One of the amazing things about running long distance races is what you see. In Chicago, the marathon takes you through 26.2 miles of unique neighborhoods. Chinese dragons, Mariachi bands, drag queens, and about one million people line the streets to cheer you on. In Indianapolis, you can a run a race which takes you around the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In South Bend, IN, you can finish on the 50 yard line in Notre Dame Stadium.
A relay race like Hood to Coast gives you something more. You get to see the passage of land from a mountain to an ocean. You start in a high elevation, surrounded by trees. You wind your way through small towns, in the woods, through Portland, making your way to the sandy finish at the Pacific Ocean. That sounds incredible.
I want to take in the scene. I want to take in the people who will come out to cheer us all on. I want to see some runners in costumes. There will be silliness, perseverance, joy, sorrow, all of the emotions. This is one thing running does, that few other sports allow - you get to see the world around you.
So while I will be busy trying to get from point A to point B, I will also take it all in. This may be my only Hood to Coast and I want to be sure I see all I am supposed to see.
Charlie
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