Ragnar Relay

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.

 

The Fluorescent Butterflies

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!