Adventures of Rachele

Van 1 before the start

This Friday/Saturday I ran the Hood to Coast Relay, which is 197 miles from Mt. Hood to Seaside, Oregon.  I was on a 12-person team.  We were split into two vans.  Van 1 was at the start, and held the first six runners.  Then at the leg 7 exchange, Van 2 took over for the next six legs.  All in all, we each ran three legs.  I ran a total of 15 miles, which isn't too bad.  The challenge was running my last 4 mile leg on no sleep.  Well, I had some sleep...2 hours on the seat of our van.  It was a friendly race and I'd definately do it again.  Teams raced each other at the exchanges.  Also, each team kept track of "roadkill," which is what we called a runner when we pass them.  The course gets interesting as the relay progresses since start times are in waves, with the fastest teams starting Friday evening and the slowest starting Friday morning.

This is how I look after a good night's sleep and before a race.

Kate starts off our team.

Kate in front of our van.

Lily in front of our van

Creative van decorations...this team is the "SouthPark Cows."

Kate & Lily

My first exchange to Lily

Jim

Sometimes running is painful...

Heidi & Mel at the first van exchange.

It's good to be done!

Jim with his well-earned medal.