Ragnar 2013, Baby!

Where to start –

Ok, so as you know we’ve been working up to this weekend for months.  Years ago I dreamed of being part of a Ragnar team that made it to the starting line successfully.  It’s a tough commitment – and many have bailed in years past.  The names on the list of team members changed a couple of times since then, but those who made it to Friday morning – well, they are 12 of the most awesome people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.

What is Ragnar?  (shocked expression) – well, it’s a 202 mile relay with 12 runners.   We run all day and all night, and then we cross the finish line and drink beer!

On Thursday night, Matt, Layne, Brian, Aaron, Josh and I piled into a Suburban passenger vehicle to drive up to Wickenburg for a 7am start.  Jacqui (and wife of Aaron) was our designated pregnant person driver.  The second ½ of the team wouldn’t be starting until we hit the 6th Exchange point – so they didn’t need to join us until Friday around noon.  

The starting line on Friday morning was COLD – near freezing temps, in fact.  We wandered around the starting area with Matt’s awesome brother, Chris, (trying not to freeze) while getting our safety briefing and ensuring we knew what to do for about an hour.  Chris was one of our volunteers – and really if there’s an award for most amazing family member/volunteers– he may get it.  He snapped photos; he made sure we had everything we needed; he carried our crap; and he did all of this before working a 6-8 hour volunteer shift at the starting line (after we left).
  

Brian, Matt and Me - at the dark starting area -- complete with safety vests and headlamps.

Layne, Matt and Me - in the warmer Ragnar swag tent before the start

Finally, the announcer called our team’s start time and Aaron lined up with about 20 other runners.  The sun was beginning to rise and it was gorgeous over the side of the mountain.  Aaron was ready – and we were all super anxious.  I think a few of us thought we were in over our heads, but at that point it was a smidge too late for all that.
 

Aaron at the ready - sun was rising, but lights and vest were still required

At the starting line!  Aaron is 2nd from the left looking at his watch.

The horn blew and off Aaron went for the first leg of our 36 leg journey.  I was runner #2, so I was up next and I thought I would vomit when we all slid back into the warm vehicle to support Aaron as he ran.  We leap frogged every couple of miles and waited for him to appear.  Then we shout and blow festive horns to show support as he ran.  His first run was so hilly – but he endured it well.

I tried to ready myself mentally for my start, but before I knew it there was a SHOUT out from the bottom of this wash – and wouldn’t you know it, I was late to meeting Aaron for our VERY first exchange!  What an embarrassment I was to our team and especially poor Aaron.

I got over my anxiety quickly, as a result, and ran like lightning for the next 5.5 miles.  Around mile 2, our vehicle appeared and everyone screamed in support.  It was amazing.  Then again just before mile 4, our vehicle appeared again and screamed and yelled in support.  I was passing runner after runner, and it wasn’t until I looked at my watch in the middle of the run that I realized I was running faster than I had ever run for that distance – right around 8 min miles.  So, when our vehicle appeared the last time, I yelled out exactly how much time I had before I hit the exchange.  And by Jove, Matt was there at the ready.  He was runner #3 and nothing made me happier than slapping our wrist-bracelet-baton on his wrist!  I glanced at my watch – 8:20 overall pace for 5.5 miles.

Matt looked super strong on his run, as well.  And fortunately, the day was getting warmer, so about 1/3 of the way through his 7+ miles, I went out to meet him and grab his cap and gloves.  Again, we leap frogged in support until he hit the Exchange and Brian headed out for his first of three legs.  Matt’s first leg was right around an 8 minute mile and he was ecstatic!

By now, Jacqui was driving the Suburban and our routine was down!  Layne followed Brian and then Josh was our 6th runner.  It was incredible.  I figured out that our 6 runners averaged a pace around 8:35/mile for our first 6 legs – totaling 38.8 miles.  We felt great!

We met up with our second ½ of the team at Exchange 6 where Anne would lead everyone out – and start their cycle of 6 runners.  Anne was ready!  She looked excited, as did everyone else.  In no time at all, we could see Josh coming around the bend and Anne was off to complete her first run.

Anne stole this sign from my house -- seemed appropriate for this race.  Taken right before she headed out.

At this point, Van 1 was entitled to some rest since Van 2 had 43.3 miles to complete.  We went to the 9th Exchange and pulled out our coolers and sleeping bags to try to eat and sleep until they arrived.  Anne texted me when she finished to tell me she did well and that Loretta was off and running.  Brent was runner 9 and he had the longest run of everyone – 13.5 miles.  It’s the longest Ragnar leg ever so they commemorated it by giving that runner an extra medal when they hit transition.

All of Vehicle 1: Mer, Matt, Josh1, Aaron, Jac, Layne and Brian

1st all team meet-up - waiting for Brent for finish (Exch 9)

Matt, attempting to sleep standing up.

BFF's

Unfortunately, a lack of running, tooth pain and a gnarly chest cold put Brent in a tough spot about 2/3’s of the way into his 13.5 miles (I later learned there was only 1 porta potty on his leg, so he also ran for 7 miles with a full, uncomfortable bladder).  By mile 11 he was texting that he was in a world of hurt and could only walk out the rest.  It was super sad to see and hear his text messages.  We all knew how upset he was as he approached the 9th exchange and collected his medal.  He sobbed in my arms as we hugged and I told him I would find a way to have his next two legs covered.

Brent, supported by Josh2, at the end of his first leg.

Kim headed out as soon as Brent arrived and was followed by Kris and Josh2.  Because of the injury to Brent, we didn’t get started on our van’s second runs until nearly 9pm – which put me on my second run WELL after my bed time.  But, none of us let it stop us.

Possibly my favorite race photo - Kim coming into Exchange with both feet in the air!

