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2011 Ragnar Del Sol relay

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Location:

Mesa,AZ,USA

Member Since:

May 12, 2008

Gender:

Male

Goal Type:

Other

Running Accomplishments:

I started running again in 2007 after 14 years of not running.

Mile - 4:59 (high school 1992), 5:57 (9/21/2010 ARR Open Mile)

2 mile - 11:10 (high school 1992)

5k - 21:54 (11/18/2010 Tempe Road Runners 5k)

10k - 48:29 (5/9/2009 Race for Hospice)

Unofficial 10k - 47:11 (1/27/2011 Red Mountain Park)

1/2 marathon - 1:49:00 (4/4/2009 Havasu Half)

Marathon - 4:33:09 (11/21/2009 Mesquite Marathon)

Short-Term Running Goals:

Run a half marathon in under two hours.

Run a marathon in close to 4 hours.

Long-Term Running Goals:

Stay healthy long enough to live through the millenium.

Personal:

I am married and have six kids. 

Blog title explanation

Bloggers I've met in real life: 1MileToGo, Aaron Kennard, Andrea North, Arizona Desert Monsoon, auntieem, Bec, Ben, Benjamin, Bonnie, Camille, Cari, Collin Anderson, David Holt, DooneEight Kid Mom, Erico, Flatlander, Gary, Jake Krong, JamesW, Jose, Josse, Julieesplin, JunKelli, Kerri, KP, Kyle Dion, Lightitup, Little Bad Legs, Lybi, Marthon Dreamer, M, Mary Ann Schauerhamer, Misty, Nan, Peds Endo Doc, Rachelle, RADRhett, Riley Cook, Rossy, runningafterbabies, Sasha, Scott Hughes, Scott (Kelli's husband), Scott Wesemann, Slow Joe, Spencer Simpson, Stephen, Steve Piccolo, Susie, The Rookie, Toby, Tracy, Twinkies, TylerS, Walter

Favorite Blogs:

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Miles:This week: 0.00 Month: 0.00 Year: 0.00
Mizuno Wave Inspire 7 Lifetime Miles: 803.99
Asics Gel 3030 Lifetime Miles: 204.85
Saucony Hurricane 13 Lifetime Miles: 149.22
Asics Gel DS Trainer 17 Lifetime Miles: 87.49
Mizuno Wave Inspire 9 Lifetime Miles: 800.59
Brooks Ravenna 4 Lifetime Miles: 88.83
Mizuno X10 Trail Lifetime Miles: 180.06
Mizuno Wave Inspire 10 Lifetime Miles: 802.77
Asics Gel Kayano 21 Lifetime Miles: 56.47
Mizuno Wave Inspire 11 (blue) Lifetime Miles: 800.75
New Balance 1260v5 Lifetime Miles: 9.19
Reebok Floatride Lifetime Miles: 8.23
Race: 2011 Ragnar Del Sol relay (21.34 Miles) 02:53:38
Total Distance
21.34

The night was sultry.

What can I say about my 8th Ragnar?  Still as wild and crazy as ever.  I was on the same team as last year with a few new faces.  Van #2 was Michael, Corena, and Kristin who all ran last year, with newcomers Christy, Julie, and Vernon.  Van #1 was me, Glen, Eddie, and Shannon who were all in the same van last year, with newcomers Michael and Liz.  

We came up with nicknames for everyone in our van.  Glen was the Gazelle.  Eddie was the Turtle.  Michael was Hadji.  Liz was Stumbellina and sometimes the Cole-Fay.  Shannon was Muh-muh-muh-muh-muh-my-Corona but mostly Princess.  I was White Lightning.  At the start line I met Sione Fa who was a contestant on Season 7 of the Biggest Loser.  He told me he reads my blog all the time.  Just kidding.  But he was nice enough to pose for a picture with me.  Then another guy asked if he could get a picture with him.  I offered to take it then realized it was a former bishop of mine.  He was running on a team with another guy that I recruited into Ragnar in '08.

