Ragnar LV - Belinda

I was so excited to run this race and be part of Team Chasqui, now after the race, I am so glad I ran this race and am part of Team Chasqui.

Van 1 was incredibly AWESOME. I had so much fun right from the beginning, when the guys sat up in the front with the comfort of the A/C and Angel and I opted to sit in the back. I felt we became instant friends and I hope that we will see each other soon - maybe meet up for lunch (what do you think Angel?) Also meeting Aaron was cool - watching him slam his water to the pavement, his dancing mid run - very entertaining. Jordan and McKay were very supportive giving and taking my water at each stop. Nick didn't say much except for the one time that he compared me to another girl telling me that she didn't have hips and I did.

Here goes my report:

Leg 1: 4.5 miles, easy
I must say that I was a bit anxious to be runner one and start off, not knowing what to expect. Happy that so far I have not seen any pictures of my starting line toe touch and hoping Weintzy did not get it on film. Just leave it on the editing room floor if you did Weintzy! Jordan - warned me right before not to start off too fats. After the count down everyone just shot out of there, leaving me in the dust. I was getting really upset because my fear was being last at the exchange on the first leg. Well, I finished with only one person behind me but at least I wasn't last. The heat was a bit hard on me, guess that's what I get for always running in the dark. Then as I was in the port-a-potty and still had my ipod going, I hear in my headphones "Hi, this is Lance Armstrong. Congratulations for reaching a personal best." I was so excited! I had been waiting for that. I beat my best mile and set a new record of 8:24. Now, I know that's probably the slowest most of you ran all weekend, but I was happy!

Leg 13: 5.7, hard (and hard it was)

I was resting in the back of the truck so I did not see the drive in to the Callville Bay Parking lot. I heard a few mumblings about it but nothing too bad until Weintzy drives up and says something like "Man, I feel bad for whoever has to run out of here." So, I got myself geared up. I get to the exchange waiting for Morgan to come in and then the Ragnar worker whispers in my ear "Remember, its just a little hill." GREAT! I was determined though. I set off and actually liked how dark it was and I just felt like I was all alone except for the occasional headlamp on the other side of the road coming in. About .5 miles into it I changed my mind. I didn't want to run Ragnar anymore, I was going home. Then, up ahead I saw 2 butt lamps. I said to myself, "catch them." I kept going. When I finally passed them and could tell Jordan the next time I got water that I had passed 2 people I knew I was going to do this. I got through those 3 miles and turned left onto the other road and it was down hill from there. I felt so good. I felt like i was going fast. The weather was perfect, the moon was out. I was having so much fun. I even told a few people I was having fun. I came into that exchange and was hooked. I love Ragnar Relay!

Leg 25: 4.8, hard

I was NOT ready to run at 4:30 in the morning, heck I had only had about an hour and a half of sleep, nonetheless, Morgan comes into the exchange, in almost a blur, and I was off. It was cold, I was sure Aaron had put 20 pound weights around my ankles when I was sleeping, and I was tired. But, there again was a butt lamp and I told myself, "catch it." So I did, three of them. But it was hard. I knew this was my last leg and I have to admit, at the end, I was sad. Watching everyone else run and knowing I didn't get to anymore. I had a blast and I hope I get to do it again with you! Could someone prep my husband to stay home with the kids again?