I only have one big event this fall, but it’s a BIG one. In less than two weeks, I’m going to be running Ragnar Relay DC.
200ish miles from Cumberland, MD to Washington DC. I’m not quite the nervous mess I was before I got switched to Runner 7, but I’m still overly focused on it. Unfortunately, I’m crazy busy with work right now, so I’m not sure I’m going to get much more actual training done. I’m just going to have to get in whatever runs I can and call it good. Instead, I’m going to move onto stressing about the important things, like what to wear and what my leg will be like.
Since I’ve been doing nothing but surfing and reading about Ragnar Relay, I’ve put together a Ragnar Roundup of great blog posts to help you with choosing, packing for, and surviving a Ragnar relay. I also have a few friends who are posting about Ragnar today as well, so you should go see what they have to say!
- Coco over at Running with Perseverance is talking about packing and nighttime gear
- Deborah at Confessions of a Mother Runner is talking about the who, what, why, and where of Ragnar
- Sue at This Mama Runs for Cupcakes is talking about packing for Ragnar Relay
Here are some other great Ragnar Relay resources I found while poking around the internet:
Packing
Packing for Ragnar in 10 Easy Steps
“Ultimate” Ragnar packing list via Traveling Mom
What to pack for a Ragnar relay via Meals and Miles
What to pack for a Ragnar relay race via Running Rachel
Ragnar SoCal: packing list via Lisa Runs for Cupcakes
5 essentials for Ragnar + my complete packing list via Live from LaQuinta
Packing for Ragnar via Sybil Runs Things
Packing for Ragnar via Running with the Girls
Tips
Things I learned at my first Ragnar
How to prepare for your first Ragnar relay via Where and Wander
Top 10 things they don’t put on the packing list for Ragnar relay via the Runivore
13 Ragnar relay dos and don’ts via Healthful Bites blog
Ragnar packing list and last minute tips via Lauren Runs
Dos and don’t’s of running a Ragnar relay (ultramarathon team) via Rock Creek Runner
Dishing about Ragnar survival from Discover Your Happy
Ragnar Relay Tips via Mag Mile Runner
Running Ragnar? What I wish I had known! via Fit Femmes
Race Recaps
DC
Ragnar relay Washington, DC recap via Non Sequitur Box
Ragnar DC running relay races recap (Team Sarah) via Another Mother Runner
Ragnar DC recap + 5 things you need to know to run the race via Run Wifey Run
Diary of a DC Ragnar virgin via the Meanest Momma (Runner 2)
Ragnar relay race report via Eat, Run, Read (Runner 6)
What the Hill?? vie See Nancy Run (Runner 8)
Other Locations
Ragnar Wasatch Back 2013 (ultra, pt 1 of 2) via Run Wiki
Ragnar Del Sol 2013 via the Marvelous Misadventures of a Foodie
Ragnar Del Sol 2013 (pt 1 of 2) via Pug Mama Stace
Ragnar relay Napa Valley (pt 1 of 3) via sheenabeana13
Ragnar Napa Valley (accidental ultra?!?) via Running Hutch
Ragnar Cape Cod via Running Escapades
Ragnar Florida Keys via Psyched to Run
Ragnar relay 2014 recap (Ragnar Florida Keys) via Running Through Motherhood
Ragnar Relay Madison to Chicago (Ragnar Chicago) via Marcia’s Healthy Slice
Ragnar Relay Recap (Ragnar Chicago, pt 1 of 2) via Fit Femmes
Ragnar: Running on Coffee (Ragnar Northwest Passage, more posts on blog about other Ragnar’s) via Marathon Mom
Worst pace scenarios at Ragnar Northwest Passage via AMP Runs
Ragnar Adirondacks (1 of several) via Crazy Runner Girl
Ragnar Tennessee 2013 Recap via Blonder Side of Life
Ragnar Part 1 (Ragnar So Cal) via Fabulosi-T
Have you run Ragnar? Got a post you love (yours or someone else’s)? Drop your tips and/or blog link in the comments!
Ack! I will try to read all of these in the next few days. We are getting a bit freaked out about the logistics.
Coco recently posted…Ragnar Packing List — Verve Vest
We will all have fun. I’m sure of it. Maybe we’ll run into each other…
I have run DC, Del Sol, Chicago, and WV Trail Ragnars. They are a blast. Quite frankly it is something that you either decide you love and want to do more or else that one is enough.
This animated video kind of captures describing the event to a non Ragnarian.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EL1hLU_LBvs
Ha!
I’m definitely going to hit a few of those links too thanks for all the great info! Looking forward to running it with you
Deborah Brooks recently posted…Getting Ready to Ragnar DC
Is there such a thing as too much reading LOL. Looking forward to our relay.
Have a great time – what a good idea to pull together all these resources.
Jennifer recently posted…Tasty Thursday-Banana Choco Zucchini Bread
The hard part was to not keep reading and adding WAY past my bedtime LOL.
I have Napa coming up soon, so excited so I will be reading about that one for sure! I have also done Colorado.
Christy@ My Dirt Road Anthem recently posted…Three Things Thursday
Assuming I enjoy this as much as I expect, I want to do some of the other locations later.
