Ultra Team

• Katie Knight (California)
• Tina Garstad (Calgary, Canada)
• Camie Beaubien (me) (Arizona) - Captain
• Cheri Armour (New Jersey)
• Amy Smith (California)
• Angela Williams (Calgary, Canada)
• Jennifer Selenoff (our driver) (Oregon)

Most of us will be meeting each other for the first time when we arrive in Vegas!!  However, we have been communicating almost daily on our (closed) group Facebook Page.  We are still trying to iron out the details in our lodging logistics and agree on which Bondi Band items we want to wear while cheering on our teammates...I think we got the colors nailed down!  We're a total girly-girl group and we're loving PINK!!!  Our Bondi Band contact, Sandy, is getting us a little something special for our race...but I don't think I can say yet what it is.

I am SO excited that our very own Katie Knight is actually doubling as one of our team sponsors!!!  She is the owner of Chase This Skirt, a custom running skirt shop on Etsy.

And speaking of sponsors....my house has been looking like Christmas lately!  I've already been receiving shipments from our wonderful sponsors!  I've gotten boxes from Shower Pill, the Athletic Body Wipe,,, Clif Bars, the mini ones...Shot Bloks for energy...Mojo bars minis...ENERGYbits for Spirulina fuel...Krave Jerky - Yummy!  Also...Nuun tablets for optimal hydration, AND nutritional shakes, pre-workout drinks and hydration from Vega Sport - all natural. plant-based nutritional systems!

Let the adventure continue...

Follow Us on Twitter!

• #LVRagnar
• @BondiBand
• @Spartan_Camie
• @BookAim
• @CowgirlRuns
• @ItsJustKatie
• @Cheri_Angela

I've been keeping a secret...

Yes...it's true.  I've been keeping a secret... but it's time to come clean.

The past 6 months or so, I have been feeling run down...Depressed even.

There!  I said it...the "D" word!  I didn't want to be depressed!  I thought that if I worked out harder and more often, that I would kick it.  I thought that if I got 7-8 hours of sleep a night, that I would kick it.  I thought that if I tightened up my nutrition, I would kick it.  Well...I worked out harder, and it made me more exhausted and fatigued than before!  I slept 7 hours most nights, and could barely peel myself out of bed in the morning.  I tightened up my nutrition, but my cravings got stronger!  What?  I've always been able to control my cravings and be strict with my diet!  And then...I put on an extra 5 pounds in the last 6 months!  What is happening to me?  I lost interest in my job, had to force myself to work out, didn't want to go out anymore, couldn't bring myself to even look at my beloved planner!  Being on the brink of 46 naturally made me question whether it's the "change of life".  Nope...not yet!

A real fear set in.  Thinking back...the last time I was severely run-down and fatigued, I found out (quite by accident) that I had Chronic Kidney Disease... and it was completely painless. I had absolutely no idea!   I have kept it under control these last 5 years with diet and exercise.  Was it back?  Even that thought was depressing!

How could I be a Personal Trainer when I couldn't control my own weight?   How could I...train for a Spartan Beast...or train for a Ragnar Relay...OMG... or train for a full marathon...when I could be overwhelmed making a cup of coffee?

I made a plan to get a new doctor.  I'd been meaning to do that for a while, but now was the time.  I liked her...she listened to everything I said with kindness and compassion.  She was understanding when I said it must be my thyroid...and kindly said that she really suspects that there's nothing seriously wrong with me.  She ordered a blood test and told me she was ordering a test for Vitamin D deficiency, as she thought that's what my problem is.  Seriously?!!!  Vitamin D?  Whatever.

However, when the nurse called me back a few days later with my blood test results...I was shocked!  Everything was normal...EXCEPT I was truly Vitamin D deficient!!  I researched what exactly that meant...and here's what I found.  Symptoms and Diseases associated with Vitamin D deficiency.  Pretty much textbook...I had fatigue, general muscle pain and weakness (thought it was overtraining), muscle cramps (my calves...thought it was Achilles Tendinitis), weight gain (I was over-eating for energy because of the fatigue), restless sleep, poor concentration, headache (lots of headaches...thought it was dehydration), depression, etc.