When Aaron approached the Exchange, I was there at the ready, this time.  And, I ran as hard as I could for 5.7 miles.  It was pitch black and there were almost no volunteers on this dark, turn-riddled route.  But, I had memorized the leg and remembered all of the necessary turns and bends.  I had told my teammates not to bother supporting me – it was too dark and dangerous to do so.  They were to meet me at the next exchange.

Around mile 3, I could hear a guy on my heels.  To be honest, I run fast enough that not many people pass me – and in Ragnar, a pass is called “a kill”.  Well, this guy (#290) worked and worked and worked for 2 miles to catch me.  At one point I snapped, “You may own this kill, but not without pain, my friend.”  And he eventually owned me on a ½ mile steep decent shortly before the Exchange.  We embraced at the end of the run, thanking each other for the work ethic.  It was awesome!  I will NEVER forget the challenge, even if the kill was not in my favor.  Again, it was another solid run – 5.7 miles, 8:53 pace.

By the time everyone in our van finished our legs it was nearly 2am and we were wrecked from lack of sleep.  Unfortunately, Josh was our last runner and gracious enough to offer to run Brent’s next leg – so it meant even less sleep for many of us.  Once Anne was off, we all went to a community center where there was indoor sleeping – several hundred runners deep.  It was a hardwood, gym floor, but it was heaven to most of us.  I have no idea how much I slept, but I think I might have gotten a solid hour in.  No idea.

I got the text from Anne at 4:47am saying Josh2 was off and we had 25 minutes to get all of our shit in our vehicle and to the 24th Exchange – approximately 15 miles away, in the dark with crappy GPS reception.  Yeah, we had to make Josh wait in transition for a few minutes before Aaron could get his crap together – including his bum leg – and get out on the road.

And, now I was stressed.  I hadn’t eaten in approximately 14 hours including my last run – it was simply too late to eat.  No bueno.  Matt shoved a PB Snickers down my throat and off I went for a 7.6 mile trek up hill.  It may have been the hardest run of my life even without the prior 2 legs – but I managed to hold it together for 6 miles before utterly feeling defeated and needing walk breaks.  There was a stoplight at mile 6 and it made us wait a solid minute or two, which was AWESOME!  But the next mile and a half were steep and brutal.  However, about 150 feet from the finish line was Ryne, one of my students from MCC and one of the team’s volunteers.  He was radio’ing team numbers to the Exchange to prep the next runner – Matt.  I was elated to see him and it kept me moving, for sure.  As I approached Ryne I yelled, “Call me in, M’F’er!”  And he did – “Number 61” he said into the walkie talkie.

I approached the transition to the open arms of Matt.  “I’m proud of you.  Great work, Mer.” And I slapped the baton on his wrist and sent him on his way.  Sadly, Matt had to complete another couple miles of ascent before enjoying a 7+ mile decent down the mountain.  Yeah – his times were better than mine, for sure.

At Exchange 27 I got the chance to visit with Ray – another MCC student and team volunteer.   And, when Matt’s crossed the finish line the Exchange, we looked at each other knowingly: “It was done! We effing did it!”

Brian headed out, followed by Layne and Josh for our last runs.  Layne had completed a marathon the weekend prior to Ragnar – she was amazing.  Josh was on his fourth leg – since he’d completed one for Brent a few hours prior.  And, Brian was ½ driver, ½ Dad to all of us.  He was simply amazing – and we all appreciated how helpful and thoughtful he was for the entirety of the race.

When we hit Exchange 30, we knew our part was done.  The rest was up to Van 2: Anne, Loretta, Loretta, Kim, Kris and Josh2.  I said Loretta twice, because she turned into an amazing BadAss and agreed to do Brent’s 3rd and final leg RIGHT after her 3rd-but-not-final leg.  She texted me immediately following her amazing finish with her stats: 3.8 miles with a 10:09 pace, followed by 3.1 miles with a 10:11 pace!  This is the gal who one year ago ran 12 min miles.  I am so so so proud of her!!!!

The gals at the last exchange - I think. (Anne, Kim, Kris, Me and Layne)

Our 6 runners + Jac, went to eat what we all thought was the greatest breakfast of our lives.  I’m sure it was average at best, but to the 7 of us – it was divine intervention.  There were coffee, eggs, sausage, pancakes, bacon and so much cheese.  After that, we headed to the finish line in Tempe – knowing it would be a few hours before Josh2 would be around.

As we got to the finish line – Matt, Layne, Aaron and I bee-lined it to the beer tent and drank delicious craft beer while we waited for the rest of the team.  As each runner finished their leg, a text would come through from some member of the Van to let me know.

Around 3pm, I received a text from Anne, “Josh is out and headed to finish”.  At 3:36pm a text from Brent, “Josh hit the 3 mile mark at about 28 minutes.”  He had 5.6 miles, so approximately another 25 minutes.

I rallied the team and told Anne that they needed to move the van to finish, not supporting Josh for the rest of the run – this way they would all be ready when he got near the finish line.  We all needed to cross together.  I was watching several teams cross (as we drank beer) and occasionally you would see that only ½ of the team was able to cross together.  The parking situation was rough around the finish and I just wanted to see everyone’s smiling face together at the end!

They made it with about 8 minutes to spare.  Their amazing van driver, Sarah, caught wind of the issue and was gracious enough to allow them to be dropped off – and she would park the van.  The whole team was together.  Aaron and Josh1 went to meet up with Josh2 about ¼ mile from the finish and they all ran in, keeping him motivated.  It was amazing to see both vans supportive of each other, really for the first time.  We just didn’t have a lot of opportunity when the other van’s runners were running.

As soon as we laid eyes on Josh2, he sprinted and we all followed him across the finish line.  It was magical.  Medals and Ragnar 2013 stickers were issued.  We hugged and we posed for team photos.  We did it – injuries, eating issues, pooping issues, sleeping issues and texting issues – we still did it.  All 12 of us, plus 2 amazingly dedicated van drivers and 3 amazing volunteers.

