If you have heard, or if you haven't heard, Robby Mayasich, the AZ teenager that was hit by car during last weekend's Ragnar Del Sol, succumbed to his injuries and past away yesterday. Robby, not unlike Jeremy Kunz during the LV Ragnar last Oct, was not the "on" runner when he was fatally hit. He was handing off water, giving some encouraging words to a teamate, well, he was being a Chasqui.
The best thing about being a Chasqui and running the Ragnar relays is the awesome team support we all give one another. I'll never forget Team Chasqui's first Ragnar, the Wasatch Back in '08. The "Ragnar" leg was a beeyotch, and I was running it, it was hotter than Hades, I was tired, basically ready to throw it in. Until the van would pull along side and Cam or JB or Weintzy would holler out the window at me. I don't think JB will forget running down Laguna Canyon Road last year at Ragnar So Cal. I think at one point we had 5 Chasqui's running along side him. That is what this group is all about. And I don't want any of that to be lost, but we have to be safer.
JB and I talked last night and decided a few things. Everyone needs to start training with their own water. Be it a handheld bottle, a waist pack that holds a bottle, or even a back pack hydration system. Crossing any street where traffic is present is dangerous. Everyone needs to be able to support themselves on their particular legs. That doesn't mean we are leaving the "on" runner out in the cold all by themselves. As Chasquis have done in the past, we will continue to cheer each other on, no worries about that. And, if by chance, a runner really needs a drink or anything else for that matter, one person will cross the road to give assistance. The one person will also put on a reflective vest and have a flashing light on as well. JB and I will provide additional reflective vests and lights for each van. This is a hard and fast rule. I don't know what I would do if one of my teammates were to get hit by a car. We are going to do everything possible to keep our runners safe. Keep training, but get used to running with your own water. Ragnar So Cal will be off the chain fun!
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7 comments:
This Chasqui wife approves of the new safety measures! You all need to stay safe out there!
Agreed!! Practice now, using the vests and head lights too!
I really like these safety ideas your team is implementing. I've posted a response to the tragedy on my blog (www.runningrelays.com), but I would also like to include what you guys have decided to do. Would this be okay?
Absolutely, Teri. What's ours is yours!
Good call Morgan!!!
Safety is the # 1 priority!!!
We need to do whatever we can to make these trips as safe as possible, for us and our families!
I'll be on a 10 mile run tomorrow, with my water! I agree with these guidelines and I'm sure my family will appreciate them too!
Spot on Mo Mo! I'm all over it. I submit one request...the Chasqui's invest in a water balloon launcher and unleash on all "on" runners in route during a midday run. From the safety of the proper side of the road of course, and from behind so as to aid the momentum of our fellow Chasqui's. :)
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