My first leg was 7.02 miles.  I decided to get wild and crazy and run without a shirt on.  Believe me when I say I wasn't as crazy as the guy who was wearing a thong and had temporary Ragnar symbols tattooed on both cheeks.  (You should have seen the look of horror on some kids' faces.)  However, I did do some manscaping of the pectoral region.  Let me set the stage.  A month ago I caught some Ragnar fever and wanted to shave my team name into my chest hair.  Our team name last year was Rio's Ruthless Runners.  Even I'm not that hairy to get the full name in, so here's what I came up with -

A couple of days later I got an email from our team captain saying he wanted to change the name to Innovators @ Rio!  So now I had to put Rogaine on and hope I could grow some hair back before the race.  I tried trimming it down to even things out.  As race day drew nearer I was getting worried.  A man who can't grow a nice rug of hair on his chest in a month isn't much of a man. 

To play it smart, I opted to shave the Ragnar symbol in my chest with the not-as-manly follicles that remained.  It was one of the crazier things I've done.  Some of the pictures that were taken have prompted me to do another round of P90X.  I'm starting to get a bit Pillsburyish.

Am I lopsided?  As you can see, the symbol is there, but not as profound as I hoped for.  Did I mention I did my back, too?

Notice the guy in front of me.  He passed me like I was standing still.  His shirt said captain.  I would have been mad that he passed me, but he complimented my "cut."  Now look at the guy in front of him.  He was dressed like Lieutenant Dangle.  His shorts were quite short and snug.  I couldn't resist giving him a good game as I passed him.  He chuckled.

I projected a 7:38 pace for this leg but could only manage a 7:39.  My splits were 7:11, 7:33, 7:35, 7:44, 7:47, 7:52, and 7:53.  That kind of set the tone for not hitting the rest of my projections :(

After our van finished our first set of legs we went and showered at a friend/coworkers house near the second major exchange.  Then I get a text message from Kelli.  She said she just parked next to a van with my name on it.  I'm like, big deal.  Someone else running is named Burt.  So I say, "My name?  It says Burt McCumber on their van?"  She said, "Yeah.  It was like - who the heck is Burt McCumber, or something like that."  I said, "Shut up!"  She said, "No really.  I'll take a picture next time I see it."  I told her to find out who it was, too because I wanted to punch them.

Turns out my cyberstalking skills have taken me to a whole new level.  Every year I wish everyone good luck who has Ragnar on their Athlinks.com calendar.  I guess this team has a bunch of Athlinkers who wonder who I am.  Excuse me for being polite!  ;)

My second leg was 6.46 miles.  This was crazy.  A portion of this was on a very rocky trail in the dark.  Then there was this very steep downhill.  I charged down it as fast and as safe as I could.  There's no way people didn't get hurt there.  Right after that I got passed by a girl.  I tried running right behind her because the light from our combined head lamps was helping with the visibility.  I couldn't keep up with her for very long though.  The uphill, sand, rocks, dark, and cold were all momentum killers.  My average pace was 8:51 and my splits were 8:22, 8:41, 8:43, 9:01, 8:54, 9:14, and a 9:07 pace for the 0.46.

I got to see Kelli and Jose.  I also met Eric.

I know it's dark, but no I did not have my hand on the golf ball in Kelli's bum.

I did get some good pics of Jose changing his clothes in the van.  I'll post them later.  I also saw Team Running 4 Nie.  That was the team I was on when I did Wasatch Back.  They were an all girl team this time. 

My last leg was 7.86 miles.  There was more than 800 feet of downhill so I figured I'd fly through it.  But my legs were not cooperating.  I managed a sub 8 pace.  Yep.  7:59.  One day I'd like to run it while I'm fresh.  This is almost the exact same last leg I ran last year.  Last year I ran it faster.  I think my calf tightened up to the point that I adjusted my stride, and then my hamstring tightened up, also.  But I'm all right with it.  These races are just for fun.  And fun is what we had.  Can't wait for the next one.

