Recapping Ragnar

Leanne Chisholm
Jun 26, 2018
7 min read

**Disclaimer: This blog post is sponsored by Reebok Canada.**

And with a blink of an eye (or very tired eyes), Reebok Ragnar Niagara is over for another year. (If you haven't heard of the Ragnar Relay before, click here).

After being unable to participate as a runner last year due to an injury (I participated as a driver), this year was an entirely different experience for me. I couldn't wait to be a part of the action - and though it was definitely tough and tiring, the experience of it all, along with a great team of friends far outweighed the sleep deprivation and tired legs.

The Team

Team Endorphriends made an appearance for a second year in a row. Some old faces, some new. I was particularly happy to have my best friend Roy, as well as one of my oldest friends Luke (over 20 years!) joining us on the journey. Neither had experienced a Ragnar before, and I was ready to share the high.

The team is split into two vans - and together starting on Friday morning, we race 200 miles (300-ish KMs) relay style from Cobourg, Ontario to Niagara Falls. Reebok Canada generously sponsored our team once again this year. Gawck (our talented teammate Cathy's company) designed and outfitted our Endorphriend vans. I might be biased - but once again, I'm pretty sure we had the best vans out there.

Van #2

Van #1 started off the race for us around 7:30AM in Cobourg. This allowed a later start for Van #2 (Nanlee, Mei, Luke, Roy, Ron, Allison and I) treating us to some extra sleep, a leisurely breakfast and last minute deodorant shopping. As Runner #7, I would take over fron Van #1 and be the first one in my van to run.

Leg #1: 11.5KM (1:30PM)

As we got to the first major transition point at noon, it began to sink in just how hot it was. I resolved that I would run slowly and conserve energy. It was not only over 30 degrees, but after all, it was also just my first leg.

Erik came in around 1:30PM from a brutal 16KM leg in the dead heat and handed off me. I clipped along on the side of the road for the first few KMs. I was impressed with how good I felt. It was hot, but I was moving. Everything I had promised myself went out the window and I overtook my first couple "kills" (a kill is when you pass a runner on another team). I would live to regret this as the leg wore on.

As I hit KM 4 things started to slow, and I found myself feeling worse and worse, slower and slower. With no shade, the heat was really starting to get to me. I suffered through the rest of the leg in the heat, walking up all the hills chatting with other runners who were feeling the same. As I texted my team to let them know I was one KM away from the exchange, I also requested a Gatorade. In the last few hundred metres I was starting to get full body chills which was an indication I was far too overheated. I might be smiling in these pictures, but I actually felt like death.

After passing off to Allison, drenched in sweat I laid out flat on the grass and declared to the rest of my van that no one was running in the afternoon heat without carrying water.

Apparently when I was out running, Mei, Luke and Nanlee ate "dilly dogs" - basically a hot dog with everything dill. After Mei finished her leg, we questioned her on her dilly dog choice before running - to which she replied, "I regret nothing!" Knowing Mei, she was telling the truth. If that's not impressive, I don't know what is.

We battled through the afternoon heat, cycling through all of the runners in our van and enjoying the scenery at the exchange points along the way. Between his legs, I sat back and watched Luke eat dilly dogs, ice cream and wine gums - basically everything that I would never eat knowing I had to run - and he still managed to crank out crazy fast legs without so much as a hiccup (well, maybe a dilly dog burp or two).

We had our first break - enjoying dinner together at the Pickle Barrel (despite the crap service) before making our way to Toronto where we would resume running at around 9:30PM.

If you would like to see a video of the first part of our race rather than try to keep up with my rambling, my teammate Ron made a great one.

Leg #2: 11.7KM (9:30PM)

We arrived at Ontario Place with time to spare. I took the time to get myself together and hug Lisa who was volunteering for us.

Luckily it had cooled down significantly, and I didn't have the heat to worry about anymore. Starting at Ontario Place, this leg would take me just under 12KM west along Lake Ontario towards Etobicoke.

I knew about 8KM of this stretch quite well which made it much easier for me as I lost the light as the run began. The cool air, waterfront views and flat profile made this leg as enjoyable as it could be. I was definitely still battling some of the repercussions of the earlier heat and had a few tough KMs. I was able rally myself and bring it in strong at the finish, squeaking in a couple kills in the final few hundred metres.

