Hood To Coast

The last weekend in August I fulfilled a goal that I had set for myself...one that I would not have even dreamed of setting let alone fulfilling only a year ago. I have never been a highly competitive person when it comes to athletics. I was a swimmer for many years and played softball as a kid and then there was two seasons of intramural basketball (not much hope for a 5'2" girl) however I wouldn't have classified myself as the athletic type. I wasn't bad at sports...just not the best. I've had a few gym/YMCA memberships in my life only to cancel them because I wasn't using them.

When Josiah was 6 months old I had went to a Baby Boot Camp with a few friends. Baby Boot Camp is a program for mom's who are active that do not want to leave their baby in childcare while working out. The essential item is a jogging stroller because there is A LOT of running along with strength and endurance training. (Here's my plug to all mom's that a BOB Revolution jogger is the best thing ever!) The first time I went I could barely run without stopping for a gallon of water and almost needing someone to revive me...BUT I was having so much fun, even through the pain, that before I knew it I was running towards the front of the pack and actually enjoying it. Here is where my new found love/hate relationship with running was birthed.

I did my first 5K this past summer while pushing Josiah in the jogger. I did my first 10K a month later and was surprised how easy it was to run 6 miles, especially because I wasn't pushing an extra 40lbs. Now there was a lot of adrenaline involved, however it was totally addicting. I agreed to be on the Baby Boot Camp Hood to Coast (H2C) without really thinking too much about it. As time grew closer I was starting to get anxious and was wondering why would I commit to something like H2C. For those who do not know what H2C is...it's referred to the "mother of all relays". There are 1,000 teams that have 12 runners each...yes that is 12,000 runners!!!! Each team covers just under 200 miles from Mt. Hood to Seaside on the coast with each runner completing 3 of the 36 legs. My first leg was just under 4 miles downhill (a piece of cake), my second was 7.25 miles pretty much uphill in the dark (pretty crazy but totally fulfilling) and my last leg was a 6 miler that was through a coastal town (long but a nice last leg). For those of you not good with math...that's just over 17 miles in less than 24 hours! Not bad for someone who could barely run to the end of the driveway only 15 months before.

To my amazement I did it! I ran each of my legs without stopping to walk once. I was totally exhausted having only had an hour of sleep in 36ish hours but what an accomplishment! We, 12 running mamas, did it!! Would I do it again? Sure...it's like childbirth...I've already forgotten the pain and exhaustion.

Van #1 girls up at Timberline Lodge ready for our 7:30 am start time.
Did I mention we had to meet at 4:45 that morning which meant I had to be up at 3:45?

Official Start

Waving to the camera as my teammates drove by to see if I needed anything.

Go Baby Boot Camp!

Van #1

"My mommy can do more push-ups than your mommy!"

Exhausted teammates at the finish waiting for our team pic.

The record of all of our times.

The whole BBC team sporting our medals!

Sweltering Hot!

We spent 10 days this past August in Arizona. Yes, I know what you're thinking..."Arizona, In August?". Nate qualified for a trip to Scottsdale due to his outstanding production with Country Financial this last year. The company paid for our airfare as well as our stay at the Westin Kierland in Scottsdale. We, along with a few hundred (yes 300ish) other Country employees and their families, spent the mornings at the pool, the afternoons in our air conditioned rooms and evenings back out at the pool again. Nate managed to get in a round of golf one morning with some of the other guys...a very sweaty experience to say the least.

Goggle Time


Our favorite...Lazy River



Swimming Fun

We were quite impressed with the way Country treated us! Aside from our airfare and our room at the resort the company also had welcome basket in each room and goodie bags full of pool toys, snacks and t-shirs. The best part was that we had a $200 credit to use on whatever we wanted. There was a family event one night which included dinner and a great carnival for the kids! Josiah loved dancing on the dance floor with all the other kiddos and couldn't get enough of watching the older kids play Rock Band.

Handsome Boy


Josiah mimicking the older kids playing Rock Band

We extended our vacation an additional 5 days so we could spend time with my best friend since Jr. High...my "kindred spirit" for all of you Anne of Greene Gables fans out there. We stayed with The Doerksen family (Kenny, Caryn and their two amazing girls Charlotte & Lily). There is nothing like a close friend that has known you through all of your life experiences. Nate & Kenny spent most of their time playing Wii....which was acceptable only because it was vacation. "Carrie" and I spent most of our time talking, surprise! The kids played great together...how fun it was to watch our children build relationship. Nate & I were sad to leave and even had an emotional moment dropping off Charlotte at school before we headed to the airport. Oh how we wished we lived closer.

Kindred Spirits

Lily, Josiah & Charlotte playing in the fountain next to the Arizona Cardinals stadium.

The Whole Gang

Upon arriving at the airport to come home we got a great glimpse of Air Force One! What an amazing aircraft! We couldn't believe how closely it was parked to the main roadway. That really didn't have anything to do with our vacation...but it was a pretty cool sight.

Air Force One

We are looking forward to our next trip to Arizona....but next time we'll plan on November.

Finally!

I've only had this Blog since early 2008...it's time to start putting it to good use. I'm sure you will find that most posts will be about our family, most specifically one little boy that has captured our hearts. Don't be surprised, however, if you stumble upon a post where I am thinking and just need a place to express what's on my mind.