Congratulating each other...

Receiving my medal...

One of the proudest moments of my life! (Back to front, Left to Right: Brian, Aaron, Josh2, Brent, Kris, Anne, Mer, Matt, Kim, Josh1, Loretta)

I know that the 7 people (6 runners and Jac) in my van will be permanent fixtures in my life, now.  We shared some of the most difficult moments – uphill, downhill, through pain and all while eating junk food and not sleeping.  I also know that the other van felt exactly the same way about their experience with one another.

Matt, Mer and Jac - happy happy!

Suburban - we marked off our runs as we finished them - both sides had names.

I can see why people do this race.  It’s hard, but it’s so rewarding.  It’s certainly not for everyone – but I think I can safely say it was for all 12 runners on the Informed Insanity team!  

Our vahicle was tagged by others.... and ii tagged many!

Two ..Two Blogs in One Week(end)!

Well, I promised a second blog, this 3-day weekend – so here it goes.

Last week some time, I had asked Matt if he might light to do a long ride (~35 miles) out to Maricopa and back on Monday, since we both had the day off.  It seemed like a good idea to him, as well.  I asked Josh and Aaron to join us – since we’re all training for the Leadman Tri, which is making its debut in Tempe in 7 weeks and 6 days (biting nails).  As I may have mentioned in previous blogs – this Leadman (for many of us) is no joke.  The website refers to the competitors as “elite” athletes and the 1.6 mile swim has to be completed in 1:15 or your DQ’ed and not allowed to complete the course.  In fact, every portion of the race has a competitive cut-off.  STRESS!!!

Aaron and Josh both agreed to join us, as did their good friend Joe (who debuted in my blog over the summer when he did the Mountain Man tri with us in Flagstaff).  We headed out of the Park ‘n Ride at 40th and Pecos around 10:15am.  I announced as we were getting ready that there’d be no drafting on this particular ride (Matt's rules) – we needed to try to complete it as if it were a triathlon where drafting comes with a 4 minute penalty.  Aaron and Joe admitted at that moment that they had already swam for 4000 yards earlier that morning, so they were unsure they could handle these rules, but they’d try.  Josh is always up for a challenge – something I really appreciate about him.  The man simply never complains about anything – not the cold, the route, the distance or the endurance level.

As we made our way out of the parking lot, we all admitted to feeling pretty good – and we all refrained from drafting.  The winds were across the long Maricopa Road and not head-on, which made for a much more pleasant ride than the last several times Matt and I attempted this run.  In fact, the weather also cooperated – with temps starting around 60 at 10am and ending around 70 at noon.  The sun was shining and the roads were clear.

The 5 of us stuck with each other – maintaining non-drafting distances and we were fine.   We pulled 19-21 mph on the way out to Maricopa, something I never dreamed I could do for the first half with no amount of relief (but I did!).  We all regrouped at a gas station at the ½ way point and were off within a couple of minutes to return to Ahwatukee and the Park and Ride.
Amazingly, we all continued to feel strong – pulling 19-22 mph on the way back.  I kept looking at my watch as it said an AVS of 18.9 and then 19.0 and then 19.1 – and eventually 19.3.  Never have we gone UP at the end, usually it comes down slowly as we finish the long ride.  But, Matt pushed me – hanging at my side the entire ride.  Every so often he’d listen for rough breathing patterns in me and ask us to back off a bit; and each time he did, I was back up to speed within a ½ mile.  He evidently knows when I need to pull back a smidge.  It saves me a LOT of energy – even when only for a minute or two.  I continue to learn about good riding skills from him each and every time we head out.  Had he not insisted we back off a couple of times (and when I say back off – we’d go from 21 mph to 19), I don’t know that I would have been able to finish as strong as I did.  His system simply worked.

We came to the Park ‘n Ride in 1:48 for 35 miles – INCREDIBLE!  My watch said 19.3 AVS when we got there, but when I uploaded my data and it removed stoplights, my final AVS was a 19.6.  I did it – no drafting!  I am simply beside myself.  And, only now am I feeling like that label of an “elite” athlete is within reach.  What if I actually place in my age group????  (giggity)

The gang (L to R): Joe, Aaron, Josh, Matt (and me in front)

After the ride, I had an awesome massage and then met a lovely gal who was interested in possibly purchasing my old(er) bike – the bike that built me; the bike that helped me find a sport I could love “almost” as much as running; the bike that made me appreciate multi-sport athletics; AND most importantly, the bike that made me the triathlete I am today.  It was emotional watching her ride around the parking lot, and even more emotional watching her place it gently into her Subaru and drive off.  I am hopeful she will enjoy riding that bike as much as I did.  Now I move on, I suppose, but I have to post one last picture.  Enjoy…

One last pic...

Just another week...

Nothing really exciting to report this week – we’re all (save Loretta and Layne) in taper-mode and just making sure we can push out the mileage during our 202 miles across the state of Arizona, next weekend.

I will likely blog again tomorrow – as I have a pretty exciting workout planned and will probably share it.  These 3 day weekends make it impossible for me to figure out when to blog.

So, after my awesome 11 mile trail run, last Sunday, Matt and I got out for a nice, easy ride on Monday.   The rain-gods were on our side, because 5 minutes after we completed the ride, it decided to rain for the next 12 hours.  Naturally, by Monday afternoon Matt was planning the rest of our workouts for the week – his email to me said:
~7.5 mile run tomorrow (Tuesday)
~Easy Ride on Wednesday
~Thursday off – (but Masters Swim for me)
~Friday Moderate to Tough ride out Pecos Road – 18-20 miles
~6 mile run on Saturday – not pushing it

This all sounded good to me, of course – so like clock-work, on Tuesday at 5am Matt showed up and we pushed out a nice 7.5 miler through the foothills of Ahwatukee.  It feels awesome to be able to complete this particular run in 1:05 minutes – when this time last year I was always hopeful I could pull a 1:14.  Its CRAZY to think I have cut more than a minute per mile off my time in ONE YEAR!  I am so happy about it, too.  The morning was strangely cold and humid – since it had rained the whole day prior.  This explains the surreal effect of our hot-heads and cold/humid air in our blog-shot.

