Wasatch Back Ragnar Relay 2011 - without Legally Dead???

I'm in denial.  I can't believe it. I WON'T believe it!

After a long history of running the Wasatch Back Ragnar Relay, our team, Legally Dead did not get in.

In years past, the race doesn't fill up until Spring, however this season, it was full in September 2010.  Imagine our captains surprise and dismay when he just happened to check in September only to find that it was full. 

 BIG. TEARS. FROM. ME.

Such a history for this team too.

The majority of the members have run every Wasatch Back except the first year it was ever held .The team was named Shinsplint Shufflers and Pace Makers before it was sponsored by Wayne's law practice and became Legally Dead.

(anyone who has run this relay, you will totally remember Mr Bones.  Our vans are NOT hard to miss!)

 Legally Dead has been in four consecutive Wasatch Backs.

None of us want to see that streak broken.  Granted, we are on a waiting list, but the uncertainty is killing us.

(last year at the start line)

 The saddest part is that many of the members of the team have or are overcoming injuries to run the race. Everyone has been training and rehabbing in preparation for the one race we all look forward to!

Sheesh, if you add them all up - Wayne had major knee surgery at the end of last season.  Duane is recovering from major knee surgery.  Jamie moved to Portland but was planning on coming back for the run.  Lisa has battled the Achilles tendon injury.  Kris has plantar fascitis that flares up and has to be taken care of, and myself?  I ended last season with a stress fracture and then had the back and neck injuries that rear their ugly heads every so often.  But all of us has been working so hard to get ready. 

The one event we look forward to.  The tradition. The fun.  The craziness.  The bonding of good friends.  The talks.  The secrets and laughs shared.  Sleeping on a gymnasium floor with 200 other strangers.  Showering with 5 other ladies.  Eating crap and then prepping for your next run.  Icing down in the 'burb.  Head lamps.  Butt lamps.  Spicy dogs at the Maverick.  Costumes.  The volunteers.  And finally, the finish line where 12 exhausted but exhilarated runners cross with complete and utter satisfaction.  Seriously, it's the one event that I let myself go and compete but have so.much.fun!


To think we might very well miss out this year is a sad, sad, thought.  If only we had known it would fill up so fast.  Who knew that it was becoming such a popular event!?  And having run other relays, I can honestly say that I understand why.  It's a well organized event that appeals to all levels of runners.   It's one of those experiences that you can't really describe to people.  The running, the people, the event organizers and all the volunteers.  Not to mention the beautiful Utah country we get to run through.  GAH!  It's just so wonderful!  I guess I understand why everyone has jumped on the bandwagon.

But couldn't we let just ONE.MORE.TEAM in? 

I guess I will have to assuage my sorrows in some diet coke, cross my fingers, and hope for a miracle that something opens up off the wait list and me and my Legally Dead 'mates can keep the streak alive!

(finish line 2010)

Legally Dead - I love you, here's to hoping!