What is Ragnar? Tips for long distance running relays
A relay race for the ages
What Exactly is Ragnar?
Ragnar is the overnight running relay race that makes testing your limits a team sport. A team is made up of 6 to 12 individuals; each individual runs three legs of the race. The legs of the race vary in difficulty and distance, from three to eight miles, allowing experienced and newbie runners to run together. Over two days and one night, teams travel across the country in a tightly-packed van (so you can expect to become pretty close with your fellow runners) and run across approximately 200 miles of the most scenic terrain. Pair that with crazy costumes, inside jokes, a great finish line party and unforgettable stories, it’s pretty much a slumber party without sleep, pillows or deodorant. Ragnar mixes fun, fuel, friends and fast feet into an amazing experience that’ll last a lifetime.Learn a little more about the Ragnar Race Series >>
What the H*** am I Getting Myself Into?
Ragnar races can definitely be a challenge, but take it from elite Ragnar racer Lauren Koellermeier, who has her very own blog Marathonlar, It’s all worth it in the end. “By far the best part of participating in a relay is being part of a team and getting close with your van mates. Running is usually such a solitary sport but relays make it a team sport which I really love!” The Ragnar experience is complex and unexpected; however, there are a few things you can always look forward to when entering the race: sleep deprivation, sweat, fun costumes and a whole lotta drive, literally! “I would say you have to mentally prepare much more than physically for something like this. I usually go into the relays thinking I'm not going to sleep at all so if I get a solid two to three hours, I'm usually pretty happy. As far as outfits go, the louder and more ridiculous the better. Teams come up with the best ideas and it is always fun to follow the theme throughout the whole relay. At Ragnar we were in sync with a team all dressed up as their favorite villain. They ranged from Cruela de Ville, to Voldermort, to the Phantom of the Opera...it was awesome.”How do I Pack For Ragnar Races?
Since this isn’t your traditional race, all the traditional methods of packing and preparing for the race go out the window. You will not get a full eight-hour stretch of sleep before you run, therefore you will not be able to go through your regular coffee,peanut butter bagel and hour long bathroom break before you take off. And, that "perfect race day outfit" is only going to get you through one leg before it becomes a sweaty, dripping mess. There’s also limited space in the van, so everything you pack is crucial. It’s wise to pack light and only bring the essentials.What are the essentials for a two day relay race? Pshh… I have no idea! But, thanks to Lauren Koellermeier and fellow racer Sarah of Sarahoual.com, I found the answer: “Baby wipes, toilet paper, sunscreen/bug spray, glowsticks/necklaces/whatever, comfy shoes and clothes. And of course, all your running outfits with plenty of changes of sports bras and socks! Also, lots and lots of sugar,” says Lauren. “But seriously, having a positive attitude is probably the number one thing you need to survive. That and just knowing you aren't going to be sleeping for the entire relay and to just live in the moment because it is something you'll never forget.”
A basic list would be as follows: Three legs = three running outfits, which would include, shorts, sports bra, undies and a tank top. You’ll also want some comfy clothes for your downtime. It’s pretty simple, but a lot definitely goes into the planning because, let’s face it, us girls tend to overpack. And according to Sarah, it’s important not to. “Don’t overpack. Seriously there’s not going to be any extra room in that van. Don’t even give yourself options – pack what you’re gonna wear and stick with it. Also, pre-plan your outfits. Pack them in ziplock bags. This will save you from dumping your bag out on the back seat looking for your 'effing sports bra,' and gives you a quarantined place to stash your sweaty nasty used outfits – keeping the rest of your stuff dry, clean and your van stank-free.”
All these things are very important when preparing for a Ragnar, but when it comes down to it, the most crucial thing you need is motivation. Lauren elaborates, “Knowing that each run you do is helping your team make it to the finish line is pretty motivating, even at 3am on super tired legs. The support and cheers you get from your van as well as other teams along the course is definitely what pushes you through a late night run on no sleep through the woods. I am always surprised at what my body is capable of doing during the relays and I often run some of my fastest times during them. During the last Ragnar relay I did with Nuun, we got through our final legs with the promise of bacon when we were done. Bacon (and eggs, toast, pancakes and potatoes!) never tasted so delicious!” So whether it’s a scrumptious breakfast or simply satisfaction, you need to have some sort of motivation to get through a Ragnar.
More survival tips
You really can't have too many survival tips for getting through a relay race of this magnitude, so we turned to Samantha Fein, blogger at GarzaGirls.com and relay race extraordinaire, to get more tips. Here's what she had to share:When it comes to teammates:
- Take nothing personally
- Keep a sense of humor
- Let there be silence
- Only and I mean only lift one-another up, never put down, even if someone's so slow that she crawls her legs of the race.
"The only thing you really need is the Never Give Up attitude. Who cares if you are first, 12th, 32nd or dead last?"
When it comes to packables:
- Pillow
- Glide (to prevent chaffing)
- Smartphone
- Head lamp (for those nighttime runs)
When it comes to food:
"Avoid any and all food you would not normally eat in a day. We ate fruit, sandwiches, some chips and Gu, but stayed away from anything junk food. We did water, low-sugar food, lots of "normal" food, rather than sports drinks and such -- it's too many hours in a row to do sports food enhancers like power drinks," shares Fein.So Pretty Much...
Ragner Races aren’t for everybody. They can be tough and can push you to your very edge. However, these races can be one of the best and most incredible times of your life. Getting up and doing something active (and out of the ordinary) with other people is always a blast. Ragnar Races are truly unforgettable experiences that, however smelly and muddy they may be, will give you memories, and new friends, that will last far longer than those two days.Not sure you're ready for a Ragnar-style relay?
No worries! There are other relay options out there. Many traditional marathons offer relay options so that you and a team can split up the 26.2 miles into more manageable chunks of mileage. Lisa Luth from RunFastMama.com participated in the five-person relay offered as part of the Detroit Free Press Marathon last year with other teammates from her work. Unlike Ragnar-style races, you don't have to commit to a full weekend of activity, but you still get some of the excitement of participating with other runners to accomplish a goal. "The best part is that it was a entry step for me to be able to participate in a larger event. At that time, I was in no way prepared to run a half marathon, but 6.7 miles was a doable goal. Also, it gave me a chance to get to know my coworkers in a totally different atmosphere." So if you'd like to run as part of a team, check out your local marathons or ultra marathons to see if there are relay race options.Header image credit: Pedro_DM_Ribeiro, http://www.flickr.com/photos/pedrodemoraes/3852832928/sizes/z/
http://www.girlsgonesporty.com/articles/fitness/what-is-ragnar-tips-for-long-distance-running-relays
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