Today I am joining up with my friends Erika (MCM Mama Runs) for a round up of great Ragnar links and Coco Running with Perseverance) to chat about our upcoming Ragnar race in Washington, DC next week. Please check out their pages too for lots more info.
Ragnar– What is it?
You and 11 of your craziest friends (or 5 of your crazier friends for an ultra team) pile into two vans and tag team running 200(ish) miles, day and night, relay-style. Only one runner hits the road at a time. Each participant runs three times, with each leg ranging between 3-8 miles and varying in difficulty. So, from the elite runner down to the novice jogger, it’s the perfect race for anyone. (RagnarRelay.com)
So I’ve joined up with 11 of my MRTT mamas (Erika included) to participate in our first Ragnar race together. Our team name is…drumroll…“Moms Do It All Night Long”-cute huh? We will be running 200.5 miles from Cumberland, MD to Washington, DC relay style.
What does Ragnar mean?
Ragnar was a king and hero of early 9th century Scandinavia. He was a conqueror, a wild man, a leader, fearless and free-spirited.*
In much the same way, today’s Ragnarians fulfill their freedom to roam, to explore, to lead, – a free-spirited desire to get out there and experience an outdoor adventure with friends. They traverse beautiful scenery, conquer challenges, and celebrate as a team. They outfit themselves in crazy costumes, deck out their vans and tents and walk away with kick-ass medals, bragging rights and unforgettable stories of this epic adventure!
Who are we? People that seek adventure, love fitness and the outdoors, give moral support to each other at 3 AM, enjoy camaraderie, don’t stop for bad weather, accomplish the amazing – together, aren’t afraid to wear crazy costumes, cheer others on, and ring cowbells to celebrate victories – small and large.
*Actual history may vary from our romanticized version. (RagnarRelay.com)
Why do we do it?
I have no idea what so ever! Remember when you were in high school and you stayed up all night, wearing pj’s, gossiping about boys and eating junk food?? Well I envision this experience as staying up all night with my girlfriends, wearing running clothes, drinking gatorade and eating GU shots and talking about our kids. Same thing right?!
I definitely don’t expect much sleeping!
I’ve read a few other posts on what the Ragnar experience will be like but what better way to really hear about it than to ask friends who have recently “survived” one:
From Sue (This Mama Runs for Cupcakes) “Ragnar isn’t a place to PR, you are facing obstacles that most of us aren’t used to, i.e., sleep deprivation, decreased recovery time..have fun with it and take advantage of a low key race where you don’t always have to look at your Garmin!”
From Sarah (MRTT Chapter leader and Ragnar Trail Relay Ambassador) “It’s all about your team mate who’s out on the course. You get lost in cheering on each other and really come together as a team. Having runners of all different levels on your team is an amazing experience. It’s the way running should be!”
Love it! Can’t wait to get out there and have fun with my BRF’s.
The important stuff!
Van decoration and costumes are very important I hear. Having a great van decked out helps others cheer you on and helps the team get into the spirit of things. We’ve got some great decor plans and matching outfits of course. Stay tuned for those in the next post.
Here is a cute one that I saw though:
Right now my biggest worry is having to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night…in the woods…in the middle of nowhere…alone.
So those are the ramblings of a Ragnarian to be. Next post: packing for a Relay Race
So any packing must haves? Have you done a Ragnar or relay race?
Is it bad that I’m soooo jealous you’re running a Ragnar? I’ve tried for 2 years and the timing and location of opportunities haven’t worked. Ugh!
You’re going to have a blast! I can’t wait to hear all about it.
It’s not bad at all! Wish you were doing it too. Maybe next year?
My team is at the What Have We Gotten Ourselves Into??? stage!
Cute! Thanks for the great info today. I’m going to start packing soon
I realllly want to do a Ragnar. So that I can say that I am officially off my rocker but so are my friends.
I know! I used to think only crazy people did it and now I am one too!
Good post! Just posted my packing tips!
Yes thanks for sharing. Will be packing this weekend!
I am super jealous and this sounds like to much fun! I can’t wait to hear some stories! Good luck to you!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks I am excited too and nervous!
I am so excited for you and anxious to hear about your experience since I will be doing it a few weeks later! My team hasn’t really gotten together yet but I am hoping we can come up with some quick ideas for van decor! That looks like a lot of fun!
I know it does! And yes will definitely chat after to give you tips!
I am so excited for you!! Can’t wait to hear all about your experience!!
Thanks I am excited too! And very nervous 🙂
I love the idea of Ragnar! Its sounds epic! My twisted sense of humor says write: “FREE CANDY” on your van….that will turn some heads on the highway!! LOL I cant wait to hear all about it!
Ha that’s a great idea! I’m really excited!
Good luck on you race. I have always wanted to do one of these. They look like a great time. What a fun team name.
Thanks I am really looking forward to it! one big sleepover with no sleep!
Oh the memories you just brought back! My favorite part of running a Ragnar race is actually running the dark midnight stretches, I know weird but that was my favorite part. Not often I get a chance to safely run through mountain passes at night alone (or feel alone, between runners)..
You’re going to have a great time!!!
Wow really? Alone at night and you weren’t scared? I just keep picturing some horror movie-LOL!! You just made me feel a lot better though thanks
Nope no need to be scared, because even though your alone, your not really, there is always someone up the road ahead of you, or behind you. Plus your van is not too far away. Although I was enjoying mine so much I just told my van to drive ahead and meet me at the exchange:) Have a great race!!!
I’m going to have to run with you sometime-you sound so relaxed and fun 🙂
So cool! That finish line is going to be EPIC! Good luck!! Can’t wait to hear about it 🙂
Thanks and I am sure I will be writing about it a lot. Thanks for the support!
Your response to “Why do we do it?” made made me laugh! Yes, it sounds totally crazy but that’s what makes it so cool! Love your team name!
Ah thanks! I love it too! I am really excited and I am sure you will be hearing lots about it!
Good luck!! I’d love to do a Ragnar sometime in the future. I’m training for my first marathon now and have a relay on my bucket list!
I think it’s going to be lots of fun!
So much fun and good luck! Remember to HAVE FUN!! If you get too caught up in time/splits/etc… you won’t enjoy it as much. HAVE FUN! 🙂
Thanks I know I plan to ditch the watch pace all together.
Never done one, but I heard it is a lot of fun. ENJOY!
I am really excited thanks!