Mommies Got Back

Wasatch Back 2011

2011-05-16T14:04:00.000-07:00

Not sure if anyone checks this blog anymore??? Hey, I have two openings on my Wasatch Back team this year. Does anyone want to run it again? Let me know ASAP... I need to get it figured out by the end of the week:)

Vegas Anyone?

2009-09-05T14:31:00.000-07:00

Hey All!

I think I've mentioned it before, but didn't get any bites. It might have been too soon after the WB.

Kristyn M and I (Tiffany N) are running the Vegas Ragnar and we have TWO spots open. I know some of you lucky ladies are running the St. George marathon the week before so you can't do it. But anyone else out there, if you're thinking about the Saints and Sinners medal, please contact me or look over the course. We have a mixed team, so guys and ladies are welcome. The hardest leg is already filled, I think everything else is pretty doable. I haven't officially assigned legs, someone just wanted that leg so being generous, I let him have it. We have two rooms at the Red Rock Casino that is the Finish line. So showers and shelter will be waiting!

If you're not interested, please ask around. We've been trying to fill these spots and have had a lot of maybes that have turned into no's. I've even started a blog. If you're signed up by this Fri (Sept 11) it's $85. You can email me at tiffsdr@yahoo.com

Thank you for all your continued correspondence, you've all been very inspirational to me!! I loved running/getting to know you before, during and after the WB.

Good Luck with all your endeavors!!!

Tiffany N

Anybody missing flippy floppys or shades???

2009-07-20T12:05:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, this is Tiffany N. I keep meaning to post, but forget or just don't do it when I'm online. Anyway Mommies Got Back Van #2, I found a pair of black flip flops in my car. They look like they're about a size 9 I'm guessing. Let me know if they're yours.

Energizer Runnies, Mandy mailed me a pair of sunglasses that she thought were mine, but aren't. They are dark grey-ish. Hopefully you can tell from the picture. So, if you're missing some, let me know.
I'm just wondering, has anyone come across the Ragnar stickers? I really want mine. If we can't find them I think we can get more from Ragnar. I emailed them but they directed me to someone else and I need to email her.

Here is the recipe for the bread I made. I get the 9-Grain and Dough Enhancer at Kitchen Kneads in West Jordan, UT. For those of you out of Utah, they do mail for a pretty decent price, but usually you can find stuff locally or online. The dough enhancer has a very long shelf life, about 20 years, so it's nice to buy a big bag if you can. If you have ANY questions please call, I'd love to help you with this. I've made and experimented with this a lot and it is one of the best recipes I have, I love it!

Wheat-White Bread

In a bowl, let proof:

2T yeast

2tsp sugar

2/3 C WARM water (105゜- 115゜)

In mixer put:

4 C whole wheat flour (about 2 2/3C kernels ground)*

1 ½ C white flour

4 tsp dough enhancer

4 tsp salt

¼ C oil

½ C honey

2 2/3 C hot water

Mix until combined, then put in yeast mixture, add 2 ½-3 C more white flour. Mix about 10 minutes, turn out on a floured surface, divide into 3 equal portions and shape into loaves. Put in (sprayed with Pam or equivalent) 8x5 loaf pans (dough will be sticky), let rise. Put in cold oven, then turn oven on to 350゜ Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until darkish golden brown on top. For extra soft bread bake 25-27 min., but make sure it’s done too.

*I usually substitute 1C of the whole wheat flour for a mixed grain, like 9-grain cereal.

Come Run in Idaho!

2009-07-01T15:46:00.000-07:00

Hi Gals!

I'm not getting a dime for promoting it, but I wanted to put a plug in for the Mesa Falls marathon and half-marathon in Ashton, Idaho on Saturday, August 22nd. It's one of those incredibly fun and well-organized small-town marathons, boasting breath-taking scenery, a nice embroidered shirt, a unique medal and a free huckleberry milkshake as part of your race swag. They also offer a pre-race dinner the night before for $5.00 and a well-stocked "runner's breakfast" for free the morning of the race. The half-marathon course is somewhat challenging: it starts on a mountain trail for the first three miles, followed by a three-mile long incline as you come out of the Targhee National Forest, but then you're greeted with beautiful rolling hills as you make your way across the rural farmlands to the finish line, where there's lots of food and music to celebrate.

To be fair, I do have a hidden agenda: we recently finished our basement and have lots of room for guests. I'd love to have any of you who are interested in running Mesa Falls stay with us... free of charge, of course! We live just 20 minutes south of Ashton (in Rexburg), so coming and going would be a breeze. I thought I'd put it out there first for my Wasatch Back peeps but if it doesn't fit in anyone's plans, I'll post on Marathon Mommies too. There's many of you I didn't have a chance to get to know better at the WBR and thought this might be another opportunity. As of now, I'm planning on running the Mesa Falls half as a training run for the Top of Utah marathon in September... but even if I don't run MF at all, my offer to stay with us still stands!

We've got room for several runners or a small family. Give me a shout via e-mail if you're interested or have any questions.

Angie

tallgirlrunning@gmail.com

Energizer Runnies finish line pictures

2009-06-29T20:28:00.000-07:00

Here are the finish line pictures. I had a blast doing this. You guys were great company. Like everyone else, I wish we could have had more time to get to know everyone else in both teams. I definitely look forward to see you all in future races.

Energizer Runnies

2009-06-29T17:53:00.000-07:00

Hello there fellow teammates! After more than a week I am finally caught up on my sleep. I'm so grateful for the whole experience. Thanks so much to Erin and those who contributed so much! I'm sure we all worried at some point how things would work out since most of us started this journey as complete strangers. Funny thing is... I never really felt like we were strangers with the blogs and all! I feel blessed to come away with new friends. My only regret is not having sufficient time getting to know you awesome ladies in van #2. The six of you were always enthusiastic, reliable and upbeat. Thanks so much for this experience everyone!

Finish Pictures?

2009-06-28T22:06:00.000-07:00

Hey Energizer Runnies! I'm looking for the pictures snapped at the finish line. I think Mel and Sarai both had cameras out. I know we certainly don't look our best, sopping wet and freezing cold, but I'd still love to see them.

Thanks again for all the fun, all of you. I'm still riding high from our adventure, and trying to figure out when I'll be able to do it again. Sorry I didn't contribute more to the fun costumes, goody boxes, t-shirts, etc. It really made the whole experience more fun and special, so thanks to those of you who took the time to do it.

I posted about my race on my personal blog. You can see it here if you want to.

Have a wonderful summer, everyone! Hope to see you on the blogs or at races in the future.

Amy P.

Let's do it again!

2009-06-24T13:25:00.000-07:00

I just love these races. I have only done 2 but can’t wait to do more. The women I’ve had the privilege of being stuck in a car with for 2 days are amazing. We survive solely on willpower, wheat thins, string cheese, an occasional caffeine nip, and adrenaline. I find myself doing things I said I’d never do (nor have ever considered doing): running in the sleet, rain, and lightning for fun; sleeping (well, being horizontal and stretched out, if you call that sleeping) in what looks like a homeless tent village (i.e. a high school auditorium) for 3 hours; jamming myself and my gear in a car and living out of it for 31 hours; wearing a Wonder Woman costume in the middle of June because frankly, you feel like Wonder Woman when you see your legs on the course outline; paying serious cash to do this; and wishing, wanting, and hoping that I can do it again soon—very soon.

There is something about the finishing of that last leg that is so emotional. You are so tired. Your body aches. You just want to find a ditch somewhere and lay in it until an ambulance finds you. You only can move your legs because someone else down the line is depending on your transfer of a silly metal bracelet and that’s the only way out of this nightmare. You think of anything to just keep moving. And once you hit that ‘one mile to go’ marker you think about the sadistic person that created it and why it is really seems like 2 miles to go… and then you realize you see your teammate cheering you on to the transfer chute. You see the honey buckets. You see the person calling your number into the officials. Life suddenly gets better. You feel a little bit better. You (perhaps) smile. Or swear. Or both. And then the tears come. You’re done. You finished your part. Now to cheer on your team. And think about doing it all again—when is the next race and how quickly can I sign up?

I keep using the word ‘again’ when writing about this experience. The draw to this event, and running in general for me, is the release. I love the ability I have to get my body into a groove and push it. It is a time that is solely mine. As a mom, that is a rarity. It is a treasure. And my teammates feel the same way. We marveled at the fact that we were all able to get away—away from the household chores, the piano lessons, the baseball games, the violin concerts, the playdates, the doctor appointments. While we thought about our kiddos and hubbies, and missed them, we focused on ourselves and our abilities. We tucked in a little bit of time to celebrate our physical selves, rejuvenate our mental status, and enjoy the solemn moments while running at sunset, sunrise, in the elements, etc. I hope that as my kids get older, and see me get older, they can be proud of my accomplishments while wearing my running shoes. They’ll know that I can make cookies, provide service to others, change the bed sheets in record time, and make a mean meatloaf. But, they’ll also know that I take time for me to better myself according to my 3 Rs: through reading, through religion, and through running. My time away from them, in a car with 5 beautiful others sweating and stinking something awful, makes me a better mom. And a better wife.

So here goes that word that I keep using…Again, thank you to those who allowed me to run with them, and will run with me again. And again. And again. Thank you to Dave, Lincoln and Kate for supporting me in this quest again. And most important, again I express my sincere and heartfelt appreciation for the ability and responsibility of motherhood.

Is speed contagious?

2009-06-23T19:34:00.000-07:00

I have a story for you all:

I was in Walmart tonight and ran into a friend of mine from my ward. She asked how the race was and how our team did, so I filled her in on the details. She got a good laugh out of the top ten list. :0) She said she actually saw our Van 2 at some point and talked with them for a minute. Anyway, I asked what team she was on just to see if I recognized them, and I didn't. Then I said, "How'd you guys do?" She replies, "Good".......long pause........"we won." My jaw drops and I was like, "WHAT!?! You won the whole thing?" It turns out that she was on Blaisdell's Beauties (the cute sparkly silver skirts we saw at exchange 6), and they took it all for the Women's Division in around 24 hours. That is crazy! I told her she earned herself a spot on Mommies Got Back next year! JK So I'm hoping that speed is contagious. Maybe if I spend more time with her I'll be faster next year! My friend, Stephanie, frequents Marathon Mommies, so if you see her around give her a big congratulations--maybe she'll show you her customized baton (her winnings--kinda lame).

Memories... light the corners of my mind...

2009-06-23T14:01:00.000-07:00

Hello, all you certifiably crazy Wasatch Backers!

I'm finally back home in Idaho after our incredible adventure but before I even attempt to capture it in words on my blog, I wanted to take a minute to thank each one of you for helping to make this weekend a memory of a lifetime for me. Erin, THANK YOU for all the work you did over the last year in helping get us organized and on the road... literally. I was blown away by everything you put together with that goody box being the pièce de résistance! Thank you also to everyone else who did their part. Each of you were so kind and friendly and put my nerves about running with strangers at ease right from the very start.

After the race, I called my parents to thank them for helping with our breakfast but they told me it was their pleasure. I think it really touched them to see a group of women come together to share an experience doing something we love to do. For the short time they were around you, they could sense the qualities that make each of you simply wonderful human beings and they told me it was an honor to be a small part of it.

And finally, thank you to the five amazing women who shared my living quarters for almost two days. You know who you are! At the risk of confusing the others who don't know what the heck I'm taking about, I can't resist the temptation of listing some of my top memories of the Energizer Runnies, Van #1. Ladies, I miss you already!

-- Oogling Mr. Shorty McHotPants.

-- Forcing our first couple of runners to gasp for water until we finally got our act together.

-- Nearly missing an exchange and forcing a certain full-bladdered runner who shall remain nameless to make alternative "potty plans".

-- Watching for that damn bunny tail during the night run to help identify our van.

-- Diet Coke: The Cure-All.

-- Learning the Spanish word for the different road kills we encountered.

-- Desecrating (or was it beautifying?) the church lawn.

-- Waking up startled every 10 minutes in the school auditorium worrying my team had left without me.

-- Oogling Shorty McHotPants... again.

-- Eating homemade peanut butter oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Heaven on Earth.

-- Falling asleep on the side of the road and missing our runner pass by because she was so stinkin' fast and we were so stinkin' tired.

-- Renting a Redbox movie at a Maverick gas station believing we were actually going to watch it.

-- Passing the huge bunny drum back and forth in the seat but never finding the time to tie it to the top of the van.

-- Finding our way through the entire Ragnar course without trouble only to get lost in Park City.

--Shivering in our boots (or flip flops) in the downpouring rain to cheer on our team through the finish line.

-- Oogling Shorty McHotPants. (Did I mention that already?)

In the News

2009-06-22T16:07:00.000-07:00

Follow this link and look at picture #22

http://www.hjnews.com/photography/2009/06/20/wasatchback/

Two Quick Questions

2009-06-22T12:09:00.000-07:00

1) Does anyone know who has the empty camera case? I'm pretty sure it's mine. Thank you for rescuing it from wherever I left it! I'll pay for postage to have you mail it to me. : )

2) And M.G.B. Van One: Is there an app for that? Or a beep for that? Just wondering...

: )

The Top 10 Signs you are last!

2009-06-22T10:03:00.000-07:00

Here is the long awaited list of:
"THE TOP TEN SIGNS YOU ARE THE LAST RAGNAR RUNNER"

1. You are the last ones asleep in the highschool, when you are leaving the janitor asks "why are you still hear"

2. Every toilet is filled to the seat "with no splash back"

3. The volunteers stop shouting your # and team name!

4. The clerk at the gas station asked if you ran the race yesterday!

5. There are no more cones on the road to mark the course!

6. When you have killed 7 other runners but there is no one behind you!

7. When you don't have to follow the rules anymore, because there is no one else around!

8. When wearing the butt becomes embarrasing!

9. When the vendors give you food so they can pack up and go home!

10. When bystanders stop and ask "why are you running in the rain?"

This race was a blast! Makeing up this list sure did give car #2 a great laugh along the way, the list just kept getting bigger. It was a fun experience we had. I hope no one feels bad that I posted this list. It was just a big laugh, and in the end we weren't last it just felt like it. Everyone ran a great race! We had a great team, and I wouldn't had wanted it any other way! Thanks to all of team Mommies got Back. This was my first relay race, but certainly not my last. I would run with all 11 of you again. This was a great memory I will never forget. Thanks to van 2 for all the support. Thanks to Cute Patty who always jumped out of the car to give us water! Thanks to Emilee for filling in at the last minute, you are a great runner, you smoked the finish! Thanks for your great hummer along the way. Thanks to Amy P. for always smiling and making us laugh. Thanks to Lisa for trying to run the Ragnar hill sorry you couldn't finish it, but you are always a winner to me! That was brutal! Thanks to Lindsey for helping put this whole race together with Erin. Big Thanks to Tiffany for the great car! We couldn't have done it without you. It was a blast to make new friends. As we said in car #2 It was like girls camp on steroids but without the drama! What a great weekend!

