Runnersare a special breedI mean, really.
Running has always been my last-resort workout.
And dont even have a go at talk pace, splits, and other stats with me.
This sunset was the perfect way to end a long day of running.
The only time Ive ever remotely enjoyed running has been on vacations.
Plus, my 20-minute runs always bought me some necessary me-time during group trips.
Ive always wanted to have a more stable relationship with running, but it seemed like a far-fetched dream.
After packing up the van, we had to be at the starting line before 5 A.M. to send off our first runner.
I figured if Hawaii couldnt do the trick, nothing would.
It was certainly worth a try.
A Ragnar Relay is a 200ish-mile relay race that you complete with a team of 12 people.
The 200-ish mile Ragnar Relay Race went from Hilo to Hapuna Bay, Hawaii.
The team is split into two vans.
Van one has runners one through six, and van two has runners seven through 12.
At any given time during the race, one member of the team is running.
This sunset was the perfect way to end a long day of running.
Yes, that means you run through the night and barely sleep.
You also live in said van for two daysin our case, with people who were previously complete strangers.
My total mileage was broken into three legs: 6.5, 4.19, and 2.74 miles.
After the Ragnar Relay Race, I spent a relaxing afternoon at Hapuna Beach with a lilikoi (passionfruit) snowcone in hand.
My main goal was to just get comfortable with the distance.
I didnt spend my time focusing on pace, but rather experiencing the mileageno matter how slowI went.
If youre new to running, too,heresome more great tips that can help you get started.
The race kicked off at 5 A.M. in Hilo on the eastern side of the island of Hawaii.
From there we went along the coast running first by oceanside cliffs and then into a winding lush rainforest.
The last leg cut across stunning black lava fields on the west side of the island.
However, views like the sunset on Kohala Mountain Road made every tough moment worth it.
Their insight gave me an even greater appreciation for the beauty of this course.
And, yes, even they were in awe of the epic sunsets.
Even running at night was beautiful in its own way.
Ill admit, I was a little scared to take off into the darkness.
But running under a full moon, in the quiet of the night, was undeniably peaceful.
Iran without music, and Im so glad I opted out.
Around 3 P.M. the next day, our 12th and final runner crossed the finish line at Hapuna Beach.
It was strange to think that less than a day prior we were mostly strangers.
Here are sixdestination racesin the U.S. Who knows, they might just inspire the traveling runner inside you, too.
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The magic of Disney for 13.1 miles, and you get to play dress up?
There are also 5K and 10K distances offered.
This scenic course through Napa and Sonomas most beautiful vineyards perfectly mixes the two.
And yes, you get to taste some local wines at the end of the race.
More into the idea of a team running adventure?
The Klondike Road Relay is a 110-mile route from Skagway to Whitehorse, Alaska.
Youll finish along the breathtaking banks of the Yukon Rivertalk about some stunning Instagram opps.
This relay race starts near the Kahului Airport and covers an incredible 52-mile stretch along the Hana Highway.