That's some crazy steam/fog we're creating.

Tuesday night I was invited to do Trapeze again with my Doc!  Erica and I had a blast – but it wasn’t my best night.  While it wasn’t caught on camera, I had a moment on my 4th attempt and my left arm dropped off the bar while swinging and attempting to bring my legs up over the bar.  Panicked, I didn’t think to simply drop into the net.  No – it scared me into pulling myself back up (after flailing all over the place by one arm) and re-catching the bar with my left hand/arm.  No one believed I could do it – and honestly, I don’t remember much about it.  However, I do remember being so relieved that I was alive.  My doctor kept saying, “I got ya, Mer.  You’re fine.”  He did – and THIS is why we wear harnesses, my friends!  And, I got right back up to try again.

That night Matt emailed me and said he needed Wednesday off instead of Thursday – which was a HUGE relief for me.  My body ached from stiffening up in trapeze and I needed a day to allow my body to fully recover.

Matt and I got our signals crossed on Thursday morning and I thought we were going out for an easy 12-15 mile ride, but Matt had an entirely different plan and completely kicked my ass for about 6 of our 18 miles out Pecos Road.  I was swearing and yelling at him.  He was pretty spent on the way back to the Park ‘n Ride, so I was able to hand his ass back to him for a bit returning to our starting spot.  All’s fair. (smile)

After seeing this picture, I immediately called for a hair-cut appt.

And, like planned (on Thursday), I got that easy ride on Friday morning.  I wasn’t able to hit my Masters Swim class at all this week – which is HUGELY disappointing – so I will make sure I am there on Tuesday night.

Yesterday morning, Matt had an allergy attack (and maybe one beer too many at our work retreat the evening prior), so I went out for a 7.5 mile run alone.  It was the same route we did on Tuesday and I was a little disappointed that I finished a few seconds later than the prior run.  Admittedly, I had a pretty awesome head-wind while climbing up the longest stretch of elevation gain, but still. (Sad face) I had no one to talk to, so my pace should have been better, I would think.  Alas.

And, I took today off to get some much needed personal projects completed.  However, tomorrow is another story…

…stay tuned!

Workin' it!

At some point this week, I opened Twitter and saw exactly what I needed – see image below.

I say this because I was also reminded (again) this week that not everyone supports my endurance habits, as I actually got asked the following, “Mer, when are you going to stop all this stuff and get back to being normal?”  My response was something like, “well, if being normal is fat and out of shape, I hope I never stop doing all this stuff.”  (eye roll)  It’s most disappointing when it’s the people you care about the most who say things like that, but it doesn’t keep me from loving them – it may, in fact, make me want to work harder so that each time we lay eyes on each other they are obligated to say things like, “Geez, Mer, you really look great!”  It’s the best kind of payback, right?

That being said, I started the week off by working hard on the bike for my 19 mile tough, hilly ride through Ahwatukee.   I was particularly pleased with myself because LAST week I reported maintaining just over a 17/mph AVS and this week I maintained 17.6 on the same route.  (fist pump!)

Matt was available for an easy ride on Tuesday – so we went out for 12 or so miles and simply relished the fact that it was no longer 35 degrees at 5am.

Then, Tuesday evening, I joined Mike’s group for a Masters Swim class at the gym.  I was, again, not as fast as I had been the prior few weeks, but I crunched out 1900 meters of sprints and drills.  Mike spent a LOT of time working with me on my kick, this week.  At one point he grabbed the kick-board, and refused to let me use it, requiring me to tough it out with no arms (mostly) and all kick.  I needed the coaching, so it was worth it.

Matt joined me on Wednesday morning for a 4.5 mile run – nothing impressive to report, as Matt was nursing a little bit of an Achilles issue.  He came out of the run with an 8:56 overall pace and no pain – so it was a win-win.

We both took Thursday morning off.   It was lovely, since I didn’t get home until after midnight on Wednesday night.  I got to babysit my favorite little munchkins while Anne and John caught the Who in concert.  I think everyone had a great night.

It had been far too many weeks since my last trail run, so I opted to head into work a smidge late on Friday morning and hit the trails when the sun came up.  I was a little worried that I had lost a little of my speed and glute-strength, but things seemed to work themselves out as I made my way through 6 awesomely beautiful miles at sunrise.  I was surprised that I didn’t see a single runner, hiker or mountain biker for the entirety of the 6 miles.  It was literally a ghost town.  I didn’t mind at all – the beauty of South Mountain deserves quiet some times.

1st couple of miles were in the dark, hence the head lamp.

I pushed out 2050 meters in the pool on Saturday morning – just to make sure I could still continually swim for over a mile.  I have been in Masters Swim for nearly a month, at this point, so all of my swimming has been short bursts of drills and speed work.  It was outstanding to realize I can swim and swim and swim.  Alleviates a bit of my stress regarding the upcoming Leadman 125 Triathlon in two short months.

Matt and I had planned to meet up this morning for a 7.5 mile run through Ahwatukee in preparation for our upcoming relay, but Matt had some tummy issues all evening and was not able to join me.  While sad about not having the company, I wasn’t so sad that it meant I could probably head back to the trail for another full Desert Classic run – 11 miles from the trail head to my front door.