I was told to take 2000 units/day of over-the-counter Vitamin D.  I swear, within 36 hours I felt like a new person!!  I'm so glad that I didn't just blurt out that I felt depressed...I didn't want to just be medicated and sent on my way.  I am still in complete awe that a vitamin deficiency could make me feel like my world was ending.  I am one week on Vitamin D and my energy and focus has returned...my appetite has diminished (that's when I realized I was eating to stay awake before) and I feel generally more efficient and clear-headed!  The transformation has been unbelievable!

If any of this sounds like what you (or someone you know) is going through...I urge you to get a blood test done to see if Vitamin D deficiency is what the simple problem is!  Don't just accept that you're depressed!  Take control of your health and get regular checkups...be aware of your body.  It's the only one you've got.

See you at the finish line!

10th Annual Girlfriends' Cruise!

Have you ever wanted to go on a cruise, but didn't know exactly how to start the process?  Have you said for years..."Someday I'm going on that Girlfriends' Cruise!"  This is your year!! Grab your friends and take advantage of our group booking!   This is the last week of the price guarantee for our group booking.  You CAN book after that...but the prices may be going up.  All you need is a deposit and a roommate (or I can try to match you up with someone).  Who knows...after 10 years of cruising, this may be our last hurrah!  I will walk you through the entire process if you're new to cruising.  If you don't currently have a passport...there's still plenty of time to get one!

Camie’s Addiction Girlfriends’ Cruise

10/20-10/24 2014

Carnival Inspiration 4 Night Baja Cruise

Itinerary: Los Angeles, Catalina Isle, Ensenada, At Sea, Los Angeles

Pricing: (Based on Dbl Occupancy, Per Person)

4B Inside Cabin $299+87.87tax/port = $386.87

6B Ocean View Cabin $339+87.87/tax = $426.87

Booking Fee is $25 per person ($50 per cabin); Fee is Non-Refundable & Due w/ Initial Trip Deposit. *Single Occupancy rates available upon Request*

Payment Amounts/Due Dates:

$150 p/person deposit Due by 6/20/2014

Final Balance is Due by 8/17/2014

Required Info To Book: (please email all info if possible)

Full Name (as on Reqr’d Passport), Birth date,

 Email Addr., Phone # & Billing Address

Contact: Angela Crabtree/Fords World Travel, Sun City AZ

Angela@Fordstravel.com / 623-933-8256-Phone (Mon/Tue/Thu)

Reminder: After Final Payment, complete & print your “funpass” on www.carnival.com

Transfers, Airfare, Insurance, Pre/Post Hotel Nights Are Additional/Optional. Cancel Fee (up to non refundable) Applies After Final Payment is made.

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend registration!

     As we approach Easter weekend...many RunDisney fanatics are counting their pennies and strategizing on how to best register for the Walt Disney World Marathon weekend races including the 5k, 10k, half-marathon, full-marathon, race and a half, and the Dopey Challenge.  Although registration officially opens on Tuesday, April 22...a select few got early entries - those with Annual Passes and Disney Vacation Club status.

Now...for the rest of us who have to wait for the official registration date...Here are a few reminders (especially if you're new to the registration process)

• Registration for RunDisney opens at noon ET on Tuesday, April 22.  You can register online or by phone.  
• If you are registering for the half or full, be prepared to submit an official race time to determine faster corral placement.  Have that ready so you don't time out on your session while you're researching that info.  For the half, you will need an official time for a 10k or longer race, and will need the race title, date, place and time.  For the full, you will need to submit an official time for a 10 mile or longer race.  Also, race name, date, place and timing.  No official time?  No problem.  You will just be placed in the last corral.
• Your entire race registration will have to be paid in full at the time of registering.
• This race weekend will sell out fast!  Go to www.RunDisney.com to review all your options ahead of time.
• Want to bring a friend that doesn't want to run?  There are several spectator options!  Check out the chEAR Squad info!
• This method of registration is good if you are planning to secure your own lodging reservations.