I know it is waaaaaay easier said than done, but try not to be TOO much of a nervous mess. Ragnar is SO MUCH FUN! You will have an amazing time. I’m excited for you!
Stacy recently posted…Sneaky Turkey Loaf Recipe
I know. I’m nervous and excited. I’m sure it will be fun.
YES! Thank you so much for putting together this post and compiling resources. I am going to be running my first Ragnar at the end of the month and am starting to go into freak out mode ( I was moved to runner 6 and now I am nervous!) You will do fine though- if its true that they say it’s all about making new friends and memories I can’t imagine not enjoying it! Good luck! Can’t wait to read your recap 🙂
Annmarie recently posted…AMRAP Bars Review & Giveaway
Glad this was helpful. I was spending all my time reading posts, I figured I might as well put them all in one place LOL.
Good luck! I have always wanted to run a Ragnar relay. Thanks for the round up!
Toni recently posted…Nutrition Challenges
Thanks!
Great compilation! I will bookmark this post when I need to get hyped up for my next Ragnar (Del Sol in February). I wrote a post last year that talks a bit about the basics of a relay, including running an ultra. http://mom2marathon.com/the-ins-and-outs-of-a-relay/
Good luck!
I’ll have to add your post to the roundup!
Thanks for including me! 😀
Running Hutch recently posted…AMRAP Bars Review and Giveaway
Loved your post, so of course I included it.
Good luck on your Ragnar! There is a race every year from chattanooga, tn to nashville, tn and I swear one of these years I am going to do it
Heather @ Divas Run for Bling recently posted…Recipe Thursday: Skinny Chicken Stir-Fry
You should! I figure I need to do a relay at least once.
I’ve been wanting to run that TN Ragnar, too! Maybe we should all get a van together lol!
AMP runs recently posted…Friday Five: Fall Festivals NOLA Style
I love relay runs! You are going to have a blast. I have never done a Ragnar but I hear they are amazing. This is a fantastic round-up!
Sandra Laflamme recently posted…SKOUT Organic Trail Bars fresh review and a #Giveaway
Thanks! It should be a blast!
This is soooooo great. I want to do Ragnar next year – thanks!
Cynthia @ You Signed Up For WHAT?! recently posted…Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon Race Recap 2014
Not sure if I’ll be able to next year, but if the dates work, we should get a team together.
Great round up! I have run two ragnar races… So Cal and Napa Valley! Both fantastic! 🙂
Rachel recently posted…Tips to Have Fun While Staying Active as a Family
Thanks! I enjoyed reading your posts about it.
I have not run Ragnar but sit as a bystander to all of you athletes who do. I know you are going to do GREAT! Can’t wait to read all about it.
Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club recently posted…R.I.P Joan Rivers and Female Body Image
Thanks! It should be a lot of fun!
Good Luck! You will do awesome and have a blast!Can’t wait to hear your recap.
Samantha @ Food Fitness Family Friends recently posted…What Type of Runner are You?
Thanks! I’m looking forward to it!
I have been runner 7 the past two years. It is a great position to be in as you are the first runner in van 2 to finish. This gives you some time to cleanup as best you can Ragnar styles then cheer on your team mates.
The first leg is a good climb out of the exchange. Both times I have run it in the early afternoon and it has been hot. I carried water with me as well as had my van support me more frequently than I would otherwise. I always had the young runners passing me on this leg saying ‘way to go sir’ or ‘keep it up sir’ – I know they were being respectful but heh, I am not that old!
The night time and morning legs are nice and generally un remarkable. The exception is the last block you run which is another good hill climb. At least it is only a block and it you are done once you make it.
Enjoy!
I ran Ragnar DC in 2012 — all of these posts are making me miss it! Here’s some of my story (it ended up taking several posts to cover all the craziness)
http://dcdana.blogspot.com/2012/10/ragnar-hours-1-15.html
DC Dana recently posted…Hopefully not the Air Show of Confusion
Hi! I met you in line for ice cream/milkshakes/milk at exchange 18 at the Creamery! Thank you again for this great post to help me pack for Ragnar… we had a blast, and can’t wait to do our next one!
-Jim from Team 65 – “I Ran, I Cramped, I Drank”
Thanks for including my NW Passage post!! Such and amazing time! I hope you had the same great experience!!
AMP runs recently posted…Friday Five: Fall Festivals NOLA Style
Thanks for including my Ragnar Tips! I hope you had a great time on Ragnar DC!
Hey thanks for including my recap on Ragnar TN! Seriously team relay races are the best!!! I’ve done 2 Ragnars and 1 Bourbon chase (Ragnar for bourbon lovers in KY haha)
Kels @Blonder Side recently posted…In Vs. Out
You are going to have a GREAT time! I love Ragnar… totally want to do one again. We did at my bachelorette party and it was so awesome.
Lora @ Crazy Running Girl recently posted…5 favorite fall activities
What an awesome link round-up! I did Hood to Coast as my first relay overnight race last summer, but will be doing Ragnar Las Vegas in a couple of months so I’m totally bookmarking this