Amongst the many desires that I have in life, one is that I would love to have the proper eloquence and time with which to describe to all of you the pleasure that was brought forth by our participation in this event. Although our Ragnar Race came to an end, it has left us with many great things. Including an increased sense of pride, self-worth, bragging rights, and sore bodies. I saw people experiencing highs and lows. I saw people ecstatic with joy as they experienced unparallelled bouts of runners high and people miserable from the chaos, cluster, and sleeplessness. However, I can positively say that the good times heavily outweighed the bad. Yesterday evening, some of us got together and had a bite and a few drinks together. I missed most of this, unfortunately, because Chau and I still had to deal with the pressing matter that was the return of the rental vehicles (no rest for the wicked, I suppose). I did return to the get-together but it was nearer to the end. As I sat down to table I realized that I missed what was possibly one the best conversations of event reflection that occurred that night. I heard someone say, "so that was your favorite part of the event?". I smirked to hide my disappointment. I wanted to take part in that conversation but I was too late. So I thought I'd put up an email string that served this purpose; giving me and those of us that were not at the table the opportunity to voice their comments. So I ask from everyone, and for everyone, that we all share our top three favorite moments of the event. They can be self-less or ego-maniacal, I care not.
Manni's top three moments:
- When the guy yelled at me because he couldn't keep my pace (during the first leg).
- When I was talking to Chau and in the background I heard Patti saying, "dude Mark, you killed it!"
- When I passed the monkey, not once, but twice (man, we hated that monkey)
There were so many wonderful moments during this event. I am not certain that these are really my top three, but they are spectacularly memorable. I also wanted to take a moment to hand out some individual kudos (in no particular order):
Jared: ran some fast legs, specifically his second leg when he ran that one dude down and destroyed him. He maintained a positive attitude throughout the entire event. Dude, you're a much stronger runner than you give yourself credit for!
Magnolia: despite the fact that she may not have trained as hard as she wanted to, she stuck through the race and completed all her legs. Great job!
Amber: ran some great legs, there is something that is truly satisfying about passing people during a run. Amber couldn't help but gloat about how she passed several people, including some dudes. You deserve it Amber, you're awesome, we all know this!
Lauren: kept a great pace up the entire time. Her third leg was strong and swift, she came around the corner with determination. All the while she was handing out incessant encouragement to all. Thanks for that
Catherine: destroyed, what unanimously thought by all, was the most technical leg of the race. You are an awesome runner and everyone has a crush on you now as a cause of it
Mark: amidst his runner's high, told me that he hasn't run that fast in years. He ate those hills like a fat kid eats chicken nuggets
A-Rod: was strong the entire time and kept that "A-Rod sense of humor" that we all love
Wong: kept great pace, he tackled the legs with a fierce look in his eyes. He ran the longest leg of the race (over ten miles). Awesome
Anya: great attitude the entire time, helped serve as a center of communication on occasion. Ran strong to the last step. Brought a great time in despite slightly getting lost off the Sligo Creek park trail
Renata: stated that this was her first event ever, and she came up strong. I didn't get to see her run until her 3rd leg, but she looked incredibly comfortable. It was great, I was so proud of her. It was way cool seeing her pass people as she ran up Missouri Ave.
PJ: strong throughout, brought that last leg in spectacularly. You guys should have seen her running. She cut diagonally across several lanes of traffic and a median, (crushing one poor soul in the process). She crushed several people during that leg too
Chau: took care of so much logistics, she was absolutely an asset to us. There is no way we could have done this without her. She was all "mother hen" with van #2. Priceless, thank you very much General Chau
Brandon: really stepped up to the plate. Was on the bike with us for several hours. His presence was truly appreciated by all, those streets were really dark and the added safety of another person nearby was immense
Adrian: also kept us safe during the night runs, thank you so very much. You made a world of difference. Oh yeah, and thanks for the gummy bears
Paula: at times driver, at times navigator was constantly calm and much needed during this event, thanks for driving us around
I know that this email was particularly lengthy, but I promise you that this is as concise as I could possibly make it. I was the last one of us to come into this event and I'm so happy that I did. I'm sure that all you know by now that I love endurance events. This was my first team event, and I loved it so. There are so many compliments that I want to pay each and everyone of you. Be satiated with this token of affection and endearment toward you all until then. Great job everybody. This was truly a marvelous event. I'll be seeing you at the CrossFit studio. Until then, however you decide to celebrate it, please know that this is your victory and you very well deserve it!
Cheers,
--->Manni
