“Ragnar Relay Recruits” (LITCHFIELD VERSION)
By Mike Lauterborn
© 2010. All Rights Reserved.
5/27/10
The Ragnar Relay Series, the nation’s largest, is an overnight running event featuring 12-person teams covering designated legs over a stretch of rural roadways. Named after a fierce 9th Century Norse conqueror, the series dares runners to challenge themselves and show their wild side.
Racer: Paul Laedke, 34, New Milford
Team Name: GUARDIANS of… wait for it… Everything
A middle school teacher and ex-Army National Guardsman, Laedke had been a lifelong participant in occasional 5K’s. Two years ago, a former frat buddy and member of the U.S. Coast Guard got serious about running and got Laedke to join him in regional 5K’s, 10Ks and even half marathons. Learning of the Ragnar series and 178-mile route from Woodstock, NY to Bronx, NY, Laedke tapped his pal to help assemble a team. A notice on base quickly stirred interest -- a team of nine men and three women, ranging in age from mid-20s to early 50s, was formed. “The constant reminders, getting each other pumped, heightened endorphins, a desire to change your lifestyle… all of that helped us stay motivated,” said Laedke pre-race. Race morning, as the team traveled in two Coast Guard-provided vans, the runner said the mood was “amped up, ready to run” and mentioned a campout the previous night on space owned by a CG Chief. They talked about the legs, of which there were 36 with each runner hitting about three and assuming 15-20 miles, and built camaraderie. Post-race, Laedke reported sleeping on a gym floor, a pulled hamstring, muscle spasms, last-minute substitutions, exhaustion and wrong turns, but an absolute feeling of team accomplishment. “We’re already signed up for the Ragnar in D.C. in the fall. The whole group wants to do it!”
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