Well.. I got talked into the RagnaR maching called the WasatchBackRelay this weekend. This was my fourth time doing the relay - the other three consisted of: Van 1 (runner 4) and then two times doing an Ultra version with six guys. This time I was in Van 2 runner 9! It has been two years since my last outing. A couple thoughts up front - -WAY to many teams! Back when we started I think there were around 500-600 teams which seemed manageable. I heard there we over 1200 teams this year - wowza.. Makes for some seriously congested exchange points! Also, I always have a few goals going into races like this.. One is not to become someone's kill (when you get passed) and to enjoy the slogans and different personalities out on the route..
My first leg was an Ez 3.30 mile cruise on Ogden valley roads from Middle Fork to a mile up South Fork - this run was in the heat of the day, but felt good. I ended up avg 7:20's for this run so, I was happy especially since it was crazy HOT and cross winds hitting me the entire way..Was able to pass a ton of people on this stretch..I did get passed right at the first by sone guy who was flying!
Leg two: The longest single route for a runner 10.5 miles around the Echo reservoir about 5 miles on the road and 5 miles on a rocky trail - Loved this run - started the run around 10:40 PM had a couple trains pass me, running on the edge of the lake, and ended up passing about 15 people (only 1 super fast guy passed me on this leg - oh well). I had the tunes on pretty much for the entire run - sweet stuff. Avg Pace 8:32 Vert 1145
Much needed rest on the grass outside some school building... | 