I admit that I had probably had one beer more than I should have with my friends on Saturday night, so I could feel the lag in my breathing in the second mile of the Desert Classic where the trail takes a fairly serious elevation climb UP.  I stayed the course only punishing myself marginally as I hit the top of the hardest climbs.  It was motivating to see a couple hiking the steepest section and being able to comfortably run and hop right around them to the top.  (I should be less competitive, I know.)

After that couple, however, I didn’t see another human being for 4 miles.  I did see another hungry coyote in the same wash as the last time I did the full Desert Classic.  Fortunately, he was alone – so I had almost nothing to fear.  (That doesn’t mean I didn’t grab a decent sized rock to carry through the wash and out.)

As usual for a Sunday on the DC, I maneuvered around Mountain Biker after Mountain Biker for the last couple of miles.  There were also a few runners – one even sported his Ragnar Relay shirt and we exchanged fast words about the upcoming race.  Less than two weeks!

This was one of the first times I never felt a need to drink my water or take any Gels.  I just ran and ran and ran – traversing the stunning landscape as the sun rose over the entire south valley of Phoenix.

As I hit the very end of the DC, I remember my good friend and running buddy, Ron, asking me if I’d ever observed the petroglyphs.  I admitted to him that I didn’t know there were any.  He was visibly offended and actually took the time to show me EXACTLY where they were by zooming in on Google-Maps.  I made certain to stop quickly and take a picture so Ron would know I listened to him and enjoyed the history of South Mountain.  Thanks, Ron!

Zoom in and you can see the Petroglyphs on the rocks behind me.

My watched beeped 11 miles right in front of my house – 1:48:01.  It was my best time, again!  That’s a 9:49 pace – which is excellent (for me) on this trail.  It’s hard and so incredibly rewarding!

And, at the finish-line!

Now its nap-time.  Thanks for reading, my friends!

More of the same, but different...

I would say this was more of a fun week of workouts than anything else.

On Monday evening, after a nice easy 12 mile ride with Matt in the morning, I got a call from Spin-Steve (or better known as my swim coach) asking me if I might be interested in having him train me – really working on the combination of my swim, bike and run.  All three have gotten better this year, but he can tell I am definitely interested in getting even better.  That being said – I also have my sights on a 2014 Ironman, so I need to seriously consider whether this is something I can (financially) do.  Steve is in incredible shape and has been such an asset to me in the water – I am tempted, but it would mean a lot of changes in my work-out-life should I take him up on it.

The best part of the hearing from Steve was the reason he asked me.  He told me that I listen and apply what I am taught – showing marked improvement with each lesson.  He said that I am the kind of athlete that gets him excited about training because he KNOWS I will get better.   I was admittedly hugely flattered.  I remain uncertain about it, but its under consideration.
Tuesday Matt and I did a great 4.5 mile run.  As predicted, Matt pushed me to finish strong, pulling a sub-8 last mile.  I didn’t know what it felt like until that morning, but boy do I love revisiting my Garmin data and seeing that 7:46/mile in the mix.

It was a chilly morning - head-gear returned.

Wednesday morning I went out for one of my tougher, hilly rides.  I was tired, but it didn’t stop me from hitting both of the huge hills that kill me in Ahwatukee.  It’s a wonderful sense of accomplishment when I get back to the house and realize that even with the horrible hill-work, I managed to stay over a 17 mph pace for the 18+ mile ride.

Feeling pretty accomplished!

One of the highlights of the week was Wednesday evening, however – another chance to fly with Dr. Roso!  He’d asked me earlier in the week if I wanted to do it – so I quickly asked my co-worker/friend, Erica, and we both met up at Roso’s house that evening.  The reason it had been several months since our last trapeze episode was because his school was shut down by the county.  He has a crazy neighbor that said the school traumatizes her horses.  (eye roll) – ‘cause her obnoxious dogs and horrendous backyard fires do wonders for her horses, I guess.
Regardless, a few of Roso’s friends came out and we all flew!  I am, by far, the most novice of the group, but I loved it.  The video below has nothing really special in it, but I was working on my “knee-hang” and finally nailed it.  I only hope the video uploads or this whole section will make no sense.   You should catch the end – I have a hysterical happy dance in the net.  
http://youtu.be/-lzURSpozqM

Thursday night I went to Masters Swim with Mike.  Oh my god was it awful.  My arms, pecs, abs/obliques, shoulders and neck muscles were ALL sore from Trapeze the evening prior.  I had NO idea how bad off I was until I tried swimming sprints (6 x 50 meters at :55 seconds each).  I was an embarrassment.  Finally Mike asked what was going on with me – as I was missing the mark by 5-10 seconds a lot.  I confessed to the trapeze – and fortunately he was impressed enough to let me off the hook for sucking!  I managed to make it through about 1900 meters before the class ended, but it was the first time in a couple of weeks I couldn’t finish the whole workout in the designated hour.  I hope this/next week is better!

Since Matt and I had planned to do our Ragnar-Prep-Double Runs on Sunday, we went out for an easy ride on Friday morning – and he made me promise I would do almost nothing on Saturday.  I reassured him that (at most) I would swim a little on Saturday morning, but that I planned to babysit Sean and Lyla on Friday night, so I would likely not be up early enough for a run or ride.

I love when we accidentally match!

Of course, 20 minutes after I arrived at Anne’s to babysit, I get a sad-apologetic-email from Matt explaining that he forgot Sunday was Superbowl Sunday, and could we PLEASE do our doubles on Saturday, instead.

Saturday morning, Matt arrived at my house at 5am for the first of our two runs.  As soon as we headed out, I could feel my obliques and pecs screaming at me to stop.  Figuring the run wouldn’t kill them, I cried about it for a minute and then resolved to shut up for the remainder of the 6 miles.  And what an incredible run it was.  Jesus does Matt make me work hard.  The first 6 mile run was through the foothills with the long, drawn-out 3 mile climb from mile 1.5-4.5.  He kept me at sub-9’s the whole time – just fast enough to make me happy, but not so fast that I would be wasted for our second run.  Our final overall pace was an 8:49.  I cannot complain.