A Tribute to Team One

2009-06-21T19:04:00.000-07:00

It’s easy to get to a finish line when we know that there are many people arriving before and after us. I have discovered that it is not as easy when we are the very last one out on the course. Being the last can be demoralizing and spirit crushing. Moving forward becomes a grind. Quitting seems so much easier when you know that nobody is behind you to care and that there are some who are even hoping you do quit so that they can go home after a harrowing day of volunteering. If I was alone it would have been easy to hang my head down and walk away. But I wasn’t alone. I was with an amazing team and that made all of the difference.

During the Ragnar Wastach Back we were indeed the last team on the course. There was another team that shared that position with us. That team would pass us then we would pass them, but last place we were.

When we found out that we were the last ones on the course we were discouraged. None of us had ever been “last” in all of our lives! We weren’t sure what to do with that information. It was a hard pill to swallow. But our feelings evolved. We went from being downcast and despairing to laughing tears within about 15 minutes. Jenny came up with the brilliant idea to do a top ten list of “how you know you’re the last people in the RAGNAR”. It was recounting all of the ways we should have known that we were far behind the rest. Like when we woke up to complete emptiness in the gym that was once full of sleeping bodies; Like when we would show up to an exchange point and the volunteers would start clearing the area of cones, banners, and chairs.

And after we laughed about it we got to work on getting ahead. And we did.

Working together, laughing together, and living with one another for over 24 hours enabled us to unconsciously and collaboratively pick up the pace and kick some butt. Toward the end with approximately 16 miles to go there was a lightening storm that hit us on the top of the Ragnar, the steepest, muddiest, highest point of the entire race (at 8,900 feet high). We were forced to pick up our runner, Lisa, and we were given the option of driving to the finish line. We could have, but no. We trained for this! We had worked through our discouragement to get to that point. We were NOT going to drive to the finish. Giving up was not an option. So we ran. Through the storm. Pass vans full of people that had given up. Pass people who had lost their steam. And with smiles we met our last runner, Emeliee, at a stadium that was nearly abandoned and ran to the finish line together.

I have never been so proud of once being in last place. I have never been so proud of a team that I was on. I have never been more proud of the unconquerable human spirit.

To Lindsey, Chelle, Emeliee, Lisa, Patti, Jenny, Erin, Sarah, Kelly, Jill, and Kristyn: I love you all and and thank you for the unforgetable and absolutely inspiring experiences! And to you Energizer Runnies... I LOVED getting to know you. You all were so inspiring and fun!

I love you all!!! Quick Post

2009-06-21T11:12:00.000-07:00

Hey Mommies Got Back and Energizer Runnies!

I will do a longer post, but I need to hang out with my kids for a little bit. :-) I wanted to say thanks to Erin for all she did to get this together and to everyone for providing fun, friendship, and laughs over the last 3 days! And thanks to Angie and her parents for providing the perfect start to our race! And just to let you know, the thing that was most hurt in my fall was my ego. My ankle is doing much better and I was able to finish my last 2 legs. Thanks for checking in. :-)

Energizer Runnies- I wish we could have hung out more, but you were way too fast! Congrats on tearing up the course. The results are in and you came in 26th of all the women teams, and 19th in our category!! You rocked it!!

Mommies Got Back- Speaking of results, I know we joked that they were cleaning up the course after us, but we came in 56th out of 81 teams- not too shabby. And we had a complete blast doing so!!!

I can't wait to share and hear more memories and pictures. I love all of you! Thanks for a fantastic weekend!

Memories to cherish forever!

2009-06-21T08:22:00.000-07:00

To all you wonderful Ladies~

I just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU for letting me join your wonderful group at the last minute, and for allowing me to have an experience that I will remember and cherish forever.

The expertly planned details, the thoughtful goody boxes, the clever decor and car art certainly set the weekend off right and put everyone in the mood for some fun! A huge thank you to Erin, Lindsay, Chelle and Angie's family for putting in the extra work to really allow all of us virtual strangers to bond and come together so seamlessly.

To my teammates in Team One, Van Two ~ I just want to say what a great group of ladies you all are! I don't think we could have had more fun and more positive vibes in that car! Thank you for all the laughs and the genuine support to each other on those grueling legs. Loved every part of the adventure, including the high school floor = day of the dead, the Wonder Woman costume, Amy's running booty, making the list, the cow pastures and even the severe storm/mud slides at the top of "The Ragnar". This weekend really did seem like "a Gift".

I know there are going to be some great pictures posted, but this one takes the cake:

Here are a few other great ones:

The first van hand-off of the weekend! Go Runnies!Wonder Woman gets Team One Van Two on the road!Wonder Woman empowering me to get up that steep hill ~ when it should have been bedtime!Lindsay cruising at top speed ~ always with a smile!Jenny celebrating the end of a WINDY leg.This amazing energetic woman on skates was just what we needed at a time the Mommies felt a little run down. Her enthusiasm and enjoyment of life refreshed us all for the legs ahead.Not the most clear picture (notice the pounding rain and wind!), but I just wanted to document and celebrate all 24 of us for running in rainy monsoon conditions, hot dusty hilly conditions, on injuries, with oxygen deprivation, with "babies on board" or babies at home missing us. There was a time during the last three legs that the lightening was so severe that a race director told us that we could quit and just go to the finish. With hardly any discussion, we opted to drive to a bit safer part of the course, and then get back out on the road and finish that race! You ladies are all amazing and an inspiration to women and motherhood! Thanks for the great times and congratulations to you all for a wonderful achievment!

~Emeliee

A Huge Thank-You

2009-06-20T23:16:00.000-07:00

Wow, it has been a whirlwind weekend and, having slept just 45 minutes in the past 2 days, I have really GOT to get to bed. But before I do, I wanted to take a moment to thank all of you wonderful ladies for what you contributed to make this such a fun experience! I was blown away by the creativity and effort our teammates exerted to decorate the cars; I was thrilled by the beautiful goody boxes, t-shirts, and the billion other details Erin and Lindsey had for us (Erin, you were the world's greatest team captain). The breakfast at Angie's was amazing and the dinner at Chelle's was incredibly fun too. Mostly, I just loved getting to know you all. Really, it was so much fun.

I heard the Mommies Got Back team had a few hangups. I hope everyone is feeling okay (Kelly? Sarah?) and that Emeliee got to finish her last leg. That one about did me in with the lightning. We were sorry we didn't get to see more of you guys. But though it didn't work out the way you'd imagined, I hope you still had a good time--maybe in a different way.

I also want to say I'm sorry to my team for the strange way I behaved at the end of the race (tears and inability to talk). I think I was in a little shock or something from the fear of lightning, or from the freezing cold soaking wetness of my clothes and shoes.

Oh, and I ended up with an empty camera case. Is anyone missing theirs (Angie, will you ask your parents?) I can mail it to you. Also, Erin, I got away with your car splitter thing. I am so sorry. I'll mail it to your house right away. I think I have your address. If not, I will contact you.

Thanks girls! I hope we'll get to see some fun photos in the next few days.

Oh, and do they post results at some point? Does anybody know?

It was wonderful meeting and chatting with you! Best of luck with those sore bodies.

--Emily

And we are off!

2009-06-19T11:53:00.001-07:00

-- Post From My iPhone

Meet Suziepetunia (Sarah)

2009-06-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

Since Sarah is busy with her 4 kids by herself, and I am without my children, I thought I would post an introduction for her. Most of you probably recognize her from Marathon Mommies and her awesomely funny blog, Suziepetunia. I am lucky enough to have her for one of my best friends and running partners. We got to know each other very well training for a marathon together 3 years ago and that is how Marathon Mommies began.

Sarah has been married for almost 13 years and has 4 bright, funny children, Waverly(10), Henry (8), Oscar(5), and Alice (2). She grew up all over the US including Utah, Texas, Boston, I think Connecticut and I am sure I am missing others.

She is from a family of 7 kids. She followed her brother's footsteps into running and is a natural speed demon. (I am very jealous of this!) She is a loyal friend who would do anything for her friends and family. She has been running since high school and has run 6 marathons, many half marathons, and many, many other races.

She is an incredible artist, singer and very involved in the community, including a non profit group called Voices for the Performing Arts which raises money to supports the arts and puts on 2 concerts a year.

She is creative, funny, and a joy to be around. I am grateful to have her as my friend and I am sure you will all love her as I do!

Party: On! Tonight!

2009-06-18T04:29:00.000-07:00

*Update: Amy H is a little under the weather, so we could use a dessert. Also, someone could bring some french bread (or any kind of bread).

Start time: 6:30 p.m.
Place: My backyard (directions thru e-mail)

Here are the assignments at this point:

Appetizer:
Bread:
Jello Salad: Krystin,
Green Salad: Emeliee
Pasta Salad: Erin
Veggies/Dip: Polliwog
Chips/Crackers: AmyDear
Drinks: Amy H.
Dessert:
More Dessert: Sarai
More Dessert? (ha!):

I would say plan on enough for about 10? Maybe a little more? We can have a couple of people sign up for salads. And dessert, too. : )

I've got the chicken to barbeque. I'm not a big red meat eater right before a race, so I stuck with white meat. Hope that's okay!

Let me know if you have any questions.

Sorry to post more but...

2009-06-17T20:09:00.000-07:00

...this is just too great a story for you to not know. I read the Deseret News article ( http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705311017/Wasatch-Back-more-than-just-a-run.html?pg=3 ) they had about the WB. In it they mentioned a team, Run for Nie. Her husband was support staff for the WB last year and a couple of months later they were in a plane crash. Here is her blog
nieniedialogues.blogspot.com. One of my friends tipped me to it a few months ago. Man, they are THE most AWESOME people, if you think your life is crappy, go read about her crash and rehab. She's amazing!! Also, she is TOTALLY in love with her husband and writes about him all the time and calls him Mr. Nielsen, which I think is so cute.
That's it cuz I REALLY need to go pack and get ready la la la.... I'm making bread as I write

Breakfast Roll Call

2009-06-17T11:15:00.000-07:00

It looks like everyone's going to make it to the breakfast on Friday morning. Huzzah! (There's several of you I haven't heard from personally but I'm assuming due to your ride arrangements to Logan you'll be there too.)

I want to be sure you all know you're welcome to come to my parents' house anytime on Friday morning, especially if you want extra time to pack up your vans and/or get them decorated. I'll be staying there Thursday night and will be up early getting things ready myself, so feel free to come when you want. It's my understanding we need to check in at the race an hour before our start time at 12:30, so we'll plan on eating breakfast at 10:00 and should have enough time to wrap things up and head over.

If anyone still needs directions or contact numbers, you can email me at tallgirlrunning@gmail.com. I'll be leaving for Logan Thursday evening but will have internet access again once I'm there.

48 hours and counting!

Costco Run

2009-06-17T10:48:00.000-07:00

Just got back from Costco and picked up 1 case of bottled water for T1,V2 (per Amy H.'s request). I also forgot to mention that I have a bunch of Hammer Gels (vanilla, raspberry and orange) to share. ~Em

The mice will play while the cat's away!

2009-06-17T07:15:00.000-07:00

Holy smokes! You guys all came to life for the 48 hours I was without a computer! I love it :) but it seems we are all talking in overlapping circles a little bit so I am going to try and clarify what has taken place a little and what still needs to.

1. I totally forgot until about 2 am this morning but we need a phone number/insurance information list for emergencies! So if you could all email me your cell phone numbers, an emergency contact and insurance info I will get that all pulled together :)

2. Rides to Logan! Ok I am getting concerned that this is not all sorted out, so I am just going to go through the list like roll call.... If you are blank next to your name and have plans leave a comment and I will get it updated I just don't want this to not work

Kelly: Cameo's car
Chelle: Driving your car
Jill:
Sarah:
Kristyn: Cameo's Car
Patti: Cameo's car
Lindsay: Tiffany's car?
Erin: Tiffany's car?
Amy H.: Chelle's Car
Lisa: Cameo's Car
Jenny: Tiffany's car
Emeliee: Chelle's Car
Tancy: Cameo's Car
Melanie: Getting there yourself
Sarai: Cameo's Car
Jennifer: Going with Melanie?
Cameo: Driving your car
Angie: Getting yourself there
Mandy: Emily's Car
Amy: Emily's Car
Marianne: Emily's Car
Bethany: Emily's Car
Tiffany: Driving your car
Emily: Driving your car

As you can see I have a few holes... help me fill them in so I can stop worrying! Please

Ok I sure I will show up here quite a few more times today but this is all my mushy brain can conjure up at the moment.

2009-06-17T06:41:00.000-07:00

Team 1, Van 2 Gals~

I'm not sure if anyone is bringing coolers in our van, so I'll plan on bringing one which is good size, but not too big, so it shouldn't take up too much room. I'll try to get dry ice on Friday morning before we leave to keep everything cool. Plus some good snacks to fill it up! Edammame, hummus & pretzels maybe? I also have some Christmas lights, and think I may have an adapter to plug them in.

I also posted a comment that I have a baby doll carrier (maybe two) & doll that we can wear in the front while running with our stuffed booties. The question is how to decorate the van.....

~Emeliee

For the Energizer Runnies

2009-06-16T19:50:00.000-07:00

I left this as a comment earlier, but I'm giving it a post of it's own.

I found an idea for the energizer runnies. How about a battery attached to our backs? (it was a kids halloween idea, he-he!) All it takes is an oat meal container and some suspenders. I would be willing to make it. I also have an empty barrel for storing water that I think could be disguised as a battery to go on top of the van. If Cameo is OK with putting something on top of her van. We would have to figure out how to secure it real tight so it won't roll off. I would be willing to make that too, or either one. The drum idea sounds great! Anyone willing to make that? I also thought that we can wear a bunny tail along with the ears. That would be cute. What do the Energizer Runnies think?

Emeliee here!