Mizuno Wave Inspire 7 Miles: 21.34
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Sammie Howard on Mon, Feb 28, 2011 at 03:34:59 from 81.151.232.70

1st to comment on your excellent rug love it .....

oh oh and well done hope your not tooooo tired after the relay.. Great running Burt your paces were fast and you enjoyed it thats the main thing :))

oh and who is Burt McCumber his real name is Burtstalker ha ha kidding :))

From Cari Runner on Mon, Feb 28, 2011 at 07:51:09 from 184.12.160.35

Excellent race report!!! :-) I'm actually doing the Ragnar in April!!! Looks like you had a great race - excellent splits!!!

From Brent on Mon, Feb 28, 2011 at 07:52:33 from 168.178.30.219

Burt, outstanding effort, pace for your legs, 300 commando pointgs. Your hard work the last few months has paid off.

Stay Kool, B of bS Rools out

From Burt on Mon, Feb 28, 2011 at 11:47:31 from 72.223.90.79

Sandy Dune - Yes! Burtstalker! Hey, first the worst. 2nd the best. Third the one with the hairy chest.

Cari - Thanks! Are you going to be on Kerry's team?

Brent - I just need to stay consistent. And quit eating all the sweets in sight.

From SlowJoe on Mon, Feb 28, 2011 at 11:59:13 from 131.59.200.82

Nice running and excellent write-up and photos (as expected). They are going to rename this race after you one of these days.

From Scott Wesemann on Mon, Feb 28, 2011 at 12:13:54 from 66.239.250.209

Chest hair and sweat. Now this is the Burt that I have come to know and love. I enjoyed the report, but I have to admit the pics made me gag a bit.

From Burt on Mon, Feb 28, 2011 at 12:48:32 from 206.19.214.144

Joe - I 'spect they will soon.

Scott - you gagged? Mission accomplished!

From DaleG on Mon, Feb 28, 2011 at 14:26:45 from 67.2.27.198

The night was moist....

Burt McCumber, you're almost famous. Keep doing what you're doing and next thing you know, Sione WILL be reading your blog.

Sounds like you had a really fun time. Good thing it didn't get too cold with all that chest and back hair missing.

From Burt on Mon, Feb 28, 2011 at 14:53:25 from 206.19.214.144

Dale - I had writer's block when I tried to write this report. I see you caught that. Criss cross.

From april27 on Mon, Feb 28, 2011 at 18:31:31 from 99.188.251.180

So why did you cover up the nips? Were they bloody? or are you trying to keep some privacy? And now I know everything about you, you have BNS and the nips are crooked! hahah

From allie on Mon, Feb 28, 2011 at 19:24:28 from 174.23.253.123

i wish i could read your report -- all i can see is a giant "censored" banner across the screen. i assume you did well and ran like white lightning.

glad you had a good time. good job, burt!

From RAD on Mon, Feb 28, 2011 at 19:36:23 from 67.172.229.125

Nice work Burt! Sorry I had to pass you and you couldn't quite keep up with me on that last one, maybe next year :) Oh, and you beat my miles and certainly my pace so I guess I'm just done trying to compete. Except for the fact that I got sympathy BNS this weekend - nope, really! Came home with blood all over my shirt and everything. Okay, so it was more like BCS (chaffing) but it WAS a white shirt - see you should NEVER wear white shirts! I've never bled through a shirt before, I guess that is what I get for trying to compete with the ever famous Burt!

From Burt on Mon, Feb 28, 2011 at 20:11:40 from 206.19.214.144

April - Privacy April. I don't want a wardrobe malfunction.

allie - Tell your mom to change the parental controls just for a few minutes.

RAD - I hope you took a picture of that! See what happens? Don't mess with me.

From RAD on Mon, Feb 28, 2011 at 20:15:46 from 67.172.229.125

No picture, sorry :( I do still have the bloody shirt and bra if you need proof. Whites are the last load of laundry and I'm not quite done today.

