October Rewind

October I'd like to think is where I started to find my groove again. Not only was I slowly adding more miles back in, but my knee pain started to be just a slight pang and more manageable to deal with. My paces are coming back every so often, however I'm still having runs that are completely "off" and seem harder than they should. Time and consistency should help to alleviate those.

Total Mileage:  78! Daily Mile tells me that this is the highest mileage month in over a year. A year people!!! Should I be excited I'm getting back into the swing of things, or ashamed at the last 12 months??

Highest Mileage week: 22- I attribute that to Bourbon Chase

Races Planned / Completed: 2/2

Bourbon Chase the 2nd time around- Recap

Team "Ball so hard we ran our HasselHoff"

Ragnar Relay TN 4th time going strong-- recap to come, but spoiler alert- we took 1st in our division

Team "Comin' in Hot!"

New to Me: (Because you should always be trying something new) 

October wrapped up my #30dayofnew challenge, so once that was complete, I was MORE than happy to just lay low and be a hermit for a bit. I think 4 weeks of something new deserves a break  

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Other fun ventures in October:

• Pumpkin Patch Season!!! Until I have kids, there is nothing wrong like acting like a kid :) 

• After continually attending the cornhole tournament at fat bottom and never winning a single game (embarrassing), we finally managed to squeak out a win. I'll be practicing for when this starts up again in the spring.

• Learning to spend some quality time with my hot glue gun to finalize my Halloween costume. 

• And although no photos, I did a LOT of organizing, purging, and switching out the summer wardrobe for fall / winter--- call me crazy but thats still exciting to me!!! 

Current Excitements/ Obsessions:

• Leaving today to St. Louis to meet up with 2 of my high school buddies (one of which I haven't seen in 10 years) to catch up and even do a Cupcake 5k. I signed up as an "eater". Apparently I can choose to have a small cupcake where I'm given a 2 min deduction from my time or a large cupcake where I'll be given a 5 min deduction from my time. Go big or go home--- with all these deductions this should be my fastest 5k EVER! 

• Excited to go home for Thanksgiving. Although I've been home more this year than I have in the last 5, its still nice to go back every so often. I'm glad to continue the tradition with my brother in doing our Turkey Trot 5 mile race together. 

So far every year I've gotten faster, initially I thought I couldn't do repeat this trend, however looking at my recap of last year I see I ran a 7:25 pace. My 4.2 mile run last weekend in Ragnar was exactly that, so maybe there is still a chance?

Current Songs: 

Have you seen the new Chanel No.5 commercial with Giselle? They use a remake version of Grease's "You're the Want" that I adore. Give me a guy with brown hair, blue eyes, and facial hair and I will melt...

Current Treat

There is something about cold weather that makes baked goods more appealing. I made 2 delicious treats I loved so much, they were repeated and then brought into the office for all to enjoy

• Pumpkin Muffins made with Schlafly Pumpkin Ale 

I had a lot of people ask for this recipe--- honestly I just took a box mix and replaced the water portion with beer (and added a little more for good measure) and instead of egg I replaced with 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree and a little bit of applesauce. 

• Lavendar Sugar cookies

Back in May I purchased this delectable lavendar vanilla sugar from a spice shop here in Franklin. I loved it so much that when my parents came to visit in August I took them to said shop again and stumbled across edible lavendar. I tried to make them in pancakes however I used too much which caused terrible indigestion and 'heart burn' for me. Weird right? Aside from that, pancakes just weren't the right vehicle as they were too heavy. It dawned on me later that sugar cookies might be worth a try and OH MY GOODNESS - YESSSSS!!!! Again I just took a sugar cookie recipe and then did about 1 tablespoon of lavendar and rubbed in my palm before mixing into the batter. Once I put on cookie sheet I then sprinkled with my lavendar vanilla sugar and put in oven. They are so unique and delicious. Everyone in my area now thinks I'm this advanced baker, jokes on them. 

Current Goal (s):  

I think the fact that I'm even ready to start making goals is a huge step in the right direction. For now I'm going to keep them simple:

• Find / Organize a team for Ragnar Trail ATL
• Scope out and decide when I want to tackle the half marathon distance again
• Run consistently 3x week
• See more of those 7s on my watch

October Takeaway

I can say first hand that there is nothing more frustrating (to me) when it comes to running to know what you're capable of and being so far from hitting it. This has been my story since about February. Rather than do anything about it, I just accepted I needed some time off and until I make running a priority I shouldn't expect anything grand. Something changed in my mindset in September, I'm thinking it was the fact that I had 2 relays to run, but I started to care again. I have to say it feels good and bad all at the same time. Good that I WANT to run and have actually made an effort to rearrange items to make that happen vs. only doing it when its convenient. Bad in the sense that I am competitively natured and I want to push myself to get to where I once was but the practical side in me says "too much too soon = further injury". 

