One Week Until Ragnar! 6 Things That Will Come In Handy

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One week from today, I, along with 11 of my closest girlfriends, nine of whom I’ve never met, will be running one of the most challenging events of our lives. Twelve women, 200 miles, from Huntington Beach to San Diego, nonstop. We’re running the Ragnar Relay, and all I keep thinking is, “how did I get myself into this?”

I’m kidding, of course. I am really excited about this event, but I probably never would have chosen to do it. So, how did I get here, seven days out, about to run a total of 16 miles in my three legs? I ~~blame it all on~~ have Melissa to thank.

I got an email from Melissa about two months ago. She told me that she was signed up for Ragnar Southern California, but was unable to participate. She wanted to know if I was interested in joining the team, which was mostly made up from bloggers who had met at Fitbloggin’.

At first, I was doubtful. As I said, this wasn’t something I would have chosen to do. I mean, running more than 16 miles, little or no sleep, with no real showers (or even toilets) along the way, didn’t sound like my cup of tea. I almost said no. But somewhere along the way, before that word came out of my mouth, it started to sound, well, fun. Challenging, exhausting, somewhat dirty, yes, but fun! I said yes.

Did you know they have training programs for Ragnar? They do! Not that I have actually followed one. Instead I am relying on my marathon training to help get me through. Fortunately, my team seems more concerned with the friendships and the experience than our finishing time. I think I may be a good fit!

As this week ends, and we head into race week, I have been making lists of what I need and want to bring with me. Along with basics like clothing, shoes, reflective vest, sleeping bag, pillow, phone chargers, here are a few things that I think will be essential for my success.

Halobelt

I was recently sent a Halobelt to try out, and I am so impressed! This LED illuminated belt is USB rechargeable, fits comfortably around your waist or over your shoulder, and lights you up like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Halobelt is a small, startup company that was funded by a kickstarter in 2012. The belt is lightweight and is the perfect safety tool, not only for runners, but for anybody who is active at night or in low light situations. Other uses for the Halobelt include law enforcement, children safety, skiing, hiking, motorist, roadside safety, airport traffic safety, extreme sports, and military. They even make one for dogs!

I have used my Halobelt a couple times, both on the run and when we walk our dogs early in the morning. It makes me visible from blocks away, is comfortable to wear (it is really lightweight so you don’t have to tighten it too tightly–it won’t bounce around.

While it’s use during Ragnar sounds obvious, it is so new that it is not even mentioned in the Ragnar Bible, which tells you what types of lighting and safety equipment that are needed. While a reflective belt is not allowed, the Halobelt is so much more. My plan is to wear it over my reflective vest so I won’t be breaking any rules, but I know that I will be safer.

Knuckle Lights

I’ve read a few reviews of Knuckle Lights lately and I really wanted to try them out. I am not a fan of headlamps because they squeeze my head and give me a headache. Around home, for the minimal time that I run in the dark before the sun comes up, I can get by with a regular flashlight. But during Ragnar one of my legs is estimated to start around 2:30 in the morning (yikes!). It will be dark.

Enter Knuckle Lights. Each light is 45 lumens on high power, which is quite bright enough for running. They are lightweight and the silicone strap feels comfortable. You’d think that the light would jiggle when you run, but it doesn’t. The natural positioning of your arms while running means that the light shines ahead and shows you the way.

Flipbelt

I reviewed the Flipbelt several months ago and I still use it for almost every run. It is so comfortable and has room to hold my phone (and I have a huge one, the Samsung Note!), a couple of gels, money, keys, even my inhaler. I have a plastic bag that I can slip my phone into, which keeps it safe, and it slides right into one of the openings on the Flipbelt. It rides a little lower that the Halobelt, and both fit so comfortably that I’m not concerned that I will feel squeezed.

Ignite Naturals

I have been using Ignite Naturals since I reviewed them last year (I am an Ignite Athlete, which gives me a discount when I purchase). I use the InRefresh Electrolytes and the Reload Energy Gel. Both products are made with all natural ingredients (and are vegan of course). The reload gel is made either with 100% organic brown rice or 100% organic fig paste. It tastes good and goes down easily. In addition to being vegan, it is also non-GMO, gluten free, and contains no processed sugars or preservatives. I know both will come in handy during my run.

X²Performance

I have been using X²Peformance for a couple weeks before my long runs. I have been really impressed with how it makes me feel. I had a really excellent long run last weekend, and I feel that both my performance and quick recovery were helped by the product. I feel comfortable enough to use it before each of my legs in Ragnar. I had to reorder though, so I just hope that it arrives in time!

My Foam Roller

I don’t use my foam roller nearly as much as I should, but I’m definitely bringing it along for Ragnar. It is a small roller, so it won’t take up much room, but I know it will be needed between legs. And before. And after.

My Teammates

As I mentioned, I’m running with a great group of women, most of whom blog. I hope you will stop by their blogs and say hi! They are:

Carrie from Family, Fitness, Food
Gillian from That’s G
Amy from It’s All About the Journey
Melissa from The Valentine RD
Jill from Tree Fitness
Jamie from Sweat Guru
Jillienne from Chasing Raspberries
Kia from Bohdi Bear

The only two of my team that I have met are Carrie, when she visited La Quinta a few months ago, and Jamie, at IDEA World Convention last summer. I am so excited and can’t wait to meet the rest of the team!

A Few Disclosures

I mentioned my relationships with some of the products above. I believe in each and every one, and continue to use them in my training. This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase using them, I will receive payment. Regarding the X²Performance, I will receive compensation as part of a sponsored campaign. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

Questions:

Have you done a Ragnar Relay before? Any tips you would like to share? If you haven’t done one, would you like to?

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