Thanks for popping back in to read the Part 2 Ragnar Napa Valley race recap. In case you missed the first half, you can find it here. I’ve still got a lot to share so let’s pick right up where we left off.
Part 2 Ragnar Napa Valley Race Recap
My second leg just over 4 miles in Santa Rosa, CA was pretty uneventful unless you count smelling tons of pot the whole run. I was also surprised by how many crosswalks we had to navigate between 8:30-9:30 pm and how dark the route was. I am not used to running before dawn or after sunset. Props to those who do it all the time. It’s not easy to see what is in front of you.
After a quick meet up with van 2 at exchange 18, our van had about 5 hours to rest before our 3rd legs. This is where the over tired and under fed silliness comes in. Looking for a “real” bathroom, we descended upon a 24 hour target. Somehow this happened…
Lots of wardrobe changes go on as well. Seemed like we were constantly changing in and out of them. The temps also dropped into the 40’s at night and rose to high 80’s during the day. After a little bit of rest in our van, it was time to take on our last run legs just before dawn on Saturday. My run leg was cancelled at the last minute for some reason and I ended up having the opportunity to buddy up and run with my friend Sue. We watched the sunrise just as we were finishing our run.
Our van finished out last legs, passed off to van 2 and had about 5 hours to kill before meeting them at the finish. We fortunately had time to go check into our hotel, shower and change. After 3 runs, and 2 days we sure needed one! We headed back to the finish to cheer our team in. Our last runner got lost (along with 6 other runners) but safely made it to the finish.
One of the things I love about Ragnar races are that the medals all fit together like a puzzle with a message connecting them. It does take all 12 of us to make it to the finish line.
After more showers, lots of sleep and lots of food, it was time to celebrate. We toasted our achievements with an all day long wine tasting. We learned a lot about the wines of Napa Valley and had the opportunity to visit some beautiful properties.
Perfect end to a fabulous weekend with the best of friends. Unlike a regular race, running in a Ragnar always seems secondary to all the other events and bonding that occur. It’s really like a big road trip with a few runs thrown in. Hope I did it justice with my recap. I am ready to sign up for another one next year-who wants to join me?
Linking up with Fairytales & Fitness
Looks like so much fun!!! What a beautiful place and the weather looks like it was perfect.
The most fun ever thanks!
Sounds like an amazing time! I agree that running is just a part of it. And the running is different – you do your best but there’s no pressure to perform (or at least if you’re not on a cutthroat team!). Did you enjoy your #runrise??
Please keep me on your list and I will try to fend off work better this time.
yes exactly. I did enjoy seeing the sunrise but not a fan of running in the dark w the headlamps. Yes we will have to organize one together for next year
That’s so weird your last leg got cancelled. At least you got to pair up so you got 3 runs in. Love the medals and that they have a message when put together.
the medals are super cool!
Sounds like it was a fantastic weekend & how great that you actually got to run with your friend rather than another solo leg!
But ugh! Smelling pot everywhere . . . it seems to be taking over the country. 🙁
I loved finishing off w my regular running buddy. It does seem to be takin over
The race sounds amazing but celebrating has to be the best part. The medals fitting together is really cool.
It’s a very unique experience indeed!
Oh I’ve been sleep deprived and it’s funny what the brain can do. If I’m underfed, there’s no silliness. It’s weird that your leg was cancelled, did you ever find out why? Napa is gorgeous and I’d love to go back and visit more places.
I never did find out why. They were altering lots of the legs even after the race started
Congrats on you and your friends completing the race! It looks like you all had a ton of fun. 🙂 What’s your favorite type of wine?
We sure did! Honestly, not really a big drinker but I do like white over red.
How does a leg of the run get cancelled? Glad you enjoyed your time there. The post race pics are lovely. Thanks for linking up with us!
You know at the last minute they were still altering and rerouting some of the legs due to traffic and permitting. Not sure how that happens but it was part of the adventure
Hahah that Target picture sums up how it was for my friends and I when we did a Ragnar. Looks like such a blast!
You kind of find yourself doing the most silly things together!
As I have said, I’d LOVE to do a Ragnar someday!!! I love the medals, too…very unique and so symbolic of the entire team’s effort to make it happen.
I hope we can get all of our fitness friends to do one together next year sometime. It would be a blast!
Pour decisions – that is AWESOME
Love the Target silliness. Glad you had such a great time
We sure did thanks!
That sounds like an awesome time! I didn’t know 24 hour Targets existed, but I wish I lived near one 🙂
ha ha it sure was convenient when we needed a real bathroom 🙂
Sounds like such a fun time; congrats! I love that your van had time to shower after your run, but before your team finished. I’ve always been in Van 2 so I’ve never had that luxury!
I have never been in van 2. Usually we are too far away from where we can shower but it sure felt great this time
Sounds like it was just so much fun! Perfect combination of running, friends, and wine 🙂
Yes exactly such a blast!