Northwest Passage Ragnar

I'm ready to throw a fit.  Ragnar was last weekend and I'm missing it so much.  Runner's high is incredible at Ragnar but the crash afterwards is so terrible. I woke up Monday morning not wanting to clean, do laundry, and meal plan.  Still don't, actually.  I keep texting Kelsey how much I want to go back.  How am I supposed to run without my van handing me water every mile or so and cheering me on.   I was the youngest of both vans yet I think everyone was in better shape than I am.  I'm talking people twice my age checking this race off as their 10th Ragnar and others preparing for marathons.  I've got work to do.

I'm wanting to train for a half marathon now but I dont think anything will compare to the team aspect of Ragnar.  With any race, it's awesome to be surrounded by people who are collectively trying to do something good for themselves.  It's hard to explain the feeling but the energy was incredible.  I left Winnie with Charlcie for a few hours on Thursday and headed up to Bellingham with the rest of the van.  Catching up with Kelsey and meeting the rest of the team was so fun.  We went to Olive Garden to carb load and it didn't really sit well with any of us for the next 24 hours.  Next year I think we've all decided on a lighter carb the night before the race.  Around midnight we checked into the hotel and crashed quick.  The first van started to race at 6:45am but we didn't have to get checked in until noon or so.  I would have loved to sleep in until 10 but my dumb body clock had me wide awake and on my mom schedule by 7am.

When we pulled up to the exchange where our van would start the race there were other vans covered in their team logos.  In uniform with decked out vans, teams were outfitted in ridiculous outfits too.  Like one team was made up of all the characters in Star Wars.  Yes, Chewbacca too.  Another wore speedos and ran with light sabers and tennis rackets.  Still don't understand how people run in those get ups but it makes the experience so funny.  We got right to safety briefings, picking up t-shirts, and registration.  We hung out for a while for the last leg of Van 1 to run in, then it was our turn!! 

 Kelsey's dad was the first leg! We cheered him on then piled into the van to pick him up and drop off the second runner.  I was the third leg in our van so I hurried and traded out flip flops for my running shoes beause I knew the second leg would also be quick.  I have loved my running shoes but I think they've done their job.  My birthday is coming up and that's first on my list.  Anyway!  Soon enough my 6 miler was here!  It was down hill for the most part with a few hills here and there.  The heat was killer and it wasn't even that hot.  I'm acclimated to Washington "heat" and have now become the biggest whimp.  It was a hard six.  Harder than I was anticipating, but so great to have my van near by the whole time.  The rest of the van's runs were tough too but nothing a little dancing along side of them while they ran couldn't fix.  Seeing your team mates every so often helps get you through alot faster.  After, we hit the showers!  It felt amazing to get off that gritty sweat and prepare for at least a few hours of sleep.

I knew we had a little while before our next runs so we drove to the exchange we would meet the other van when it was our turn! The highschool gym was pitch black and almost every inch was covered with a worn out runner.  It was only 8pm at this time so we forced ourselves to sleep, knowing our bodies would need it come 2am.  None of us felt like we fell into a deep sleep but before I knew it Kelsey was nudging me awake and telling me Dawn (the first vans last runner) was 2 miles out.  It was midnight.  I whimpered "Noooo" then packed up my sleeping bag and got in the van.  A light sprinkle was coming down.  Earlier in the day I was excited for a forecast of rain because my first leg was so hot but I started to regret that excitement a little bit once I saw it.

   

Rain or not, I knew I could do 2.7 miles.  Curtis passed off the slap bracelet to me and I went dancing and running trying to make this my fastest pace.  Party in the USA kept coming on repeat for some reason?  Didn't skip it.  Running in the dar was creepy and fun.  I love running early in the morning anyways, maybe not 2am early, but something about finishing a workout while most everyone is asleep feels good.  After my leg I was a bad teammate and passed out in the back of the van for the remaining runs.

We slept some more in another gym then Kelsey woke me up again we got in our other set of clothes and it was back at it for one last time!  We were all sooo excited to be done!!  I was so nervous for my 6.8.  It'd be the farthest I've ever ran even throughout training.  We all finished on Whidbey island which I've decided is the place I'm retiring. It's so beautiful and reminds me alot of the eastcoast.  

Kelsey's dad took his time on his last leg and kept saying "I'm going to enjoy this last run." and popping M & M's all throughout. I tried to remember for my last one too because I do love running!  I wanted to do my best but also wanted to enjoy it.  So I promised I would pace myself and just soak in this amazing place.  I FaceTimed Dayton right before and was just giddy! He was so supportive the entire weekend. He kept texting me how proud he was and instilling his confidence in me.  I knew there were hills in this leg and the sheer .8 extra scared me so much but I had to tell myself that I've done way harder things than this.  Like giving birth for example?! Nothing is harder than that :)  I didn't want to walk a single second so I forced myself to just move one step after another.  Running truly is mental. Isn't it so annoying when people say that?  I want to yell 'Uh no my whole body kills.' Trust me, during those two days I tried to use every possible excuse to quit.  My hips hurt, toes hurt, and my knees ached.  It's amazing to see how you can turn off the pain and push through.  The crazy amounts of adrenaline flowing through your veins probably helps a little too. :) The last mile was a steep down hill.  I was relieved to see it on my map and became obsessed with looking at it all weekend in anticipation.  I couldn't wait to finish with a decline.  I awkwardly wobbled/ran down then as it evened out, and I could see the finish, I sprinted.  BEST FEELING EVER.

Sweaty two day hair.  So cute!!

15.5 miles!

I did it! And I wanted to run more.

OKAY.  This is getting way to long for a post simply about running but I really loved it more than I can say.

I'm so excited for next year. Currently, I'm in the market for the perfect half marathon.  Yay for Ragnar and for the best team ever.