Interesting Perspective

Check out the comments on this Ragnar Facebook photo as far as what to expect for sleeping:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150984722479403&set=a.151033774402.114118.46637589402&type=1

Don't be that awkward runner

Click to view awkward runner video

Training Run 5

Thank you to John for hosting. 5ish miles in 91 degree heat, but it only felt like it was 95 or so. Training Run 5 info.

Safety

Night Time Gear from Ragner webiste: Ragnar Relay requires every runner to have a reflective vest prior to getting on the course. In addition, each van must check-in with 2 headlamps and 2 blinking LED tail-lights (we recommend you bring extra batteries). Each runner starting a leg after nighttime hours (nighttime hours are designated before the race) must wear a reflective vest, a headlamp, and a blinking LED tail-light. Any participant (not just the runner) who is outside of their team van during nighttime hours (nighttime hours are designated before the race) must wear a reflective vest.

In street clothes at night, you are only visible to drivers up to 200 feet, in dark conditions. Most reflective vests make it so runners become visible to drivers up to 1200+ feet. Adding headlamps and flashing LED tail-lights provides increased visibility and safety.

Pat ordered a Nathan Clip-On Deluxe L.E.D. Safety Strobe from amazon.com for $7.00, and will let you know how it works when it arrives.

Run the Edge blog

http://www.blog.runtheedge.com/
Suggested by Mont

Training 3

A good out and back 5 mile run along the bike trail! Next Wednesday, June 20 training run will start at Zurf's 5:30 PM. Click to view Training 3.

Hold your stuff

SPI Belt

Let's face it, it's a fanny pack...but at least it doesn't give off the mall-walker vibe, and it will hold your phone, keys, goo packs or whatever else.  Everything stays nice and tight on your hips and it doesn't go sliding or bouncing around everywhere.  Works great!  I'm Nick and I endorse this message.

Sparta Stampede times

Congratulations to Sparta Stampede 5-mile competitors:

Mont 37:24

Nick 40:57

Pat 40:57

Please post your time if you aren't listed.

Salsa

 Click for Mont's recipe for Kick Ass Salsa

Training 2

Thank you to Mont for hosting - good post-run salsa! Sparta Stampede Saturday, June 9 at 8:30 AM Memorial Park. Wednesday, June 13 5:30 PM starting at Pat's house. Click on "Training Run" links on right side if you want to say you are participating and start location details. Click to view Training 2.

T-shirt ideas

A "300" inspired idea - red/black ink on either a gray or yellow shirt.

I'm a runner: Flea

Article and video link
Red Hot Chili Peppers bass player Flea, a.k.a. Michael Balzary, recently ran the L.A. Marathon to raise money for the Silverlake Conservatory, a music school he cofounded.

By Monique Savin, From the September 2011 issue of Runner's World 

Ragnar

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.

In a Ragnar Relay the wild nature of this Norse King is embraced by many participants. Participants who aren’t afraid to paint their van plaid, to bring along their own hair band, to join together in yelling as they cross the finish line. You may think that you are not one of them, but you are. Everyone has a wild side and nothing brings it out of you like a Ragnar Relay.

Long live the Ragnar in us all!

And so it begins...

Thank you to John for hosting and providing breakfast. 75 more days to get ready!
Click to view Training 1.