Billy, Colby and I flew up to Portland on August 22nd to participate in the Hood to Coast relay with Travis and Cami, Tyler and Rifka, Cami's parents, sister, brother, aunt, and Maddie. We flew up a couple days before the race to have a few days to hang out. My parents were so nice and flew up as well to babysit Colby for us! As well as to visit Dallin who lives in Portland.
We had 2 legs to our flight. Colby did really well and even napped on the second flight! Holla!
Holding Billy's thumb...cutest thing ever
I think Cami picked us up and we had fun hanging out at their house, having dinner with Tyler and Rifka, and getting settled. My parents got in a little later and we all went and slept at Cami's parent's house.
Colby and Peter are only 6 weeks apart!
The next day we had a slow morning playing at Cami's parent's house and getting ready. We headed over to Travis and Cami's and put Colby down for a nap then went to the Nike store. We scored some super cute Nike free runners for Colby as well as a jacket for me. Then lunch and the grocery store to get some snacks for the car. Later we headed into Portland to see some sights like Voodoo donuts and riding the tram at the hospital to see the view of all of Portland. In the evening we had a big spaghetti dinner with everyone who was in town, it was yummy and fun to chat with everyone. Colby loved their backyard and playing in the wood chips with Annie.
Colby could have played here all day
Love these girls
This girl has no hesitation when it comes to donuts!
Busy girlies finding all the best wood chips to bring me
The next day, Friday, was the first day of the race! Van 1 had a super early and chilly start up at the top of Mt. Hood. We were van 2 and headed out around 11:30 to meet them at a high school to get ready to start our legs of the race. Luckily we had the morning to get the kiddos all situated with their babysitters for the next couple days. Thank you so much Mom and Dad for taking Colby for us! We were able to enjoy the whole experience so much more knowing my parents had Colby.
As soon as Maddie ran into the van exchange point, Tyler was our first runner and we were off! It was so exciting! Tyler did great, I think he had about 5 miles. Rifka was up next, then Travis, then me, then Billy, and Cami finished our van off. It was seriously such a fun experience!
Maddie running the last leg for van 1!
Tyler finishing up his first leg, ready to hand off to Rif.
At the start, feeling pumped!
Our team name was "Threat Level Midnight". Pretty clever I thought!
Travis...driver and navigator extraordinaire!
Rifka's first leg, lookin fresh and pumped
Me starting my first leg following Travis. I actually did a lot better than I thought! I ran at an 8:35 pace for 5.6 miles! I think I was just so pumped to be starting, I do lots better during races than I do during training because of the adrenaline.
Travis just finishing
The handoff!
Sorry, out of order
Billy ran after me and he was stuck running into the sun but I think he still did awesome. I think he only had 4 miles his first leg.
After Billy, Cami finished it up for us and we met up with the other van to do the exchange in downtown Portland. After they were up and running we grabbed some dinner and headed to the high school where they had set up for people to get some sleep. We were all just supposed to sleep on mats in the gym. My anxiety or adrenaline or something would NOT allow me to fall asleep. I was literally crying that I couldn't relax, it was awful. Everyone else was asleep around me for a couple hours before I finally drifted off. I got 1 hour, from 12:40-1:40 when we had to get up and get going. That was definitely the worst part of it for me. I still powered through my second leg was definitely my toughest.
Tyler started us off strong, then Rif, then Travis and then I had a long 6.7 miles at 3:30 ish AM. I was alone in the pitch darkness for a lot of it, which was really difficult mentally for me. Also the first 2 miles of it were constant uphill. My legs were achy, my stomach hurt, so basically I was super slow and walked quite a bit. Billy went after me and had a great leg. He thrives in darkness and when it's chilly :) Then Cami finished the morning strong for us!
We went to a meet up spot and were trying to find showers/breakfast but there was nothing for us there so we kept going and were stuck in traffic for like 4 hours! It was nuts! I tried to get some sleep but was pretty unsuccessful. The following pictures show how we got a little kooky running on low sleep and tired bodies.
Tyler and Rif looking so presh
Driving forever
Snacks of champions
The last legs were rough but nice that they were during the day again! I tried to push it my last leg since it was only 4 miles but man my legs were toast! I think I probably ran a 9 minute mile pace which is pretty good but not as good as my first leg. I was TIRED at the end and had to walk up a couple small hills before handing off to Billy. Billy's last leg was 7 miles and he also had a tough time. He was tired and 7 miles is loooong! Cami did well on her last leg and we had to rush to the finish line! We crossed the finish line, explored a bit then headed back home to our babies!
Stoked for the final leg!
Dying at the finish of my last leg (my hat kept blowing off)
Handing off to Billy
Finish line!
Cami crossing first, our fearless leader!
Slowpoke losers in the back!
Cutie pies
Seaside beach! I have gloves in my pocket hence looking pregnant.
Sunset at the finish
Cami and Travis stoked about all the freebies!
The whole group!
What an amazing experience! We had so much fun! It's always fun to do something tough with people you love! After we got home I took seriously the best shower of my life. We were up at 4 to get to the airport. Colby wouldn't nap on the flight and she was inconsolable in the car on the way home, then fell asleep on me. Poor baby.
Playing around in the airport before our flight.
So much fun! Also a BIG shoutout to my parents for coming up with us to watch Colby for us! We love and appreciate you so much! While we were running, my parents took Colby to meet up with Dallin and Erin and told us she did really well. They also played at the park with her and showed her such a fun time. Grandma and Grandpa are the best.