There is another option!

• GET Travel is the preferred run vacation planning company that partners with Disney events...and they too will start registration on Tuesday, April 22.
• GET Travel has a separate pool of registrations from which they sign up people.  HOWEVER...when RunDisney sells out, they start referring people to GET Travel for registrations.
• GET Travel specializes in PACKAGES that include both race registration and Disney property lodging. 
• To take advantage of the package deal, you must register and pay in full for your race entry AND make a hotel reservation of at least 3 nights.
• You then only have to put down $75 deposit for your hotel reservation.

BEWARE!

As of Friday morning, April 18, 2014...I was told that GET Travel only had 25 full marathon entries ...and that priority and early registration was given to the charity team running.  They took 10 entries.  There are now only 15 full marathon slots available!  (there are plenty of other race entries available though)

Once the travel company sells out of entries, they will then open up the hotel deals to any registered runner...provided they still have an inventory of rooms.

• If you have secured other lodging, then skip this option and just register through RunDisney.
• The GOOD NEWS is...that GET Travel opens at 7:30am Pacific time on April 22!  If they sell out of your race...you still have the option to go through RunDisney.  RD opens at noon ET! (that means 9am for us in Arizona!)
• Your add-ons like "Pasta in the Park", "Race Retreat", and "chEAR Squad" must still be purchased through RunDisney.  GET Travel is only handling race entry and hotel reservation.  (discounted Park Hopper tickets, too...but that's for later)

Have a Magical weekend!

-Camie

"When you RunDisney, every mile is magic!"

What you need to know BEFORE you register for the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend!

It's coming up soon...

Registration day for the 2015 WDW Marathon weekend, January 7 - 11!!!   Mark your calender for April 22 to register for your events....Keep an eye on the important dates and info through the runDisney website.
 
What you need to know:

(1)  Make a decision which race you are going to do ahead of time! (You have plenty of time to train!)  This race sells out quickly...like in 48 hours sometimes!  You can choose from the Family fun run 5k, 10k, Half-Marathon, Full Marathon, Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge (the Half + the Full marathon) or if you're really crazy...the Dopey Challenge! (the 5k + 10k + Half + Full)

(2)  Start talking to your friends NOW to coordinate your registration!  You don't want to end up being the only one who actually got in.  (Remind them they have plenty of time to train!)

(3)  Registration is around $180 for the half/full!  Be prepared to pay the whole amount at the time of registration!

(4)  There is a sport travel company that partners with runDisney called GET Travel .  After you register through RunDisney, you will receive an email from them with package deals on hotels and discounted park tickets.

This is important!

You can only get their discounted package deal on a hotel room at select Disney Resorts IF you also purchase your race registration from Get Travel!!!  

They will also allow you to make payments on your room reservations through December!  However, your race registration still must be paid in full at the time you register for both, through the travel company.  The race price is exactly the same at both sites.

(5)  You have the opportunity to purchase discounted park tickets through Get Travel, regardless which site your race registration is through.  This can be done later.

(6)  If you are interested in registering for the race AND booking your hotel package at one of the host RunDisney Resort hotels, then make sure you go to GET Travel and sign up for their email alerts!  

If you register for the race through runDisney directly, you are NOT eligible for the package deal with hotel through GET Travel!

I spoke directly to a Get Travel Agent last week, who confirmed this information,  She said that every year, there are so many disappointed (and confused) racers who end up not being able to get the discounted hotel rooms because they first registered through runDisney for their races.  I'm not sure why they aren't more closely linked or make this clear to runners prior to the race...but I thought it was important to share with all of you!  I too was confused!  I had originally called to make sure my facts were straight because I just got called to jury duty the day registration opens, and I have to leave clear instructions with my hubby to register me! Good Luck!

