Halsey Holiday: UT - Epic

...Imagine yourself and 11 friends running through 4 national forests (Cache Wasatch, Caribou, Targhee and Teton); along the historic Oregon Trail and shoreline of the Blackfoot Reservoir; through beautiful Star Valley; beside the Snake River and finishing at the foot of the Tetons, arguably the most beautiful mountain range in North America. Sound epic? Trust us, it is... Epic

Logan, Utah to Jackson Hole, Wyoming

How could I refuse when my cousin called a month before the race and asked if I could fill in for an injured runner?

12 runners.  2 vehicles.  36 hours.  205 miles.

Yes.

Please.

 My sisters: rockstars, our suburban: allstars and our team: amazing!

(thank you, Deita, for the awesome shots above)

 My first leg was a little under 6 miles at 11am, it felt good to get the race-jitters worked out of my system.  I had started to get freaked out about the elevation change (um, just 6,000 ft. higher than what I am used to) - but was relieved to feel comfortable.  Must be that Utah-blood deep in my veins.  And, let's be honest, it felt r.e.a.l.l.y good to pass the guy in front of me with a mile to go. 

The second leg was 3 miles around 10pm, apparently my reflective gear was comedic relief for my team, as they all wet their pants cheering me on.  Whatever.  (Unfortunately, any and all attempts to document my awesomeness failed). I loved that 3 miles, it was dark, and I am pretty sure there were freakishly large animals in the pastures on either side of the road, waiting for me to show weakness so they could eat me up. 

My last leg was around 11am Saturday morning, just over 8 miles.  All uphill.  My route was along the Snake River, up Snake Canyon (I think?).  So beautiful.   I was tired, but I felt good.  And it felt awesome to know I had just completed 16.6 miles.  Go me. 

I am so happy that I did it with my sisters, that was the biggest selling point for me:  36 hours with my sisters.  Count me in!
I escaped without any injuries and really no soreness.  I will, however, be saying goodbye to a toenail.  Darn.

The Sisters & The Team (thanks again, Photographer Deita)

(A HUGE thank-you to Doug and Mollie - they were the "Averett Support" team while I ran.  A nursing baby can't be too far from his mom - they honestly deserve medals)

I can't wait to do another one. 

Pennsylvania Ragnar, October 2012 - anyone?