Hood to Coast Relay: Leg 7 "What do you call a sweat _____?"

Transitioning from leg 6 to leg 7. Leg 7 is 6.32 miles and rated HARD (on a scale of easy-very hard) and described as, "Rolling hills along Highway 26 on paved shoulder and country roads."

Temperature at start: 90 degrees.  But, there was virtually no humidity...at least compared to my summer in Omaha, NE.  I wasn't as concerned about the heat as I was about the rolling hills.

Confession:  I did a high-intensity fitness class 3 days before the relay because I am in the process of returning to teaching group fitness and personal training. It was kind of like a "try out" so of course I went all out...and shredded my hamstrings.

I was pissed at myself for not having my legs at 100% going into the relay. Teammate FAIL. I got the slap bracelet (relay baton) from Lisa and was off.  The leg began with a gradual downhill that allowed me to find a rhythm and get my breathing under control.

Mile 1 to 2 is uphill and rolling hills are encountered throughout the leg.  Residents lined the country roads and some even had sprinklers set up for participants to run through.  

Miles 3-4 are rolling hills.  What does rolling really mean anyway?  Maybe it's a nice way of saying, "Your leg muscles will be adequately fatigued without you even knowing it."

But, my fan-freaking-tastic teammates stopped to cheer me on.  LOVE THEM!

 I'd like to point out XLMIC's maternity compression socks. Thigh highs.

Smiling. Running. Sun is shining. What else is there?

Miles 4-6 were gradually uphill, and I remember really struggling on a couple of the hills.  My legs just didn't have the juice I expected.  But, I kept thinking, "Turn it over, turn it over."

I got to finish the last .32 miles on a slight downhill and ran to Kim (nuun staffer, van 2 mom, inspirational woman) at exchange 7/8. 

My goal pace for this leg: 8:15/mile.  Actual: 8:38/mile.  Disappointed. Let down.

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This picture was captured by the lovely team of Moving Comfort women who provided us with sports bras.  Their team was near the exchange and saw I was sporting the Juno bra.  How exciting to be able to represent and thank them in person!

The best surprise was meeting Julie from Adventure is Out There.  

She and her daughter Mai made me a sign!!!  THANK YOU! Mai even created sidewalk art, but the rain earlier in the day washed away all her hard work.  Boo!

Relay tip: Once you finish an overnight relay leg, I strongly recommend stripping, using the baby wipes for an instant shower, and putting on some dry clothes. Your van-mates will thank you.  

Speaking of sweat, you know I had a case of swass after this hot run.  But, I was also sweaty down...er, there.  

This led to one of many entertaining van conversations where we determined that if sweaty boobs = swoob and sweaty ass = swass, then sweaty crotch = swagina.  XLMIC coined that term I believe.  If you follow her blog Taking It On, you should not be surprised!

Here are the Hood to Coast Course Ratings for the leg distances and difficulty ratings.  I'll let my van-mates share their leg experiences.  They ALL ran their hearts out, and I am SO PROUD of them.  Hoo-rah!

Leg 8:  4.55 mi (Easy) Kim from nuun ran a great leg and took advantage of a sprinkler!

Leg 9:  7.04 mi (Moderate).  Susan is a rock star and killed her runs.  The girl can flat out run!

Leg 10:  5.04 mi (Moderate).  Harmony ran a stellar leg and local Portland speedster Nicole joined her as the path isolates runners from their teammates/vans.

Leg 11: 4.84 mi (Easy).  Tonia also ran a fantastic leg that began as the sun was setting. It gets dark fast!

Leg 12: 6.37 mi (Moderate).  XLMIC was locked in and sporting her Flashbrite reflective dog paws.

XLMIC handed the slap bracelet to Tricia to begin it all over again x 2!  And, we (Van 2) hustled to the next major van exchange at legs 18/19 to try to get a couple hours of shut eye before my next leg was projected to start at 0300 hours.

 Me, Tonia, and Susan at exchange 12/13

Thanks for sticking with me readers.  Hopefully, the abundance of pictures and details doesn't turn you off!  <3 Jess