"When you runDisney...every mile is magic!"

More than just a tutu!

I just received this "letter" in my email...and thought it was important enough to share with all of you.  Fellow Flowers is one of my favorite sites for its cute running accessories and inspirational clothing.  Actually, the whole site is based on inspirational runners and their personal struggles and stories...and it's worth taking a look at the video of how they came to be. (make sure you grab a tissue!)   Kudos to Fellow Flowers for taking a stand against a magazine, speaking out for runners with style everywhere!  Please read the letter below.

WHY It's More than just a Tutu Have you heard about the tutus? By now, many of you may have seen a post or two in your news feed related to Self Magazine’s tasteless mocking of two women runners wearing tutus. (Fellow runners Tara and Monika of Glam Runner were dressed as superheroes ... because Monika was recently diagnosed with brain cancer and was running a marathon in the middle of chemo.) Badass and beautiful, indeed. But rather than focus on that lil’ slice of awesome, the magazine neglected context, and decided to focus their words on making fun of their outfits. Yes, even if you’re not the tutu type, runners don’t criticize other runners for wearing them. Come on’ now, that’s like Runner 101 – Thou Shalt Not Put Down Another Runner. Like, Ever. And then we started to think about it. Monika and Tara publicly voicing their disappointment created a news story. And then, the overwhelming frustration expressed in social media today by women, groups and organizations made it a national conversation. And then, after feeling the heat (and likely sincere regret), Self Magazine apologized, and plenty of media coverage has since ensued. What happened today was significant. We moved the dial, in a very good way. We shifted the conversation and made it about something bigger. We focused on WHY these women were running…and collectively, made sure that SELF magazine recognized it as well. And, it could most definitely and admirably end there. But this afternoon we also scanned a few of the most popular publications directed toward women who run and aspire to live an active and healthy lifestyle. Here’s a very short list of the words we saw taking up cover space: ‘Lose’ ‘Burn’ ‘Diet’ ‘15 Minutes’ ‘Lose 5 pounds’ ‘Fit and sexy’ ’10 Hunger Fixes’ ‘Look Great Naked’ ‘Total Body Sex’ Really? Ladies, Monika and Tara fearlessly moved the dial today, but are we totally satisfied with that? Perhaps, if we all voice our opinion just a little bit louder, we can actually change the entire conversation about the type of content and stories that we want to see…and buy…and support. Imagine if we walked down the aisle and saw magazines with the faces and bodies of women who looked like us? Where the woman rocking a tutu who is fighting brain cancer was on the cover… not being mocked for her style. Rarely do we dip our toes into this space – of publicly voicing our opinions on current events and issues. And yet, we’d like to challenge SELF and other leading women’s health and fitness magazines to raise their editorial game a bit. Take the inspirational segments and stories of your magazines (because you do have them, and they are wonderful) and rather than hide them in the middle section, put them on your cover. Feature the everyday woman doing extraordinary things. SHE is wonderful. SHE is amazing. And SHE is worth reading about. Replace ‘lose, burn and diet’ with words like ‘dream, courage and empowerment.’ See what happens. Give it a chance. Maybe you’ll be surprised that women don’t need buzzwords to buy your magazines… at least, we’d like to think so. And one more thing. SELF… we are huge believers in a great comeback. Redemption and second chances are always welcome here. Since the beginning, our sole purpose with Fellow Flowers has been to honor, share and celebrate the reasons behind WHY women run. Raw, real and resilient. Free of judgment and stereotypes. A community where you are free to celebrate who you are, be it with tutus, crazy socks, costumes… and yes, even flowers. So if you want the opportunity to highlight women who are the epitome of strong, resilient, beautiful and courageous, we have a few thousand you might want to talk to. Seriously. Mel & Tori Co-founders, Fellow Flowers

Any Time is a Good Time to Start Running!