While I try to find my balance and place again in the running world, I'm just happy its starting to click!

Five for Friday

 For Friday

ONE: I have learned that my body does not respond well to traveling combined with not drinking water. Last week once I landed in Nashville from the LONG night of travel I was waiting for the shuttle to take me to my car and I looked down at my legs and was shocked at how swollen I was. For 2 days I upped my water consumption and by the third day I was finally back to normal

No more cankles!!!!

TWO:  CELEBRATIONS!!!I am so fortunate to be surrounded by so many amazing people.

 About once or twice a month we do a "Wine @ 5" (but really at 4) social gathering where someone hosts the event and brings in a few bottles of wine and snacks. We all catch up and unwind before heading out for the weekend. Last Friday the wine @ 5 was in my honor!!

They tried to bring in some Hawaiin items with the pineapple and pound cake- rest of the food was delicious. Everyone brought in different sports medals and trophies and the entire area was covered in accomplishments--- wish I had thought to take a photo of all the trophies.

The second celebration came Monday night- roommate made two melt in your mouth cakes to have for a mini party at our Monday night group run. My only request that there be some type of oreos involved

Cake on the left is hard to make out but it says "Congrats Lisa! 50 x 13.1" Cake on the right is an awesome runner. After our blistery cold run we all hung around and chatted with food, beer, and cake--- even a few strangers joined in on the celebration.  A few of my friends who are not in our run group came as well and Sarah gave me such a thoughtful gift- personalized pint glass with date of my last race and my 2 favorite candy- reese cups and Haribo gummy bears... she's a keeper. 

THREE: Tuesday night was the last night in our trivia league... we went out with a bang and finished FIRST that night!!

In 2 weeks we meet up to play with the top 5 teams in each league in Nashville, and if we place that night, then move on to Mississippi for a chance to win $25,000. Very unlikely we will win, but we've had so much fun in the process! 

FOUR:  Over the last month I've been focusing a lot more on cross training with different types of cardio and weights. I found a groove with Tuesday and Thursday R.I.P.P.E.D class for an hour--- although I'm not the most coordinated, its still fun to try new things and already see progress both in the mirror, but also in the ease of doing some moves

First day kicked our butts

My focus for the time being is less on running (although I'll still do it) and more on getting my body back into fitness shape instead of just running shape. This means building my strength and flexibility. In doing so, combined with proper eating, this will enable to ultimately reach what I consider 'racing weight'. I have no desire to create another goal that involves running a large # of races, I do however have a desire to hit some lower times- one of the ways to do that is to shed some lbs. 

FIVE:  I found my next very LAST MINUTE adventure. Some colleagues from work are doing the Ragnar Arizona (Del sol)  next month and asked me this week if I wanted to tag along. This is actually a work 'team building' event for the core group that I'm crashing, so the focus is on having fun and not being competitive-- change of pace for me, but I'm ready for change.  I'm also excited to cross another Ragnar in a different location off my belt- Once this is complete I'll have 5 down, 11 more to go. 

Thinking about it... I would like to do another relay this year in a different location, so if you are putting together a team in a non crossed off location and need a runner, hit me up!!! 

Friday Favorites

Although life has been very busy and running has equated to 1-2x / week, lots of fun things happening.

1. Ragnar! (TN)
Tennessee Ragnar is approaching and since our company is the corporate sponsor, I had the privilege of working alongside race direct, Jesse, on having him come out for an information session and to go over logistics. He gave out a bunch of free swag which I ALWAYS welcome with open arms.

Our team is S L O W L Y getting together, but I'm super pumped that after 2 years in van 2, I'll finally get to be in van 1 so it will be a whole new relay for me!

2. Ragnar (CA)
Originally I was hoping to join Elizabeth for the Nuun Adirondacks Ragnar team, however due to timing with deadlines at work it was a no go. As divine intervention would have it, yesterday my trusty relay buddy Scott asked if I wanted to join their Ragnar Trail Vail Lake team Nov 15/16 in CA--- naturally I immediately looked at my race schedule to make sure it didn't conflict with Oklahoma's Route 66 (state FREAKIN 49!) , whew week after, and said yes. I've never done the trail series (8 people vs. 12 and no vans) so I'm excited for something new!

