Ragnar- Tips? Team leader responsibilities?

[cransplash]

I've been asked to join a Ragnar race, and I signed up! One of my friends is the team leader, but the majority of the runners have never run the Ragnar before (myself included). Our team is made up of runners throughout the US (friends and friends of friends). 

1. What is the best way to train for this race?
2. As a team leader, what are your responsibilities?
3. As a team leader, how did you keep your team motivated throughout the year? 
4. Did you conduct team meetings, and if so- how often? Were they effective?
5. Did you establish any "team rules" if someone has paid for their fee, but then bails out? Or, did you pay for everything up front and then have everyone pay you towards race day?

I appreciate any tips and advice- thank you