2009-06-16T14:05:00.000-07:00

I know I'm the newest addition ~ but what can I do to help? I'm in Team 1, Van 2 ( I think!) and can provide all sorts of snacks, drinks, and camping equipment. Whatever is needed! Anyone have a list of what's missing and I'll try to plug some holes? ~Emeliee

Last minute stuff

2009-06-16T12:39:00.000-07:00

For team #1 Van #2 if we can get one from Tiffany! Cross your fingers. I am willing to bring the tarp and cooler, and some food that is not listed so far. Also I think we should try to dress up and paint the cars, I have some car paint just for this and I might have some lights. I will see what I can get. Also for van 2 i will bring some plug in chargers that take a usb cable if you want to charge your ipod and such. See ya there! Also I (Jenny) am begging for a ride from Kaysville up to Logan! Kari was my ride! Send a comment if you can help out
I am way excited about the race!
Jenny

Team 1, I think you can use my car.

2009-06-16T12:16:00.000-07:00

I am getting excited and this is sometimes what I do. I need to clean it up, but I'm waiting for the shower to do that. Don't worry, the tapped "s" is just a precaution. I thought I'd do a practice run up the canyon, 3 miles up (1324 feet) and down, well my toenail didn't like it much. I'm hoping the tape will ease the pain a little and my mind, you know bandaids always make it better. Maybe I'll kiss it, just for luck- after it's clean of course.

ALSO, I just emailed everyone, hope it made it. I still need to talk to my husband-it's hard to get a hold of him during the day-but it should be OK if you use our Durango. It doesn't have a ton of room behind the third row, but we have a rocket box (cargo box) on top and that helps a lot. If we use it I am coming from south SL Valley Fri morning, so I can pick up whoever needs a ride to Logan.

AND, I am going to make bread for all the vans. I'll have to do this Wed night, but it should be ok still on Fri. If you don't like it, you can throw it at the other runners. :)

Let me know what you think about the car and I'm very excited to meet you and get running!!

Tiffany

What about a van rental?

2009-06-16T11:57:00.000-07:00

Enterprise in West Valley has a mini-van. It's estimated at $267 (7:30 am friday--for 3 days)which would be around $12 per person for all 24 of us. Can we all pitch in to rent a van to fill in for our missing vehicle? I'm sure it will be gone quick because they are sold out everywhere. What do you think?

2009-06-16T10:14:00.001-07:00

Hi Ladies ~ I'll keep this intro short & sweet, because I know that we're in crunch time & everyone is on here looking for last minute info. My name is Emeliee Dirks, I am 35 years old, happily married for (almost!) 10 years to my husband Mike, and the mother to two beautiful little girls, Lauren (age 7) and Ellie (age 4).
I've been running off and on for years, but never truly got into it until I started triathlons 3 years ago. I like the swimming & biking, but LOVE the running. I live up the street from Chelle and cherish our early morning runs (I've never been able to find anyone else to consistently get up & run with me, regardless of rain, snow or the clock reading 5 A.M.!). I've been told that I always look miserable during every race, so if you see me with an angry look while I'm crawling up those hills ~ just know that's how I always appear to look during a run! I've completed two half marathons this year, and have two more planned and several triathlons, but the Wasatch Back has been something I've wanted to do for years. Thank you Amy H. for the invite (I'm so glad I was able to commit last minute!) and I look forward to meeting you all soon!

Hello Everyone

2009-06-16T08:33:00.000-07:00

My name is Tancy Eyre and I'm 36 years old. I grew up as the youngest of 11 kids in the little town of Richfield Utah. (I have 8 sisters whos names all begin with the letter "T" and thus the unusual name of "Tancy.") As a freshman in highschool I had a crush on a senior who I later married when we both met up a BYU many years later. We lived in Missouri and Michigan for about 10 years while my husband was in school, but moved back to Utah in 2005 when we got tired of taking all of our vacations to come home and visit family. We now live in Salem, Utah (just south of Provo) and we have 4 kids, 2 boys & 2 girls, ages 12 to 5 who we love to pieces.

I started running about six years ago when I was sure I needed an to be medicated for anxiety. Not only did running calm my nerves, but it opened many doors for me, "The Wasatch Back" being one of them. I am excited to meet all of you!

Van decorations, costumes, the important stuff.

2009-06-15T22:01:00.000-07:00

Do we want to wear costumes and decorate the vans? We probably won't be going all out like these people did but we should do something simple at least. I've never done this before. What is everyone thinking? What do the veterans recomend?

Check this out for some insight if you are as clueless as I am.

http://kspinning.wordpress.com/2008/03/08/pimping-our-ride/

http://www.runningrelays.com/?page_id=13

Replacement

2009-06-15T16:59:00.000-07:00

First of all, Kari, I am so sorry. I hope you recover quickly. Know my thoughts and prayers are with you...

Secondly, Chelle and I found some one to join us all to take the place of runner 12. Emeliee Dirks is our good friend and running partner and she would love to join us all. I can't wait to read her introduction and I am so excited for you all to meet her in person.

Emeliee, thank you so much for doing this so last minute. If it is any consolation to you, aside from mentally and physically preparing for this race, I have not done any packing, shopping, or other preparation for the Wasatch Back either.

Sometimes the best times come with the least preparation.

Welcome aboard!

Attn: Mommies Got Back Van # 1

2009-06-15T13:17:00.000-07:00

Don't worry....

I'm bringing the Wonder Woman costume. And I think we just might need to make it a requirement to run at least one leg each wearing it (over your running clothes, of course!) Head band, arm bands -- I've got it all!

Woo Hoo!!!

(Wo)Man Down...

2009-06-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

Prayers for Kari. She is out. And we are all sad, sad, about that.

Erin called and asked that I post a quick note letting everyone know and that you keep Kari in your thoughts. Also, since we have a spot open on Mommies Got Back...we need TWO things...super quick...

1- A VEHICLE...for team 1, legs 6-12
2- A RUNNER... for team 1, we probably can changes leg assignments if need be...

Anyone out there willing to volunteer their car and/or running legs?

Email Erin ASAP!!!! info@theribbonspot.com

Should We Simplify?

2009-06-13T20:55:00.000-07:00

Darling Runnin' Friends,

Okay, let's be honest. Is it gonna be too much to try and get together on Thursday night? How many of us are going to the breakfast Friday morn? I think in our official poll we had about a dozen who thought they'd be able to come on Thursday night. But, that was a month or so ago and we ALL know how best laid plans work. And here's the thing: I know how it can be that once you get in town-- and the family obligations come up -- and it gets tricky to try and get away.

Should we simplify? Should we just meet up on Friday morn for the breakfast?

Leave a quick comment, and let us know if you are OUT or still able to PLAY on Thursday night. Motherhood has taught me to be flexible, and so I will be happy with whichever we decide. : )

So, leave an official "yes" or "no" for Thursday night and we'll make our plan.

p.s. On another note --- Is everyone planning on bringing a sleeping bag? When I ran this race, that was a key element. I didn't notice it on Erin's packing list and it was pretty important. We just rolled our sleeping bags out on the grass and zonked out at a couple of places. Also, a cozy sweat shirt -- it got pretty chilly up there at night!

T.A.F.N. (that's all for now)

: )

Life in the Carpool Lane!

2009-06-10T19:57:00.001-07:00

Can we have a little "carpool post"? If you want to carpool to something (like Thur night dinner in SLC or up to Logan on Friday for the breakfast and race) post it here. Maybe we can get an idea of where everyone is and who is going where. Going together is always more fun than going alone! :0) Kelly and I are planning on going to Chelle's, and I don't mind driving down and picking up passengers along the way. We'll be coming from the Ogden area. As for Friday morning, it would be awesome if we could hitch a ride up with our van driver or someone else. Fetching a car in Logan when we finish in Park City would be a bit of a hassle if you know what I mean. Let me know if you are all interested in carpooling. I can't wait!

9 DAYS and COUNTING!

2009-06-10T19:13:00.000-07:00

Oh my!!!!! Anyone else have a to do list that is now consuming most of a notebook? :)

SO.... in order to cross off 1 thing at least today we are going to have a little show and tell....

Remember The List? Go refresh if you need to :) Here is how to do it in picture form (I know it seems a little early to be packing but we have a 20 hour drive to do in the next few days so it is time for me to)

Making a list.... checking it twice....

Ziplocked and ready to go!

This is all I am bringing! Remember how I keep mentioning think small....

I really am not kidding!

Ok so on to another round up session to tie up loose ends.

1. I have made the assignment lists a little easier to read by making them posts. So go check them out. I figured we can figure out food things for each car by commenting on our own car :)

So here you go....

Kelly, Chelle, Jill, Sarah, Kristyn and Erin... Click Here!

Patti, Lindsay, Amy, Lisa, Jenny, Kari .... Click Here!

Tancy, Melanie, Cameo, Sarai, Jen P, and Angie R... Click Here!

Mandy, Amy P, Marianne, Bethany, Tiffany and Emily... Click Here!

Also has everyone thought through transportation? Kari I am planing on coming to you Friday morning :) but what is everyone else doing? If you don't have a plan and are just now realizing that no worries... that is why I am bringing it up.

Cameo... you need to leave in the seat because every one needs to have a seat belt. It was a fantastic idea but just not feasible.... sorry

Some clarification - the ziplocks aren't for anything specific but would have been handy for food or things while we did it here in Texas and the garbage bags are handy to have in case it rains a little and just to keep the cars as clean as possible with 6 females in them for 30+ hours :) As far a tarps I have heard they are handy to have to sleep outside. Me personally I would rather sleep sitting up in a car seat than not in a tent outside... but ya'll are welcome to see the stars if you want :)

Ok... discuss :)

The Breakfast Club

2009-06-10T18:03:00.000-07:00

Greetings, Fellow Wasatch Backers--

The wait is almost over! A little more than a week from now we'll all be gathering for the adventure of a lifetime. I don't know about you all, but I'm nervous, anxious, antsy and just plain excited! I can't wait to meet you all and share this experience together.

My parents have been kind enough to offer their home in Logan as a gathering place for a breakfast the morning of the race. You are welcome to come anytime you'd like that morning to visit and mingle, but we'll plan on eating at 10:00. From there, we can pack up our vans and get to where we need to be to start the relay at 12:30.

We'll have everything prepared so you don't need to worry about bringing anything. If you'd be willing to pitch in two or three dollars to help cover the cost of the meal, we'll take care of everything else. Menu is still tentative but here's what I'm thinking:

French toast w/syrup
Scrambled eggs
Fruit bowl (bananas, melons, strawberries, pineapple, etc.)
Bagels with cream cheese
Juice (orange, apple, cranberry...)

I've purposefully avoided any heavy breakfast meats since I don't want to be responsible for any of our runners getting sick on their first legs over the bacon or sausage that didn't quite settle! If there's any suggestions that you have of favorite breakfast foods you like to eat before you run, by all means pass them on. We aim to please!

I'd rather not post contact info or directions publicly here on the blog, so if you plan on coming to the breakfast, please email me at tallgirlrunning@gmail.com and I'll get that information to you. That will also help give me a count of how many people to plan for. If your volunteers will be with you, they are also welcome to come... just let me know. And while I'd love to have your entire families come, we better keep it to just the runners and volunteers so my parents don't have second thoughts about offering their hospitality!

If I've missed anything, please let me know. Thanks and see you soon!

Angie

Party Info??

2009-06-10T14:27:00.000-07:00

Hi all you party planners out there,

I'm trying to coordinate seeing some other friends quickly while I'm in Utah, and I'm wondering what time the shindig will start on Thursday night. What should I plan on bringing or contributing? What is the exact address? Same info needed for the breakfast on Friday morning. I'm sure you're going to get all of this to us, so thanks in advance. You guys are so generous and I know all 24 of us are going to have a great time!

Amy P.

FYI: Volunteers

2009-06-08T19:08:00.000-07:00

This probably won't change anything but just wanted the Energizer Runnies to know our volunteer status. My husband, Carl, switched from just a regular volunteer to "Course Manager". His volunteer hours count for 3 volunteers. So.... if something comes up with one of the volunteers on our team they could probably call Ragnar and get out of it. Just a thought;)

And here goes my intro...

2009-06-07T20:25:00.000-07:00

My name is Bethany G. and I live in Ammon, Idaho! We moved here three years ago when my husband graduated from Dental School at the University of Michigan. I met Emily F. in Family Housing at the UofM while our husbands studied hard. She is the one who encouraged me to get on board with all you ladies and I am so glad I decided to. I am so excited to run this relay, but a bit nervous for my last leg, there is a lot of elevation to climb! I need my van to cheer me on, so be prepared.

I started running in High School and I haven't stopped since, except for a baby here and there. Running in my anti-depressant, body slimming, energy boosting, socializing time, that I absolutely need. My husband and children are 100% supportive and my son looks like he might be running right along with me when he is old enough to keep up!

I am a full-time mom to four wonderful children. Carol 7 1/2, Tyler 6, Will 3 and Audrey 10 months. Four has definitely emphasized the FULL in full-time, it keeps me hopping. I grew up in SLC, went to college at BYU -Provo graduating in Near Eastern Studies! I spent a semester in Israel and it was an experience I'll never forget. I met my wonderful husband, Curtis, while attending school and after we both graduated we started our family and moved on to more schooling. Curtis is my best friend and biggest fan! I am proud to say I am a mother of a two-year cancer survivor. Will was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer at 9 months and is a miracle! I am so blessed to have him. As for hobbies, hmmm. When I have time, I enjoy scrapbooking and journaling. Waterskiing, hiking, biking with my family, playing games with friends and family, organizing parties, trying new recipes and eating ice cream.

Good luck in your final days of training!

What can I do to be helpful?

2009-06-04T15:29:00.000-07:00

Erin, what can I do to be helpful? Do you want me to get water and stuff like that or is that already taken care of? Give me an assignment(s) so I can help you out. I'll do anything you want.

Thanks.

I guess I should do mine too...

2009-05-29T21:08:00.000-07:00

I'm Tiffany and this is my wonderful family. A year and a half ago. We lived in Fresno, CA then. That's where I met Mandy H. and thus my relationship to the WB and y'all. The y'all comes from when we lived in Missouri (or Miz-ur-a). My husband, Scott, went to medical school there and did his residency in Fresno. He's a pediatrician and we are now in Cedar City, UT. Our three beautiful daughters are Sierra 8, Oakley 5, and Izi 2.

When I was younger I hated running. I struggled with it every time they made us do it in gym. That was the only time I would run, because there was a grade attached to it. I loathed it.

