So I realize that this might be lazy but I know I will never actually get around to blogging about this epic weekend AND since these lovely ladies have done the work for me I am simply going to link to their blogs. If you happen to be interested in reading about our adventures in New York read Version 1, Version 2, Version 3, and Version 4.
After I returned from the trip I sat Rich down to have a serious talk. I told him that I wanted to consider moving to New York after dental school. His immediate response was, "NOPE!" I then meekly asked that we at least TALK about. Again, an emphatic NO. I am so very sad about this. Your sympathetic comments would be appreciated.
The next epic weekend was so awesome that I get all excited even planning on typing about it.
First, a history lesson is in order. It all began June of 2009 when we were stalking a good friend on facebook and heard about his Ragnar Run. Rich said, "I really want to do this, but I need more time to train for it, so don't tell anybody about it then we will do it next year." That July we took a road trip that went through Cumberland County in Maryland which is where the run is. The entire time we were going up and down hills and I know that this run would be intense. Well this year came along and Rich got a team of dental students together. I wasn't planning on running with him. Then two weeks before the race he had 4 people drop out and I was secretly so happy, because I really had wanted to do it and I don't play hookey from work very often.
So here is the deal (In case you were interested in reading about the Ragnar Run):
You and 11 of your closest friends running day and night, relay-style, through some of the most scenic terrain North America could muster. Add in live bands, inside jokes and a mild case of sleep deprivation. The result? Some call it a slumber party without sleep, pillows or deodorant. We call it a Ragnar Relay
This 201 mile adventure-fest will push you and 11 pals through the stunning scenery of the Potomac River Valley. Starting near the town of Cumberland, MD, your team will head east through the thick forests of the Appalachian mountains. Around night fall you'll run through the quiet streets of many charming historic Civil War-Era towns, ultimately passing within the shadows of the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. The race (and your stamina) wraps on the shores of the Potomac River and ends at National Harbor.
Your relay team will consist of 12 members. During the relay, each team member runs three legs, each leg ranging between 3 - 8 miles and varying in difficulty.
Ragnar was a 9th century Norse King. He was a pirate, a raider, a conqueror, an explorer, and a wild man. The tough, fearless, rugged attributes of this Norse King are shared by all who participate in a Ragnar Relay. In much the same way, a Ragnar Relay provides runners the freedom to roam, to explore - a free-spirited curiosity to get out there and experience outdoor adventure. And maybe even to conquer. And though tough or rugged may not perfectly describe you, these attributes become a goal - something to strive for.
We made some sweet dental/running posters and decorated our vans up. (My favorite poster was dentists rule, patients drool). There was one team that I idolized. They were called We've got the runs. Their made up names for each of their runners such as Diane A Rrhea and the Poo Poo Princess. They had many toilet related items that they ran with (TP, plungers, etc) and handed out tootsie rolls out of bedpans at our resting point. AWESOME!!! Why are those things so funny to me?
Unfortunately, we were running with only 11 on our team instead of 12. The runs were challenging, the sleep was non-existent, the scenery was beautiful, the company was fantastic and the race was fantastic. We did have many inside jokes. Which I could post on my blog, but then I would inevitably have to say...you had to be there (and that is lame.)
By the way, Rich was amazing. He ran his longest run of his life 7.3 miles as his 3rd leg. He rocked the house. I love races! It is so much fun to cheer each other on and be excited about finishing. I could go on and on and on, but I am sure I have said more than you already care to hear.