3. Now that summer is winding down, our 6 week Thursday night free concert series, Live on the Green, has kicked off in Nashville.

There are always 2 openers and a headliner. Last week was the ever energetic and entertaining Matt and Kim (LOVED them) If you have the opportunity to see them, and you like to dance and have a good time, you will not be disappointed. Last night was Matt Nathanson... he was hilarious, but his music was okay. My highlight was having fried chicken and waffles for the first time

\

and hanging out with two of my highly entertaining friends- I haven't laughed that much in a long time. (apparently I don't clap on cue and they were secretly taking videos of my non rhythm. 

4. My calf has been going back and forth in the pain and tightness department... hence the barely double digit weeks over the last month. Luckily, my roommate is a PT and she is willing to do what she can to make me run again. This is the 2nd time she has done dry needle therapy on me (first time was back and June), and this time the results were MUCH more positive. My foot started tingling and going numb, my whole lower leg was achy,  and I had difficulty walking... thats how its working doncha know? No really, the next day my leg felt SO MUCH better. I've only ran on it once since then, but I have confidence it will be fine this weekend... 

5. Tomorrow I leave to meet up with Kim for state # 43, South Dakota. This is the first week of 5 in a row where I knock out some states. Originally I had secretly planned to do the full for this race because it starts at 6,000 ft and ends at 3,000- thought this would be a BQ friendly course. Then training slacked off and I realized it wouldn't be pretty, so I decided to remain just running the half. Its still downhill starting at 5,000 and ending at 2,000, so now I'm torn if I want to shoot for sub 1:40 if my leg will cooperate. Kim's been taking names and kicking ass with her training plan... mine has been non existent as running has taken a backseat the last month or so.

6.

 A few weeks ago, I was informed B wasn't able to  make Maple Leaf 1/2  which is in Manchester, Vermont with me. I was a little concerned because most of the other VT races conflicted with my schedule, and I AM finishing in January so I NEED to do VT this fall. Finally I just said screw it and I would do a quick in and out solo on this one. As I was getting ready to book my flight I thought maybe mom would want to come for another mini mom/daughter vacation? I'm pretty sure she hasn't been to VT and it will be gorgeous beginning of september. She agreed and so now it will be 2 days in VT vs. just the race. I think she may do the 5k option as well... I swear if her medal is bigger than mine AGAIN, I will be disappointed.
I think they are both the same glass with maple leaf imprint, but 5k and half marathon are different colors?

Anyone out there run a trail ragnar or trail relay race?

This will be my first trail anything race!

Any recommendations on what to see in or around Manchester, VT? (its southern part of state) 

Trusty friend, Headlamps, and Ragnar!

I'm always willing to try new things. I've been in Saucony shoes the past 1.5 years (grew up a Nike girl through and through) and although they did the job, I just felt like maybe I should try something different.

About 1 month ago I bought the Saucony Mirage shoes to try and replace my Saucony Guide. My reasoning behind it was I wanted something with a lighter feel so I could go faster in races. The mirages were touted as a light stability race shoe. As much as I hated to admit it, even with my first run in them, my IT band started acting up again. Me being stubborn kept running in them, and it got to the point where I realized I was about to go into full blown ITBS, so I stopped wearing them all together and chalked it up as a learning experience. 

After my Shoe rotation post, I received a lot of comments from people saying how they've been in the same shoe for a long time and don't plan on switching- guess there is nothing wrong with having a trusty friend on my feet :)  Thanks to Jill H, she informed me that Fleet Feet will actually exchange shoes, despite me having 40 or so miles on them, so I could go and get the updated version of my pair! I went yesterday to pick up my trusty guides. 

  

Guess how much I spent...... if you said $40 you were correct. Shoes were free since they were same price as the ones I exchanged them for. Nuun, (which ive never tried and am excited to do so)  in strawberry lemonade was $7 and change, and my headlamp was $30. This isn't an ordinary headlamp....it has farther visibility and has a blinking setting... not to mention I look classy wearing it

Why a headlamp?!!? Glad you asked- I have 2 Ragnars within 2 weeks of eachother this fall, + I know there will be another all blogger Ragnar that I've been in the talks with several ladies about in the upcoming future. I have down right now that there are 5 for sures, so if you are wanting to run in a Ragnar with us, comment or email me so we can finalize details!

Get Excited! 