1 of 2 - done!

After a day of running errands, Matt was back at my house by 7:45pm for our second Ragnar-Prep-Run.  This time I asked if he wanted to switch it up and maybe do a different route.  He was game; so off we went.  We both remarked about how good we felt and weren’t worried about the 6 miles in front of us – a mere 13 hours after the completion of the last run.  As we made our way through mile 3, I could feel my body beginning to fatigue and I tried to stay focused.  Of course, I looked down at my watch as it buzzed 3 miles and realized Matt had pushed me to run an 8:10 – and I am pretty certain I said something like, “hey look, a**hole, if you want me to finish these 6, we’re going to need to slow down!”  Matt’s reaction?  Laughter.  And, then more laughter.  He did let up a little, but was not going to put up with anything in the 9 min/mile range.  So, quietly, I gasped my way through the next few miles.  I think I even remarked at one point in the last mile that I no longer cared if I was ever faster than Matt – at that point all I could think about was keeping up with him.  I admit it – he’s simply faster.  A lot faster.  But, as our watches beep 6 miles, we’d clocked just over 51 minutes and an 8:39 overall pace.  ON OUR SECOND RUN OF THE DAY, PEOPLE!  This is kind of a big deal.  I expect a reaction out of all of you!

So happy!  2 of 2 - DONE!  (And 65-70 degrees!)

We had a couple of my “Mer’s Finish Line Ales” when we got back to my house (Thank you @DSMitch).  It was the first time I was willing to share what remains of my stash.  I thanked Matt profusely for pushing me like he did.  I still feel hugely accomplished!

Anne at the end of her 8.7 miler!

This morning I met Anne for breakfast after her 1st of two Ragnar-Prep runs.  I will be going back to her house to witness her complete #2, this evening.  I am excited for her.  After breakfast, we took the kids to the zoo.  It’s the greatest thing in the world to watch two kids enjoy the zoo – and it makes you appreciate all that they know.  “Look, Mer’dit, a baby-Zeebah.”  Here are some great shots from this morning.

Lyla had a tough time finding the camera.

Sean loved the HUGE tortoise!

Sean helped me walk his stroller all morning.

No rest for the weary!

Strangely, the highlights of this week’s workouts are the book-ends.  After a fantastic high at Sunday’s half Marathon – Matt asked Jim and me to ride out (easy) to Maricopa and back on Monday, late morning – since we all had the day off.  I admittedly texted Matt early on Monday to let him know that I was pretty sore from my race and if he wanted to “get after it”, I would bail and let him simply ride with Jim.  He wasn’t having it and told me we would all stick together – at whatever pace my legs could muster.

So, at 10am – the three of us hit the road for a 35 mile ride out and back.  Honestly, we could not have asked for more perfect weather.  It was SUCH a change from the sub-freezing temps on the century ride a mere 8 days prior.  And, of course, we ALL commented several times as we headed out about how fortunate we were.

The ride out to Maricopa was awesome.  We agreed to take 1 mile pulls off the front the whole way out and – while I think I may have been the only one who seriously stuck to that plan – the ride was easy and a lot of fun.  It almost seemed too good to be true, as we hit 21-22 mph the entire way out.

The half-way point came and we took a rest at a local Circle K so Matt and Jim could take care of business.  And, as Matt came out and Jim went in – I asked, “so, do you suppose we’ll hit a decent amount of wind on the way back, since the way out was such a piece of cake?”  Matt nodded, “yep – that’s exactly what I was thinking!”

Sure enough, we hit the road to head back and were faced with some fairly decent winds – sometimes only relieved by a passing semi or a large line of oversized vehicles.  However, I was still feeling really good and I knew I could push out 3 minutes at any pace (the approx. time on the front when doing 1 mile pulls at 20 mph).   Matt took the lead first and kept us over 21 mph, even with the winds.  I tried to minimally keep us over 20 and we all took turns making it so!  Every so often, I would glance at my Garmin to see that we had maintained well over 20 mph, which was incredible motivation to keep it up there for the rest of the ride.

As we finished off 30 miles and turned into the reservation to head back to Ahwatukee, I could tell Matt really wanted that 20 mph AVS – so we kept it up, but only for a smidge longer.  We were all pretty tired from the 12 mile windy, return trip.  In an effort not to lose anyone, we backed off in the last few miles to enjoy the temps again and chat with each other.  However, I do admit, that in our last couple of miles, Matt and I got incredibly competitive and in a last ditch effort to kick the other one’s ass, we pulled away (FAST) from Jim and sprinted for about 2/3’s of a mile – speeds over 25 mph after some hard work coming back from Maricopa.  All we could do was laugh at each other as Matt screamed ahead of me.  We both didn’t last long, but it certainly was fun to give it one last “go”.

Jim bailed on stopping at the Park ‘n Ride where my car was parked, so he didn’t make it into the blog shot.  But he was there – so you’ll have to imagine an older dude with blondish-white hair who stands FAR taller than the two of us and has a couple more wrinkles.

I hit the Masters Swim class on Tuesday night and was beaten to a pulp by Amy – our drill instructor.  You never know what you’re going to get in her class and Tuesday was ALL about the upper body – almost NO kick-work at all.  I can’t even describe the kinds of drills she had us do, but suffice it to say, I was surprised I could raise my arms above my head when all was said and done.  The nice thing about some of these drills, though – I can REALLY see a difference in my 100 meter times, as a result.  Since starting Masters Swim, I have knocked nearly 20 seconds off – and over the course of a mile, that’s like 5 ½ minutes.  It really excites me for the upcoming Tri season!

