Here it is!! Finally, Im able to sit down and tell everyone every detail about how awesome, beautiful, challenging and memorable this trail relay race was!
I start to pull my camping gear out about a week before the race and had it in my garage:
-Sleeping bag
-cots
-pillow
-tent
-lantern
-fold able chair
-small table
-ice chest
-warm blanket
-other little accessories: plates, napkins, forks, batteries, sun screen, toilet paper, Clorox wipes, trash bags, plastic bags, baby wipes...
** Noted for next year: bring a little stove and something to make coffee in. Coffee was provided, but the lines got so long, and they ran out quickly. **
Jason enjoys camping, so I didn't need to buy anything for camping this weekend!
For food, I packed bacon, fruite, nuun,water. There was going to be food trucks there, so I tried to pack less.
Normally, I cant pack my bag in advance. I end up not packing enough or think I packed something when I didn't.
I had all my clothes organized in piles. I put my main three race outfits in large zip lock bags.
Our weather was predicted to be up and down this weekend. So I ended up packing double.
Thank goodness I did!!! At night it dropped to under 40 degrees and during the day it stayed around the 80's , but the sun was just pounding down on you. My body wasn't exactly happy about all that up and down.
 |
| Made our sign so we can check off legs as we go! |
 |
| Prepped about a pound of bacon! |
And I was off!!!
Driving down, I hit crazy traffic. I ended up not getting to my camp site till after 7 and the sun had already set.
Im sure everyone watching me try and set up my tent got a great laugh.
I went to the next camp site over to ask for help... and it ended up being Sarah!! Our main ambassador warrior for Texas Luckenbach ambassadors! ( How lucky was I!)
About an hour after getting set up, the other ambassador Gina arrived. I basically hung with her and helped her and her husband set up camp until I went to bed.
Friday morning is when the fun started. I got the rest of my camp area set up and blocked off to hold its place until my team arrived and I hungout with ambassdors!
My team started arriving, we checked in and before I knew it.... it was time to hit the trails! I was the first runner for our team.
My first Loop was the Green Loop: 3 miles
It was definitely a narrow course with no shade. So for me, it got hot quick. I started running at 1PM.
My 2nd loop was the Red Loop: 7.4 miles
I ran this in the dark, It definitely had its technical moments, but because it was so dark, I could never see the elevations gain haha. Because of how narrow and dark it was, I didn't stop to take any pictures. It also got super cold. It took me about 35 minutes to really warm up... so stopping movement was something I really didn't want to do.
My 3rd Loop was the Yellow Loop: 5 miles
This was the most rocky and technical loop in my opinion... but my favorite! Lots of roots, twist, very steep up hill climbs. At one point I stopped and could see how narrow the paths were. I really had to watch my footing so I wouldn't fall. Some areas, you ran along a cliff. The first two miles were done in complete darkness, So I kept a slow, steady pace to make sure I stayed safe. Although I couldn't see all the elevation gain the beginning.... oh boy, could my legs feel it.
At the top ( about 3 miles up) it was BEAUTIFUL. I looked down and could see tons of other runners.I was lucky enough to see the sun rise at the top of the mountain. Its a view Ill never forget.
I flew the rest of my run!
 |
| The little specks of white along the mountain are actually other runners headlamps. |
 |
| At the VERY top. |
I absolutely loved running every loop.
 |
| Our Double Medal for running Ragnar Austin and Ragnar Hill Country (Road Relay and Trail Relay in the same state)      |
Can't wait till Luckenbach!!!!!
(Phote credit: Basically my whole team)