Need a team name!

So we have our Ragner Relay Vegas team all set and now we're looking for a team name / theme.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with what i'm talking about- one of the unique aspects about doing a relay is the whole "fun" environment. Your team of 12 has to choose a team name, and generally pick a theme that correlates to your team name and decorate your vans and well as yourself to show off your creativity. Here are a few examples of themes I've taken from the Ragnar Relay Facebook HERE

I put the 80s theme last because I really like it since its practical for running, fun, bright, and versatile. 

I've been to a few race expos that have really outrageous spandex shorts like this: 

which can be found @ Exercise shorts 4 u in all different styles. I thought this could be fun if either

• we all wore the same type of shorts so we're matching
• or 6 people choose a certain color scheme and then they have a twin for the other van (2 vans of 6) 

Thats all I got for now, but I figured out would pose the question to the blog world:

What ideas do you have that are fun, easy to run in, and would be doable for 12 people to dress up as?

My legs of the race

1st leg- 5.8 miles- Down the Mountain
So I've had digestive issues / queasy stomach all day, and the closer it comes to my race the worse I feel. I'm nervous about my first run because the first 4 miles are straight down hill. To someone that doesn't run that much that may sound awesome, but for this girl who has to watch her knees, hips, and today her stomach, its less than appealing.
Because it was after 4:15 pm (race rules) I had to wear my reflective vest and my head lamp to ensure safe running. After one last bathroom stop, started to take off my layers and situate my bib on my shorts and already they were calling me "Team 159!!"

Kristy is the runner before me, and I might add shes FAST- generally she was averaging 7:45 mile splits. So needless to say I was unprepared, no warm up or stretch (in 30 degrees) and literally had to run to the chute so I could be there to receive the hand off (a neon green slap bracelet).

Kristy getting ready to hand off to me.

Just like that I was off. Right away I had my first 'kill' (term we used in reference to when we passed someone) and then I was all alone. First 1/2 mile was so so- legs felt great, breathing was good, jamming to my music- all was well. Something happened once mile 1 hit- don't know if it was because my first mile was too fast, or if the gu I had earlier didn't agree with me, but I felt sick- on both ends. I can deal with pain in my muscles, however I had yet to experience this type of pain while running. Deep inside my stomach (ladies think day before your 'gift') it felt like someone was punching me, and from the other end it felt like I hadn't gone to the bathroom in days.... so as you can imagine, I've had better runs.
Its hard to go slow down hill, so adjusting my pace accordingly wasn't an option, and the pounding of the pavement only made things worse. Within a few min I ended up throwing up briefly- never exercise induced vomit before.  To say I felt great afterward would be an overstatement, however it was much more tolerable.
It's dark now, I'm the only one of the road, I have about a foot wide of running space, I'm cranky. Luckily as  I turn a corner I see my teammates and dad pulled over, screaming my name and ringing that cowbell- sucking it up I speed up. I don't know if its a good trait to have, or bad, but generally when there are people cheering / spectating I have a tendency to pick up my pace while in their presence- today it was a good thing.

Few more minutes go by and I notice that there are now cones to block off more of the road- more running room, YES!!! I soon realize I'm definitely going to need it. For about a full 1.5 min I was running a huge steep downhill against traffic- nice to be in middle of road vs. running on the speed grooves on the edge of the painted lines. Lucky for me during this steep downhill action, I happen to pass my teammates again so it helps to keep up the pace... another kill!

Hard to see, but tackling the huge downhill 

Finally after 4+ miles I believe I'm officially down the mountain and  now its just flat- thank goodness! Unfortunately because it was so cold and my muscles were constricting my arm band I use to hold my phone so i can listen to music wouldn't stay put and kept sliding down to my elbow pit. After 30 sec of it being repositioned it would slide right back down again- frustrating. I'm the type of person that HAS to listen to music because I can't stand listening to my own breathing, so I took off my band and decided to just run while holding my phone. In this process I wasn't paying close attention to the ground and I tripped and fell- at least a passing by Ragnar van stopped and asked if I was ok.

When I get up I can see 2 blinking red lights in the distance (all runners have to wear a blinking light on back of vest or pants) my new goal- catch those lights! After a few minutes of closing the gap my music stops playing- great. Its cold, I can see my breath, I can hear my own heaving breathing, I can barely see anything (found out later I didn't have my headlight lamp on full blast) and now I have nothing to occupy my mind. Is this run over yet?

