This is Brian and my second year being involved with Hood to Coast, and I can't believe it's taken us this long to realize what a great event this is!
Some of our friends are on Team Storytime (no, it's not a group of teachers - there's a story behind the name that doesn't involve setting a good example for our youth!) and they needed an extra runner and volunteer last year. Although we were kind of unsure what all this would involve, we jumped on board since we can rarely resist an adventure! Brian didn't think he was much of a runner (he'd ran a few 5-10k charity events) and hardly trained before his first H2C (not suprising!), but surprised everyone when he was one of the fastest on his team! Me - I had a great excuse to not be a runner last year since I was ten days pregnant (so what if I didn't know yet - it was still a valid excuse!) and "just" had a baby this year. So, no, sadly I couldn't run again this year, but loved being a volunteer!
Comfy quarters in Van A!
The boys of Van A - including Jaime who naively signed up to be the driver!
More of the team - including MaryJo, driver of Van 1 who, every year, knows what she's in for, but somehow is convinced to come back! And Andy Corrado who coordinates this crazy team every year!
Brian running with his "dirty hippy friend". Apparently, they shared a sandwich and an apple while running together. Needless to say this was not Brian's fastest pace out of the three runs!
The whole crazy Storytime Team at the finish line!
Jenna & Lyndsey enjoying a brewsky at the end!
And here is my favorite picture by far. Yes, that is Joey Harrington. Brian told him he had to get a picture with him for his wife. I wonder how often he hears that?? This would probably be one of my fave pics of all time if it weren't for Brian looking a little unabomber-ish. Oh, and if Joey was holding my son :)
This year, Lawrence and I paired up and volunteered at Exchange 1 in Government Camp. The weather forecast predicted snow flurries for our exchange up on Mt. Hood, but I ended our five hour shift with the worst raccoon eyed sunburn ever. Thank you Mr. Weatherman for preparing me for winter weather in the middle of summer. You had me fooled enough to bring my down vest instead of my sunscreen.
Lawrence & I rocking our fashionable reflector vests.
The next day we made the trek to the beach to meet up with our team at their finish line. Although we missed them in Seaside, we got to meet up with them in Cannon Beach. Who cares if everyone else hadn't slept in 36 hours and were sore from running 15-20 miles?! Lawrence and I were there to celebrate!! And celebrate we did! How can we stay at the Corrado cabin on the beach and not have a good time?! It was definitely a mini-Corrado Fest! (And for those not familiar with Corrado Fest, it's basically a college reunion with those who are still stuck in '97-'01 :) Tristan got to experience his first time with this crazy group and I'm sure he'll fit right in over the years (although he'll take a break from the ages of 14-21 :)
Beautiful day at the beach! And nice action shot of the boys playing cornhole.
Lawrence & I enjoying our time at the beach (with a sneak attacker behind us :)
Lynds, Jenna, Nolan (Tristan's personal nanny for the weekend :) & Hillary - a little tired after their mega relay.
Lyndsey proudly displaying her H2C medal
The next day was a beautiful, picture perfect day at the beach. And speaking of pictures, since Mick was also a volunteer, he and Carinn came over with us and took our family portraits while there. Although I fretted over our outfit choices (some things never change) and tried to figure out what to do with my raccoon face, it turned out to be a really fun picture session. I can't WAIT to see how they turn out!