As we draw closer to Hood to Coast, I've found myself wondering who runs this race? Of course the documentary gives you a glimpse into some of the people who gather at Mt. Hood to start their journey across Oregon. They are young, old and any age in between. They are seasoned runners, with a great deal of years under their belts. There are also those who are attempting to run for the first time. This relay is where all the stories come together.
This blog has been about my story, and what I bring to running, and now Hood to Coast. I've been running about 10 years. It's been an interesting ride, as I have experienced: learning how to run, losing weight, entering races, finishing my first 5K, 8K, 10K, half and full marathon, training people to run, loving running, not always liking running, surviving a heart attack, and coming back. My story feels unique, yet at the same time, similar to a good many other stories out there.
A relay like Hood to Coast, brings people together as a team for a shared and solitary experience. You have a bond with your team, yet you are on your own on your legs of the race. You share stories. You laugh. You may even cry.
Races like this are a part of the human element, where one person shares their love of running with another. 99.999999% of the teams won't win the actual race, but they will win in what they accomplish over 197 miles.
Who runs? Everyone runs a race like this. This is what I love about running. It's isn't for a select few, it's for anyone who can go right foot, left foot, repeat....quicker than normal,
Charlie
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