Del Sol- Kara I

I haven’t been able to write the “legs” part of this before leaving town today, but this will set it up. . .


2008January- I sign up to run The Relay in May and train very diligently.

February- Two of my cousins get engaged and plan weddings for the day of the relay.

March- Feeling much anxiety because I really want to run the relay AND be at my cousins weddings. I decide to pull out of the race.

April- Everyone I know is registering to run the Wasatch Back. (Seriously everyone—running friends, church friends, work friends and my own brother!) I can’t because it falls the week after I return from a two-week vacation.

May- My friends run The Relay

June- Everyone else I know runs Wasatch Back

July- I am sad. (Okay, maybe this is overstating it, but I did really want to run Wasatch!)

August- Jordan invites me to run Del Sol with Team Chasqui. Life is worth living.

September-December- Kinda train. I’ll get serious as soon as the holidays are over.

2009January- We get an accepted offer on a house, wahoo! I will train in earnest as soon as I finish packing.

February- Not yet finished packing or choosing paint colors, or buying appliances. . . a new house takes over your life! I am getting nervous about the race that I was so excited to run.

Wednesday (the eve of departure)- On the way home from work, Chasqui JB asks me if I’m ready and excited. Regretfully, I have to admit that I have not run in two weeks, purchased any supplies, or packed a single item. All thoughts about the race were on hold until I could finish moving out, adequately celebrate Kelly’s birthday (which I was missing) and finish writing two Budget Narrative documents at work

That night we finish moving out and cleaning our old house. We ‘celebrate’ Kelly’s birthday on the kitchen floor with a slice of dessert from a local restaurant. I go to the grocery store for race supplies at 10:15pm.

Thursday (departure)- I finally handed off the Budget Narrative at 12:25am and speed home to start packing! For me, the race just started; I can finally get excited!

I tear the house apart looking for a backpack, the right socks, running shirts, etc. Everything is still in boxes—I rummage through most of them, but still end up with only half of the stuff I need. At least I had my shoes!

I am the last to arrive at Jordan’s and we hit the road. I remember things that I’ve forgotten to bring all the way there!

Friday- As we pull up to the starting line at Watson Lake, I can tell I’m going to love the Ragnar already! There’s electricity in the air, our team is amped, these are my kind of people and the Ragnar swag is so well designed!

Van 1 immediately gets into the spirit of things. We’re screaming for Trent, looking for gas, organizing gear in the back and Amber is on a mission to find a cup of joe!

Catherine and Amber both viciously attacked their legs! They both climbed through most of the run—Amber for a straight 6 miles!

My turn is next.