This past weekend I had the honor of
finally running the Great River Ragnar Relay. What is the Ragnar Relay? The Ragnar
is an overnight running relay race from Winona to Minneapolis. Teams are made
up of 6-12 people; each individual runs 3 legs. The legs of the race vary in
difficulty and distance, from 3-9 miles, allowing elite and novice runners to
run together. Over 2 days and 1 night, teams run across 200 miles of the
country's most scenic terrain. Pair that with crazy costumes, inside jokes, a
great finish line party and unforgettable stories. Some call it a slumber party
without sleep, pillows or deodorant.
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| The Fluorescent Butterflies |
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| Van 1 - Me, Loretta, Chris, Troy, Heather and Stephen |
When I
signed up to be a part of The Fluorescent Butterflies, I had NO idea what I was
in for. I just thought it would be "another run" but with butterfly
wings and bright clothes. I was so wrong. Being in a small van with 5 other
people for over 24 hours on little sleep and running in the middle of the
night, alone, with only a small light to guide me was, well......AWESOME!!!!!!!!
I loved every minute of it. The Ragnar pushed me way out of my comfort zone on
SO many levels. I have never ran in the dark, in the middle of the night or on
2 hours of sleep let alone been in extremely close quarters with some people
that I didn't know. The Ragnar taught me that I LOVE running in the dark, I
don't always have to be competitive when I run (it CAN be all about having fun)
and that I am a stronger runner that I thought I was. The Ragnar wasn't
"just another race" is now a part of who I am. My team and I created
so many great memories that I will cherish forever. All of the encouragement,
laughing and fun we had will be with me always (maybe even the smell will be
too - did I mention we didn't get to shower?). If you ever get a change
to experience The Ragnar, don't pass it up. I am still incredibly tired and
sore, but I can't wait for 2013 to do it again!