I started working out about a year after Sierra was born and did a lot of weight and circuit training. During that time, I ran the cardio part of the circuit, it was only 3 min at a time. One day I just wanted to see how long I could run. So I did. 43 minutes later I was SO happy and had run the whole time! I could not believe what I had accomplished. That was it, I was hooked. It was then that I realized it was mostly mental for me. Since then I've done a few 5K's, two 10K's and a half. I'm not much of a racer, but the WB sounded like too much fun to pass up.

I am not fast. I don't do it for others. I do this for me. It is the one and only thing that is all mine. As a mom, you know, we share EVERYTHING. But this is my time, my thoughts, my music, my therapy. I do go out with a kid or two in the jogger now and then, but mostly, it's just me, well and the dog too. I enjoy running with others, when I do it's more for the social than anything else. You can have the best conversations, ones you wouldn't normally have, on a long run together.

I also enjoy baking bread and cookies, but I hate thinking up and making dinner. Spending time with my family, reading, and helping others are some of my other loves. Oh, I LOVE to take naps too. We just bought our first home last summer and I absolutely L-O-V-E it!! After 12 years of school, being poor, moving, apartments and rentals it is SO nice to have our place. This year we have officially put in our first garden and that's been a lot of fun. I also blog a bit, www.newboldland.blogspot.com So there you have it. I am excited to meet you all and I am looking forward to this great adventure!

This is Sierra, me, and Oakley at Zion Nat'l Park trying on the biggest shades we could find.

Duke, one of my favorite running partners.

This was taken about a month ago, in front of the girls school.

Bread I made for a bake sale.

Third volunteer for team #2

2009-05-26T16:21:00.000-07:00

Third volunteer for team#2 is registered and ready to go! My husband will be there at the finish line handing us our medals! Hopefully we get to cross the finish line before his shift ends at 6PM. I'm so excited!

Last Call...

2009-05-22T05:34:00.001-07:00

I am going to close out our shirt order... Last call... it'll be done by 3pm today...
Thanks for making this a smooth process. Everyone has placed there order... I am just giving y'all the final opportunity...
Have a great Memorial Day Weekend!
Lindsay

Q & A as of today!

2009-05-19T13:43:00.000-07:00

Ok as you all can see 24 women coming together to make a final decision is sometimes not going to happen. I think it is because all of us don't want to step on any ones toes, we are all mom's after all and our whole goal in life is to keep the peace :) So on that note I am going to start making some decisions for the group but only out of needing a decision to be made. So if there is anything that you don't agree with or have a better idea please please speak up! I have super thick skin and really am very very easy going too- it will not bother me at all!

Angie- Tell your parents we would love to come to their house on Friday morning! But please let us all bring stuff - your parent's don't have to co-ordinate this for us (unless they are like my mom and won't take no for an answer and if that is the case I totally understand that) and let's keep this easy :) We need to be at the start line to check in at least half an hour early (Noon) so why don't we say sometime between 9:30 and 10? This gives us time to get up there and not have to leave super super early.

Chelle - Let's still play at your house Thursday night if that is ok? Let me know what you need our help with and I will get it out to the appropriate people :)

Kelly, Jill, Sarah, Patti, Amy H, Lisa, Kari, Melanie, Sarai, Mandy, Amy P. & Tiffany- You guys need to order your shirts! Please get this done ASAP so we get them in time. Scroll down and you will see Lindsay's post with the links to click on and instructions. :)

Race Bibles- I have (or will have) these taken care of for each car. Don't worry about printing them out I will have 2 for each car :)

Kelly, Jill, Chelle & Sarah - We still need people for the First aid kit, coolers, Garbage bags and maybe a tarp if we decide to take them.

Amy, Lisa, Jenny and Kari - Your car still needs volunteers to bring First Aid Kit, Coolers, Garbage Bags and possibly a Tarp

Tancy, Melanie, Jennifer P, Cameo & Angie - First Aid Kit, Coolers, Ziploc Bags, and maybe a tarp

Marianne, Bethany & Tiffany - You guys need Toilet Paper, Ziploc bags, garbage bags and possibly a tarp.

Ok so I have had people sign up to bring things for cars they are not going to be in so just to clarify what cars everyone is in...

Team #1 - Van #1 (Chelle's car)

Kelly, Jill, Chelle, Kristyn, Erin and Sarah

Team #1 - Van #2 (Kari's Van)

Patti, Lindsay, Amy H., Lisa, Jenny, Kari

Team #2 - Van #1 (Cameo's Van)

Tancy, Melanie, Sarai, Jennifer P, Cameo, Angie R

Team #2 - Van #2 (Emily's Van)

Mandy, Amy P., Marianne, Bethany, Tiffany, Emily

Carpooling on Friday Morning! Ok so Who is going to be coming from where and are you interested in carpooling?

Oh and I forgot a couple of things on the infamous list. A pillow and blanket, but don't just bring anything! Think travel size pillow and a blanket you can use on an airplane :) Please do not bring huge things, it really makes it hard to navigate the vans if there are 6 bulky pillows and 6 comforter size blankets :)

Someone asked if we all needed to bring our cords to charge stuff. Probably not but it might be easier just to make sure you car has what you need :)

Jill... if your sister can't get you to the party Thursday night let me know! We are driving to Utah so I will have my car and would be more than happy to come get you :)

I need everyone to email me pictures of your family :) all as one or a couple of pictures if you are like my little family and don't really have a good one of all 4 of us. It is for a little project I am working on.

We need to decorate our vans and to be quite honest my creative capacity is just about maxed out! Someone please please come up with an idea, anything, a starting place and let the rest of us know and we can go from there!

Oh yea and as a total side note... many of you asked how the SLC marathon went! You can see :) Click here to watch the video!

Ok so there is my mental to do list for Ragnar for today so watch for tomorrows :)

Have you seen my ____________? (fill in the blank)

2009-05-17T19:39:00.000-07:00

Here are the things you might hear me use to fill in the blank over the 30ish hours we get to spend together :)

*a few notes before reading on 1. In Texas we found it worked good to pack a whole change of clothes (everything) in a Ziploc bag and that made it easy to pull the next one out when we were done running and then we could put the dirty clothes into it 2. another reminder to pack light- do not bring extra stuff if you can avoid it 3. The weather almanac has the overnight lows in the low to mid 40's so remember that your overnight legs you might want to think through the temperature 4. I know I am specific on this list but it is the only way I will get out of my house with everything :)

Ziploc #1 (wearing this at the start) Leg #5 - 7.4 Very Hard Est 4:10 pm

White Nike Skirt

Pink Leopard Nike shirt

White Under Armor shorts

Sports bra/ underwear

socks

2 elastics/ bondi band

Ziploc #2 - Leg #17 - 4.2 Moderate Est 1:15 am

Cheetah skirt

Black Nike shirt

Pink long sleeve Nike shirt

Black under armor shorts/capris

sports bra/ underwear

socks

2 elastics/ bondi band

Ziploc #3 - Leg #29 - 2.6 easy Est 12:55 pm

Blue Nike skirt

Blue nike tank

white under armor shorts

sports bra/underwear

socks

2 elastics/ bondi band

Other Stuff:

in between legs: Black Lulu extend pants, white Nike jacket, green crocs, extra socks

Toiletries Ziploc: Ponds clothes, Toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant, glide, chapstick, lotion, razor, aleeve

Endurox/mixer cup/bottle brush, sports beans, bottle belt, race number belt, sunglasses, garmin/charger, ipod/charger/armband, crystal light mix, 2 pairs of shoes, camera

Ok so there is my crazy list! I am making it now because we are leaving Texas in 23 days :)

A few things to discuss... I have these cool splitter things (4 of them in fact so 1 for each car) that turns one outlet into 3 plus has a spot to plug in a USB cord so bring your car chargers for your phones, ipods, garmins... You will all discover I am the gadget girl!

There are some things that we need for each car but we don't need 6 of for each car so I am going to add the lists to the side bar but here they are:

Each car needs:

1. first aid kit - this does not have to be too extensive but heavy on things like band aids, mole skin... things runners tend to need

2. Paper towels

3. Baby Wipes

4. Garbage bags

5. Ziploc bags

6. Toilet paper

7. Tarps - not sure on this one... but if any of us want to lay out under the stars we might want to tarp

8. Coolers - 1 maybe 2? what are your thoughts?

Food: ok so Lindsay and I thought each car should co-ordinate a bit on food. Instead of 6 of us bringing granola bars 1 person could get bars for six and each person could bring 1 or two things each car needs? What are your thoughts? In Texas we didn't actually take much with us and stopped at a Walmart along the way. The things we at a lot of were apples, carrots, wheat thins, string cheese, bagels, trail mix/ mixed nuts, beef jerky, candy/licorice and then we stopped and got subway for dinner.

On a totally random tangent - We need to check in 30 minutes before our start time which is 12:30 so we need to be there are noon so maybe a brunch would be a good idea. I don't mind where it is I just didn't want anyone to feel like they had to host everyone. Van 2 doesn't have to be at the start line but it is a lot of fun there and the exchange point is only 30 miles away so I think it would be fun if we could all be there... what do you think?

Lunch anyone?

2009-05-17T13:52:00.000-07:00

So it is looking like Chelle might be on for the shindig at her house on Thursday night. Now I know some of you are up north and I totally understand the drive time is killer.... soooo.... how about we have our party Thursday but also we could meet up on Friday for an early lunch somewhere up in Logan? Like 11:00? Like Chelle said... 'discuss' :)

Girls, I think we need a Wasatch Back Eve Shin Dig Thingamajig

2009-05-15T21:26:00.000-07:00

And I'm willing to host it in my back yard. Some of you are "Marathon Mommies" (that's how I know you and love you!) and you'll remember that the night before get together before the SL Marathon was really, REALLY fun. Here's the thing: I live in Holladay and I just don't know if that is a convenient place for us to meet up.

Where is everyone coming from/staying? Should we meet somewhere more centrally located? Downtown at the Gateway? It would be great fun to have the chance to meet members of BOTH of our teams. I won't be disappointed if I don't host, I just throw it out there as an option.

I also won't be sad if the general consensus is that it would be too tricky to get together (one more night away from our families).

Discuss.

: )

Too much time on my hands.....

2009-05-14T20:29:00.000-07:00

I've had a bit of free time the past couple days, and what is a better way to use free time than YouTube? :0) There are some pretty cool videos on there that people have done about their Wasatch Back experiences. They make me very excited------and very nervous, I'm not gonna lie. So if you are lucky enough to get some free time on your hands, go check them out.

Shirts, it's time to order!

2009-05-14T13:32:00.000-07:00

Mommies,

Here is the final shirt and links to purchase said masterpiece. Please do so BY NEXT WEDNESDAY, MAY 20th. We can get them bagged, tagged, and off to Utah to await us in plenty of time for the big adventure.

If you are ordering BOTH a long and short sleeve shirt, you will have to use both links. (Sorry, no other way that wasn't totally complicated) If you have any problems, just email me.
Click on the links below; everything else should be self-explanatory.

Short sleeve shirts are $15...use code: TH514200942410PM96

Long sleeve shirts are $17...use code: TH514200942332PM81

Finishing Wasatch Back... priceless!

Love and a good run to all,

Lindsay

Ha Ha Fooled you!

2009-05-12T16:38:00.000-07:00

So Ragnar gets us again! Not only do they switch up our legs but they start us at a half hour later than the latest start time we requested. The good news though is that both of our teams have the same start time and oddly enough all of our major exchanges are estimated at about the same times! drum roll please.....

12:30 pm

I have already updated the start times spreadsheet to reflect the now permanent start times. This is good for those of us not from Logan as we can get together and get up there Friday morning.

Tuesday Randomness

2009-05-12T10:39:00.001-07:00

Ok so here is the random list of things for today!

We are almost 1 month away so these lists will start becoming a frequent thing!

The spread sheet is online now for anyone who couldn't get it open. Click here!

Lindsay and I were talking this morning and here are the things that came up:

She is waiting to get the final proof on the shirts and then will get that all sorted out and get information to all of you. In the mean time we still need to know the following:

Kelly - size, how many, long or short sleeve or both

Amy P - size, how many, long or short sleeve or both

Lisa - size, how many, long or short sleeve or both

Kari - long or short sleeve or both and how many (I already have your size)

I am getting together my packing list and have started a little corner of my room to put things as I think of them, but here is the deal! You have got to think small.... less is more! Without the big vans and 6 people per car we need to be very very smart and light packers. Women tend to over pack (trust me I am the worst of us all - 56 hour trip to SLC included 6 pairs of shoes I know you are all jealous of my over packing ability) so things like put your wallet in your gear bag, you don't need to bring your big fashionable purse :)

Has anyone got any ideas how to decorate our vans? Please please get your creative juices flowing and speak up with some ideas.

The other thing of question is this: I don't know this route all that well, are there place along the way to stop for food (ie subway, sonic, walmart) or do we need to think through packing food?

Ok that's all for now :) More later I am sure

Team 2! team 2! Calling team 2!

2009-05-12T06:36:00.000-07:00

Hey ladies! Was anyone able to come up with a third volunteer or should we pay for the last one? It would be $10.00 a person to pay for that last one. What's the verdict team 2? We only have until tomorrow to have the option of paying for one. Thanks

LED's

2009-05-08T19:17:00.001-07:00

Here you go ladies.... a little bit of research has provided me this piece of beauty.

It is from Amazon and is $5.35. You could probably find them at your local running/fitness store too. They can clip on and they normally blink or stay steady on.

It gets really really dark out there in the middle of the night and it is good to glow as much as possible so we can see you from the van :)

So who would like to get these beauties?

Kari and Lisa... please email me ASAP!

2009-05-08T19:04:00.000-07:00

Hey girls you are the last two I need info for and I only have until the 15th to get it in without having to pay a penalty fee :) So if you don't mind please email me the following info.... please :)

First Name, Last Name, address, phone number, email, 10K min/mile pace, birth date with year, and shirt size :)

Thanks a million - Erin {info@theribbonspot.com}

Volunteers

2009-05-06T08:11:00.000-07:00

Sorry to create a whole new post for this, but I wanted to make sure it was seen.

I've got a committed volunteer for the Energizer Runnies (my younger sister who lives in Logan and is attending grad school at USU). She's going to be online this morning to secure her spot.

Just wanted to let my team know so we know where we stand!

Running through my mind for days now!