From Burt on Mon, Feb 28, 2011 at 20:19:04 from 206.19.214.144

Go ahead and mail those over. I'll do a lab analysis on them.

From jj on Mon, Feb 28, 2011 at 21:17:16 from 63.230.29.244

Once again you make me laugh out loud awkwardly at work. Thank you! I like the hair tatoo idea. You're going to start a disturbing trend among us hairy monsters at races. Also before you post my naked pictures you should consider charging for them and passing me a royalty. I don't work for free. This is America you know...

From Toby on Mon, Feb 28, 2011 at 22:09:58 from 216.194.124.36

Note to self....NEVER EVER EVER EVER run a Ragnar with Burt for way too many reasons!

From Toby on Mon, Feb 28, 2011 at 22:10:20 from 216.194.124.36

Note to self....NEVER EVER EVER EVER run a Ragnar with Burt for way too many reasons! Were still buds thought, right? :)

From heathercolbypeck on Mon, Feb 28, 2011 at 22:22:38 from 24.97.75.130

you make me laugh too! your so fun!

From Burt on Mon, Feb 28, 2011 at 23:18:24 from 72.223.90.79

Jose - As a true American I must insist that I promise the Puerto Rican a handsome percentage of the royalties but then stab him in the back.

Toby - I understand. Yes, buds forever. Unless I get cast into outer darkness, which is very possible.

Heather - Where have you been??? :P

From Karen on Mon, Feb 28, 2011 at 23:26:52 from 69.171.160.123

Simply amazing. i could have lived a wonderfully fulfilling life not knowing about your back hair...glad you got a "good game" in!

From jj on Tue, Mar 01, 2011 at 11:31:09 from 138.64.8.53

Burt, your sense of history is impeccable. However, I know where you live so watch out! :-)

From Kelli on Tue, Mar 01, 2011 at 20:03:12 from 71.219.97.85

Written like a true Burt. Your chest and back hair are so SEXY!!! But I really wish I could have seen tattooed butt man! DANG. Oh well, I got to see WonderWoman.

Nice job, great paces, great stories.

From Burt on Tue, Mar 01, 2011 at 20:09:04 from 206.19.214.144

Karen - Wouldn't it be funny if I made him pull a muscle when I good-gamed him?

Kelli - Tattooed butt man was pretty sexy, but look how good you look in that picture! No wait, I don't mean you look better in the dark. Uh, happy birthday?

From Kelli on Tue, Mar 01, 2011 at 20:59:33 from 71.219.97.85

I most certainly do look better in the dark, especially after running and not showering!

From Seth on Tue, Mar 01, 2011 at 23:55:54 from 75.169.127.138

Wow 8 Ragnars! This June will be my fifth and they do get crazier every time. Great job White Lightning!

From ChrisM on Thu, Mar 03, 2011 at 17:23:24 from 86.27.4.139

McCumber.... Burt McCumber... hmm I'm sure I've heard that name somewhere...

From runningafterbabies on Fri, Mar 04, 2011 at 04:27:26 from 24.10.211.135

It's 2am and I couldn't sleep. After viewing those pics I really won't go back to sleep in fear of having nightmares.

From Burt on Fri, Mar 04, 2011 at 12:02:10 from 206.19.214.144

If these pictures don't put you into labor, I don't know what will.

From Tracy on Sun, Mar 06, 2011 at 12:29:13 from 173.23.75.96

At least they weren't asking "Who is Burt McCumber? And how did he find that picture of me?"

From Burt on Sun, Mar 06, 2011 at 12:39:19 from 72.223.90.79

Oh Tracy. I have my ways.

From Tracy on Sun, Mar 06, 2011 at 12:47:56 from 173.23.75.96

Okay. How 'bout "Who is Burt McCumber? And why did he find that picture of me?"

From Burt on Sun, Mar 06, 2011 at 12:52:18 from 72.223.90.79

LOL. Yes. LOL.

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