Ragnar Relay 2010
I ran the Ragnar Relay Northwest Passage this year, much as I did last year. It was another good time.
The team was radically different this year. Only 5 people from the 12 last year were the same. However the new additions certainly were fun.
This year I was racer 12 instead of 11. I only had 17 miles, about the same as last year, so I felt I knew what to expect. I trained for a couple of months and really felt ready. This time in particular I ran hills since that was what killed me last year.
Our start time was a couple of hours later than last year, so I wasn’t running the same times. It was kind of sad because I really liked the middle of the night run last year. Instead I got to run the morning and see the sun rise. Less dramatic than the lightning storm I ran in last time, but nice nonetheless.
I think the biggest difference was the stamina of the team, or at least those in our van this year. Last year the van I was in was mostly “avid” runners, while this year felt more casual. Actually, that was a nice thing, since I myself am far from an elite runner. The pacing was good. Also, having a dedicated driver was awesome. I would heartily recommend it for any team, if they can find one.
The sad part was that I was kind of stupid. I ran almost all of my legs on a broken foot. Inside of mile one on my first leg I somehow broke my left foot (specifically the 2nd metatarsal). I was wearing the Vibram KSOs, and I’m sure that contributed to it (more on that in another post). I adapted and started running on the outside of my foot, which meant my right leg compensated and I got cramps in my quad and calf. I didn’t want to quit though because other runners had difficulties. I felt that we were already asking a lot of everyone else so I just grinned and bore it. Oh well, c’est la vie.
The foot aside, this year was better in many ways. First, I took some dramamine, which helped in the van and made me tired enough so I actually slept. Second, I kept my diet more regulated, so I didn’t get sick. I’m not sure if it was the *Ade drinks I had (instead of just water like last year) or if I just kept a more consistent stream of fuel in my body, but it was pleasant not feeling like I had to yack just before my last run.
The spaghetti dinner was gone this year, replaced by a rather tepid breakfast. I don’t think I’ve ever seen bacon sliced so thin, nor eggs so bland (might have been powdered for all I know). Still, fuel is fuel, and it did start the day off right.
The last run was a lot more pleasant too. I knew right where the finish line was and I paced myself accordingly for the two major hills on the leg. It was fun running with the team past the finish line and I could actually enjoy it rather than being frustrated from being so exhausted.
Perhaps the best part was that my wife was able to make it up and see my finish. It was a very pleasant sight seeing her at the finish line. It made it that much more memorable.
Last year I said that I was going to participate again, and I did. Unlike last year, I’m not going to do it next year. I won’t go so far as to say that I won’t ever do it again, but 2 years in a row is enough for now. Next year my goal is to run a marathon, and I don’t want to feel obligated to run the Ragnar in addition. Who knows, maybe I’ll change my mind, but I doubt it.
Other memorable moments:
- Meeting Mike from D.C. (He’s not from Washington, he’s from D.C.)
- The ever growing list of pet peeves between said Mike and Jennifer
- play-by-play of Kim putting on her shoes at 2am
- The dorky flags to cross the road
So, like last year, many thanks to Cara, Kim, Runner Mike, Driver Mike, Marcy, and Jennifer for the fun. It was good seeing Rob, Francys, and Brent again, even if they weren’t in the same van. Unfortunately I didn’t get to know the others as well.