2009-05-05T18:03:00.000-07:00

This has been on my to do list for a few days now.... well ever since we got that lovely 'oh by the way we changed the course on you guys' email. I think I have made the appropriate adjustments to keep everyone happy and laughing for all 187.6 miles! So here is the new breakdown of the legs, after that I will give you the new lists of leg assignments :) (I don't think that made sense but you'll figure it out)

Runner #1 ~ 5.1 Easy, 8.5 Very Hard, 4.9 Easy (18.5 Total)

Runner #2 ~ 6.7 Hard, 3 Easy, 3.3 Easy (13 Total)

Runner #3 ~ 5.6 Moderate, 4.9 Moderate, 7.9 Hard (18.4 Total)

Runner #4 ~ 5.1 Moderate, 4.2 Easy, 3.8 Easy (13.1 Total)

Runner #5 ~ 7.4 Very Hard, 4.2 Moderate, 2.6 Easy (14.2 Total)

Runner #6 ~ 6.9 Very Hard, 8.1 Very Hard, 2.8 Easy (17.8 Total)

Runner #7 ~ 4 Easy, 3.8 Moderate, 4.6 Easy (12.4 Total)

Runner #8 ~ 3.4 Easy, 7 Moderate, 6.1 Moderate (16.5 Total)

Runner #9 ~ 3.5 Easy, 9.6 Very Hard, 3.6 Very Hard (16.7 Total)

Runner #10 ~ 3.5 Easy, 7.7 Hard, 4 Very Hard (15.2 Total)

Runner #11 ~ 3.8 Very Hard, 7.3 Hard, 7.3 Very Hard (18.4 Total)

Runner #12 ~ 3.1 Very Hard, 5.2 Hard, 5.1 Easy (13.4 Total)

Team #1 - Mommies got back!

Runner #1 ~ Kelly

Runner #2 ~ Jill

Runner #3 ~ Chelle

Runner #4 ~ Kristyn

Runner #5 ~ Erin

Runner #6 ~ Sarah G.

Runner #7 ~ Patti

Runner #8 ~ Lindsay E.

Runner #9 ~ Amy H

Runner #10 ~ Lisa B.

Runner #11 ~ Jenny O

Runner #12 ~ Kari A

Team #2 - Energizer Runnies!

Runner #1 ~ Tancy

Runner #2 ~ Melanie

Runner #3 ~ Saria

Runner #4 ~ Jennifer P

Runner #5 ~ Cameo

Runner #6 ~ Angie R

Runner #7 ~ Mandy

Runner #8 ~ Amy P

Runner #9 ~ Marianne

Runner #10 ~ Bethany

Runner #11 ~ Tiffany

Runner #12 ~ Emily F

Ok now that we all have our legs assigned (oh and don't worry I am sure they will change them a little bit again - we had changes the night before) here are all the other things on my mind.... maybe not all but all the things you need to know :)

Ok for vehicles: Team #1 looks like we are going to be using Kari and Chelle's vans. Team #2 Melanie and Cameo you are up. If there is a problem with this let me know ASAP so we can get it worked out.

Reflective Vest's... Head Lamps... and LED's .... here we come!

Team #1: Vests - Amy H., Erin, and Chelle Head Lamps - Jenny O., Erin, ??? LED's - ???, ??, ?

Team #2: Vests - Amy P., Sarai, ? Head Lamps - Amy P., Cameo, ? LED's - ???, ??, ?

As you can see we need some LED's. In Texas we thought they meant either head lamp or LED but when we went to check in we had to have both... lucky for us we had them in our vans because we were all over packed, but yes we need both!

Volunteers: Shift sign up opens up tomorrow at 9! If you have someone that is picky about what time they are working I would suggest they be on the computer at 9 am tomorrow... or you should be for them! Have we had any one find any for sure volunteers? We only have 1 more week to get this wrapped up so we can pay for them if we need to. If you have them please let me know ASAP. If you have someone signing up Mommies Got Back is team #382 and Energizer Runnies is Team #536 in case you need them.

Ok my brain hurts now... so I know I asked you to email me for several things... I can't remember what... but I love to get mail :) Erin info@theribbonspot

Time to Panic!

2009-05-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

The powers that be have switched up the routes and the legs for the Wastach Back, and we've all been affected. I checked out my new legs, and I'm starting to panic....big time! My last leg has moved from five miles of moderate (which I was worried about) to nearly 8 miles of hard (which I am freaking out about) , and there is no way I can run a "hard" leg. I've only been running six months and am no where up to par for this. Anyone want to think about switching legs? So......Runner #4--Jill--you'll be my best friend forever if you want to switch! :0)

Surgery

2009-04-30T10:30:00.000-07:00

I wanted to give you all a quick shout out from the sidelines. I am not sure who filled my spot on the team, but I just wanted to say thank you!

The events that have come up since my last post have confirmed that there was no possible way for me to run. I ended up requiring surgery at the University Of Utah hospital and have still not recovered. It is going to be a long road back and I may not run for a very long time but it has been a blessing in many ways.

I just wanted to thank you all for your support.

Erin is there anything you need me to do in order to change names on the race registration site? I want to make sure things are covered because you are a busy girl, I don't want you to be doing a bunch of extra things...let me know.

Roxanne

Don't Run with Strangers

2009-04-28T16:38:00.000-07:00

I'm Cameo and I am thrilled with the invitation to run with all of you. I have watched this blog for a few months now, but being incompetent on the computer I have just learned how to post on a blog. I am the mother of 3 kids, Rachel (9), Reed (7), Kate (3) and the wife on Jason. We live in Payson, UT. I stay home and he teaches exercise and sports science at UVU. We will celebrate our 16th anniversary next month. I have been running for about 14 of those years, but couldn’t run a 2 blocks in my youth and I am not kidding.

Now, running is just part of who I am, it’s just what I do. But I will admit I don’t usually run with strangers;) but I can tell from your intro’s it won’t take long to become friends.
The day my friend “Mel” invited me to join the team I was swimming in emotion. My mom is battling breast cancer and that particular day was in the hospital fighting for life. It took a few hours for me to figure out that if my mom had to go through something so life changing, maybe running this race could be a token of my love for her. I will admit, spending a few days with new friends is as much out of my element as seeing my mom lying in a hospital bed; both are really hard for me to do. My mom is doing better and I know I will only be a better mom from trying something new too! Thanks for the invitation.

Shirt, version 3

2009-04-28T13:51:00.001-07:00

Hot Mommas!

Here is version 3 of the shirt. Note the changes: oh mama removed; names updated; color added to front for more 'pop' (adding to the sleeve was too hard with people ordering short and/or long sleeve)

As soon as I have the .pdf version, I'll ask Erin to email it to everyone. Take a look at your name. Is it spelled right? Are you on there? Also, check for your teammates as well.

Then, when all is checked and double checked, post a reply. Let me know how you feel and what you'd like to order. I have to have an approximate number before I can get prices. I'll need to know what size you'd like, and whether you'd like short and/or long sleeve.

Whoo hoo! I can't wait to run in those mountains....

Volunteer information...

2009-04-24T20:39:00.000-07:00

Ok here is what I have gathered from the web site on what being a volunteer includes/involves.

Sign up for shifts will open on May 6th

Volunteers must:

~be at least 16 years old and have a valid drivers license
~provide their own transportation to and from their assigned location
~wear their official volunteer T-shirt while at their assigned location
~be physically able to perform their assigned duties
~be willing to fulfill any assigned volunteer time
~be willing to fulfill their entire shift at an assigned location

Time Commitment
Shifts are 4-6 hours

Duties
Crowd Control
Course Direction
Exchange Point Mgnt
Time Keeping
Course Supervision

Perks
Race Official T-shirt
Race Packet
Access to all events

Jenny O. Can't wait to get "Back"

2009-04-23T07:41:00.000-07:00

I am Jenny O. I am Kari A. neighbor if you know Kari. I am so excited to be running the Wasatch Back! I have been dreaming of running this crazy race for awhile, but everyone I know thinks I am crazy. I just did my first half marathon in Moab a month ago. It was the most fun I have had for myself. What a rush running can be. My husband thought I was crazy, but when I finished he said he wants to do it next year and beat my time!
I am 31 and have 3 kids I started running after my second when I couldn't loose the baby fat! or just plain fat! I ran the Moab race in 9 min. miles and finished in 2hrs 2mins. I hope that is a good pace for running. I really have no idea what a good pace is, since that was my first race.
I am excited to meet everyone and spend a lot of time in a van and running with everyone. I love to be social and hear about others lives and stories. I look forward to meeting all of you and hope we have a great race together and have lots of fun!

Team #2 Leg Assignments! and a few other things that need some attention!

2009-04-22T08:51:00.000-07:00

Ok team two.... The much anticipated leg assignments!

Runner #1 Tancy
Runner #2 Cameo
Runner #3 Jennifer P
Runner #4 Melanie
Runner #5 Saria
Runner #6 Angie R
Runner #7 Mandy
Runner #8 Amy P
Runner #9 Emily F
Runner #10 Bethany
Runner #11 Tiffany
Runner #12 Marianne

Ok... now that all legs have been assigned on to other things....

Our teams are full (as you can see)! Now how to get all 24 of us through this craziness!

VANS VANS VANS!

From the sounds of it the consensus seems to be to not rent the big vans. In that case we need to make sure we have vehicles. Who has them and can we use them. I would like to get some definitive answers on this, so if your family can survive without your large vehicle for the Friday and Saturday please email me if you are willing to let us use them.

VOLUNTEERS!

We need to decide on this quickly! We have two options.

1. Each team is required to provide 3 volunteers. Do you have someone that would do this? If so lets get them signed up.

2. We have the option to pay for volunteers (some or all). It is $120 per volunteer that we don't provide (that is $10 per team member per volunteer so if we pay for all 3 it would be $30 per team member). We only have the option to pay for volunteers until the 13th of May so we need to get this taken care of NOW! Email me with your opinion/thoughts.

GEAR!

Ok I am starting to get my lists back in order (now that the SLC marathon is over I can get my brain back) but I know we are going to need at least 2 (preferably 3) sets of reflective gear per team. Ragnar requires 2 but we found that it was a little easier to have an extra set in the off van so when we switched we weren't so rushed. I have 1 vest and a head lamp and wouldn't mind getting another but does anyone else have any? Let me know

Along with the gear comes vehicle decorations :) It helps the runner on the road identify which one is us.... so just start getting your creative brains flowing....

INTRODUCTIONS

I think I have gotten invites out to everyone for the blog. If you need it again just let me know and I will get it right out. We still need to hear from the following :)

Kari A ~ you better get on this or I might start sharing things you don't want the rest of them to know :)
Sarah G
Lisa B.
Jenny O.
Marianne L.
Tiffany N.
Bethany G
Cameo
Tancy

Training Question

2009-04-18T14:51:00.000-07:00

It's two months and counting 'til the Wasatch Back! I can't believe it's so close... seems like so long ago that it was first proposed.

My question for those who've done this kind of relay before (or anyone for that matter): How important is it to do two or three different runs over the course of one day to be best prepared for the 24-hour relay? Right now, I'm running three days a week, a short recovery run (4 miles), a medium tempo run (8 miles) and a long, slow run (12 miles) mixed in with three other days of crosstraining. While I have done double workouts in one day (crosstraining in the morning and running at night), I haven't yet attempted to do more than one run workout in a day. I'm sure doing two run workouts in a day wouldn't be too tough, but I'm wondering how often I should do them and if I should even add in a third. I'm often known to overcompensate and overtrain, which never has good results, so I don't want to risk doing too much with the race coming up so quickly.

Ideas? Suggestions? Two cents?

Team #2

2009-04-16T18:56:00.000-07:00

Are we still looking for team member #12? I don't want to ask around if the spot has been filled but if it hasn't... I would love to do what I can to get the team filled so we can get our leg assignments.

Have we figured the final cost for the vans and volunteers?

Shirt, version 2

2009-04-14T16:06:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a nice, relaxing Easter.

Here is the second version of our shirt. Please note the changes:

Saying on the back changed, team names in all caps, 'oh mama' added to shirt front of running momma (I thought that would be a subtle touch, but am not married to it), names added around border (will wait to totally finalize that one), and pink toned down a bit.

Now for the good stuff... more opinions. Compare the two. What are you thinking? It is a little cramped, but hey, we are 24. What do you think of the two pinks? Would you prefer to change it to blue?

Lastly, be thinking of your size and what you want to order: long sleeve and/or short sleeve. Shirts are Hanes Beefy-Ts. They are unisex. I usually am a small in most store things, but like to have a bit more room with T-shirts, so I like mediums. They do shrink a bit, but not too much.

Once I know everyone's vote on the shirt, I'll get prices and sizes. We'll do one final proof once we get some more input.

Thanks!

Shirt, version 1

2009-04-06T10:49:00.000-07:00

Here is a rough draft of the shirt. I am sure the person I am working with totally was rolling his/her eyes with all my comments and links to blogs and such. But, it is not a bad first try. Take a look at it. Critique. Keep in mind we can change color schemes, fonts, text, etc. We can especially change what I have put there. It was my lame brained, half-witted attempt to connect our two hot momma teams. Also, if we decide to do names, we can put them around like we did for Texas.

If this is a total NO WAY JOSE, please say so. I can easily choose something else. Make your voice heard. Keep in mind, at the end of the day, you only have to wear it for one or two pictures. Or, it can be part of your weekly wardrobe. Majority rules here ladies.

No word on price yet. It will depend on the final numbers.

Happy Monday!

Lindsay

2009-04-05T09:12:00.000-07:00

Hi all. I have a friend named Lisa Bickmore, who is interested in running with us. She has run many marathons, most recently completing the Lake Tahoe and Sacramento Marathons in the last year. If the spot is still open, please let me know and I will get her in touch with the right people.

Amy's Intro

2009-04-01T22:55:00.000-07:00

I believe that there is only one other person on Mommies Got Back that knows me, so allow me to make a proper introduction. My name is Amy Hardy. Here is a picture:

I am a 33 year old mother of four children. I was born in raised in Southern California. I made the move to Utah in 1997 to attend the U. I met my husband who was born and raised in Utah and the rest is history.

It would be easier to list the sports I haven't been in rather than list the ones I have been involved with. My love for movement started when I was very young. However, it wasn't until I was about 16 that I found the joy in just running. I picked up running three miles on my own and I kept running those three miles (give or take a few) until I decided that I could do more. That decision to do more came last year.

Of course I haven't just been running the past 17 years. I have many different athletic interests. But always, those interests are intermingled with running. Its the sport I always come back to. The one that makes me smile.