Regardless of your age or fitness level, running regularly will give you a wide array of benefits.  Those benefits include:

*Increased energy levels
*Lower chance of developing heart disease
*Lower chance of getting a variety of different cancers
*Better sleep at night means you feel more rested the next day
*Weight loss

The list could go on and on!  Simply putting on your running clothes, find some good running shoes, and get to it!
If you are in need of motivation, check the results from a local race sometime and note the ages of most of the participants.  Running is a popular hobby to take up later in life, and you will likely see that most of the race finishers were over 35, and many are well older than that.  It is truly never too late to get started as a runner!

See Your Doctor

Before getting into a running program, or any other strenuous exercise routine, it is a wise idea to visit your physician for an overall checkup.   Everyone is advised to take this step, but especially those with the following conditions:

-Significantly overweight
-History of heart problems
-Total beginner with an exercise program
-Trouble breathing, such as asthma
-Chronic Fatigue issues
-Over forty years of age

While it may seem like a pain to go see your doctor, it is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are healthy and ready to start your running program worry free!
(Running for Weightloss App)

Ragnar Del Sol 2014 {run, drive, sleep?, repeat!}

{February 21 -22, 2014}

I recently had the opportunity to join a team that was running in the Ragnar Del Sol.  The Ragnar  is a team relay race that takes place in various regions across the U.S (and one in Canada).  The "Del Sol" is the name of our very own race here in Arizona.  The basic premise is this:  gather a total of 12 runners to form a team (an extra non-runner to drive the team around is VERY helpful)...rent 2 large capacity vans to shuttle around the team...then take turns running the 203 miles from start to finish...no matter what time of day it happens to be!  This hilarious video pretty much sums it up:

Yep.  It was fun!

To expand the explanation a bit...runners #1 thru #6 traveled in van 1.  They started the race in Wickenburg at 6am.  Runners #7 thru #12 traveled in van 2, and picked up the "baton" in Tonopah, after the first group of runners finished the first of 3 pre-designated legs.  Since I was runner #12, this story is pretty much told from the perspective of van #2.

Thursday night: Van Decorating Party!

Although the race officially started in the wee hours of Friday morning (February 21)...WE started the party on Thursday night!  Since I was added to the team only 3 weeks out from GO time...this was my first opportunity to meet the rest of the team.  I have to admit, I was a bit nervous!  (1)  This was my first Ragner ever...and (2) well...you just don't know what you're going to get when you commit to spending 35 sweaty, tired hours of your life locked in a van with a bunch of girls you don't really know!!!

Van #2

I take that back....Stacy added me to the team (we met at a race on Thanksgiving and we have mutual acquaintences) , I had briefly chatted with Olivia in January at the Tinkerbell Half-Marathon, and I did a group run with Rebecca a few weeks back.  I added Lisa to our team 5 days before race day, but technically...she's my husband's friend.  I didn't meet Molly till race day, loading the van!  I also brought in my dear friend, Beth, who graciously gave up her weekend to drive us around!  I figured she was my safety net, in case they all turned out to be crazy!

Van #1

I finally got to meet the team captain, Audrey, at the party.  I was immediately relieved when I arrived at her house and was welcomed so warmly to the group!  There was a really positive vibe...and I started to relax.  (About the personality mix, that is!  Still was having race/packing anxiety!)  David (Audrey's bf) was working hard on the van art with Robbie, and Denise (David's sister) was helping too.  I wouldn't meet Tara or Robert until race day.

So...our team was "Bad Neighbors" (#142).  Several of us were a little unsure what to do with such a theme...but it turned out kinda funny!  We decided to go with the "lawn flamingo" logo and added "Red Solo Cups" (but kindly refrained from blasting the song out our windows), and broken Christmas lights...because that's what bad neighbors have on their property, right?  David was brilliant with his idea of wrapping the van in Saran Wrap and using white duct tape to secure it before painting.  This made clean-up a snap!

