I ran my first Ragnar Relay at the Ragnar DC two years ago. It was an amazingly fun experience and I couldn’t wait to run one again. We got lucky and our team won a free entry into Ragnar Cape Cod the following spring. I was afraid going in that it wouldn’t be as much fun as the first one. After all, the bar had been set pretty high.
Ragnar Cape Cod was amazing. I loved the course, my team was amazing, and Beer Geek and I followed up with a week exploring the area.
I knew I’d run Ragnar again, but wasn’t sure when or more importantly, where. After all, I love to travel and run in new places. I almost ran DC again last year, but life intervened (thank goodness, it was cold and rainy most of the race.) And with going for Mercury this year, I just didn’t have time to travel to another race.
So DC it is! I’m actually quite excited as there will be some differences for me this year.
- I’m one of the captains. This means I’ve had a lot more responsibility this time around. Luckily we have a good team and I have a co-captain, so we have managed to keep things down to mild chaos. (And one sign that you are a mom and a runner? Putting together an extensive First Aid kit just involved “shopping” in my bathroom closet.)
- This time the team is Co-Ed, four women and two guys in each van. I know it will be a lot of fun, but it will be interesting to see if the dynamic is different than with an all women’s team.
- I have too many skirts to choose from. You think I’m kidding, but my collection has grown a lot in two years. I’m not even sure where to start LOL.
- I’m fairly well trained. When I ran Ragnar DC two years ago, I was so not ready for the mileage. When I ran Ragnar Cape Cod, I’d run two marathons in the preceding weekend. (I really wouldn’t recommend that to anyone. Just sayin’)
- While I’m still in Van#2, I’m running a different leg and we will be hitting exchanges a bit later, due to a later start time. This combination will totally change when I get to eat, so that should be interesting.
I’ve spent the weekend pulling things together on paper, now it’s time to actually pack them LOL. And in case you are wondering, here’s the packing list that has served me well for two Ragnars. And here are a few things I learned at my previous Ragnar DC.
Now I just need to figure out what skirt to wear with my team shirt…
Today I’m linking up with HoHo and Tricia for Weekly Wrap. Stop by the link up and see what everyone else is up to…
And don’t forget to join us on Tuesday for Tuesdays on the Run! We’re talking about post race or long run rituals and rewards. Tell us what you do – ice baths, epsom salt baths, drink chocolate milk, drink a beer, take a nap… What works for you?
OMG you are going to have so much fun. Enjoy ! Can’t wait for the recap.
How fun! But wait…I thought you were feeling kind of burnt out?
Can’t stop, won’t stop?
I’d love to run a ragnar or relay some day! We have a relay here but it’s so hard to get in, unless you have connections to an already established team. Maybe someday.
Have fun being Captain!
I’m jealous! I loved my Ragnar So Cal two years ago and I really want to do another, but the stars haven’t aligned yet. I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time, though I do imagine a co-ed team will be quite different. Good luck (finding he perfect skirts)!
I am so excited for you to be running Ragnar again. Sorry to miss it this time and sounds like you will have a great team and great weather. Have an amazing time!
I am so bummed I couldn’t do this with you! You will have so much fun – but you know that! We had a co-ed team and it was very chill!
I like red wine and a foot bath after a long day on my bike!! 🙂
Ragnar always sounds like such a fun experience. Hope you have fun this coming weekend!
You’ve been busy this year en route to Mercury. And now Ragnar? Wow! It’s on my bucket list. For now, I’ll have to live vicariously through you. I don’t know how you pick from all those skirts! Close your eyes and point? Good luck this weekend and most of all HAVE FUN. Thanks for linking, Erika!
Good luck! These Ragnar Relays look like so much fun! It is on my bucket list for sure- have fun! I head to Cape Cod next weekend for ZOOMA Cape Cod then a week exploring too!
Super cool! I’ll be running my first Ragnar in December – it will be a trail one, so completely out of my comfort zone. I can’t wait to hear how it goes for you this time! Best of luck with your captain duties, too!
I want to do Ragnar someday!!! I’m in Iowa, so it’s kinda slim pickins in my area. Good luck 😉
Your group is too cute – i love the unified look!
I’ll say it again I’m so jealous! I want to do a Ragnar so bad! I think seeing all the pictures of you great and awesome women with smiles on your faces is just the icing on the cake!