My new obsession...

For me, the highlight of last Sunday's Superbowl party was not watching the Steelers lose (although that was a fantastic moment!) Nor was it Christina Aguilera's shameful demolition of our national anthem, or watching Cameron Diaz "romantically" shove popcorn down A. Rod's throat. (although both scenes made my patriotic heart almost burst with pride.) No, for me the highlight of last Sunday was when my lovely hostess asked if I would be interested in joining her relay team for the American Odyssey Gettysburg-to-D.C. Relay Race.  

I just recently became familiar with these "Van Relays," as I call them, and since January have been itching to do one.  It entails a group of 12 (or less) people running a 200-mile relay race in a 24-hour period.  Essentially, you're stuck in a a few vans with 11 other people for 24 hours, and occasionally you get out and run a few miles.  If you're lucky, you can maybe sleep from time to time.  But you will probably end up as a tired, dirty, sore cranky person by the end of it.  I'm sure it's not everyone's cup of tea, but then again, ten to fifteen years ago, people who ran marathons were the minority, and now look--everyone runs them...Even Oprah.  So, maybe it these relays will catch on in a few years. 

There is a whole series of these relays called "Ragnar Relays," named after the legendary Viking, Ragnar Lodbrok.  Although, in actuality Ragnar was a vicious and brutal pirate, Norse poetry and sagas have revered him as a much-admired conqueror and explorer--tough and fearless.  

"The tough, fearless, rugged attributes of this Norse King are shared by all who participate in a Ragnar Relay” according to the Ragnar website.  “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.” Sounds amazing. I'm pumped up just reading this.  I was so so excited to have the opportunity to do one, I couldn't believe it!

Sadly it was too good to be true.  I just realized today that the American Odyssey Relay is the same weekend as my Revlon 5K in New York City, which I have already paid for. I understand that all registrations are non-refundable, but it's a huge disappointed.  I had such a good feeling about the race.  Then again, the NYC race is just a 5K, so the registration fee (& processing charges) is under $40.  I'm seriously considering just letting it go.  Economically, I know it's not the wisest decision, but honestly how often do you get an opportunity to do the rugged pirate-viking relay??  I am torn...The fiscally responsible thing to do would of course be to say no to the "Shoe-tang-Clan" and tell then I can not be a part of the American Odessy this year.  It is expensive, especially since I'm signing up late, so I have missed all the discount-deadlines.  Maybe this is my goal for Spring 2012. Maybe the Shoe-tang-Clan will love it & do it again next year....perhaps with a more exotic locale? Who knows...I'll be so disappointed if I don't sign up.  I need reassurance that there are more Ragnar-esque races in my future....