Ragnar 2012

 Aaron and I ran Ragnar together!!!  It was surprisingly (to me) a FANTASTIC experience.

We were part of my brother Couper's team Aragnaphobia and Van 2. This is our van above from left to right-
Megan (yay! for a follow sister, we met race day and she's a sweetheart)
McKell (my sassy and very lovable cousin)
Georgia (One of my second mothers in life.  She's also an inspiration to me in everything she does she is one of the strongest, kindest and overall most amazing people I've ever known.)
Lisa (my visiting teaching companion and while we haven't been friends long, we are great friends)
Meg and Aaron (he nicknamed himself Daddy Long Legs and referred to us as his black widows -- goes with the team spider theme)

This is me trying not to freak out before my first leg, I was so nervous!

The heat this year was really tough, but we survived and all successfully completed our runs.  On that note, my midnight run in the middle of the moutains for my second leg (also my hardest leg) is on my list of life's greatest experiences.  It was incredibly fun once I started running, although the exchange was a nightmare.  I ran my best pace on this leg.  At the end there was an announcer who told me to run like there was someone right behind me even though there wasn't.  I sprinted in with a crowd that cheered at my enthusiasm and right into Aaron's arms.  Great moment!!! 

Aaron's note -- Meg seriously did awesome!  She took her nervousness and anxiety about her first Ragnar and (literally) ran with it!  I was super worried about her, but she proved that I didn't need to be worried.  As to the night runs, they are also my favorite part of Ragnar!  I got to do a 10 miler on a dirt trail at around 2 am.  All I could see was the five feet or so my headlamp illuminated in front of me and the faint red "butt lights" of the people in front of me.  It was a blast to pick off those red lights one by one, enjoy the nice cool weather, and enjoy the rare opportunity to do a 2am trail run!

Mother daughter exchange

Line for the Honey Bucket

 We tried to sleep in the middle of a soccer field.

 It didn't go well for most of us, me included.  I didn't get sleep until we went to Lisa's family cabin and they had breakfast and beds waiting for us... it was glorious!  Even then I only got 1.5 hours of sleeping in 48 hours. 

 Aaron climbing the first half of Ragnar hill, also know as "You Gotta Be Kidding Me".  He stayed right on his predicted pace.  Which is awesome considering the 85+ degree weather and high elevation (around 9,000 feet above sea level).

Aaron's note -- Kudos to whomever has successfully run the Ragnar hill (Guardsman Pass) without having to resort to walking.  That thing is a beast! I'm glad that I had the experience, though! Ragnar, someday I will own you!!

To put it in perspective, Ragnar hill starts down in that valley (Midway, UT), and this was taken almost at the top.

At the finish line! 

I have an IT band injury that I've been going to Physical Therapy for twice a week.  It's been an interesting experience, hopefully my therapist will "graduate" me soon.  Aaron graduated his physical therapy this week and is back full speed training for his two marathons later this year!  Good job, babe!

Aaron and I started a friendly competition to see who's Rag Tat lasts the longest.  He's at a major advantage because his is on his calf and mine is on my arm.  I'm gonna lose this one but I'll stay in until it's gone.  Sydney our dog keeps trying to lick it off. :)

Lastly, I've been going through something that has kept me away from the blog.  I hope it doesn't continue to keep me from posting and I can get back to it, but I've been doing most of my writing in a private journal.  I'm doing so much better than I was, my strength is returning, I know that Heavenly Father knows who I am, what has happened, He'll help me through it and He'll always strengthen me with His love as long as I turn to Him.  Please don't ask about it, it's private for now.

Remember I love you all so stinkin' much!  I hope you're well!!!