Ragnar Northwest Passage. Leg 20. Watery Perfection.

Oh how much did I love this leg!! It was even better than I hoped!

I wanted to be runner 8 just so I could do this leg of the relay and run over water. Not just BY it, but OVER it! Looking back on my past Ragnar experiences I expected this was going to be in the middle of the night, completely dark, and cool, but maybe not as cool as I would hope. Happily I was wrong! In this case being a back of the pack team paid off!!

We were in a casino parking lot for the exchange. I barely stepped out of the van and I heard 510 being called out. I got to the hand-off just as Heather arrived, and I was excitedly on my way for what would be 5.5 beautiful miles!

Being in jeopardy of not even finishing this race on time was scary, but it allowed me to essentially do this entire leg by myself. That was cool, but also a little unnerving. If I made a wrong turn would I even know?? I did pass a guy, and a couple people passed me. But other than that I was alone with my music, some cows and some geese on holiday from Canada.

I started this race shortly before 4 o'clock Saturday morning, and it was already 64 degrees! My worry that this would be a pitch black run was put to rest quite quickly. I was decked out in my reflective vest, flashing red light and headlamp - as well as neon green knee socks and arm sleeves with my hot pink shirt. You weren't going to miss seeing me along the road! As bright as my headlamp was at home when packing, I watched it slowly start to lose its life while running. By the end I couldn't even see the light it was putting out, which was okay since I had the incredible pleasure of watching the sun rise!

I was running along the Fidalgo Bay Aquatic Reserve, filling the excitement building. I knew I was getting closer to that floating bridge and I couldn't wait. I wished some cows a good morning, and was soon turning left and starting the most epic of miles I've ever run!

As soon as I entered the walkway the wind kicked in. Like I said early, it was already warm, so the wind didn't make me cold at all. I felt perfect. Heck, I could have been freezing or melting and I wouldn't have know. I was in absolute Heaven. My music was on but I didn't even hear it. I was so focused on continuing to run strong, and watching the sunrise behind the mountains. I really can't over-state how beautiful it all was. At one point I looked ahead and behind me, absolutely no other people in my view at all. This was all MINE! How did I get so lucky??

Even after finishing my time OVER the water I still got to finish the rest of my run right BY the water! I kept looking for any otters or wildlife, but all I saw were the geese from Canada, which is still cool, but also an every day view for me. I absolutely loved this run. My legs were so happy to pull a Forrest Gump and just keep running. The only times I stopped running were for my photos. I figured this is a once in a lifetime experience and I was not going to miss out on making some memories. Who are we kidding, the Mofos weren't going to win Ragnar, so my few photos wouldn't hurt us.  As I approached the exchange I could see Jayme and Shawn waiting for me. Feeling on top of my game I did what I always train to do ... and I ended with a huge smile and strong finishing kick! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!

All the pain and agony of run 1 and run 3 was worth it for this.  I hope I always remember the pure joy I felt during this leg. It was one for the books!