“Fun, Sweat & Tears” (WILTON VERSION)
By Mike Lauterborn
© 2010. All Rights Reserved.
5/27/10
The Ragnar Relay Series, the nation’s largest, is an overnight running event featuring 12-person teams covering designated legs over a stretch of rural roadways. Named after a fierce 9th Century Norse conqueror, the series dares runners to challenge themselves and show their wild side.
Racer: Katie Denious, 41, Wilton
Team Name: The Sole Sisters
A part-time decorative painter and married mom of three children, Denious had always been athletic. She grew up as a nationally competitive gymnast, then, when she hurt her back, pursued “every other sport” including lacrosse, skiing and tennis. Denious began running seriously about five years ago and has tackled marathons. “I got the running bug, liked the feeling of being in good shape and wanted to try harder things.” A running partner saw fliers for a Ragnar Relay race with a 190-mile route between New Haven, CT and Boston, MA. “We thought it would be fun to put a team together.” With so many running moms in Wilton, teammates were not in short supply. Three groups of 12 (Katie’s team, the Warrior Chicks and Whine Not Warriors) formed. The Sole Sisters secured two Chevy Suburbans outfitted with colored lights and decals, donned hot pink outfits and assumed 15-20 mile legs per runner. Prep included runs three times a day and night runs with headlamps (“I’m sure people thought I was loony”). Wilton was all abuzz and supportive, particularly the Wilton Sport Shop, which donated gear and lent guidance. The bubbly, excited post-race report: “Nobody slept… won the award for team spirit… a little drama… calf cramps… lots of emotion and tears… champagne celebration.” As important, the race results: 1st all-female team, 3rd among mixed and 29th overall. You go Sisters of Sole!
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