Ok now, let me try to describe all the amazingness that happens when you run approximately 200 miles with 11 other people in 26 hrs and 42 mins (our team was fast!).
We all meet at the starting line to get pumped up! This includes painting the van and sometimes each other, putting on tattoo's, and of course, Instagram photos with clever hashtags. Then waves of aproximately10 teams start every ten minutes which equals a constant flow of cheering. You notice an ultra team (6 runners instead of 12) here and there and admire them like superheroes.
Runner #1 is off!!
Before you know it, van #2's first runner is off! Everyone's so excited, cheering each other on, honking their horns, shaking their cowbells and showing off their team spirit.
Now you're up! Run, run fast. See someone ahead of you? Go catch 'em and count em (not out loud, that's rude) but definitely keep track, because when you cross into the exchange and pass that bracelet onto the next runner, your team will be ready with a marker for you to tag the Van with all of your 'kills' (relay slang).
One by one each runner comes in hot until you reach the second major exchange and Van #1 takes over.
While van #2 was running we grabbed a meal at a nice restaurant, although I'm not sure they wanted our sweaty team amongst the general population so without asking, they sat us outside. It was a beautiful scenery on the golf course, so I didn't mind. At this time the sun was setting and we were getting tired. We drove to the next major exchange for some shut eye.
We set an alarm giving us enough time to awaken, use the bathroom and light up (head lamps reflective vests and glow lights are a must!) before Van # 2 arrives.
It's pitch black out, you can't see any faces though the crowd. You hear someone calling out team #'s as runners fly in. Occasionally you here the same # shouted out repeatedly. Knowing their team isn't waiting for them at the exchange, the crowd begins to shout. "Number 92" "Where's runner 92?!" Oh that poor runner, how could their team not be there waiting for her (I know that feeling it happened to me last year)...here comes a runner pushing through the crowd, "I'm here!-Wow that was way faster than we expected!!" Hi fives ensue, slap bracelets exchanged and #92 is off. Moments later our team arrives and Van #1 is off again, Van #2 can now rest and boy they deserve it.
My husband made a spreadsheet with all 12 runners and their projected pace and exchange times; this was super helpful in predicting when each runner will be in. Only, we were way faster than we projected so we had to adjust for adrenaline speed! We check in periodically, to let them track our progress-we don't ever wanna miss a runner at the exchange...this year.
My husband made a spreadsheet with all 12 runners and their projected pace and exchange times; this was super helpful in predicting when each runner will be in. Only, we were way faster than we projected so we had to adjust for adrenaline speed! We check in periodically, to let them track our progress-we don't ever wanna miss a runner at the exchange...this year.
Running through the night is simply amazing. This is my absolutely favorite part of a Ragnar. My nerves tend to get the best of me, What if I get lost? It's so dark, What if I'm too tired?...What if I get lost? As you can see I was very scared of getting lost. Lucky for me there was a couple people ahead of me so I could focus on their blinking red tail lights and chase them down. I wasn't tired at all, it was exhilarating. I may have hallucinated a couple times, phantom animals on the side of the road which were actually stumps, people standing on the corner were actually street signs (being over tired and only having a head lamp will play tricks on you). Kill #1, and onto the next tail light. #2, #3...only the sound of foot steps and my breathe accompanied me. I got brave and turned out my light to get the full effect of night running-it felt amazing! I became one with nature. The thought of a team penalty because of my lack of light forced me to turn it back on. Kill #4-6 lead me into the exchange. 6 miles completed 8:40 pace on no sleep? I'll take it!!
Our team ran through the night into the sunrise and took a quick nap in our Van while Van #2 completed their legs.
Here we go! Round 3, the last set of runs; we are nearing the end. Just 6 more miles separated me from finishing one of the greatest races of my life! My legs are dead, my mind is weary, my friends are cheering and my inner self is proud. I don't falter, I don't give in. I push hard and fast and finish with another incredible achievement. I pass off the wrist band and feel nothing but pure joy!
The after party is bustling with excitement as each team completes the course. We have a tradition of picking up a pizza at local pizza shop to share with Van #2 as they arrive. Other teams would've paid handsomely for a slice. Runner #12 rounds the corner and our whole team joins him (pizza in hand) to escort him across the finish line. High fives, Whoohoo's, and lots of chatter recounting the teams experience over the last 26 hrs and 42 mins-this is essential for team bonding!
#Ragnar
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