Eventually I'm about 30 feet behind my 2 blinking light runners, excited to add 2 more kills to my list; unfortunately one of them stops and walks over to the van on the other side of the road- it was a guy helping to pace his teammate... at least I got 1 kill in.

1 mile marker left- wooooooooo. Nothing eventful happened here, got a kill, had a little uphill action and finally reached  the walkie talkie guys so they could see my bib and announce to the chute which runners were approaching so my teammates were ready for the exchange. Since I'm runner 12, the last runner of my van, I hand off to the first runner of van 1. These are larger exchange points because you're switching which van is 'on' and which van now gets to rest- thats US!!!!! Another bonus is its nice to have the extra cheering and of course see your entire team as well. After I hand off to Arthur (6:30pm) I say goodbye to my dad who is going to meet us in Nashville the next morning and head out to grab some real food with van 2. Sirenora granola bars, trail mix, and bottled water- its dinner time. 

1st Break Time

After driving around for awhile in who knows where podunk Tennessee, and having my suggestion of Waffle House get rejected, we decide on Larry's BBQ to eat. This was definitely an experience- Less than 500sq ft inside, country themed everything, and generations of photos all over the wall

It was nice to be able to sit down somewhere outside of our van, and the BBQ was good as well. The boys got a family meal of what the rest. liked to call 'loose meat' vs. pulled pork- had a good chuckle with that.  I decided on the baked potato with butter, cheese, bbq sauce, and loose meat.

In my defense, we ate probably around 7:00pm and my next run wasn't until about 2:00am- so this meal didn't affect any future runs. The plan was to leave here then head to our big exchange with van 1 so we could sleep for a bit before we get the call from then. Would have left sooner, however the owner of this place had to tell us every detail of how the restaurant came to be, and in all her excitement we didn't want to be rude.

After finishing our meal we make our way to next major exchange. Once there they have a station set up under one of the picnic areas for portable fire places, hot chocolate, coffee, snacks, and even a big screen w/ projector to watch movies. I'm am a wuss when it comes to the cold so I know there is no way I can actually sit outside and watch the feature- plus it was episodes of the office and pretty sure i've seen them all. On our walk back to the van you can see oodles of people in their sleeping bags both on the ground and on picnic benches trying to get some shut eye before they have to run again. Since none of us were feeling sleeping outside in 27 degree weather, we all  pile in the van to catch shut eye... waste of time. Everyone kept trying to reposition themselves to get comfortable, bags of food rustling anytime someone moved, people outside shouting, Sloan and Craig snoring in the fronts seats all kept me awake. Thankfully 11pm rolled around and we start to prepare to sent off Scottie for his first run.

2nd Leg- 3.5 mile 2am run
By the time its my turn to run, its a little after 2am. I line up outside the chute waiting for the volunteer to tell me my teammate is coming up the hill. Some other guy gets called up before me then I hear "Team 159!" Eventually we see the first runner coming up the hill- the guy turns to me and asked if that was my teammate bc he was waiting for a guy and this was definitely a girl- sure enough it was Kristy. Had a little chuckle as the volunteer exclaimed "holy crap she kicked that guys butt- I was told she was 10 sec behind the other guy and now shes prob 10 or 15 sec ahead of him!"  Can't help to wish I could be that fast. Get the 'baton' from her and off I go, hoping for for a quick 3.5 miles.
Within a minute I realize that in addition to being able to see my breath and my nose running, its also much harder  to breathe in this low 20s weather-just feels like I need to take quicker shallower breaths because the deep ones hurt.
On the positive side, my run is relatively flat, I have plenty of running room this time, and I have my headlamp on full brightness so I can see so much better than my previous run. I notice that it is starting to get brighter and before I could figure out  it was someone else's head lamp I got hawked down by the guy who I was waiting with at the chute- damn I was just somebody else's kill. Looking back now, I"m pretty sure all this happened within view of where my van pulled over to cheer my on- embarrassing.
Teammates Craig and Sloan were waiting for me on the side of the road to see if I needed water- in between breaths I ask if they can stop shortly with a tissue handy so I can blow my nose. A minute later I hear the pounding on pavement- oh great I'm about to get passed, nope just Sloan who caught up with me, tissue in hand... relief at last.
Shortly thereafter my music goes out- seriously?!!? Now the only thing to occupy my mind is gazing up at the stars- quite serene and breathtaking out in the country- just me, the road, and the night, could get used to this. Once I take my eyes from the sky I see a flashing red light ahead-  a new goal- catch that light! Finally catch up to it, some guy who is seriously struggling, took a break just sitting down on the ground. He gets up and tries to run and talk with me- I nonchalantly tell him its hard for me to breathe at night so I can't really talk but he doesn't get the hint and keeps asking questions. Slowly I speed up and eventually leave him in my dust- see ya! Pass the 1 mile left marker, no flashing lights in the distance so its just me alone on the road again. Finally see the walkie talkie which lets me know I'm close to the exchange, sure enough after I get up past a mini hill I see the chute and hear my teammates cheering me on! I hand off to Arthur and I'm done for the night.