Here are some things I've learned about myself in the last 17 years of running:
-No matter how much I run, or don't run, my weight NEVER fluctuates (a blessing and a curse).
-Life isn't all about running, but life isn't as fulfilling without running and movement in general.
-If I try really hard I can run without brushing my teeth. But my legs absolutely refuse to turn for me if my hair isn't pulled back or if I don't have Vaseline on my lips.
-My best thinking is done when my feet are hitting the pavement.
-My best miles are 7-9. In those miles I am in heaven, full of peace and euphoria.
-I can't help but smile or laugh when my run becomes ridiculously hard.
-Almost always I get choked up during the last stretch of a long run. My mind goes to my favorite marathon running uncle who lost his fight to Cancer. His memory inspires me to no end.
-Monotony is my nemesis. My angst against sameness directs the routes I choose and the path I take.
-Training kills my cravings for sweets.
-Races are worth the money. They're incredible motivators for training and goal setting.
-Without running I have insomnia, back aches, and therapy. $100 for a pair of running shoes every few months is cheaper than fixing the above.

Here's another picture of my first race last year. I decided to do a half marathon for my first running race. I'm the second from the right in the blue long sleeve shirt.

It helps to have people surrounding me that are inspiring. The Mommies Got Back blog has been one of many sources of that inspiration. I am so looking forward to meeting you all! I'm proud to be a member of your team.

Here is another major source of my inspiration:

See you in June!

Help!

2009-03-30T13:30:00.000-07:00

I am so sad to be writing this post but it is now out of my hands...Do you remember my intro about my struggles this year with Meniers disease? It has only gotten worse over the past few months and has rendered me useless as a wife, mother, neighbor, church member and a RUNNER. Most days are spent just getting through the basics and many are spent in bed or throwing up. I have been trying everything available to get it under control but nothing is working and it is only getting worse.

This leads to the reason I am posting...I am sad to say that there is no way I am going to be able to run this race. I have been hoping for a miracle but now it is time for reality. I don't want to leave the team with an empty spot so I need your help. Does anyone have a friend, sister, neighbor, who wants to run in my place?

Shirts?

2009-03-27T14:11:00.001-07:00

Erin and I ran the Texas Ragnar and we ordered shirts for our team. Thinking we'd do that again, I thought we'd get the ball rolling... so we can come to a conclusion, and not save everything until the last minute (money and sanity wise).

I don't mind coordinating it again... and I don't mind handing off the baton, so to say. So, if you are a graphic designer, married to one, have a burning desire, etc. have at it.

If not, here is the shirt we did for Texas.

Here are the other choices we selected from: (keep in mind, we can change color schemes, fonts, etc.)
choice one
choice two
choice three

We can use the same company (The Graphic Cow). They were super easy to work with. We have to order a minimum of 24 (any combo of long/short sleeve, just all the same color). Shirts ended up being roughly $9/piece. We only had one team, so we each got both a short and long sleeved shirt. How does that sound? Since we have 24 running, you could order as few as 1 or as many as you'd like (we had one who ordered 3, one for each of her legs).

They have roughly 1459760 different designs. Here's the hard part: selecting one. Please think about what you do and don't want. For example, refuse to wear a neon purple shirt (can't blame you there), please let it be known.

Here are my questions to y'all...

Since we are a combo of two teams, anyone have anything creative that can combine Mommies Got Back and Energizer Runnies? (My feeble brain keeps coming back to either Oh Mama or She's Got Legs)

What do we want to be the center theme of the shirt? Motherhood? Mountains? Running shoes? Dots? Flowers? Kittens? Rainbows? OK, no kittens or rainbows allowed.

Do we want to include everyone's names? My hesitation is since we are (hopefully) going to order these early, if someone drops out, and someone comes on board...well... you get the picture.

Now, I am sure I have sent your mind o' spinning. Give it some thought.

We are preparing for a snow storm here in OKC, so I have some 'in house' time to think, too.

Happy Running!
Lindsay

Better Late than Never.....(right?)

2009-03-23T13:49:00.000-07:00

Hello Runnin' Friends!

This picture is a little teaser for all of you Wasatch Backers! This is me (in 2007) heading out for my night run at the Wasatch Back. It was 5 miles of running in the dark at 1:45 a.m.. I LOVED it. It was my favorite leg of the race. Can't wait to do it again!

It's time for my overdue introduction.

My name is Chelle (pronounced "Shelly") and I love, love, love to run. I also LOVE to do yoga and have been known to talk for hours with people about both. Wanna? We'll have plenty of time for that when we're stuck in a van at the Wasatch Back!

Yes, I am one of those crazies that is in love with running. I started running right after I got married (14 years age). Before that, I was a running wimp. And I mean a BIG wimp! Example: I begged my Mom in junior high to convince my P.E. teacher that not all of us can run the mileage she was requiring us to run. Umm.... it was maybe 2 miles, if that!

And that is what I love about running. Running truly has changed my life for the better, on the whole. I feel like I can do more in life, and I learned that from running.

So, I am busy, busy (just like the rest of you!) I even feel too busy to update my blog these days, I've decided to share some "basics" with you here and then link to some of the running posts that I've written in the past on my personal blog. I love to read anything about running, and if you are the same... these might be fun to look at (or not!) ; )

I live in SLC with husband (Chris) and four kids, ages 11, 9, 7, 5 (notice how the pattern stops at 5? yep, we're done!!)

I love raising my kids, reading, playing piano (but mostly just end up nagging my kids to practice piano), doing PTA and anything involved in my community, overanalyzing and philosophizing about life (I get myself into trouble with this one, but makes for such fun conversation!) and my second most favorite thing beside running is YOGA! I love it!

Here are some links from my personal blog where I've shared running experiences:

About the Wasatch Back 2007

About the Salt Lake Marathon 2008

About Why I Run

About a Half Marathon (Race Report)

About running and weight (ugh!!)

I can't wait to meet all of you!

GO TEAMS!!

From the long lost captain....

2009-03-03T08:20:00.000-08:00

Hey ladies~

Sorry I have been MIA for a while. February proved to be a harder month for me than I expected. I think it is because we finally slowed down long enough for the last few months to really settle into our everyday life. But it is March now and that means a good time to get back on track. So here is where we stand....

1. As far as legs I have got team #1 done. Team #2 I need info from the following people so I can make educated assignments :) If you name is on this list please send me an email with which legs you would like....

1. Angie R

2. Jennifer P

3. Sarai F

4. Amy P

5. Tiffany N

6. Marianne L

7. Bethany G

So leg assignments for team #1 are the following at the moment. If you see something very very wrong let me know and we can get things switched up.

Runner #1 Chelle B

Runner #2 Erin B

Runner #3 Kristyn M

Runner #4 Jill C

Runner #5 Kelly M

Runner #6 Sarah G

Runner #7 Patti D

Runner #8 Lindsay E

Runner #9 Amy H

Runner #10 Roxann

Runner #11 Jenny O

Runner #12 Kari A

2. We have had a few changes on each of the teams. I think I have everything correct but if you see something I missed let me know and I can get it fixed. Also I got an email from Jodi this morning saying that she has an injury which is going to make it impossible for her to join us this year. So that being said we have one more spot on team 2. Let's try to get this filled soon.

3. Runner info with Ragnar. Several people have not accepted the waiver with Ragnar. You should have gotten an email from either me (team 1) or Mandy (team 2). If you need that again let me know and we will get another email sent out to you.

(still need Chelle, Amy H, Jenny O, Kari A, and a few from team two... Mandy can you let us know)

4. Introductions are going well but some of you are still in hiding! Someone suggested linking to peoples introductions so we have. On the right column if you scroll down past the first list of teams (those links are to peoples blogs) you will see a second version of the same list but names link to their introduction post. If yours isn't a link yet we are waiting to hear from you. If you need another invite to the blog let me know and I will get that to you. If you are not a blogger and need help getting things figured out let me know and I can play tech support (that is another hat I wear with my friends and family)

5. VANS! Do we want them. I checked around and found Avis has them. To get 2 for a team it would be about $85 a person to rent them. We should make a decision on this fairly quickly so we can get them booked as I am sure they will get booked up quickly. Email me and let me know your thoughts in the next couple of days. Each team can be different. After our experience here in Texas I feel the vans are a VERY VERY good thing.

6. Is that enough to leave your head spinning? It is mine so I am out of here for now but promise to be back soon, very very soon!

Erin: info@theribbonspot.com

Which Leg?

2009-03-02T13:54:00.000-08:00

Just wondering.... where are we in the process of making leg assignments?

Sarai's Introduction

2009-02-25T21:52:00.000-08:00

I am a little late on my introduction, but I guess it's better late than never, so here it goes.

I was born and raised in Mexico, lived there 'til I was 13 yrs old when my parents decided to move to San Antonio Texas. I have practically lived in the U.S.A for more than half of my life (I'm 27 yrs old now). Then again, my parents decided to move. We moved to Utah where I have lived for 8 yrs now. I met my husband a few weeks after arriving in Utah, and got married 2 yrs later. We have been married for 5 yrs and we have two beautiful little girls-a 19 month old, and 3 yrs old, that I get to stay home with. They are so much fun.

Like many of you I was never the athletic type. In fact, I hated to run whenever I was required to (e.i. P.E class) I did some dancing in High School (yes, dancing is a sport) But that was the closest I ever got to being athletic. I started running about 4 yrs ago after my husband and I brought our first baby home, a puppy! and being a puppy he just had so much energy that walking wasn't doing anything to him nor me, so we started running. Then I got pregnant and had my first baby, and instead of one running buddy I had two! Got pregnant again and my running team grew once more. At the beginning my reason for running was only for the weight loss. Last year a friend encourage me to train and enter a 5K race and it was then that running took a whole different meaning. I started running for time and for distance and became hooked on the sense of accomplishment that beating a previous best time or running a longer distance gave me. I am addicted now. Since last year I have ran one 5K and two 10K's and I am currently training for my first half marathon in April.

I am really excited about this race. I saw someone blog in the Marathon Mommies about one of these relay races and I wished I could do something like that, only I would never be able to talk anyone into something like this, so I would only wish.......NOT! This is awesome! Thanks for making my wish come true!

I am the Rookie...

2009-02-11T15:36:00.000-08:00

My name is Mandy H. and I live in central California with my husband of eight years and our two kids. I have a four year old girl and a one year old little boy who keep me on my toes, to say the least.

I am originally from Springville, UT where my family still resides. I am the third in a family of nine children. I met my husband when he moved to Utah to attend BYU. After we both graduated with our undergraduate degrees, we moved to Vallejo, California where my husband attended graduate school. Then we moved to central California to be close to my husband’s family.

I graduated with a degree in Accounting and worked as an accountant for 5 years at a CPA firm. I quit work to stay home full time when my little boy was born last January. I love being a stay-at-home-mom and I feel truly blessed that I am able to be home with my children. I do miss doing taxes though. I love the financial world and I am always trying to find a way to keep up on things.

I love to cook and love to bake even more-I have the world’s biggest sweet tooth. I love finding new recipes and I love eating. I really like decorating cakes too. I also like to do crafty projects and I enjoy scrap booking, but I don’t have as much time for that anymore.

Like most of you, I started running as a way to stay in shape and have run casually since high school. I absolutely love it. I love the way I feel after a good run and it has always been a good escape for me. I have just started to get into competitive running. Prior to now I have only ever run a couple of 5k races. I am training right now to run the Pacific Coast half marathon in Agoura Hills this march and my goal is to run a full marathon this fall.

It has been so fun to get to know the rest of you though your introduction. I have been so inspired by all of you and I am excited to meet all of you in June.

legs, legs, who wants what legs?

2009-02-09T19:13:00.000-08:00

Ok Ladies~

Let's get some of these decisions taken care of so that I can at least stop using this as an excuse as to why I am not sleeping :)

I need you to each send me an email with a first, second, and third choice for which runner you want to be.

For those who don't know how all this fun rotating works, here is a hopefully helpful explanation.

If you were wanting to be runner #1 you will start us out and run your first leg (leg#1). You will then be off until your next leg (leg #13) after everyone else takes their first turn. You then get to have a break while the others go again and then you are up for your last leg (leg #25). At the end of leg #36 (Runner #12) there will be a staging area where we can all get together to come across the finish line as a team.

So back to the legs.... Here is the info. Pick a first, second and third choice and email them to me. If you have some special circumstances helping you make your decision let me know so I can make sure they can be accommodated :)

Runner #1 - 5.1 Easy {leg 1}, 8.5 Very Hard {leg 13}, 5.6 Hard {leg 25}

Runner #2 - 6.7 Hard {leg 2}, 3 Easy {leg 14}, 5.3 Hard {leg 26}

Runner #3 - 5.6 Moderate {leg 3}, 4.9 Moderate {leg 15}, 5.1 Moderate {leg 27}

Runner #4 - 5.1 Moderate {leg 4} 3.1 Easy {leg 16} 5 Hard {leg 28}

Runner #5 - 7.4 Very Hard {leg 5} 5.9 Moderate {leg 17} 4.1 Moderate {leg 29}

Runner #6 - 6.9 Very Hard {leg 6} 5.2 Hard {leg 18} 3.6 Easy {leg 30}

Runner #7 - 4 Easy {leg 7} 3.9 Moderate {leg 19} 4.1 Easy {leg 31}

Runner #8 - 3.4 Easy {leg 8} 7 Moderate {leg 20} 6.1 Moderate {leg 32}

Runner #9 - 3.5 Easy {leg 9} 6.2 Moderate {leg 21} 3.6 Very Hard {leg 33}

Runner #10 - 3.5 Easy {leg 10} 6.4 Moderate {leg 22} 4 Very Hard {leg 34}

Runner #11 - 3.8 Very Hard {leg 11} 4.6 Moderate {leg 23} 6.9 Very Hard {leg 35}

Runner #12 - 3.1 very Hard {leg 12} 5.2 Moderate {leg 24} 5 Easy {leg 36}

As we all should know by now... my email is info@theribbonspot.com

A couple o’ answers

2009-02-05T15:02:00.000-08:00

Lindsay here… trying to dispense what I know so that you have a better understanding of what’s to come…

Clothing: most of us who did the Texas run wore sweats during our ‘off’ times. I had two pair of pants and one sweatshirt. Also, I had 2 clean shirts (one short, one long). As for running clothes, we packed our ‘leg’ outfit in gallon sized bags with everything we’d need: sports bra, socks, shirt, shorts/skirt, print out of the leg, etc. That way you didn’t have to root through everything (and it gets super packed with 6 women) to find what you needed. I’d also suggest bringing an extra pair of shoes… just in case of rain. Also, bring Crocs or sandals that you can put on for in the car and post run. And, lastly, we changed in the car. Some were more modest than others, but your fellow runners will give you the privacy (or lack thereof) that you want.

