Ragnar Relay.

Ragnar Relay 2012!

Picture This:
194 miles from San Francisco to Napa.
2 Vans.
12 friends/strangers/classmates registered.
10 that actually ran.
34 miles run by this girl.
2 hours sleep.
1 knee sprained (thankfully not mine).
1 ankle sprained (also thankfully not mine).
2 blisters popped (both mine.)
4 cell phones that got us where we needed to be (except for when we were lost, which was a lot. Ha!)
Countless snacks consumed.
Tears shed.
32 hours from start to finish.

What does all of this equal?  An AMAZING, unforgettable adventure.

Top 12 things our team wished we knew before we "ragnar-ed":

1.) Van Decorations and costumes are essential. Yes, there is a competition for the best van, but more importantly, who wants to be the only kid at Halloween who didn't dress up? Use that imagination of yours, and start planning! It all adds to the atmosphere.  And let’s be honest, looking good makes up for smelling bad.

Run Buns.

2.) Your team name should fit the team's philosophy on life.  We were team Honey Badgers.  Our team is commonly referred to by the guinness book of world records as the "most fearless runners in all of the running kingdom. And we really don't give a $#(@" If you don't have a clue what I'm talking about, watch this link.  "Thanks, stupid!" :)

PCAP'ers!  (Minus one!)

Ladies of Van 1!

3.) Running Race or Sleepover in disguise?!  Remember those sleepovers as a kid when you would stay up all night talking, laughing, and running for hours? Okay, maybe just the first two.  But let's be honest, sleeping in a bed is way overrated and it's far more fun to attempt to sleep next to your sweaty friends with your neck in a position you couldn't reproduce if you tried.  

"Sleeping"  (I swear, I always smile when I sleep.)

Cat nap.

Clearly there were some mixed reviews on the situation.

4.) Savor the night run.  I will admit, I dreaded the night run.  Being alone for 9.1 miles in the middle of nowhere... at 3 am... in the fog... with 2 feet visibility?  Yeah, sure... it's a little scary, but it is the most invigorating and exciting running I've ever done!  You, the moon and the stars... and don't worry- it's just your running skirt brushing your leg, not a mountain lion.  

Starting our second rotation of runs at 11 PM!

5.) The going will get tough... so just keep going!  Friends will get injured and they will have family emergencies 12 hours before the start of the race. Whatever the case may be, it's time to pull up your big-girl panties and get a move on!  I learned that my body is capable of far more than I thought possible!

Napa.  Does it get any more beautiful?

Baton hand off!

Rock Star Dan!

6.) You'll be tired and will cry like a little baby when you have 3 miles to go.  Call it sleep deprivation, dehydration, or just pure exhaustion, tears will be shed.  They will also be shed when you see the "1 mile to go" sign - but out of pure joy and relief! (Then you will stop and take a picture to capture this moment of joy.)

Oh one mile marker... how you bring me such happiness!

7.) Porta-potties will become your friend. So... eat light.  Not to name names... but one of the vans (Van 1!) made the mistake to eat big meals along the way.  I have learned the hard way that it is very important to snack and limit the huge Ihop breakfasts and greasy cheeseburgers until you are done with a race.  So... not to name names here either... (Van 2 - my awesome van!) were fortunate to not have any urgent porta-potty stops. :)

Happy Van 2!

8.) Coffee at 7 AM will never taste as good as it does after running all night on no sleep.  Believe me.

The boys.

Caffeinate me.  

I love these PCAP'ers.  Best friends EVER.

9.) Positivity goes a long way.  More important than running ability is attitude. You will feel sleepy. You will feel sick. Your joints will become stiff and sore when you rest.  But if you have a positive attitude, you will connect with people in a unique and beautiful way. Keep in mind - anyone can run 12-34 miles in 32 hours. But it takes a Ragnar runner to do it without complaining.

Our Rock Star Driver!

Just Smile!  

10.) Race officials will bribe you to the finish line with free wine.  After all... it is Napa! But little do you know... when you finish, you will want to either eat a grocery store in it's entirety, or vomit.  Or both.  Drinking wine never crossed my mind as a good or tasty idea.  :) This beer however... did.

Racers!

11.) When you cross the finish line, you will break out in dance and everyone will stare at you like you are crazy.  Oh wait, we just willingly paid to run 194 miles.  So yes. We are crazy :)

Break it down!

Yes, you are right.  We ARE awesome. 

Love this group!

12.) You will go home and wish you were living in a van again with all of your friends. You will immediately go look for the next Ragnar Race and vow to do it again!  Best 32 hour race I've ever done.   :)

Got our medals!

Awesome medal for an awesome race.  (With a built-in bottle opener!)