sounds crazy, we are
really just a group
of friends who love
the adventure and
spirit of a group
relay. We aren’t
competitive and
we truly run for
fun and for the
experience,”
Molly said over
the overall
experience.
For Renae
Brooks, this
was her first
Ragnar
Race. She
started running in March
of 2019 and so for her first year she has run
a 5k, 10k, a half marathon relay, and then the Tennessee
Ragnar. Several of Renae’s friends had run in the California Ragnar
race and “hearing how much fun they had, I knew I wanted in.” Renae
started running because “it looked like they were having so much fun
training for that together.” And train, she did. Training for Ragnar
involves increasing your endurance and speed but “there’s no training
for traveling in a van with 5 other sweaty women, sleeping very little,
fueling your body with Sweet Chex Mix and Hot Tamales, and having
to use porta potties in the middle of the night.” However, even this was
made fun for Renae as “the comradery and friendships gained from
going through this experience together” made it one of her favorite
running memories to date.
Upon finishing the race, the team met for supper and tried to eat
but Renae recalls looking like zombies and just wanting sleep. They
had a brunch the next morning and then went on a Segway tour of
Nashville and out for some dancing that evening. Renae also recalls
finding out that they won. They initially thought they had gotten 2nd
place and Renae remembers feeling proud. But later that day they
found out they had actually gotten 1st place and Renae recalls all of
them being in shock. “This group of friends from South Dakota that
got together with the intent just to finish and have a good time actually
won this thing!”
For Renae, the line-dancing in Nashville after the race and the
support and encouragement amongst the teammates made the race.
The only downfall for her was the lack of sleep in the van during the
race but she sees it as a part of the overall experience. “I will do a few
things differently next time but it’s all part of it. The good, the bad, and
the porta potties.” For Renae, she is already thinking ahead to her next
one which could be St. Paul to Duluth in August.
Steph Camp added, “Ragnar is absolutely unlike any experience
I have ever done. I love the challenge and that it not only tests your
physical endurance but also your mental grit. Doing this race with dear
friends is just the icing on the cake.”
For Laurie Muller who has previously participated in a lot of races,
ranging from a 5k to 30k distances; this was her first relay race. The
most miles Laurie has run was a 30k trail race in the Black Hills. “I
love running, trying new races, and traveling to new places. I have
always thought a Ragnar race sounded like fun, so I was very excited
when Molly asked me to join the team!” She agreed that training for a
Ragnar is unlike any other race, but she adds that it’s what made it so
fun. “I loved the challenge of running three times in a short period of
time while living out of a van, not sleeping, and running at all times
of the day and night.” Laurie adds that sharing it with teammates who
were a mix of friends and some she had just met made the experience
even more fun.
For Laurie, the best part was getting to know her teammates and
talking to runners from all over the country. But also enjoying all
the creative van decorations. However, Laurie’s favorite part was
her overnight run. She had run a 10.7 mile run for her 2nd leg and
started running around midnight. Her run was hilly and cold but very
beautiful and peaceful. “After a few miles, I turned my music off and
just enjoyed the quiet and my surroundings.” Laurie agreed that the
worst part was the porta potties. And agreed that another Ragnar is
something she “definitely” wants to do.
Annie Lancaster just started races within the last two years although
she has always enjoyed running. She wanted to do something to hold
herself more accountable and that pushed her. Prior to the Tennessee
Ragnar, Annie had run a half marathon, a half marathon relay, and
a 5k. The most miles she had run at once was 13.1 during her half
vTEAM TWOPACK continued on page 21
Caring for you
in Vermillion
No matter your health needs, at Sanford Vermillion
Clinic we’re committed to providing you with the care
you deserve. We offer care for your whole family right
here in Vermillion.
• Fernando Escobar, MD
• Heather Kleeman, DO
• Amanda Duxbury, MD
• Anastasia Searcy, DO
• Mary Jo Olson, MD
Call (605) 677-3700 to schedule an appointment.
SANFORD VERMILLION CLINIC
20 S. Plum St.
018027-00568 10/19
HERVOICEvJANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020v15