 Stacy's flamingo glasses rock!

 An empty field, full of Ragnar vans!

Exchange #6: Tonopah

RACE DAY!

As our beloved runners in van 1 were up and out by 3:30am to get to Wickenburg for a 6am start...we were able to get a full night's sleep.  We gathered at Stacy's house at 10am to load our van.  We needed to get to Tonopah by 11:30am for a safety briefing and make sure to be ready in case our speedy little runners got ahead of schedule!  I really wasn't sure what to expect.  It turns out we were seriously in the middle of nowhere, Arizona!  The exchange site was some empty field where they set up some tents and made an expo out of practically nothing!  Go figure!  Even in the middle of a race...us girls couldn't help ourselves.  We went shopping!  Favorite vendor for our group?  I think it was a toss up between Nuun hydration and Bondi Band !  (love those sparkly, sweat repelling, head bands!)

***Legs 7-12...42.3 miles!***

Our first runner to go was #7, Molly!  And away she went...before I could even snap a pic!

Bad Neighbors, van #2 (sans Molly)

I got her coming in from her leg, though...handing the slap bracelet off to Stacy!

Exchange #7

Our route took us back up north, along the Sun Valley Parkway, where we had to be careful not to interrupt an ongoing cycling race already in progress.  Talk about a busy patch of road!

Exchange #8

Stacy hands off to Lisa, who is about to embark on the "race within a race"...she is running the "half-marathon" leg of the race!

Lisa is pretty amazing...she manages to do it in 1:50!  Awesome!!

Becky (#10) continues her leg north on Sun Valley Parkway...

Olivia's turn to run!  She will bring us into Surprise.  

Unfortunately, there are no good pics of me at my exchange.  However, there was much celebrating as we reveled in our elation of finishing the first third of the race!

We grabbed some dinner at Chipotle's and headed back to Stacy's house for quick showers and a nap before we have to head back out for our 2nd run!  This is the point where van #1 took over running legs #13 to #18...which will carry this story to about 1am  or so...

***Legs 19-24...21.3 miles***

Middle of the night runs...Anthem to Cave Creek...here we go!!

 I loved seeing how other teams made their vans "shine"!

Olivia warms up Molly for her next run (leg 19)...it got pretty cold at 1:30am!

Molly's whole family came out to cheer her on!

Stacy is alert and perky for her leg (#20) !!

So, by this point, we were feeling a little energized.  The runs were a little shorter, and we were feeling confident that we had this down.  Except for me.  The energy was cresting with each runner...and each leg that was completed gave that person the release to go back to sleep.  Since I was the last runner in the van...my nervous energy was growing by the minute!  I HAD to stay alert!

The Lisa Burrito runs leg #21

The temperature continued to drop...and we were resorting to wrapping each other in a blanket for warmth while "on deck" for our run.  Many of the night photos didn't come out very clear...the mandatory reflective gear wreaked havoc on the camera sensor!  We were required to wear the gear anytime we were outside the van during "evening" hours...5pm to 9am!

  Unfortunately, the reflective gear and extreme darkness didn't make for a very good picture of the exchange between Lisa and Becky.  As we dropped Becky off for leg #22, we drove by one of the 2 guys from the crazy, 2-man Ultra Team.  He didn't look so good as he staggered into the exchange!  I can't EVEN imagine!  He looked like he was going to drop dead.

Becky hands off to Olivia for leg #23!  4.1 miles and NO van support...

Almost done!  It's about 4am now...Concerns are growing as Stacy has been texting van 1 with a time update and hasn't gotten any response.  We are down to just Olivia and myself...and then SLEEP!

