Tales from the Van - Why Ragnar Relay?

The CoachLesley.com Orange Ogre Ultra Relay team took 2nd in division this year!

​Once again CoachLesley.com participated in Ragnar Northwest Passage Relay this past July. We had both a regular (12 person) and an ultra (6 person) team running in the event. The CoachLesley.com Orange Ogres (our team name) has been participating in this event since 2011 and frankly it doesn’t seem like summer until we’ve had our Ragnar relay. This year, our Ultra Team took 2nd in their division. Congratulations to those runners!
 
What’s a Ragnar Relay? Ragnar Road Relays are all approximately 200 miles and the event lasts two days and one night. Regular teams have up to 12 people split evenly into two vans. Every person is responsible for running three legs of the race with each leg ranging between 2 and 10 miles for a total distance of 10 – 25 miles. Each person in a van takes a turn running and then that van hands off to the other van and gets to drive ahead to the next big exchange and rest. Sleep? Maybe! LOL.
 
As a coach, these types of relays are one of my favorite ways to bring in any level of athlete to explore the challenge this type of event provides. Even if you don’t consider yourself a runner, you can do one of these relays and have an absolute blast! 

TEAM

Ragnar Medals emphasize the importance of the team!

Here at CLA, we understand the importance of a team. Having a team behind you cheering you on and holding you accountable can be a huge boost in helping you achieve your goals. Ragnar is all about the team! Having a team that is getting from Point A to Point B doesn’t require the fastest runners nor a chip time. What matters is finishing your miles to the best of your ability, supporting everyone and completing the journey. Everyone has the same goal and that makes every person a valuable member regardless of pace. 

RUNCATION

Most teams finish in 24 – 30 hours but since that is a very full two days, it feels very much like a little running vacation. That van you are in is your 5-star hotel with amenities and full of new found friends. Instead of worrying about work or what’s the next activity for the kids or what you need to get at the store for dinner, you worry just about making it to the next exchange in time and what goofy things will come up at 3 am. And you marvel over the beautiful areas that Ragnar Northwest Passage take you through. It’s two days to unplug and just be present.

CHALLENGE

The hand off!

The funny thing about this running relay is that the running is not usually the biggest challenge for a 12-person team. We pull a wide range of abilities and paces and definitely work to make sure that people have the appropriate legs. For most we say that it’s best to be trained to complete a half marathon but there are always options for those who are not to that level. And remember what we said about it takes the entire team to finish? It’s not really just about the pace but more the attitude about doing your best on race day.
 
Sure you run but how do you handle running three times over a 24-hour period?
How do you manage food and hydration and sleep or lack thereof?
 
It takes some figuring and planning to learn what fuel and nap strategy will work best for you. Each runner needs to be smart about managing recovery after running otherwise that third leg can be awfully ogre-ish! We encourage everyone to check in with everyone else to make sure they are getting the calories and water they need when running and when not running! It is hard to remember sometimes at 3 am when you are not hungry to eat because you have to run again in three hours.
 
Managing the mental component of the challenge is another aspect of this event. Every year we have that moment where we think, “Why did we sign up for this?” Now, we embrace it because we know to expect it and know that the feeling will pass. We use the feelings to remind ourselves that an event of this nature is hard and we probably need more food and water!  
 
And if you do want a running challenge, this sort of a race can definitely provide that challenge. There is something about running for the team that can inspire you on those hills, in the heat and in the middle of the night. And you probably will set a PR because after all, how often have you run some of the random distances that Ragnar legs are? 

FUN

We love seeing the camaraderie of the entire team, other teams, volunteers and emergency personal who make an event of this size and complexity come together. It’s a 24-hour rolling party. What can you count on?

• Something will seem hilarious to an entire van at 3:00 am in the morning.  Good luck explaining this hilarity to anyone else.
• Expect to be cheered on by everyone. Expect to get bonus cheering if you are wearing a costume or wig or other entertaining accouterments. Do you have to wear it? It’s only if you want to but we promise you’ll fit right in!
• You may be pretty nervous before this relay because it is an unknown. And sure, sometimes things won’t go how you want them to go. Your team has your back and will support you however they need to. Sometimes that means checking on you to make sure you have water on your run or that may even mean that someone else runs your leg if you have a chance of injury. 
• A shared sense of accomplishment. 'Nough said. 

ULTRA

An ultra team where there are just 6 runners instead of 12 brings the relay to a whole new level. Some would say it’s a whole new level of crazy. But the same principles apply as with a regular team. What becomes even more important is running within your ability for every run, making sure you are recovering well and checking in with team members so the team stays on track. With an ultra team, there is no down time and everyone gets to play driver, runner, nursemaid, navigator and general instigator of fun.
 
There you have it. The skills you practice at this type of event can help you with ANY other event. As always, we are looking forward to our next Ragnar Relay and hope you’ll consider joining in the fun and the challenge.

Let us know if you are ready for the relay!