Hood to Coast Eve

Like a kid before Christmas, it’s hard to think about going to sleep the night before Hood to Coast. Especially when some people are already heading out to the mountain to start their first legs. The only difference between me and the Christmas kid is that they’re not sleeping because the thought of all the presents they’ll get is way too exciting, but I’m just having trouble making decisions about what to pack. And earlier my dog ate a giant piece of pumpkin pie wrapped in cling wrap so I’m waiting to see if he throws up anytime soon. I am actually excited for the relay though, particularly because this time last year I was in the midst of physical therapy and going into the event knowing I probably shouldn’t be running with the injury I was dealing with. You probably already know that I’m feeling pretty great now, since it’s been a long time since I put up a picture of an injury (I do have a small, recovering blister on my foot, but we all know what those look like).

Things are going to be a little bit different this year for me. While this is only my second Hood to Coast, I ran Portland to Coast a handful of times in high school, and this will be my first time ever running in Van 1. This means that I’ll be starting at the mountain instead of in Sandy, I’ll get to sleep during a more appropriate time, and I’ll get to go get drunk in the beer garden before our team even finishes. I also requested and was granted the easiest leg possible, in hopes to continue my injury-free streak.

I’ll be sure to let you know how everything went, but in the meantime my primary concern is how long it’s been since you’ve seen what I look like while I’m running. I think it’s been like two weeks. That should never happen.

I know I already posted a picture from the Bowerman 5k, but nobody got a chance to see what I look like when I’m running and out of focus.

Here’s one from final stretch of the Catnip 5k. Ignore the copyright symbol.

I don’t have any pictures from the Tillamook Bay Run because I didn’t bring my camera crew, but on the left you can see the medal I got for being First Place Champion in my age division. The award on the right is my Third Place Champion ribbon for the Mouse Miler at the Catnip event.

I decided to show you my blister after all.

Good luck to everyone running the Hood to Coast tomorrow (especially the Maple Bar Gang)! Be sure to blog about it after.