Ragnar Cape Cod - Too Vicious & Delicious

Last weekend I became a Ragnar Finisher!

It all started early Friday morning when we descended upon Hull, Massachusetts to start our 192 mile running journey to Provincetown.

When I wasn't running, I was keeping company with my van 2 teammates.

We passed the time leap-frogging, supporting, and cheering each other on while we ran.

Finishing my first leg along the Cape Cod Canal was gorgeous.

It was easy to stay hydrated, even when we ran in areas without van support, with our Simple Hydration water bottles.

We were able to catch a couple of hours sleep before legs 2 & 3 in the Ragnar sleep areas.

ShowerPill kept us from having to ride around in stinky vans. 

Before I knew it, we were starting our final legs to the finish.

After my last run ( I was runner #11), we hurried to join our final runner across the finish line.

After doing Reach the Beach NH in 2012, I didn't think I would want to do another relay, but I'm glad that Katherine asked me to join her team.

This is a relay I could see myself doing again.

Have you ever run a relay?

*Our team was supplied with ShowerPill Athletic Wipes and Simple Hydration water bottles. These are both products that I support and all opinions are 100% my own.

5 Things Not to Forget to Pack for a Relay

There's not a whole lot of room in a van filled with 6 runners. People always say to just pack the essentials...but what are those exactly?

There are many things we pack to get us through 2 days of non-stop running:

1. clothes - one outfit for each run and comfy clothes for when you're not running
2. running gear - headband, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, watch, water bottle, shoes, reflective vest/lights for night run
3. non running gear - flip flops, compression socks/shorts, sleeping bag/pillow, chargers, garbage bag
4. toiletries - deodorant, toothpaste/brush, Advil, facial/body wipes, towel
5. food - fuel, personal snacks,

But, what do you really need in order to run your relay legs? Those things you would put in your carry-on if you were traveling and worried your luggage might be lost by the airline. The things that just..."make" your run.

Here are my 5 Relay Essentials (I would be totally bummed if I forgot any one of the these):

1. My Mizunos -There is literally blood, sweat, and tears in my Wave Rider 17s. Of all the Mizunos I have worn, this pair fits the best, feels amazing, and looks sweet.

2. Nike GPS watch - I love the ease of this gadget and how it gathers all my personal stats for me. When it beeps at each mile, it's like having a friend with me.

3. Friction Defense - this stick of glide-like-vaseline by Gold Bond keeps my feet pretty, comfortable, and blister-free. Keeps my feet nice and cool too.

4. Big Banjee wrist band - I keep my phone with me at all times, mostly for safety reasons, but also so that I can take pictures. Without this wrist band (by Sprigs), I would have to carry my phone. eww.

5. Simple Hydration water bottle - Another necessary item to keep me hands-free while I run.  It tucks almost weightlessly into the back of my shorts and even if I don't need all the water in the bottle, it's not a hassle to have with me.

What items would you NOT want to forget to pack?

Ragnar Practice Runs

In just over a week, I will be heading to Hull, Massachusetts with my Ragnar Cape Cod Relay teammates to begin our 200 mile journey to Provincetown. This will be my second team relay, but it will be very different than my Reach the Beach NH experience.

Team Vicious and Delicious is one BIG team of 22 ladies in four vans. For communication purposes, two vans go by Vicious & Delicious and the other two vans go by Too Vicious & Delicious.

I am runner #10 for TooV&D (which is really runner #11 on the Ragnar runner distance chart). I have the least amount of miles, but I'm still making sure that I am ready to run! Since I am on Spring Break, it seemed like a good time to simulate my legs by doing multiple workouts.

Practice Run #1: Ragnar Leg 11 - 4.5 miles - moderate - elevation gain 198'
I set out around 9AM in the hopes that I could avoid most of the morning traffic (mission accomplished). The route I chose was pretty close in elevation with a gain of 177' and it was chilly enough to test run our team long sleeve shirt (loved it). Even though my stomach grumbled the whole time (I didn't eat before), I ran near my goal pace and felt really good (even after Sunday's 10 miler).

Practice Run #2: Ragnar Leg #23 - 2.4 miles - easy - elevation gain 45'
Nearly 12 hours after the first one, I decided to do this run on the treadmill. To create the feeling of running outside (and for fun) I dimmed the lights and sported my night gear. I didn't have any problems during the run besides my legs being a little grouchy, and it was over quickly enough. However, I did learn a few lessons that will save me from tummy issues next week: skip the full dinner and drink more water.

Practice Run #3: Ragnar Leg #35 - 4.5 miles - moderate - elevation gain 235'
Almost 13 hours after my last practice run, I suited up for a rainy, hilly, out and back.  About a mile into the run, I had to turn around because I started getting sharp pains on the inside of my knee. By the time I got back to the house the pain had stopped, so I decided to keep going and try to finish the run. Another half mile and I turned around again cutting the run short. I'm optimistic that all I need is a little rest and extra foam roller time.

Now that my practice runs are complete, it is time to start obsessing about the weather, what to pack, and what I need to purchase. Good thing I ran in the dark because I learned that one of my blinking lights has died. (update: the light works. mrC found it flashing in the garbage can!)

Are you running Ragnar Cape Cod? Tell me your team name so I can look for you!
Are you running a different Ragnar Relay? Let me know which one!