Day 203- Ragnar- Napa is finished, Back to work

"We Don't Run For Fun" right before the start of the race in front of Alcatraz

Our second Ragnar Relay race has come to an end. For this Ragnar we ran from the south side of the Golden Gate bridge up north to Calistoga. For 186.4 miles we always had one member from our team of 12 running. Our team was made up of five that were experiencing Ragnar for their first time, and the rest of us who had all run the southern California Ragnar previously this year.

Since I planned the race this year I had the honor of running the longest legs; which ended up being a total of around 21 miles. The other legs weren't very far behind me, with a couple of our team members running the longest distances that they have ever accomplished.

Ragnar is an amazing experience. You push yourself harder than you knew you could, you attempt to get a few hours of sleep, usually without much luck, but you do it as a team; gaining friends and memories that make the whole experience worthwhile and make you want to start planning your next Ragnar.

Thank you team, "We Don't Run For Fun," for making this weekend such an unforgettable experience.

Pura Vida!

Alica Ryan, NTP

Day 196- Napa Ragnar Week is Here!!!

I can't believe that another Ragnar relay is upon us! This time around we start in San Francisco and run to Calistoga; 186.4 miles of non-stop running. We have a team of 12 runners, with each runner running three legs each.

Now we are busy preparing for the exciting weekend that lies ahead. One last long run to prepare for the race, making sure that our vans our stocked with reflective vests, headlamps, electrolyte replacements, and fuel for our races. And most importantly preparing our playlists that will help to keep us motivated during the logged miles.

To read more about our last Ragnar run, check out my previous blogs:

• Napa Ragnar Here We Come
• Ragnar Relay
• Leave Me Alone I'm Running
• 12 People, 200 Miles, 2 Hours of Sleep

Pura Vida!

Alica Ryan, NTP

Day 171- ESPN Looks at the Running Craziness of Ragnar

If this video doesn't get you stoked to run in a Ragnar relay race what will?

The count down has officially started; we have less than a month until the Napa Ragnar Relay race!

Pura Vida!
Alica Ryan, NTP

Day 80- Napa Ragnar Here We Come!

It is official, team "We Don't Run For Fun," is at it again. This time we will be headed from San Francisco up to Calistoga. Keeping the majority of the team members with just a few new additions.

If this description doesn't get you excited, what does?

PICTURE THIS: The Golden Gate Bridge. Wine Country. You and 11 of your closest friends running day and night, relay style, through some of Northern California's most beautiful scenery. This running event starts in Marina Green, near downtown San Francisco, runners will take awe in the views of the Bay Area while crossing the Golden Gate Bridge as they head toward Sausalito and Mill Valley. Participants will race inland and experience the rolling hills and farmland of Petaluma before heading toward the Valley of the Moon. This race will guide runners south to Sonoma and along country roads to Napa Valley, where endless vineyards will surround runners. The race (and your stamina) will wrap up in Calistoga. Mark your running calendars; you don’t want to miss this race.

Can't wait for the next Ragnar experience!

Pura Vida!

Alica Ryan, NTP

Day 47- 12 people, 200 miles, 2 hours of sleep

I finished my first relay, and just like I was warned I would be, I'm hooked!! What an amazing experience. A team of 12 (unless you are running an ultra- in which case there would be 6 of you) starting at the Huntington beach pier and ending on Coronado island. The first 6 in one van and the second 6 in another; running continuously day and night.

Here is van #1, right before my first leg

We ran in over 80 degree temperatures, through the middle of the night with only the light of a head lamp, along beautiful scenery, and through not so beautiful scenery. We ran with groups of other runners, or in areas where we were the only ones for long stretches. It is amazing what your body is capable of doing; with only 2 hours of sleep and sitting in a cramped mini van with 5 other people, then getting up exhausted and beat and running another leg of the relay. What a mind game relays are. Holding yourself back to not exhaust yourself for your other legs, fighting the exhaustion, the heat, and the pain and putting in your all.

Van #1 after we each finished out first leg of the relay

Saturday afternoon, van #1 after we completed all 3 of our legs (man was it hot!)

Tara and I, first 2 done for our team.

We may not run for fun, but we sure will run for free beer! Wait, did we really just run 200 miles for 1 free beer?

The whole team at the end of the race!

I can't wait for my next relay! Dave, both Taras, Maria, Clif, Trent, Scott, Lacie, Brooke, Matt, and Beau thanks for an unforgettable experience. We rocked it!

Pura Vida!

Alica Ryan, NTP