Wednesday morning I got a text from Matt saying he hadn’t slept and wouldn’t be joining me for our planned 4.5 mile run.  In truth, I didn’t care.  My body ached from the ½ marathon, the 35 mile crazy ride and the hard swim the night before.  I had absolutely nothing in me and everything seemed to hurt.  It would have been irresponsible of me to have gone out alone – so I opted to reset my alarm, too, and grab an extra hour of sleep.

By Friday morning we were both feeling ourselves again and we hit Pecos Road for a 16-18 mile strong ride.  I don’t think anyone really understands how important it can be to have a work-out friend and I don’t want to EVER look a gift-horse in the mouth – so I am just going to say, I hope Matt is as grateful to have me willing to wake up at some un-godly hour as I am that he is (willing).  I gazed at Matt’s tail-light on his bike for the majority of the ride out Pecos Road, trying desperately to even up our wheels.  I refused to draft off him because I wanted to own it with no help, but I struggled.  It seemed every moment I got close to his tire, he’d up the ante and push even harder to stay in front.  At the half way point, Matt knew he’d gotten me pissy – not in an upset way, but in a venom-I’m-going-to-try-to-kick-your-ass-way on the way back.

Sadly, I never did – but I came damn close!  We were neck ‘n neck for most of the ride back and only briefly foiled by 3 runners about 30 seconds apart on Pecos Road.  It certainly botched our mojo and as we crested the hardest hill at Desert Foothills, we both backed off and laughed at the other.  We’d worked our asses off – both of us.  I never quite caught Matt, but I was right there, ready to make it happen.  Without the challenge, I don’t know that I would have been able to pull nearly 18.5 mph for the entire Pecos ride!

Strangely, I had a mid-work-morning run with my former running buddy, Lora, on Friday, as well.  I needed to design a route for an upcoming MCC/Mesa United Way 5K and Lora was willing to put on a pair of running shoes to keep me company.  It was really nice to spend a half hour chatting it up with Lora as we remembered what it was like pulling 18-20 mile long runs prior to the 2011 marathon.   The route is now marked and the weather was amazing at 10am – well worth the second workout!

I got up on Saturday morning and headed back to the gym for a newly-offered Saturday Masters Swim class.  As I got there I saw Spin-Steve getting into the pool for his work-out.  He’s had several dreadful falls/crashes on his bike in the last several months, so the pool was not in his work-out regimen for some time, so it was awesome to get into the pool with him prior to the start of my class.  He wasn’t there for the class, but only two of us showed up for the class anyway, so he simply stayed in the lane next to me while I pulled serious sprint drills for Mike, the Masters coach.  I felt like I had two coaches for a full hour in the pool.  What Mike wouldn’t catch in my form, Steve would.  “Calm down, Mer – you’re working too hard.  Focus on stretching, reaching and gliding,” Steve would remind me.

But ultimately, it was Mike’s comment toward the end of class that made my hard workout worth it, that morning.  “I love watching you swim, Meredith.  Even during the longer (300 meter) sprints, you keep your form consistent, like you could go on for miles, never breaking form.”  I have worked so damn hard on my form in the last 6 months (thanks, mostly to Steve) that it was literally music to my ears.  But, again, I could barely move after 1900 meters of straight timed sprint work.  OUCH!!!!

But I mentioned “book-ends” at the beginning of the blog, so it won’t surprise you to know that today was another great highlight of the work-out-week.

Yep, Matt made me rise for a 5am run (on a Sunday, no less).  We both have some of the longer runs in our Ragnar Relay (3+ weeks away) so we’re focusing on those distances.  This morning was the tough long hilly 7.5 Ahwatukee run – the one I try to get into a workout at least once a month.  The heavy rains in the valley this weekend made it, once again, impossible for me to hit the trails, so this is the next best route to keep ones elevation legs in check.

I KNEW Matt would push me – especially after I had done so well the weekend prior in the ½ marathon.  Matt needed a good long-ish run, too.  (Its also worth mentioning that a couple of months ago I was seen teary-eyed in his office at work because he was injured and wouldn’t be able to push me to go faster on my runs.  I am occasionally selfish and only think of myself when others are injured.  It’s a failed quality – I’m working on being more caring.)

As we climbed the toughest section in mile 5, Matt said, “You’re doing great, Mer.  Just over a 9 min mile, uphill.”  And as we crested the top of the hilly section, we both gave it everything ‘til the end.  Every remaining mile got faster and faster until Matt finally pulled away from me in the last ½ mile to really make me work for my breakfast.  I could see my pacing going down, down and down.  I couldn’t get near him, as he had me gasping for the finish line.  8:49 overall pace – even with the hills and long stretches up.  Another personal record for me.  Again – tears or not, having a work-out partner really makes me fight for it.

Click on it to see the negative splits he put me through in the last 3.5 miles.

It was 95% humidity (and a little drizzly) -- see the water beads on my head.  Super cool!

Shortly after my high wore off – I met Anne at the end of her 3.5 mile run.  We enjoyed a lovely breakfast at the Chandler Airport and then spent a couple hours with the kiddos.  We danced, we sang, and we played with dinosaurs!  

Anne at the end of her run!

Moments after she finished!

Sean insisted he be allowed to wear his dinosaur costume while lining up his animals.

Lyla, Anne and Me -- always something in Lyla's mouth!

PR, PR, and PR, Baby!

Oh my gosh – oh my gosh!

Ok, so I really wanted to spend some time detailing how I’d pushed out some great runs earlier this week and a nice ride with Matt.  And, then I wanted to go into detail about my AMAZING Masters Swim class on Thursday night – but seriously, those all take a backseat to this morning, so all I can do is show you a couple of pics and move on.  (smile)

Our Thursday morning ride - finally not sub-freezing temps!

