Running Ragnar SoCal was such a super fun adventure race. I never felt like it was an actual race… but more of a group of 7,000+ crazy runners out to challenge their endurance and mental toughness. It was a unique race experience unlike anything I have ever done. Did I mention I can NOT wait to run another one!? Yes, I think I am hooked.
If you want a little recap of my Ragnar SoCal race experience, check out my picture recap: That’s What She Said; Leg 1 and Leg 2. Now… check out how the last few hours of my weekend went down.
Our van finished running around 2:30AM. Shortly after cheering Dre into the exchange, we rushed to the van and headed to the next van exchange. We arrived at the next van exchange point around 3:30. We decided to camp out in our van. The girls each took their own bench/chair to relax, stretch out and sleep.
I slept on the floor in front of the bench where Stephanie was sleeping. Nothing like sleeping on a hard, dirty van floor surrounded by my van mates belongings. All the while propping my legs (while wearing compression socks) up on the door by my feet… because there wasn’t enough room to stretch completely out (or on my side). I tell ya, you have to have a sense of humor running this race!
At dark O’thirty we received a text from Van 2 alerting us that their last runner was on the trail. Nothing like being woken up via text message to let us know that in 30 minutes we would be running again. Keep in mind we had only 2 hours (max!) of restful down time.
We did NOT eat between the legs. We did not freshen up. We did not get a good rest. We (myself included) were hungry + tired = hangry. We were mentally and physically exhausted. But we knew that we only had one more run of this epic adventure race. We were all going to bring it!
My last run, my 3rd leg, was a very hard 7 miles. I think the reason they marked it as very hard is because it was your third and final leg. Physically my legs and body were done. Tired. Spent. I know that I had the hardest time opening up my stride. I kept feeling like my legs were shuffling on the ground. They were tired.
Although this run was my most physically challenging run of the weekend, I loved it! It was the prettiest run of the three routes for me! There were rolling hills in and out of beautiful subdivisions with beautifully manicured lawns. There were many stop lights to aid with rest… but made it a struggle to find my running grove again.
This run in particular, I had to dig deep and remember why I love running. I love running for me. I love the community and family of runners. What other sport would endure the torture of running crazy amount of miles, night and day, stinky and lack of food… all for the love of running!? It is crazy.
During this route, each runner I encountered (either I passed or they passed me) was friendly and chipper. We knew that this was our last run. We were all positive and encouraging. We uplifted each other and at times pushed to keep running to the finish.
The saying, My third leg is harder than yours, is all about overcoming the mental and physical mindset of the adventure race weekend. My third leg of the race helped remind me why I love running. It also taught me that I am SO MUCH stronger than I give myself credit for.
My third leg was not my favorite. It was not my fastest run. Nor was it the easiest run. However, it is one that I remember more clearly because it was my last. I ran the rolling hill 7 miles with a little less than a 10 min/mile pace. Not bad for finishing up 21 miles in a little less than 24 hours!
After my leg was finished (and I was finished running for the day), we hopped in the van and headed to the next exchange. This was the most BEAUTIFUL exchange we had to date. It was by the beach. It was gorgeous! We had some time to spare: stretch, hydrate, explore and play before runner #3 finished her leg.
You know, because doing handstands on the beach after running 21 miles in a weekend is what all the cool kids do!? Gotta love my fashion sense that day too… I am bringing sexy back! Good thing this photo isn’t smell-o-vision!
Over all I have to share that I had a fantastic time challenging myself physically and mentally while running Ragnar SoCal. It was super fun. I had a great time meeting (yes, I had never met my teammates or van mates before this epic weekend) my team. I learned so much about myself… and what I am able to accomplish if I put my mind to it (and beat the mental ‘I cannot’). I also know I want to run another Ragnar someday!
Check out my teammates leg 3 experiences: Stephanie, Janice, Lauren, Julie, Dre.
Have you ever considered running a Ragnar Relay?
What is one of the most physically and mentally challenging things you have accomplished?
I am in absolute awe of how you manage to keep on in spite of a body that was just all worn out. So impressive, and I can’t help but think you more than deserved that last leg being the most beautiful1
My third leg WAS harder than yours (kidding) – This was definitely the toughest most challenging thing we’ve ever done, and we ROCKED it! Great job Rachel! (And apparently I need to start writing up my individual leg recaps, seeing as you’ve got a place all ready to link up to my post). Have a great day!
Yes. I think your third leg was both physically and mentally harder due to your injuries. You rocked it!
Yes, I linked to your recap the other day… just share your leg 3 and I will link it up below this post too 🙂
That handstand pic = badazz … still working on mine
congratulations on a great race! I ran Ragnar So Cal 2 years ago and the views just got better and better as the legs went on. Such a gorgeous course.
Great job!!