Well, folks, it's almost time. Time, that is, for the annual Hood to Coast relay. There are over 1,000 teams that enter each year into the longest relay in North America. Each team consists of 12 people and two vans. The race starts on Friday the 25th (a week from today) up on Mt. Hood and ends on the beautiful beach of Seaside on Saturday the 26th. Every team member runs three legs in about a 24-30 hr period (depending on the team of course). It's a rough and tough race that totally wrecks havoc on your body. Let me attempt to paint a picture for you of what it is like on this "fun" 2-day relay. You are in a van with 5 other people, sleeping and eating sporadically, running at very random times of day and night, and sitting when it would be much nicer to stretch out your aching muscles. Let me tell you I was sick the whole time last time and slept for probably about 2-3 hrs. However, I have to say (as I always do when it comes to racing) it is such a rush and feeling of accomplishment when you run across that finish line in the sand. We all may limp across said finish line but we proudly display our aches and pains like badges of honor because we know we have earned each and every ouch and moan that escapes our lips on the short (but long) walk back to the van. I have been thinking more and more about this race (and why I put myself through it) as it looms closer (just a week to go) and I find myself getting nervous. I hate that, I think that was why I got sick last time, well, that and the whole experience that I described above. But, I know I do it because I get to make new friends and memories and then there is the whole sense of comraderie that comes with accomplishing something big with being a part of the longest relay in the US with thousands of other people feeling the same pain as you. It's great I tell ya...really! I know I'm crazy but thank goodness I'm not alone. Lets just hope that since I know what I'm getting into this time around I won't be sick during the whole race, that is the part truly is absolutely no fun. I'll keep you posted on how it went and hopefully post some pictures of the event.
Anyways, I hope you all have a great weekend!
Tabs
Oh, and by the way, only 19 more days till Kauai!!
1 comment:
Tabs - good luck with the race. My dad ran in that relay when we first moved to Portland. I always thought he was crazy for doing it. And now I think the same thing of you. haha. Have fun!
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