That’s What She Said

This past weekend, I ran an epic relay running adventure race with thousands of other crazy runners.  Myself and my team (11 other runners) ran 200 miles, from Huntington Beach to San Diego.  We ran throughout the night over the course of 2 days… relay style.

If you ‘like’ my facebook page, you were filled with updated photos and tid bits from my running events this past weekend.  I feel like I am hung over and still trying to put the pieces together from the epic weekend.  It was a blast.  It was challenging (both physically and mentally).  It required patience, grace, forgiveness, and a sense of humor.  It was a great time and I look forward to running another one in the future.

I know that if you have been following me and my teammates the past few days, you are pretty up to date with the adventure we experienced.  However, if you still want more… here is a brief (ish) post from my point of view: That’s what she said!

Up bright and early Friday morning (5AM) to hydrate, eat, get the van ready, meet the teammates and get ready to run!  Staying hydrated was my #1 priority this weekend as it was SUPER hot out there.

The start line was near a beach in Huntington Beach, CA.  It was gorgeous!  I couldn’t get over how many runners, teams and PEOPLE were taking part upon this epic adventure!  There were over 600 teams… so that number x12 (minus a few for the ultra teams)!  There was a LOT of crazy adventure runners!

This was the back of our van.  Our team name was, “My third leg is harder than yours!”  Which seemed appropriate since everyone was determined that their leg was harder than everyone else.  I am confident that Ragnar divided the legs evenly based on elevation, hills (up/down), and distance.  I do NOT think any ONE leg was harder than the other.  They ALL were equally challenging in their own right.

You know, just another selfie.  Thank goodness for Nuun for helping keep me hydrated and preventing cramping.  I think this was a lifesaver for me!  No cramps or muscle soreness for me.

My first leg was a hard 5 miles.  It was relatively flat and straight.  It was wicked hot.  I struggled.  I had a hard time getting in the game that it was a race.  It is hard to think of it as a race… when you are out there running by yourself.  I chose to run for the love of running… rather than time or competition.  I ran for the love of the sport.

There were so many cars, runners, white vans, and more!  At exchange 12 we met up with our other van to begin the night run (my favorite run of the race).  It was mass chaos… but in a strangely organized fashion.  Ragnar ran a smooth race and their volunteers did an amazing job keeping things running smoothly!

I was the most nervous about my night leg.  It was a dark run.  It was never without adventure for me: homeless people, loose dog chasing me, hills, uneven terrain and more.  I was supposed to run 9.4 miles, but they changed the race course shortly before the race… so it was shortened to 8.6.  I did not complain about the mileage difference. (Again, I will share my race recap soon when my brain regroups).

A few short hours after I ran my night run, we were up and ready to start the next leg.  Nothing like sleeping on the floor of the van for less than 2 hours to give you the energy needed to run your last 7 miles of the race.  Yet I was ready to tackle the challenge… more hills… and run my last miles for the weekend.

One of the many things  I loved about the weekend were the views we were able to enjoy.  They were not at every exchange or route… but when you saw a view it was beautiful!  While waiting for runner #3 to finish her run, we were able to enjoy this pretty beach, do handstands, chat and just enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Being a small (midwest) girl, I always catch my breath when it comes to beautiful views of the mountains and ocean.  There is always something majestic about them.  Even the same… seeing beautiful exquisite boats (yachts) parked in harbor with the San Diego skyline behind it… breathtaking.  I was just in complete awe the majority of the trip.

It was a fantastic race.  Super fun.  Super challenging.  It was a great learning lesson for myself.  I learned a lot about myself, others, and what I am capable of.  I am stronger than I thought… and I could (actually should) push myself harder… further than I do now.

I am already contemplating running another Ragnar race soon… perhaps Napa Valley in the fall.  Check back later this week, when my head regroups from sleep and hydration… I hope to share with you a more detailed race recap with what I have learned and experienced.

My name is Rachel and I am a Ragnarian!  I came.  I ran. I conquered.