You know how when you're a child, you are told "Never get in a van with strangers"? Well I clearly didn't listen.
This weekend, I hopped in a van with complete strangers. My very athletic friend *Tracy had been running, and was stopped by a soccer mom in a minivan. She rolled down her window, and in one of the most audacious race invites ever given, asked: "So you look like your fit. How would you feel about a 200 mile relay?"
It turns out, that soccer mom was referring to the Ragnar, a very famous (and very fun) 200 mile relay race that involves a team of 12 people and 2 vans. Soccer mom needed two runners to replace injured team mates. One phone call later, Tracy and I are hopping into a white unmarked van with complete strangers because we agreed to run 200 miles with them over a period of 36 hours.
Sometimes I question my decision making process...but then again bad decisions make better stories.
The race turned out to be a fantastic story. We ran from Utah State University in Logan to Park City. Let me tell you, if you really want to meet some crazy people, run Ragnar. Every team has a name, and the opportunity to deck out their vans. Some teams dress up. Some dress down. Some cross dress. Just a few of my favorite team names....
"We thought this was a 5k...."
"5 Chicks & 1 Dick"
"Run, Forrest, Run!"
You don't sleep. You eat whatever is in the car. You are stuck in a van for 24+ hours with stinky, sweaty runners. You have one of the best race experiences of your life. Paint It Blue and Staple It. Run Ragnar
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| What Happens When You Get Into a Van With Strangers |
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