Trying to recap The Ragnar Napa Valley race in one post is quite the monumental task. So much happens, running and otherwise, during the 36 hour adventure that it is difficult to summarize. I am going to do my best to give you a snapshot. In case you are not familiar, a typical Ragnar race is a team of 12 runners (or 6 ultra) who run 3 times each in a period of 36 hours to cover 200 or so miles. Sound a little wacky? Maybe it is but it sure is the best kind of wacky.
Ragnar Napa Valley-Will Run For Wine
Our adventure started as we flew into San Francisco Wednesday evening staying in the financial district. We certainly got an eyeful and a nose full of all San Fran had to offer. Literally saw this guy walking down the street butt naked. I will spare you the front view. We also continuously got whiffs of all kinds of pot smoking all day and all night as it is now legal in California.
Let the fun begin! Next it was time to decorate the vans. We love to put all our pics on the windows and place check marks next to our names as we finish each leg of our runs.
Early wake up Friday for our 5:30 am start. It was so dark out there and surprisingly chilly. We donned all of our safety gear and headed to the start line.
I was runner #2 and as my run began about a mile away from the Golden Gate Bridge, I could not see a thing. At around 6 am the sun had not yet begun to rise. I slowly made my way upwards on a sandy trail and unfortunately did not see a concrete barrier and took a little tumble. Thankfully, I was wearing pants and just came away with a little bruise. Once I got closer to the bridge, it was just epic. I was super energized and quickly made it over to the other side to hand off the baton to the next runner.
As our runners made their way out of San Fran and towards wine country, the van followed and we continued to leap frog each other. Our transitions were really smooth and we had no problems with directions. There were, however, numerous last minute course changes that significantly altered the mileage of most of the runners.
We had a chance to meet up with van 2 at the first major exchange in Petaluma where we handed off to them. We would then have a few hours to rest while they ran.
After a nice lunch, we decided to go to a nearby park and see if we could find a place to rest for bit. While my team mates had not problem laying out their sleeping bags in the grass, as soon as I saw a small snake in the grass I was out. I high tailed it right back to the van. I do not do snakes!
Who am I kidding? There is no way to recap this in one post.Hope you will come back Friday to read part 2 of my Ragnar Napa Valley race.
Linking up
Running on happy, coach Debbie runs, Train with Marc,
Marcia’s healthy slice and MCM mama
Wow. What an adventure. Sounds like the perfect Ragnar. Even I may be convinced to participate.
I would love to plan one with all of the bloggers in our group
I’ve never done a Ragnar but I want to! I don’t do snakes either. Nope! I would be back in the car too.
Yes I draw the line at snakes for sure!
I’ve done one Ragnar (and I have a trail version in two days (yikes!)), and I totally love the experience. One of these days I’d love to do Napa. It’s such a beautiful area. And wine! Can’t wait to read the rest!
I am so excited for you and your race have the best time
Oh that certainly was a tease, I wanted to hear more! OMG that naked man walking around!? I have never been to San Francisco but it’s on my bucket list…running on the bridge must have been amazing!
When I did Ragnar I shared a sleeping bag on the wet ground…ugh. If I saw a snake I would have freaked out!
San Fran was an interesting city indeed! I really don’t do sleeping bags well
How cool that you got to run over the bridge!! I’m surprised they changed the course last minute. Do you know why? Can’t wait for the next part!
There were so many changes to the course last minute we sure had to keep on our toes. Something about permits I heard but who knows.
I am so confused by the naked man. That is certainly something you don’t see everyday, LOL
As you know, I’ve never done a Ragnar so I’m really looking forward to part 2 of your review!
The naked guy was a sight to see! We have to get you on a Ragnar team stat 🙂
This sounds like such an adventure, and I don’t do snakes either. Can’t wait for part 2.
Such an epic adventure!
I’m glad your fall left nothing more than a little bruise. I bet your run across the Golden Gate Bridge in the dark was magical!
I don’t freak out over snakes, but I don’t think I’d want to sleep in the grass if I’d just seen a snake nearby.
Can’t wait to read Part 2!
It was super cool to run over the bridge even though it was pitch black
Yup, I got plenty of front views during Bay to Breakers. San Fran is something special.
I hope your spill wasn’t too bad, and yay for keeping on trucking!
Okay seeing someone butt naked walking down the street would be so weird. Quite a way to start the trip. So cool you got to run over the Golden Gate Bridge!!
Oh my naked man lol. Looks like it was quite a fun time!
It was a wild start to the weekend for sure
What fun! I love all of the enthusiasm you brought. Can’t wait to read the next installment.
It was a ton of fun!
Oh, how fun!
I was cracking up at all the people just rolling joints right out in the open when we were in SF a couple of weeks ago. It was just so different to see!
Running on the Golden Gate Bridge is such an experience. How awesome that you got that for your leg!
San Fran is an usual place for sure!
arghhhh…you’re leaving us hanging…. 😉 Seriously, this sounds like SO MUCH FUN!!!!! I’d be all curled up in the van, too, …I don’t want anything slithering across my face in the grass.
right there with you!
What a fun start to the adventure! Can’t wait to read part 2. I don’t do snakes either!
no snakes are never good!
Sounds like you’re off to a great start (minus the fall and snake, of course).
Thankfully it’s been a really long time since I’ve been in San Francisco, so there was no pot smoking and no butt naked walking around, either!
Someday I’d really love to run over the Golden Gate. I think, anyway.
The city has changed a lot! I hope you have the chance to run over the bridge sometime too highlight for sure
Sounds like so much fun! Jealous of your Golden Gate run. Looking forward to the next installment!
It was epic and certainly a highlight of the race
OMG on the butt! Jeeze! Sorry about your tumble but glad it didn’t slow you down. I think I’d opt for the van too — can’t wait to read more!
So much to tell…it was really a blast
Glad you’re no worse for the wear after your tumble
That naked man — why is it that people we don’t want to see naked are often those we see?
Ick re: pot, it’s one thing I really didn’t like re: Denver. Have no issue with people chosing to smoke, but I hate the smell of pot
I am not a fan of the smell either-to each his own I guess! The naked man was a site to see for sure
Definitely sounds like quite the adventure – starting with the interesting views in San Fran! LOL!
There is no place like San Fran!