I stayed awake for the majority of the remaining runners in our van, trying to spend some time laying down, but not being able to sleep. I end up being pretty wired after running and it takes some time to bring myself back down. I kept reminding myself how important it was to get some sleep, but actually making that happen is an entirely different story. I have to take a minute here to thank Nanlee - our amazing driver. Being the driver last year, I know how tough it is to stay awake and on the ball as the driver through the entire night and she did an amazing job. I was so happy to have her with us. I felt extremely disoriented the whole time. OUtside of Toronto, I was having a difficult time pinpointing exactly where we were a lot of the time though it was familiar from last year

Time to Rest?

At around 4 or 5AM we rolled into the last major exchange where we would wait for Van 1. This was our opportunity to try and get a bit of sleep in. I "slept" on the floor of the van, wedged between the drivers seat and the first row of seats. It was definitely less than ideal, but really the only way we could all actually lay down. I was happy to run into some other friends at this point, namely a few of the RunTOBeer teams that we played leapfrog with for the remainder of the race.

I woke up at 6:30AM, unwedged myself and by about 7AM managed to rally the troops to hit the Starbucks. It was a pretty nice view to wake up to. Being the first runner, I knew I needed to eat and get some coffee in me well in advance of my last run.

Leg #3: 8KM (9:00AM)

A little groggy, but fueled by coffee and breakfast sandwiches we waited at the last major exchange for Van #1 and Erik to arrive.

I wasn't sure after sleep deprivation and two longer legs how I would fair on this last one (as you can see from my expression below). However, I was pretty happy to get going - also this was the shortest of all of my legs, so no matter how hard it was, somehow I knew it wouldn't be "as bad."

Despite my tired eyes and legs, this leg of my journey ended up being my most consistent. There was a bit of signage confusion along the way, but overall it was pretty enjoyable. Finally, I was happy to be running.

Handing off to Allison at the end of this leg felt pretty great. It's a major relief to know that you are finally done running and can relax.

Overall, I really liked being Runner #7. Although you didn't get to spend much time with the other Van at the major exchanges, as well as being a higher mileage position, I was happy with the timing of my legs and just being able to get it done! From here on in, I just got to relax, stuff my face without fear of repercussions and cheer on my teammates.

The Big Finish

The last leg of Ragnar Niagara is notoriously difficult. It's about 14KM and heads straight up the Niagara escarpment. We kindly decided to give it to the friendly visiting American on our team, Ron - who had no idea what he was in for. We Canadians are nice like that. Ron was an amazing addition to our team. He took it all in stride and had the most positive attitude. For enduring the last leg, you also get an extra 'Oh Canada' medal.

After Roy bowed down in respect to hand off to Ron on the last leg, Van 2 headed off to the finish at Niagara Falls. We stopped on the way up the escarpment for a photo op and made sure we left a space for our teammate who was battling his way up. Despite Ron not being in the photo, this is one of my favourites from the race.

In Niagara Falls, we would meet Van 1 and run into the finish together as a team - a very special aspect of the race. Its a good time to reflect on what we have accomplished together.

Make sure you watch Ron's Ragnar 'Part 2' video to see how it all turned out:

The WHY of Ragnar

For me, I love Ragnar not only for the physical challenge of the relay (I ran about 32KM in total); but also being able to accomplish something really cool with your friends. It set in for me when we were driving back to Toronto from Niagara Falls on Sunday Morning. Driving home you really get a chance to appreciate how much distance you have covered. Running 200 miles (300-ish KMs) is no joke. But luckily for me, the journey was full of love, laughs and many many jokes. I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to do it with.

A heartfelt thanks to our captain, and my wonderful friend Allison who worked tirelessly to coordinate all of us. It wouldn't have happened without you.

I also want to thank our amazing volunteers - Nancy, Janice and Lisa as well as our driver extraordinaire Nanlee who put up with 6 smelly, sweaty runners for 30 hours.

Lastly, a big shout out to Reebok Canada who made this all possible for the Endorphriends by generously supporting our journey with gear, vans, hotels and so much more. We couldn't have asked for a better sponsor.