Ragnar Relay 2008

jdahling · Joined: 19 Jul 2007 Posts: 233 Location: East Valley

This weekend was the Ragnar Relay Del Sol - right here in our beautiful state. It was the second year running - and the number of teams more than doubled.

There were 152 teams competing in the 182 mile relay. It was a running start - beginning Friday morning around 8am, with the final teams starting around 6pm. The faster the team, the later the start - with the hopes of getting everyone to the finish line somewhat close together.

Each team consists of 12 runners - each one running 3 times throughout the race. I was runner number 5, so I had segment 5, 17, and 29. Basically, I was running late afternoon on Friday, early (like 3am) morning Saturday and late morning on Saturday.

This year, we had 24 runners (2 team). Team 1 was: "What happens at Ragnar ..." and Team 2 was: "... Stays at Ragnar". We finished together in 30 hours.

My van (consisting of the first 6 runners) was a mix of new people and a few old teammates from last year. Again - we all mixed well and really formed a good bond. It is definitely something that I will do again and again... and everyone seemed to feel that way.

What makes this interesting (at least in my opinion) is that you are challenging yourself in several ways. Running on very little sleep (1 or 2), through the night, during the heat of the day - and yet you figure out how to do it and be a part of the team.

I am lucky - I love my teammates. They are supportive, my friends, encouraging, it's a wonderful feeling to round the bend in a road and find 11 people there just for you (your teammates) with the goal of showing support, cheering you on and giving you high fives (and the occasional water) ...

anyhow, it's a great way to spend the weekend. I'm already planning for another one in 2009.

Cheers!
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Cheers,
Jeannine Cool

"Life is an adventure ... Made for an adventurer ..."

jdahling · Joined: 19 Jul 2007 Posts: 233 Location: East Valley

In case you are interested ...

http://www.ragnarrelay.com/delsol/index.php

That's the home page for this years event!
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Cheers,
Jeannine Cool

"Life is an adventure ... Made for an adventurer ..."

Hikngrl · Posted: 3/2/2008, 6:53 pm Post subject:

Yay Jeannine!!! Sounds like a great weekend! Glad ya had a good time and got a good feeling out of it! That is oh so important when challenging your self! WTG Girl! Applause

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~~~Diane~~~

I want to shine!

oliverr99 · Joined: 04 Jul 2006 Posts: 632 Location: Glendale

Wow!! I did get a brochure on it. I might be interested in it for next year, if I can get to running. Sounds like you had a great time. Congrats, what an accomplishment!! fly a kite

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Anne
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened" -- Dr. Seuss

Davis2001R6 · Joined: 12 Dec 2003 Posts: 5591 Location: Italy

Thats pretty cool, congrats!

Matt Hoffman · Joined: 18 Feb 2004 Posts: 701 Location: Grantham, NH

J9, that's really cool! Congrats! You'll have to tell me about it this week. Applause

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"Your day-glo ballet days are over." Ancient chinese proverb.
http://web.mac.com/climbingsponge/Matt_Hoffman_Images/Welcome.html

jdahling · Joined: 19 Jul 2007 Posts: 233 Location: East Valley

Arizonaheat · Posted: 3/3/2008, 6:04 pm Post subject:

Jeannine, glad you had a good race.

All in all I survived my adventure quite well, it turned out to be a great mental challenge. Miles 33-40 were the toughest, 46-50 was divine. Crazy

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Our lives are not determined by what happens to us but by how we react to what happens, not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life.

jdahling · Joined: 19 Jul 2007 Posts: 233 Location: East Valley