Ragnar Relay :: Race Report - Volume 1

A few weeks ago my friend Dawn asked me if I would be interested in joining her Ragnar Relay team. Someone was injured and they needed another runner. I jumped at the chance after Mojo Loco fell apart.

I was unable to attend a team meeting and last Monday I was finally able to connect with my van-mates in Van #2. We had a meeting to plan the logistics of who was bringing what and where we were meeting Friday morning.

Friday morning we met at the Sheraton in Maitland. By 9:15 we were headed for Land O Lakes for our first "Major Exchange". The major exchanges are the places where the Vans leapfrog. Every six exchanges. We had some time to spare while waiting for Van #1. We had an opportunity to get some lunch and talk. There were people in the parking lot tossing Frisbees and footballs. It kind of looked like tailgating - all in the parking lot of a Winn-Dixie.

The exchange was made around 2:00 PM - I think. While our van-mates were running we played support crew and drove ahead and then waited to give what our runners needed. Water, Gels, High-Fives. We would then move on the exchange so the next runner could prepare for their run.

I was feeling fortunate that I was the last leg. Our first runner, Max, ran through some pretty tough heat. Our second runner, Heather ran against some pretty busy traffic in Wesley Chapel. Our Third Runner, Megan had a nice route that seemed pretty flat, although she said an old lady almost ran her over. Our next runner, Danny tackled some really big hills that just kept coming. It was after 4:30 by this time and we were required to run with headlamps, butt lamps and a reflective vest. Krishna was up next for three miles. Based on our "Race Bible" we though she had a negative incline change and that she would be running downhill. She said later she didn't feel any downhills on her run.

We met Krishna at the halfway point and she gave us a thumbs up. We rushed to the next exchange and there was little time for me to get ready to go. I had enough time to go to bathroom, do a little stretching and then it was time for me to start running. In my haste, I didn't hit the start button on my Garmin - which actually turned out to be a good thing. It was pitch black out. We were on a state highway with a decent shoulder for running. Cars and semi trucks were whizzing by and I just kept moving forward.

My team met me two miles in and had water waiting for me. I kept the bottle with me and exchanged it for a fresh one at mile four. I was feeling really good. I had no idea how fast I was going, and the only way I knew how far I had gone was when my team was waiting for me.

The route turned onto a new, less busy road. There were other teams waiting at the corner and someone shouted out that it was we were five miles in. I just kept going. A few yards ahead the shoulder was a little uneven and my left foot hit half on and half off the shoulder. I took a digger. My hands went out in front of me and took the brunt of the fall. I popped back up and my ankle was hurting. Other teams had been standing on the our side of road and they started to walk toward me. "I'm okay". I yelled.

"Are you sure?" They asked.

"I'm good! Thanks!" I answered back.

And then I was running again. My ankle was back in business and my hands were stinging, but I just kept moving along. I had no idea if I was bleeding or not, although I thought I might be.

My team met me a mile down the road for a final water bottle exchange. I had just 2.8 miles to go.

It was kind of cool to be running in the dark I was focused on what I was doing and I was in the zone. I just kept going. I soon passed the one mile to go sign. And then I was at the exchange! I ran 8.8 miles in the dark in 1:40:00. I was pleased with this time - especially because I fell.

We passed off to our other van, I got my hands cleaned up - they were cut up and had been bleeding a little bit. My first ever running fall! Battle wounds!

We hurried to Clermont to a Publix, where we got our clothes changed, grabbed some subs and then headed back to Mascotte to sleep and wait for the next Major Exchange.

Next Up: Saturday - Ragnar Relay - Volume 2