Oh man, oh man. I am a lucky SOB. A buddy of mine asked me if I was interested in doing Ragnar NWP2013 with people from the Seattle Greenlake Running Group, and I was like, «Heck YEAH!» Who WOULDN’T want to run from Blaine, WA to Langley, WA – a 200 mile continuous relay run? There are 12 runners total, divided into two vehicles. It’s hard to rent vans close to the actual date, so plan accordingly. I was part of Van #2, so we were runners #7 — #12 — #12 being the anchor. Each runner has to do 3 legs over the course of the race, which not only vary in length and difficulty, but they are ran with only a few hours in between each leg, which means sleep is overrated lol Our van didn’t catch any zzz’s although some were able to in the designated area along the way, or in their vans. There are 36 exchanges that happen in between the 12 runners – if you include the start. On the first day, since our van was second to go, we actually hung around in Seattle while van #1 ran; then made the drive up to meet them(they finished their van 1 runs in Bellingham.) All exchanges had at minimum, port-a-potties, while some were open schools – allowing us to use indoor facilities. Did I mention that bathing is overrated? Everybody just uses baby wipes to clean ourselves up after each run. I feel so bad for the rental van places that get Ragnar vans back O_o. So.Stinky. It was exciting waiting for your exchange; your van cheering you on as the runner speeds their way to you, passing off the slick, sweaty arm bracelet we’re required to wear while we run *chuckle* I was runner #11 this year, so I ran a total of 17 miles: some ran more, or less. [Your] second leg is hard to psyche yourself up to do: didn’t we just do a grueling run a few hours earlier without sleep? But once you get that bracelet, you totally get into the zone, and my only thought was, «Do work.» The 3rd and final run is exciting though; I think we all pushed extra hard for it, whether we ran along beach paths, neighborhoods or highways.(Runner #11 gets to run over Deception Pass Bridge! Yay!) Ragnar is well-organized and full of helpful, kick-a** volunteers. I mean, think of the logistics of planning 425 teams running from town to town? I was blown away. The routes were well-marked with signage, and there were people at-hand to make sure you didn’t run too far off course haha Pro-tip: Hydration will save your life — literally. The temperatures ranged from intense sun/heat, to frigid temps. Be prepared for both conditions to run. I had one perfect run, one chilly run, and one brutally-hot run. Eat snacks often. Use Gu or other stuff to keep your energy up. Trust me; you need it. If I haven’t said it, I recommend doing any Ragnar around the US! I loved the Northwest Passage one and will definitely do it again next year! Gather 11 of your closest friends – who don’t mind being sticky, sweaty, and stinky for 30 — 40 hours – and sign up now!
