Ragnar So Cal Team Review

It is customary for me to do a team review after the Chasquis finish a Ragnar. The review cometh. But hold on a just a sec. I haven't done anything since finishing last Saturday. I jumped into the pool for a swim today at lunch, which felt great, but I also tried to kick with a kick board. This is something I do almost every time I get in to do a swim workout. My legs are still super fatigued. We all ran a long ways, let there be no doubt about it. We ran up some hills, and then we ran up some more hills. The big thing is that we finished, 32 hours later. We never started this whole running thing with the aim of winning anything. We did have fun though, and that's what's most important for me. Hey, I'm a fun lovin' kinda guy, what can I say. Said review:



Warnie- Was there any doubt in any one's mind that Warnie wasn't going to blow doors off those he ran with? Warnie has 2, 1/2 marathons under his belt and a heck of alot of fast, training miles. It showed. I don't know if I ever want to do a Ragnar where Warnie doesn't lead us out of the start.

Mike C.- The older of the Carter Bros running with us. Ragnar nipped Mike C in the butt last year and he came back for more. Solid. Told you all he was looking for a little redepmption. Can't wait to run another one with you brother.

Nick- Counselor Nick received the "slap bracelet award" this year. Nick Chasquied Up fo sho! Jumping into the race merely days before the start. He trained exactly 1 day for this thing I think. Head first into the abyss of 19 miles of Ragnar. That is uncommon. Well done Counselor.

Dennis- I swear, Dennis looks like he could run all day long, literally. I really think, about Santa Monica, we should have just pushed him out the door and said, "see ya at Salt Creek", and he'd a made it no problem. Steady as he goes.

Jocelyn (Bean)- I don't understand how Bean and Nick did it. Jocelyn was another last minute addition and a Ragnar first timer! Had I been in her shoes on that first leg and saw that first hill, I would have hung it up right then and there. Lest anyone think Jocelyn didn't give it her all, she left part of her soul on the pavement in LA. That's hardcore. Oh, she'll be back.

Paul- Paul is now Chasqui Stealth. Quiet, unassuming, yet damn lethal when he laces up. 21 miles in 32 hours? You gotta be kidding me. You have a marathon in you brother and I want to know when you're doing it. I saw Paul finish his last leg in Huntington, you'd have never known there were 21 tough miles in those legs.

Mckay- I believe Mckay's days of being "chicked" are gone. From hunted to hunter. If anyone is in Mckay's sights they are a casualty, they just don't know it. Mckay, dang it! You're not Cuban. Fun to run with you my friend.

Belinda- Mama B took care of us boys in Van 2 for the better part of a day and a half. Oh, did I mention she also ran 19 miles? Up glen or down dale, I don't think Belinda had but a couple of yards of flat terrain. Don't let blondie fool you, she means business and she took care of it. Her sweet Chex mix is the golden manna that helped me blitz my last leg. Get some.

Aaron- I just have one thing to say about Aaron's Ragnar, 8.8 miles down Laguna Canyon. You and JB are the only Chasquis who have this feather in your cap. I am envious. Tough and tougher, Aaron made Laguna Cyn his @%#$&. And, no, that's not what she said. I said it.

JB- 6 Ragnars under your belt. I will never forget JB's primal scream whilst running up a hill in the middle of the night. Classic! I don't think those legs are problems anymore. Thanks for reminding me to wake up while driving 80 down the 405 towards Huntington.

Taylor- Taylor is a virgin no longer. Ragnar virgin that is. This kid is a runner. Fluid, smooth, tough and doesn't feel pain. At least I couldn't see it in him. He'll be a Chasqui for years to come. Probably our resident physician as we all get older. Ha! It was fun to have you along Tay Tay.

Ragnar So Cal is done, but the memories live on. Thank goodness. I cherish the opportunities I get to do the things I do. It's even better when you meet new, great friends along the way.

CHASQUI PRIDE