Food: bring a few of your favorite snacks for the car, but know that you’ll have some time to shop for something more substantial during your off times. Our vans went to Walmart and Subway to stock up and get fed. We had coolers in back with ice to keep the drinks cold. We tried to get ‘good’ snacks for the car: string cheese, crackers, beef jerky, protein bars, etc. It helped balance the candy, Diet Coke (my post run option), and chocolate.

What to bring: we’ll definitely need to divide and conquer. We all brought individual packages of wipes, bandaids, sunscreen, etc and we had way too much and it took up way too much room. As it gets closer, I suggest we make a list (we can use and update the one from Texas) and divvy out assignments. We don’t all need to bring the Costco sized bottle of Aleve. Also, each car will have to have certain essentials: a reflective vest (we found it easiest to have 2 per car, better for exchanges), a GPS (iPhones count), 2 headlamps, etc…. again, we can divvy that out amongst ourselves.

Volunteers: volunteers are at the major exchange points (and maybe all exchanges with all the people running WB) and check teams in, answer questions, provide hot chocolate, etc. They also help keep traffic flowing and make sure that we are keeping in the Ragnar rules.

I can’t wait for the big race!

Love to the Mommies Got Back and Energizer Runnies

2009-02-05T08:05:00.000-08:00

I am planning to do my intro soon, but until then, just had to let you know how excited I am about our Wasatch Back teams. This is going to be an amazing adventure!

Also...I live in SLC and would love to host a back yard BBQ for our teams the night before the big event so that we can all connect and celebrate our upcoming race.

Happy Running to All!

My intro coming soon...

A big hello from Idaho...

2009-02-02T19:54:00.001-08:00

(Ogden Marathon 2007)

Hi everyone, my name is Roxanne and I will confess that I rather enjoy a good hill now and again. I started contributing on Marathon Mommies when I was pregnant so most of you probably remember me as the pregnant one. I am happy to say that I now have a six month old baby girl (who will most likely be nursing during this race, hmmm that is going to be interesting) and two boys, 5 and 3.

I met my husband while in college at Utah State University and have been married for 9 years now. We live in southern Idaho...a place I never ever thought I would live, and I stay home with my kids. I worked in the social science field for several years before having kids and realized that the best way to "save the world" was to raise healthy little people who will grow up and contribute to society in a positive way. I love my job, but will admit that it feeds my addiction to running.

I started running in college as a stress reliever and ran a few 5 and 10k's but really got into it after having my oldest son. I have many 5 and 10k's under my belt along with a few half marathons and one full marathon. Like many of you I have fallen in love with running and can't imagine life without it.

Running is on the top of my list of hobbies but I also like to water ski, snowboard, hike mountains, backpack, swim, cook, read, listen to music (yea, I am the one who likes to rock out when I run), pottery, drawing, and using my hands.

I have had a rough past six months trying to get my body to work again after having a very large baby. My hips and pelvic area are still hurting when I run and to top it off I was just diagnosed with Menieres Disease this past month. Thus it has been hard to get my running self back and I am feeling pretty frustrated about it. So lets all hope that I will be ready by June to rock some of those hills!

I am loving all these introductions and can't wait to meet you all in June.

My little family December 2008

Guess what tomorrow is?

2009-02-01T07:30:00.000-08:00

Any guesses? There are clues on this page!

It is the first official day of training if you are following their plan! :)

Here is what the week holds on their plan:

Novice:

Monday: 15 Minutes

Tuesday: Rest or easy cross train

Wednesday: 15 Minutes

Thursday: Rest or easy cross train

Friday: 15 Minutes

Saturday: Rest or easy cross train

Intermediate:

Monday: 3 miles

Tuesday: 4 miles

Wednesday: 3 miles

Thursday: 4 miles

Friday: 3 miles

Saturday: 5 miles

Happy Running!

Weekly Q & A roundup....

2009-02-01T07:15:00.000-08:00

Ok so we had some good questions this week. I will try to get the answers out as clearly as I can. Again if you think of more questions post them in the comments here and I will hold another answer session {I am thinking of doing this weekly :)}

1. "how much were the vans?" ~ They were each $318 so about $650 per team (you need 2 vehicles) divided by 12 runners was about $55.00 dollars each. We can totally try to get vans but everyone needs to be ok with the cost.

2. Getting up to Logan~ Several of us will be coming from the south end of the valley (my parents are in Draper) so we can all carpool up together :)

3. I thought of something else this week that I had forgotten about. Volunteers. Each team is required to provide 3 volunteers or you have the option to pay instead of providing volunteers. Each volunteer shift is 4-6 hours long. To pay for them it is $120 a volunteer ($360 for 3) or $30 per person if we pay for all 3. You can do a mix of 1 volunteer and pay for 2 or 2 volunteers and pay for 1. We have a little bit of time but need to know for sure by about the middle of May in order to pay for any. What are you thoughts on the subject?

4. Lindsay and I are excited because they posted the dates for the Texas race this week. October 16-17. Look at your calenders ladies Lindsay and I would love to have you come join us down here in our neck of the woods. (and it is still warm at that time of year down here)

2009-01-30T20:05:00.000-08:00

My name is Patti, and I never thought I would be a runner. I grow up playing sports, and excelling at tennis and soccer. My freshman year at BYU I made the women's tennis team, but I still didn't have any desire to run unless it was chasing the tennis ball. I have been married for 13 years and we have 3 boys. I taught school for about 6 years to 7th and 8th graders. I hope to one day go back, but right now I stay at home and it's great! With 3 boys the house is hopping. My oldest is 7 years old, then my 4 year old, and my 3 year old. My last two boys are the main reason I started running. They are only 11 months apart in age, I know...it's wild. I'm often asked if they are twins or what I was thinking. I was on bed rest and hospitalized with both of them, so I was really out of shape and a bit in the survival mode. And my father passed away from cancer.

So I decided I would start walking to get back in better shape. Walking took forever and I didn't like it, plus I was pushing a double stroller and the kids were not digging it at all. So one day my son says "faster mommy faster." And that was it, in fact he's still telling me faster. I was amazed at how fast my workout went by, walking took twice as long, I was sold. So for the last three years running has been like an obsession. Some people need their cup of Joe, I need my run, because it helps me be a better person and a much nicer mom. I haven't run as many races as I would like, my husband is a trail attorney which makes it tough to get the long runs in. But he's cleared his calender for June, and I'm so stoked to meet you guys and have an amazing time. I will continue to run during the week with my 3 year old, I have been running with him since he was a few months old, but he is getting heavier. And the long runs are heaven because I don't have to push the kids. My kids are so used to me running that the other day I asked my son if he wanted to run some errands with me, he said yes so I got in the car. He got really mad and said I thought we were "running" to the store.

I have run a few 10 mile races in town, which I love doing. I'm also planning on running the avenues of the giants half marathon in May, which should be some good training for ragnar. I'm so excited to meet you all, and can't wait to have fun.

Team #536

2009-01-29T13:54:00.000-08:00

It’s official! I just registered team number two as the Energizer Runnies. Thanks to everyone for your input. For those who have not paid yet, the registration fee is still $85. Please email me if you need my address at teamhillman@comcast.net. Or if something has come up and you are no longer planning to run the relay let me know so we can get someone to fill the spot. Thanks again to everyone! I am getting so excited about the race.

Naming Team #2

2009-01-28T17:28:00.000-08:00

I am going to register the second team tomorrow so let's take a final vote for the name. It seems like the most popular suggestions are:

Chix Mix
Energizer Runnies
Run like a Mother!

I am leaning towards Energizer Runnies, I think it would be fun to decorate for. But, let me know which one you like the best. The one that gets the most votes is the one I will register. If there is a name you like even better than those three, throw it out there. Thanks for all of the suggestions.

Hi. I'm JP. And I'm a Wasatch Back Runner

2009-01-28T16:57:00.000-08:00

It feels so odd to say this (after all these years of blogging) but I’m finding it really hard to come up with words (that make sense) to introduce myself and explain why I run!

I’m known around ‘these parts’ as JP, but I really do have a name (Jill). I have a husband. I have two daughters (ages 11 and 6). I have a blue stripe in my hair.

I’ve lived in Northern California (Sacramento area) all of my life. I am a weather wimp and reading about several of you running in snow makes me question your sanity. (Kidding!) Not to mention the fact that all of my training is done at about 25 feet above sea level (Hello, Wasatch Mountains!) so I guess that means I’m an altitude wimp also. (I do believe I’ve just found my “call-sign” for this relay. Exciting!) You also might notice that this is an introduction to my sarcasm as well. And, well…I am sorry for that. (I know. I should come with a warning.)

I am, relatively, new to running. I believed for many years that I hated running…that I was terrible at running. Then, a couple of years ago, I made it bigger than me. I trained for a cause very near and dear to my heart thinking that I would be one of the walkers. Partway through my training I tried a little running…just to see how I liked it. To push myself a little. Wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles: I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT. Crossing the finish line of my first half marathon (my first event of any kind) was one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. I was blown away by a feeling that can’t really be put into words.

Running is not easy for me. I struggle. But I think its because of these struggles that I’ve learned more about myself than I ever though possible. Like many of you, running is my therapy – my form of meditation. I am a better person when I run. A better person with more confidence and discipline and a sense of accomplishment.

This year, I have quite the running agenda: A couple ½ marathons, Wasatch Relay…all leading up to my very first (full) marathon in October 2009! (I feel slightly faint every time I type that.) I am so excited and scared and, well, excited. But I love that I can be an example for my daughters. It is my hope that they will see that they are capable, strong and amazing. I want them to experience this feeling of empowerment that comes from accomplishing the big goals…and all the little goals that lead up to it.

I am counting down the days to Wasatch. I can’t wait to be stuck in a van with all of you amazing Marathon Mommies. It’s gonna be awesome.

No hills, please!

2009-01-27T22:25:00.000-08:00

Should I just put it out there? I'm totally scared of the hills in this race. My stupid allergies have given me asthma, which is new in the last year, so I'm not really used to it. If you add in the Utah elevation, I think I might be gasping for air on the easy legs. I am going to be doing some hill training, but there aren't a lot of hills right around my neighborhood, so I'm not sure how that's going to go. Anyway, I'm hoping some super woman out there is so excited to run up a mountain. And I will be there to cheer her on!

I grew up as a ballet dancer, with running far from my mind. In fact, I had a doctor's note to excuse me from running in Junior High due to some ankle problems. After having a knee surgery in college (that darn ballet!), I finally felt like I could run. I remember feeling so excited after a 20 minute jog. Two kids later (2004)I moved to Michigan, where the exercise du jour of the women in my apartment complex was running. So I started. I'm sure we were going at an 11 minute-mile pace for less than two miles. A few women seemed satisfied with this, but not me. I wanted to go faster and farther. A year later I did my first race -- a 10K. Since then I've done 5ks, 10ks, 2 half marathons, and one marathon. The good thing about being new to running is that every race is a chance to PR! I know I haven't reached my potential yet. I loved running a marathon (May of 2008) and I'm planning on running the Newport, OR, marathon this May. I miss running with all of my friends. Now I listen to NPR when I run most mornings. I love the challenge of training, the exhilaration of being totally in tune with your body, and the calories running burns. : ) I also love the inspiring women I've met over the last 5 years.

Now I live in Oregon now with my husband and three kids. My husband is an accounting professor at the local university. My kids are almost 8, almost 6, and 18 months. I love to read, bake, cook, sew, travel, play games, and do just about anything outdoors. I also like playing volleyball and watching college football and basketball. I'm currently trying to grow my hair long enough to be in a ponytail, get better at Dance Dance Revolution on the Wii, and eat less sugar. I have a serious love for dark chocolate, though, so there's only so much I can do. Before I had kids, I was a high school English teacher. I like to pretend I can still write a bit. I have a great husband and great kids. They are very supportive of my running and even keep up with my training schedules.

I think this race is going to be an adventure! I've already got a reflective vest, and I kind of want to use a headlamp instead of a flashlight. Do you think they'd allow that? Man, how cool would that look.

I'm looking forward to all the fun! Keep posting.

Amy Peterson

Hello from OKC!

2009-01-27T13:29:00.000-08:00

Hi Y’all! It is now my turn to introduce myself. I am Lindsay. The title of slow one seems to be a big battle, so I will call myself the medium one. How’s that?

I feel as if I should just say ditto to all that has been said. Guess what: I too started running to lose the baby weight. See, not everyone can gain 70 pounds and lose it twice. I was also coaxed into this whole running phenomena by some great gals who hustled my bustle up and down our neighborhood every Saturday morning at 6am. It didn’t matter if it was too cold, too hot, too wet, we were too tired, you get the idea. We started training for a 10K and it all went both uphill and downhill from there…culminating in running the Ragnar Texas Edition…and has led me to y’all. Phew.

This will be my second Ragnar. (Sometimes I secretly wear my medal around the house while doing chores. I found that it inspires me still. I can’t wait for others to enjoy this journey. It is not just a run, my new found friends. I promise!) The Texas one was run this past October, on the very weekend I turned 30. Our team was aptly named “Running from the Kids” and that is just what we did/do! I love this celebration of motherhood, fitness, and achievement. And, thankfully, that I can do it again.

Now onto the more personal. I have recently moved to Oklahoma City (and am running the OKC Memorial race in April…and toying with upgrading from the half to the full…but no promises!) with my family. I have 2 kiddos: Lincoln, who will be 4 in March, and Kate who is 18 months. As said by everyone else, they are the reason I run. I have also recently entered the world of retirement; until this year I have been a special ed teacher. I am fortunate to be able to stay at home with the little ones, but hope to get back to the classroom one of these days. I love to read, travel, and shop. (I feel as if I should also add that I like long walks on the beach…) And, I am grateful for a husband who understands the need for a runcation every now and then.

I look forward to meeting this group of crazy running friends in person. Thanks for letting me join the team!

I'm Kristyn, and I'm the Newbie!

2009-01-27T12:54:00.001-08:00

Since "the Slow One" was already taken I guess I'll have to settle for "the Newbie".

My name is Kristyn, I'm 28 years old, I live in Utah, and I am a runner........or a wanna-be runner. I haven't actually run anything except for my stake 5k and a pretend 5k with Kelly (I know, I'm a dork), but I like to run. I'm currently training for a 1/2 marathon. I'm flying up to Portland in May to run the Hippie Chick with my sister-in-law Kelly (if you don't know Kelly--which really, who doesn't know Kelly around here?--see the previous post). I'm very excited for the 1/2 marathon and now that I have got my blister problem figured out, I don't have too many concerns about it. My body seems to do okay with lots of miles as long as I don't try to go too fast.