2nd break time
We all grab some hot chocolate at a nearby tent and then make the drive to my place for some shut eye for a few hours before having to meet up at for our last exchange between the vans. Ended up being a very LONG 40 or so minute drive- comical to see Scottie try to keep Sloan awake at the wheel. Get back to my place around 3:30am, call Van 1 to confirm when they should call later to let us know to head out and then crash. Little after 6am get the call that we have 9 miles to gear up and head out. Our exchange between the vans is at Healthways, my work, only a quick 15 min drive, so we get there and have plenty of time to kill. Seems colder now, than it did for my 2am run- lets hope it gets warmer by the time I have to run. Eventually Brianna turned the corner and made her way to hand off to Scottie. Van 1 is officially done and we make plans to meet them at the finish line where i'll be bringing it in.

3rd leg 3.6 miles to finish line
As I'm waiting for the hand off from Kristy, I'm now starting to feel the effects of the lack of stretching, warm ups, cool downs, and being cooped up in a van has taken on my legs, at least its warmer out and this is my last leg and we're done with the whole relay!

Got baton from Kristy and headed off toward the finish line. Right away the guy in yellow ahead of me got passed, KILL! The first part of my run is actually an area of town I run often with one of my girlfriends so at least the familiarity of it made it pleasant, an as an added bonus, only one slight hill. About 1 mile in teammates and dad cheered me on before making their way to the finish line.

About 2 miles in I was running down a street in front of a row of bars and had to dodge a few people who wouldn't get out of the way- in the process I wasn't paying the best attention and a car came out of a hidden drive and knicked my  left calve, down I went- jerk didn't even ask if I was okay. After a bit my legs felt like lead and I had to do my run / walk combo a bit to stretch out. Apparently another guy had the same idea because he was doing the same thing, only more walking vs. running so he got passed, KILL!

Once I turn on to Church St, the final street before turning to the finish line, a girl catches up to me telling me how much this sucks and she hates running but her friend talked her into it blah blah blah and then she passes me! A girl who hates running, who didn't even want to do this relay, but yet is going faster than me, what the hell?!?! Mini goal- pass her back up and beat her to the finish- shouldn't be a problem because its pretty much all downhill at this point. After awhile I get some momentum going, let my legs carry me down the hill and then bam! stoplight. Since we are in the heart of downtown Nashville if you don't stop at the stop light, you will get hit. This happens about 3 times before we are past all the stop lights and then its go time. I see my entire team at the bottom of the hill cheering and screaming my name- see ya later other girl! So for whatever reason I thought if I just got to my team I was done, definitely not the scenario. After I pretty much kicked it in to them I turn the corner and actually see the finish line- its glorious, but I'm tired now.

Finish line actually much farther from the corner that this, was taken at a closer point from my dad. 

So I make my way toward the finish line- again not knowing the rules. Apparently your team is supposed to all run in together, and instead I'm in front of them just trying to get this run over with.

Coming down the home stretch with my team behind!

...Almost there!

The rest of "Runners of Walmart"

Close up L -R Christian, Craig, Arthur, Kristy

                                    Right when you finish they have a table filled with all sorts of snacks and candy!!!

Our full team "Runners of Wal-Mart" Back row L-R: Scott, Sloan, Craig, Kristy, Brianna, Arthur Christian, Sarah.
 Front row- Lindsay, Jess, Me, Shaun.

And we're done 28 hours 2 min- 195 miles from Chattanooga TN to Nashville, TN. Had an amazing time with a great group of people. I highly recommend for anyone who is looking for a challenge to definitely look into one of these overnight relays, something I'm sure you won't forget!


After showers and much needed naps Van 2, minus Kristy, hit the town for celebratory drinks, real food, and fun! Out of all the bars we picked downtown, we just happened to be next to the team of the girl who I passed on the downhill who 'hates running' 

                                                                         This is our "before" picture

And close to the 'after'