Not my fave pic, but whatever -- I ran FAST: 8:37 pace for 4.7 miles!

Yesterday morning I woke up ready to meet the girls for a morning at the Expo.  I had a few beers the evening before with my good friends Mike and Hannah – so my head was swimming a little from the 10% Buckin Monk Tripple I had consumed (unknowingly 10%, mind you – when it came in a snifter, I became a smidge nervous, I’ll confess).   Regardless, I pulled myself together and hopped the lightrail with Loretta for an easy ride into the city to the Phx Convention Center.

There Loretta and I happened upon Josh and asked him to join the rest of us for our trip through the expo.  He was game for all of 20 minutes before he realized he was shopping with several serious ladies – and it was a little much for him.  We wished him well on his run and settled into the expo.

Josh and Loretta -- obligatory blog-shot!

Anne is silly -- see!  (Amy, Mer, Loretta, Josh and Anne's arm)

All I can say is – Anne and Amy can try on headbands for 30 minutes.  Really, need I say more?  (eye roll)  I love them to bits, but shopping is simply not my thing – well, not like its “their” thing.  Anne brought her mom (also a seasoned shopper) and the-beautiful-Lyla to the Expo, so at least I had my fill of adorable children while I tapped my foot at every stop we made.  (wink)

We're holding shitty wine - VERY shitty wine that I tossed out after this was taken.

Lyla - sooooo dang cute!

After the expo I went home to sulk.  I don’t know that I have ever been that nervous before a run – at least not in recent history.  I chewed off every morsel of skin on my right (and left) thumb and consumed myself with worry about not hitting the Sub-2 hour ½ marathon.  I knew I was capable, but sometimes the brain and body breakdown and give you the old “eff YOU” somewhere around mile 9 or 10.

But, I awakened this morning after a solid night’s sleep determined not to worry about it.  I had somehow convinced myself that I was just as capable as anyone else who has worked as hard as I had.

Kris picked me up at 6am and we landed at the starting line with plenty of time to hit the porta-potties a couple of times before heading into our corrals.  Anne and Amy joined us a bit later and then we dispersed to our respective corrals.

Kris and Me -- ready to run!

Anne and Me -- as the sun was starting to rise.

I had switched my starting corral from 9 to 5 the day prior so I would be with runners gunning for a sub-2 time.  Corral 9 had 2:05’ers and I wasn’t having it.  And, as I stood shivering in the corral ( ½  nerves, ½ 48 degree temps), I buddied up to a few really nice guys – one from Cleveland and another from Seattle.  We all wanted that sub-2 hour time and it was fun to talk about it.  I wish I remembered their bib #’s but I don’t – so I’ll never know.  Shortly before our corral began to inch forwardaI sweet, young girl-student from UofA chimed in and also talked about wanting the sub-2.  It was refreshing to know I was among those just as concerned and nervous as I about not hitting our mark.

But, as usual, as the horn sounded for our corral to cross the starting line, my new friends were never seen again.

The first few miles felt pretty easy.  Although, I looked at my watch after passing the Mile 1 marker and realized I went out of the gate a bit faster than I should have if I wanted to try to keep a steady pace (8:36 mile), so I slowed it down a lot for miles 2 and 3.  Shortly after passing the Mile 3 marker, a beautiful woman – maybe a few years younger than me, tapped me on the shoulder to ask what my pace was.  I glanced at my watch and said, “9:01-9:02; a sub-2 hour pace”.  She smiled and thanked me and then made it her mission to stick around me for the entirety of the race.  I had my music on fairly loudly, but I think we both enjoyed knowing that the other was right there, if we needed a pick-me-up.

Mile 3-7 were just fine – I was pacing well (sub-9 min miles) and felt strong.  I almost forgot to take a gel around mile 7.5, but something clicked as I could see the Papago Hills in front of me.  I knew I would need a little jolt to help me continue my pace.

By mile 8 we had begun our ascent through Papago and no one was really happy.  The hills aren’t particularly hard – but they’re long and seem never-ending.  My times were just over a 9 minute mile for a couple miles, but it was ok.  I knew I had saved up some time from my prior 8 miles.

As I passed mile 10, I could see the descent in the distance and was really excited.  It felt like I was flying down miles 11 and most of 12, but that last mile through Tempe is always a killer.  Rio Salado has some elevation.  Its not enough to break you down completely, but it is enough to depress you and make you desirous of the finish.  About a ¼ mile from the end, I looked to my left and there, at my side, was the lovely woman from mile 3.  Evidently, I had paced her the entire run.  We grinned at each other and sprinted to the end.

As I glanced down at my watch to see the time, I could only smile.  I had done it – another PR – and this time it was a sub-2 hour ½ marathon!  1:58:03 – My Garmin says I went an extra tenth maneuvering in and out of people along the way, but I’ll take it.

I smiled my way through the finishers chute, grabbing a banana and water – looking for my colleague and friend, Christina.  (She had run the mini-marathon with another colleague, Mark.)

Two proud ladies: Me and Christina!

Shortly after I finished, Kris joined the 3 of us with her own Personal Best: 2:23.  And, then Anne crossed the finish line with another PR: 2:33.  It was a banner day for all of us and I cannot tell you how excited I was to be standing there in the reunion area with so many of my closest friends and co-workers.  Running is my thing, I know – and nothing makes me happier than to enjoy victory with all of them!

We all got 2nd medals for completing both Vegas and Phx: The Desert Double Down

Anne, Amy and Me

Ken, Me, Christina and Mark

Kudos to everyone who ran: Christina, Mark, Ken, Anne, Loretta, Dan, Amy, Kris and Josh!  We have much to be proud of, today – so go enjoy a beer and dessert!  You earned it!

Sean only wanted me at the end -- it was better than a medal!  And then he wanted to run... see below!