I have been married for almost 9 years, and I have 2 kids (almost 5 and 2). My oldest has autism, so like Mel, running has been a therapy for me. It is some much needed "me-time" that refreshes and invigorates my mind and body.

Anyway, my story began in September of 2008 (I told you I'm a newbie). I had recently lost about 50 pounds and I still had about 10 more to go, but I was at a complete stand-still with weight loss. I hadn't lost a pound in about 6 months. No matter how many hours I put in at the gym doing my regular workout, the weight wasn't coming off. I decided to try something new to try to lose the weight---that something was running. It seems like all the girls running on the treadmills at the gym were all very skinny, so it had to do something for them, right?

I had never run in my life. Running was actually the last thing I'd ever even think about doing. I used to look at people running on the street and wonder why they wanted to torture themselves that way. Little did I know, running is very addicting. I had always told myself that I cannot run. You know all the excuses..... I have bad knees, I don't breathe right, it hurts my back, etc, etc, etc. Well I was right about one thing. I didn't breathe right. On that first day I decided to try running I literally could not run 1/4 of a mile. I was about to kill over after like 2 minutes on the treadmill. Anyone been there before? This "failure" challenged me to keep trying, to learn what to do, and to be victorious over the treadmill. I called Kelly, and she agreed to train me via email, Skype, and even the occasional phone call. I started out with the Couch to 5k program, and by the time that was completed I was hooked. I felt like I needed something to train for so I asked Kelly if she would run something with me. We signed up for the Hippie Chick, and started my official training for that at the beginning of this year.

As crazy as it seems, I am a new convert to outdoor running (can you believe I never had the desire to run outdoors?). There is just something refreshing about being outdoors running in nature (especially the rain--I love it). I guess I'm a hermit, because I was completely content running on my treadmill. But now my eyes have been opened and my treadmill has become my "dreadmill". I just itch to get outdoors and run even if it is all by myself. One of these days I will find a running partner or two.

I am so excited about the Wasatch Back. I know it will be so much fun. Even though I am new to running, I love it. It is fun to watch the progress I make and to feel the sense of accomplishment when I complete those long runs still feeling great. Since throwing speedwork out the window for a while, I have really learned how much I LOVE to run. It was hard for me to love it when I felt like killing over from pushing myself all the time, but it is easy for me to love it when I take it slow and just run run run to my little heart's desire. So that is what I am doing.

I can't wait to meet you all!

Meet M&M- Aka Marathon Mommy- Aka-Kelly

2009-01-27T10:02:00.000-08:00

I love getting to know everyone through their introductions. Please keep them coming! What a great group of women we are going to have with us!!

My running background- Attempted to run cross country in high school and realized I was much too slow to be a runner. (kind of ironic now!) I finished out the year, each race just trying not to be the last one across the finish line. My dad teased me that if I stopped chatting with other runners I might actually finish before them. :-) I continued running just to stay in shape, usually around 2 miles. When I moved to Oregon, I heard about this race called Hood to Coast where you stay up all night running and I remember thinking people were crazy!! When I was pregnant with my first baby, I found out my work was sponsoring a team and they would pay for everything. I knew I needed a goal after I had the baby, so I decided it was perfect. Our captain gave us an awesome training schedule and 6 months after my baby was born I ran Hood to Coast and my obsession was born. That was 7 years ago!! My goal after baby #2 was to run a marathon. I ran the Newport Marathon in 2005 and it was actually horrible. I had felt so ready and it did not go how I expected. I felt miserable by mile 7 and had to walk/run the last 19 miles. Well, I was determined to do better. Now I am training for marathon #7 and I am sure you have heard my goal is to qualify for Boston. I have learned something from every marathon I have run. . My proudest marathon was the one I ran 5 months after baby #3! I have AMAZING running partners who meet me at 5:30am and push me to be a better runner and person. They have been there for me in good times and bad. (and they give me a hard time when I sleep in!) They also happen to be very speedy (3 have run Boston and our own SuziePetunia is very, very close!). :-) Some of us even did a triathlon together

My favorite thing is to share my love of running with others. I am working on becoming a personal trainer, but for now I just love encouraging others to run and race. My sister in law Kristyn is one of those. I am so so happy that she will be on the team with us. You will love her! I have loved this blog and have met many wonderful women through it. Wasatch Back will be one big party and I can't wait! And, no worries about being slow. This race is all about having fun!!

I do have interests outside of running! I love anything active- playing sports, waterskiing, snowskiing, taking my kids to the park. I am kind of a school nerd and love watching my kids learn new things. I am not naturally organized, so I am always trying to figure out how to do things better. I love being with people and my goal is to have the whole world be one big playdate. I enjoy getting to know other people because I feel like we all have something to offer and deep down we are all just doing our best. I love learning people's stories!

My dad was my biggest cheerleader and the first one I called after a race. When he passed away in 2007 I thought I would quit running. Little did I know, running would be my solace and my way to connect with him. I know he is still cheering me on!

My Name Is...

2009-01-26T13:17:00.000-08:00

Melanie G.

Can I just start off by saying I am so stinkin' excited for Wasatch Back! I am mom to 3 boys ages 11, 9, and almost 5! My running days started exactly 20 years ago during High School. Aaagh, I'm old! I ran track for 4 years. I was totally NOT a long distance runner. I mainly ran the 400 meter and I was FAST . Ha ha. Not anymore.

Twenty years and many pounds later I decided I better start doing something about my fitness. Actually, I have ran a few scattered 5K's throughout the last 8 years. Last summer the true running bug hit me. After I finished my first 5 mile race I was stoked. The next Saturday I stepped it up for the long run and trained to run my first (and only) Half Marathon a month later. I ran the Half and loved every minute of it!

My boys bring me great joy and an equal amount of stress. Don't they all! My youngest has spastic quadriplegia (Cerebral Palsy), seizures and a Severe hearing loss. He uses a walker to ambulate and ASL to communicate. His days are filled with therapy. I find running to be my own "therapy". It clears my mind, makes me stronger physically (which is needed when packing 35 lbs around all day), and most importantly gives me a sense of accomplishment. Running longer distances teaches me so much about myself and I want to share it with my children.

My two oldest have both ran 5K's. This year I will be running the SLC Half with my 11 year old. I am really excited! We live in Perry, Utah. I can't wait to meet all of you:)

Q & A session #1

2009-01-26T07:25:00.000-08:00

Ok so apparently not everyone know how these things work. So here is your chance to ask all of your questions you can think of. Lindsay and I ran the Texas version in October so between the two of us we should be able to clarify things a bit.

Yes you request a start time (when it gets a little closer to the race). I am hoping our two teams will be able to get the same time (I plan on emailing them to make sure of that) We started at 8 am here but we (as in Lindsay and I) were talking about it this last week and think that maybe something more like 10 or 11 would be good so we could all get up there in the morning and not have to get hotels (helps keep the cost down a bit)

Speaking of cost here is where things start costing:

1. We rented 15 passenger vans down here. They made it really nice to have a little bit more room for everyone and everything. But this was the first year for the race in Texas so van rentals weren't hard. I have heard from another friend who has done Wasatch back that most people use suburbans. I think these would work just as well especially if we could have roof racks to put some of the stuff :)

2. Shirts... Lindsay did great shirts for us here in Texas and has a good hook up with a place that did a great job at a very reasonable price. We are going to try and get these going soon so we can get them just how we want them and you will be able to pick/pay for your own online. We opted to just do t-shirts for the end of the race because I know I am picky about what I run in and I suppose everyone else might be too.

3. As far as gas is concerned we just filled up along the way and kept the receipts and split it up evenly at the end.

Ok so my brain is fried and that is all I can think of right now. Leave me your questions in the comments and I will get you (and the rest of us) some answers. Even if you think it is a silly question ask it because chances are someone else is thinking it too :)

Oh yea and we are still waiting to meet about 20 of you :) don't stay hidden!

Help! We need a team name.

2009-01-23T14:29:00.000-08:00

Okay Peeps-- I am soliciting your help and we need it asap. Mandy will be registering the second team soon and since the name "Mommies Got Back" is taken (by some excellent runners, I am sure) we need our own identity. Think, think, think--and then reply to this post with your ideas. We would love suggestions from Team 1 people too--the more, the better.

Also, those of you who are supposed to mail Mandy a check (see the recent email from Erin for the list)--it would be very helpful of you to get that done right away so she doesn't end up carrying several hundred dollars. As soon as a few checks start coming, we can get that registration done. They are almost at 500 teams (with a 650 cap) so we really need to do it!

I'm Jen and sorry, but I'm the slow one

2009-01-22T07:03:00.000-08:00

I know it's not a contest or anything, (oh wait, I guess it IS a race) but I really am slow. Sorry if my team had great expectations of winning the whole thing!

I am really excited to run this race and I love that I get to train and experience this incredible journey with all you girls. It will be fun getting to know you and finally meet you all in June.

O.K. on with the introductions:

I am 34 and have been married for 15 years and 4 months (threw that in there for you, Angie) and I have four kids; Justin's 14, Abby's 10, Caroline's 7, and Logan's 3. They keep me busy to say the least. They are all very different and wonderful. I am learning as much from them as they hopefully are from me.

A year after baby number 3 and I noticed that my body wasn't just jumping back into shape. Weird. So I decided that I better start exercising. I started running a little and lifting weights and doing all sorts of different cardio. But after I lost the weight I discovered that running was the only cardio exercise that I really enjoyed. In fact, I loved it. I didn't care about losing weight anymore. I was happy just running. Later that year I ran my first 10K and was hooked. Racing was exciting, nerve racking, made me want to throw up and then when it was all over, I wanted to do it again! I ran it again the following year. The following spring I was talked into running a half marathon by a friend the day before the race without really training at all. She didn't show up but finishing that race was so cool. A marathon was not even in the realm of possibility for me until that day. I was just never athletic. Ever. Then a month later I injured my IT bands riding a horse. I was in denial and kept running on them until they were so bad it was impossible. So I spent the next year and a half not running and being pregnant with #4. I used to dream about running pain free. (And I was fast in my dreams.) I used to cry when I'd see other runners on the road. NOT running was killing me. But that year and a half was the best thing for me.

The kid's elementary school sponsored a running club for the kids. If they ran 25 miles during the year they would be eligible to run the last mile of the Ogden City Marathon thus completing a marathon during the year. A vision formed in my mind and I could see me finishing the marathon with the kids running at my side. It was my new focus. I started training and it came true. It was one of the best moments of my life.

So now to date I've run 3 marathons (Odgen '07, '08 and Salt Lake '08), 3 1/2 marathons, 3 10K's and one 5 K. I still struggle with my IT bands. But I think I'm learning how to deal with the flare ups a little better. Running teaches me so many life lessons, like patience for example. It's my time for me. It gives me an identity. It keeps me feeling alive. It has shown me, more than anything, that nothing is impossible.

2009-01-20T13:59:00.001-08:00

Great idea to do some introductions! I'll go next...

I'm Angie, a.k.a. Tall Girl Running for those who have humored me enough to venture into my blog from time to time. I'll turn 37 two days before the Wasatch Back Relay in June (what better way to celebrate, eh?). I'm definitely no spring chicken but hopefully I've still got a few good decades left in me. I've been married to the same husband for 17 1/2 years (if any of you have been married that long too, you'll know why I included the "1/2". Every month counts at this point!). I'm Mom to two beautifully talented daughters, which is cold, hart fact and not just biased opinion. My oldest is Savannah who just turned 15 last week and my youngest is Sophie, all of 8 years old. Both my girls are the light of my life and provide both my greatest joys as well as my greatest challenges, all on any one given day.

I've been running now for six years. As my blog moniker implies, I'm a tall gal... six feet even, to be exact. Although I had the height and natural athletic ability, I never played sports on a high school level. I particularly disliked basketball because it required way too much running (20 years and thousands of miles later, the irony of that is not lost on me). I started walking to lose the baby weight that was still literally hanging around two years after my second daughter was born. Walking turned to jogging. Jogging turned to running. Running turned to obsession.

To date, I've run three full marathons, six half-marathons and a smattering of shorter distance races. I'm not built to run and my long, lanky limbs just don't move efficiently enough to be a fast runner. But I'm a determined runner nonetheless and what initially started as a hobby has become in every sense a lifestyle for me. I define myself in only a limited number of ways and "runner" is one of them.

Besides running, I stay busy here in southeastern Idaho by working part-time as the billing clerk for a local chiropractor, volunteering for school, church and community activities, attempting to stimulate my creative juices by keeping up on my blog and just enjoying life and all that comes with it one day at a time.

I am VERY excited about being included in the WBR this year! It's been a race I've wanted to do for a long time but have never known enough fellow lunatics-- errrr, runners-- to do it with me. I'm an inheritently shy personality and will never be accused of vying to be the center of attention, but I very much look forward to meeting my teammates and creating together an experience that will be remembered for a lifetime!

See you all in June!

Angie
tallgirlrunning@gmail.com

Hi! My name is...

2009-01-20T11:51:00.000-08:00

Erin Bailey :) And you are?

Lets get some introductions going! Since most of us don't really know each other this might be helpful. I'll go first and then I hope you will post to. I have just sent out invitations to be contributors to everyone who wasn't on here before. So if you didn't get it or need it again let me know and I can re-send it.

Again my name is Erin. I can be introduced many different ways:

1. I am the wife of Bart who is very tolerant of my crazy ideas and my insane drive to out-do myself in every project I take on {which is pretty much everything cause I have a hard time saying no to people}

2. I am the mom of 1 little boy - Hunter who is 8 almost 9- and 1 little girl - Jorden who is 6 almost 7. They keep me on my toes and in the drivers seat carpooling them from one activity to another.

3. I am the oldest sibling of 7. We lost my little brother 2 months ago, but out of this tragedy we try to find inspiration, and for me that is in my running. He loved to run with me when I was home and always made it fun. This spring we (as in everyone who wants to join us) will be running (and riding) in the events at the Salt Lake City Marathon in his honor. You can join us to - it would be great training for Wasatch Back {look the training schedule says 12 miles - what is one more?} :) Come check us out www.RunningForMichael.com

4. I am a friend. I have amazing friends that I run with in the very wee hours of the morning - as in when the sun is not even close to being up! Some of my most important and dear friendships have come through running.

Ok your turn!