Meet ‘That’s What She Said’ a team of 12 runners that completed the 200ish mile Chicago Ragnar Relays in June.
What makes them so reckless? “You and 11 of your closest friends running 200(ish) miles, day and night, relay-style, through some of the most scenic terrain North America could muster. Add in crazy runners, inside jokes and a mild case of sleep deprivation. The result? Some call it a slumber party without sleep, pillows or deodorant. We call it a Ragnar Relay.” (description courtesy of www.ragnarrelay.com). We caught up with team member, Katie White.
RR: Tell us a little about your team and why you call yourselves ‘That’s What She Said’?
KW: Our team was such a mix, it was so funny hearing how we found everyone on our team (Our captains brother in laws, sisters, kids, teacher…. ). We all shared a common bond of running and knowing at least one other person on our team, but for some of us we came into the team only knowing one or two people on it and just connected through facebook for the planning. We had several different contenders for names, but we wanted one that would really stick out (That’s What She Said!).
RR: What inspired you guys to run the Ragnar Relay Series and was Chicago your first Ragnar experience?
KW: Our team was a mix of newbies and Ragnar veterans! Toss us all together from 4 different states and we officially met everyone right before the race, hopped on a van with them for the next 33 hours, and you have our team!
RR: Was everyone on your team a runner beforehand, or did some people start running so they could be part of the team?
KW: Garrett W on our team posted on his facebook “I’m going to start a new workout…” and was asked to join our team, and he started training for it! Another- Garrett D joined because he drove for his wife Kristi’s Tennesee Team last year, and had such a blast, he trained specifically for it! Then we had some people on our team who were super fast, marathoners!
RR: How did you guys prepare for the race?
KW: Run, Run, Run!
RR: There are 16 different Ragnar Relays, why Chicago?
KW: Hello!? AFTER PARTY and Pizza!!
RR: What is the craziest thing you saw during the relay?
KW: Team member Amy (see our facebook page) stopping in the middle of her run for a “cookie break”! The whole race was insanity and our team had so much fun!! That moment just captured everything our team was about! Running, goofing around, eating, and making it to the finish! It was so inspiring to know that as a team we did something, that we could not accomplish alone!! And we made some great new friends!!
RR: Describe what the atmostphere and emotions are like when your team crosses the finish line?
KW: Disbelief! We actually did it!! Sense of accomplishment, pride.. and thoughts of a hot shower and comfy bed!
RR: Any advice for someone wishing to run one of the Ragnar Relays?
KW: Do it!
RR: What is your next challenge?
KW: Possibilty of a Ragnar Florida Keys in January- maybe an ultra ! (6 people instead of 12- so running twice the distance!)
Katie White wearing an RR Shirt during the Relay.
