Whether you’re a Ragnar rookie or an experienced Ragnarian with lots of races under your belt, here are a few tricks to help your few fun packed days go a little smoother:
1. Take lots of pictures and videos.
Appoint a person from each van to be a designated picture taker and videographer. Make sure to capture unique Ragnar moments such as running into the sunset, pictures of teammates in night gear, and videos of exchanges. Post the pictures you take to your team’s group chat for all to enjoy.
2. Keep a spreadsheet of times.
Enter the times your teammates start and finish their legs throughout the race. Adjust the estimated start times of the next runners as needed so the other van has a better idea of when they’re going to be running again.
3. Be supportive.
Whether it’s ringing cowbells and cheering loudly as your teammate runs by or standing in the pouring rain to hand your teammate water as they conquer a big hill, make sure to support your teammates every step of the way. Cheering like crazy is not only really fun, it also encourages you to run faster!
4. Bring garbage bags and shower wipes.
You’ll be spending a couple of days living out of a van with other sweaty runners and minimal access to showers so some stink is inevitable. To manage the smell, you’re your sweaty clothes in a garbage bag immediately after your run and tie it up tightly. Wiping down with shower wipes right after your run will help eliminate extra sweat and smell.
5. Appoint a captain who is organized.
Designate a captain who loves to be organized. Having someone to lead the team and make decisions will help the race go more smoothly. The captain can tell others on the team what is expected of them so everyone does their part to help out.
6. Be prepared for all weather climates.
If you’re doing a Ragnar in a place such as Michigan, be prepared for the weather to change in an instant and make sure to pack accordingly. You’ll want some warmer running clothes for when the temperature drops sub 40s at night and lighter clothing for the hotter weather when the sun is shining. Bring an umbrella and rain jacket in case of rain!
7. Enjoy the night run.
Most people often run their fastest paces at night when the adrenaline is pumping through their system. Even though running in the dark night may seem scary at first, in my experience the night runs have been the most fun. Stargaze as you go, breathe in the brisk night air, and just run.
8. Soak in the views.
Chances are you will have a lot of pretty scenery along your runs. Enjoying the gorgeous views around you is a great way to forget about the pain in your legs as you are running for the second or third time in 24 hours.
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