Fun, Sweat & Tears

“Fun, Sweat & Tears” (WILTON 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 9^th Century Norse conqueror, the series dares runners to challenge themselves and show their wild side.

Racer: Katie Denious, 41, Wilton

Team Name: The Sole Sisters

A part-time decorative painter and married mom of three children, Denious had always been athletic. She grew up as a nationally competitive gymnast, then, when she hurt her back, pursued “every other sport” including lacrosse, skiing and tennis. Denious began running seriously about five years ago and has tackled marathons. “I got the running bug, liked the feeling of being in good shape and wanted to try harder things.” A running partner saw fliers for a Ragnar Relay race with a 190-mile route between New Haven, CT and Boston, MA. “We thought it would be fun to put a team together.” With so many running moms in Wilton, teammates were not in short supply. Three groups of 12 (Katie’s team, the Warrior Chicks and Whine Not Warriors) formed. The Sole Sisters secured two Chevy Suburbans outfitted with colored lights and decals, donned hot pink outfits and assumed 15-20 mile legs per runner. Prep included runs three times a day and night runs with headlamps (“I’m sure people thought I was loony”). Wilton was all abuzz and supportive, particularly the Wilton Sport Shop, which donated gear and lent guidance. The bubbly, excited post-race report: “Nobody slept… won the award for team spirit… a little drama… calf cramps… lots of emotion and tears… champagne celebration.” As important, the race results: 1^st all-female team, 3^rd among mixed and 29^th overall. You go Sisters of Sole!

Ragnar Relay Recruits

“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 9^th 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!”