It’s 3:00am, pitch black and you’re somewhere in the middle of what could be a mountain range, corn field or lake. Oh, and it’s your turn to run. So dawn your safety vest, headlamp, tail light and embrace your innerWILD, here are ten things you experience during a Reebok Ragnar Relay night run.
1. Straight up denial. Your body is supposed to be in bed at this hour.
2. Nerves. For a moment you realize you have no idea what you’re getting yourself into.
3. A little bit of fear. Isn’t there a reason you were afraid of the dark as a kid?
4. You swear you hear something in the bushes. Bear? Snake? Sasquatch?
5. So, it seems like a good time to pick up the pace.
6. You look up and notice the stars.
7. You realize how calm you are.
8. Then you start having fun.
9. Before you know it, you see the lights of the exchange in the distance and know that you’re almost at the finish.
10. Then you report back how awesome a night run is!
Ready to try a night run at a Ragnar Relay? Find a race here.
Whew…everything 1-10. I think my night run was the fastest I’ve ever moved my feet. 🙂 I put on my big girl panties and handle that pavement! ALONE…except for the moments all of the other runners passed me by. After I finished, I felt (and still do) #ACCOMPLISHED!!! I DID THAT!!!
You captured the experience beautifully. That’s how it was my first time and how I want it to always be. You must stop and check out the stars!
It helps other runners if you run with a bright taillight!! They can see the course ahead of them. And you can see the course ahead of you!!
So accurate. I embrace my night runs and arrests have my best time and times at night, but am always nervous ahead of time
From running locally at night I can only say, be seen, know your footing, and keep one earbud in. With that said, we look forward to our first RAGNAR!!!