Ragnar Las Vegas- Morgan

Team Summary
What a blast this past weekend was. Chasquis, one and all, what a fantastic team effort. I'll get right to it. I guess it is customary for me to give a Chasqui by Chasqui run down from the Ragnars that I have competed it. Where to start? Well, right from the very beginning.

Belinda- One of our Chasqui "newbies". Belinda, anyone who can run that stretch out of Calville Bay gains my instant and complete admiration. Rumor has it your hooked? Good.

Nick-Straight away becoming a "core" Chasqui. Did anyone check Nick out riding shotgun in Chasqui 1 behind those shades? Straight Ragnar "playa".

Aaron- Did I spell it right? Hope so. Filled in last minute, and thank heavens he did. Couldn't have been as successful as we were without you. Welcome to the tribe.

Angel- Our micro Chasqui, another "newbie". It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it is the size of the fight in the dog. Get the hell out of the way when Angel hits the streets. And her poppy seed cake is off the hook delish!

Mckay- Did anyone know this time last year, Mckay was rehabing a torn ACL? I think the knee is better. We ALL witnessed that leg going into Valley of Fire. We are ALL glad we didn't have to tackle it. Well done sir.

JB- Steady Freddy. Thanks to JB, we are all doing these crazy races. Don't know whether to hug you or kick you in the groin. Oh congrats on the Saints and Sinners medal. I do love these races and it's double the fun when I can do them with my brother.

Mason- If there were no exchanges, Mason would just keep on running. Mason always ready for the Chasqui cause. Anytime anywhere. Great lead off for those in Van 2.

Margaret- Look up nails in Websters and there is a picture of Margaret. She also gets the sharpshooter award, I don't think anyone passed more people than Margaret. She also gets the Trent Gubler, DDS "bright smile" award. Whenever I gave Margaret water, she always had this "I'm kickin ass" grin on her face.

Warren- That first leg on the rollers between V of F and the lake, oh heck brother. Tough, tough, tough. And then he follows it up with 2 more extraordinary legs. Warren, along with JB, is the only Chasqui to have done all the Ragnars Team Chasqui has entered. Something to be said for that.

Liesel- I seriously wondered about Liesel's sanity at wanting to do this Ragnar having completed the St George Marathon just a week prior. I should know better, I've run with Liesel. She runs therefor she is. Liesel, here's to you. St George one weekend Ragnar the next. You are tough.

Trent- Flat out takes care of business. If I'm goin' to war in another Ragnar, I want Trent-ski along with me. Longest total mileage of all of us. Come back tomorrow for special post on Trent.

I'm adding another teammate here. Although they weren't running, they were our "6th man"

Chasqui Support Team- Especially the Chasqui ChuQwagon. Janel, Christie, you girls were incredible! Fueling the forces. You guys are as important to the team as any runner is. Thank you both so much. Duffs (both Heather and Jessica) your cheering and encouragement was well received. Chasqui Drey and family. I was really happy and inspired to see you just before I started my first leg. Thanks. Gubler Family, TuTu, momma and poppa Duff thank you for all you all did as well. We are forming quite a family.

Leg Review
Leg 1- 8.7 miles
Longest single leg of the race. After standing and waiting all day, I was fit to be tied.
After the exch 6, when van 2 took over, I was really drained. It wasn't until Liesel started her first leg that the adrenalin kicked in, again. Then Trent took off and it was on. My van mates were nothing short of inspiring. I geared up, what? It's dark already? I have to wear the vest and lights? C'mon guys, really? Oh well. Let's do this. It was time. Trent barreled into the exch and I was off. Did anyone else notice the sky full of stars? It was a beautiful night to be running. It had cooled off and I was making good time. I picked off a few runners which is always good for morale. Although I was carrying my own water, the van was still stopping and cheering me on through the night. I then made the turn down into Calville Bay. I feel sorry for whoever has to run back up this dang thing. Oh, sorry Belinda. It was crazy having runners on both sides of the road. Numbskulls were coming at me with bright lights on. WTH!! Those lights took away my own ability to see anything for a few brief seconds. BAM!!! I struck the side of the pavement with my left foot and rolled my ankle on the lip. Are you kidding me? Damn that hurt!! I hobbled and half hopped for a little ways until I could regain a proper stride. I took a little ways, but I was not going to slow for something like THAT. Screw It!! 8.7 miles went surprisingly quick. Leg 1 done.

Leg 2- 2.1 miles
After the longest leg, I also got to run the shortest leg. A sprint more like it. Not a whole lot to experience in just 2.1 miles. I was running fast, 7:30 pace fast and I was past by a guy who made me spin around. Hats off to you, whoever you were, you were flying. Always great to see the Chasquis at the exch, looking sharp in our Chasqui red.

Leg 3- 5.6 miles
I started to worry again. It was getting hot. I did not want a repeat of Leg 3 from Del Sol. All I needed, once again, was the motivation of my van mates. Watching Mason, Margaret, Warren, Liesel, and Trent run their last legs, I could do nothing but follow suit. Chasqui pride was in the air. I took the "baton" up in Calico Basin for the run down to The Red Rock Casino. I don't know if it was a curse or a blessing that I knew every inch of that road. I've ridden bikes up there for years, never run it. Screw the heat. The Chasquis, up to this point, had established probably the fastest time a Chasqui team has ever run. I was going to bring it home. Right at a 8 min pace over the last 5 miles and I saw the hotel, ran under the 215, made the left turn, and there they were. Chasquis everywhere. Nothing quite like the feeling of crossing the line leading such a great group of teamates, a great group of friends.

Del Sol anyone? I'm in.