As we travel along Carefree Highway en route to the Lowe's parking lot...it occurs to me how few runners are along this stretch of road...and how dark it is!  I knew I was going to run at about 5 am, but for some reason I thought the sun would be coming out.  Kinda.  Nope...black as midnight.  I was so nervous getting ready to run!  Molly and Lisa were zonked out in the van, so we let them sleep.  Beth and Becky got out to wait with me.  Stacy ended up out on the road waving runners in and calling out incoming team numbers because one of the volunteers was missing.  The poor exchange chute girl was having to do everything herself!  I was so cold!  I was fumbling around trying to get my RunKeeper ready and my "I heart radio" app on!  I had such bad reception... it took another 5 minutes for my app to finish buffering.  I was terribly afraid I would have to run without music.  Can you say Nervous Wreck?!!!  Uh oh!  Here comes Olivia...it's time to go!  Reflective gear...head lamp...gloves...ugh!  Still no music!  Olivia gives me the slap bracelet, a hug, and a quick pep talk!  

And then I'm running out into the dark night.  We were running against traffic, along the left side of a divided road.  As I settled into my rhythm of breathing and running, I saw our van drive by on the other side.  No  honking of the horn in support...no "Woot, Woot" from Stacy hanging out the window for me...we had to be respectfully quiet in that quasi-residential estate type area at that time of night/morning.  I suddenly felt very small and alone.  Powered by adrenaline (and certainly not by sleep), I got my first feedback from RunKeeper at 5 minutes.  Awesome!  I didn't even realize it, but I was running faster than my expected average of 10:45/mile.  Hey...actually see a runner ahead!  Could this be my first "kill"?  (passing up a runner)  YES!  That really boosted my confidence!  Geez, am I still running uphill?  When is this going to flatten out?  Is this whole leg uphill? (yes).  I am thinking I will warm up anytime soon...but my fingers are freezing in my gloves, and there's too much ventilation in my Asics Noosa Tri-8's to keep my toes warm.  Where did this dang wind come from?  And then...some guy zips past me!  It startled me because I didn't recognize that the change in lighting was from his headlamp.  And then another guy passes me going even faster!  Bastards!!  I will not let them take my confidence.  I can do this!  I continue to run faster than I expected, but the uphill climb is taking its toll on me....until I see another struggling runner.  "I can log another kill!"  Shamefully, that's the motivation I need to keep going!  I start to see the lights of Cave Creek and smell the bar-b-que preparations for Saturday's lunch crowd...and it reminds me that I'm hungry.  Almost there! 

 I can see the volunteer at the corner with her light wand waving people to the left towards the exchange.  There it is!  I arrive at the exchange ready to hand off the bracelet and pose for pictures...and no one is there.  "Team 142!!"  is announced again.  I shut down my RunKeeper, post on Facebook, close down my extra apps.  Still no one.  Really?  I call Beth...and she doesn't answer her phone.  What the heck?  I look up, and there are the girls.  Chatting.  About 10 feet away.  I get their attention to come over, as I'm being held hostage in the exchange chute until our next runner appears.  I am told that van 1 is on the way, after being woken up by Stacy.  For some reason, a miscalculation was made and they were under the impression they weren't on again until 8am.  It was 5:30am.  Oops.  They made really good time, because I only waited another 5 minutes until I was set free!  This was actually one of the better stocked Exchanges for goodies!  They had hot tea, coffee, and chocolate...apples, bananas and granola bars!

Done!  (and no pictures).  We drove from Cave Creek to Scottsdale, on our way to Fountain Hills HS for some much needed sleep.  We were damp, cold and hungry...and decided to make a stop at Starbucks to change and grab a small breakfast and coffee.  Why we'd choose coffee right before we took a nap completely escapes. me.  But it sounded good at the time.  We pulled into the HS right as the sun was coming up.  By then, the first round of napping girls was waking up and made room for our last runners to nap.  It was nice that the gymnasium was open for sleeping and the locker room facilities were available to us.  The students were on hand making pancakes and bacon...but we didn't want to take our chances.

 Breakfast and a nap was all we needed to feel refreshed!

We all felt like human beings again after some shut-eye, some food, and a change of clothes.  Maybe it's because we put our sweaty clothes in zip-lock bags, and some in trash bags...but our van was remarkably odorless!  I really expected things to be a lot worse!  

