Wasatch Back Goals and Gear

***Family update! Click [HERE] to see what's going on with the Nicoll's!

In about 16 hours from now team "Desperate For A Party" will be taking it's first steps onto the Wasatch Back 2011 course. I am so excited I've had butterflies all day!

The Wasatch Back is what got me started running a year and a half ago, and I've never looked back since. I fell in love with the race and knew that this was something I wanted to continue doing. Going back this year and running one of the toughest legs in the course is sort of surreal for me. Last year I thought Darcy was nuts for picking the Ragnar leg, and now, here I am, mentally geared and physically trained to run up a mountain.

Time is a crazy thing. You just never know what you can do when you put your mind to something and work towards it. WORK is the operative word here, because I have spent over 1,000 miles on the road since last year's race. I've done half marathons, 10Ks, 5Ks, trail runs, another Ragnar, and am working towards a marathon. I'm a different person this year than I was last year, and I can't wait to see how the feel of this year's race differs from last year.

I'm ready to Ragnar!!!!

To eat I have:

• 3 Gatorades
• 1 jar of peanut butter
• 1 honey bear
• 1 loaf of whole grain bread
• 1 box of granola bars
• 1 package of granola nut clusters
• 1 pack of Trident gum
• 2 packages of strawberry shot blocks
• 1 package of berry sports beans
• 3 baggies with chocolate whey protein powder for a recovery drink

To wear I have:

• 3 complete running outfits
• 3 pairs of socks
• 3 pairs of underwear
• 3 sports bras
• 1 pair Asics Gel 1150 shoes
• 1 pair New Balance Minimus shoes (my Guardsman secret weapon)
  
• Hygiene kit with sunblock, deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, baby wipes
  
• hand towel
• Point and shoot camera and a video camera
  

In my gear I have:

• Amphipod Reflective vest
• Spibelt
• Garmin 305 and Heart Rate Monitor
• Body Glide (PRAYING for no chafing)
• Poncho
• Silly Bands- to give to all the people I pass along the course! :)
• First aid kit with neosporin, bandaids and moleskin
• Shuffle packed with my favorite tunes
• Headlamp for the run at 2AM
• Red tail light for the night run
  

It's nice to have some experience so that I know exactly what to pack this year! Last year I was way over packed. I will also be bringing some homemade oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, grapes and apple slices, and my pillow and blanket.

As for goals I would like to:

• Hold back during my first two runs (3.9 miles and 7.6 miles) and run at an 8:00-8:15/mile pace so that I can...
• Run up Guardsman without stopping!

Next time I see you I'll be thoroughly exhausted and exhilarated!