As the van 1 runners start to trickle in to the parking lot...you can feel the energy escalate!  Van 1 runners were done!  Completely!!  We were scheduled to start our last runs at 11:30am, and it was looking to be a toasty day, so we had to dress light.  Love our Sparkle Skirts !  

Before we knew it...we were getting messaged that our runner was arriving soon!  It was time for Molly to prep for her last run!

***Legs 31-36: 27.4 miles***

 Last runs - daytime- Fountain Hills to Tempe Town Lake

Molly runs leg 31 through Fountain Hills

 The hand-off to Stacy for leg 32...

Woot Woot!  Molly is DONE!!!

So...as Stacy starts running down Shea Blvd...our van hits a serious back-up in traffic!  It's so bad that Stacy actually passes us as we are stuck!  We are hoping that she realizes what's going on so she's not surprised if she beats us to our next exchange!  We decided to be rebels and go off the grid...we found an alternative route to our next exchange!

Lisa is ready to roll for an easy 3.1 miles...leg #33!

 Becky's up next for a challenging 6 mile leg...#34

This 70's team kept us amused at many exchanges!

Becky hands off to Olivia for her last 5.4 miles!

Now, throughout this race, I was dealing with some sinus issues that were getting worse by the minute.  My mistake was running outside last Sunday as I tested out my leg in Surprise.  I had been congested the last half of the week, and wasn't sleeping well because I couldn't breathe.  Now...I'm exhausted, congested, and my nose is running (go figure), over-heated...and finally realized I'm excessively hot because I'm running a fever!  I don't dare tell anyone because I want to pull my own weight in this race.  I will make it happen if I have to crawl over that finish line!

This is it!!!  I'm running the final 5.6 miles into the finish line!  Leg #36

As we waited for Livvie to finish, we decided to strip the van and clean the windows.  It was kind of a downer to me as we're cleaning up and getting ready to shut down...and I hadn't even run yet!!  I couldn't believe that this is it.  The final leg! 

 I must admit that I was so miserable, as soon as I was out of eyesight of the team...I had to walk.  I just couldn't breathe effeciently enough to get my rhythm.  I was so frustrated!  But, I rationalized, EVERYBODY is just as tired as I am!  I limited my walk breaks to 1 minute and pushed forward.  The scenery was beautiful!  I started at Coronado HS in Scottsdale and ran through a greenbelt/park route to Tempe Town Lake.  I knew it would happen...I heard some runners gaining on me.  I didn't have the energy to outrun them.  The girl only slightly got ahead of me and then maintained my pace.  The guy got ahead of me and had to walk uphill.  THAT's where I excel!  For some reason, I am compelled to run uphill.  My ginormous glutes are good for something!!  LOL!

  I let that girl set my pace for quite a while...then I got a second wind and decided to run along side of her for company and chat.  Things got a little dicey as we literally collided with a Segway tour of seniors!  Segways and runners were all jockeying for the same sidewalk...it was interesting!  I don't think even my favorite Salted Caramel GU was going to pull me out of this energy drop...but then I saw it.  The one mile sign!!

That's what I needed to get me going again!  Right before I got to the Tempe Arts Bridge...I saw an angel!  It was Stacy, coming to pace me in to the end!  I was so happy to see her!!  She brought me my team shirt to slip on over my tank so we could all run in to the finish together!  As I crossed the bridge, I was handed one of our team's caution flags.  Along with our team captain, Audrey, I led the team, two by two down finisher's lane to the Finish Line!  Sweet Victory!  I didn't die in the process!

From the Ragnar website...the victory run!

"Bad Neighbors" team 142

We did it!!

We finished 146 out of 321 teams, Mixed Open

34:28:33.9

This was an absolutely amazing experience!

This is my souvenir that I treated myself to from James Scott Jewelry!  See my link on the sidebar to shop!