Hood-to-Coast 2012

Nice socks (I have a pair)
For the first time in five years of photographing Hood-to-Coast, everything went smoothly: no panic attacks at thinking I had lost my car keys, no equipment malfunctions, no getting lost on the course, and no scorching heat or pesky rain showers. The sun still burned my summer-dark skin, my thighs hurt like I had run 26 miles while powerlifting my weight, and the little sleep I scavenged failed to ward off my drowsiness late Saturday. But 2012 was easily the best experience to date.

But I also have some myths that I wish to debunk:
  • I am NOT a volunteer, so quit elevating me to such a holy state. Just because I wear a reflective vest all day doesn't automatically grant me my angelic wings that the true volunteers have. I say this because most runners I encounter say the magic words, "Thanks for coming out here today." I'm getting paid, people--this is not a form of charity.
  • My job is NOT easy. Every year a handful of runners throw out the jibe "I'll trade spots with you." Sure, I'll run those last 12 minutes
  • I am NOT unsympathetic. I've run the event twice, so I understand how you feel.
  • I am NOT dangerous. Just because I hail from the big city, confront every person that passes, and take close-up pictures of next-to-naked women doesn't justify sending the entire Clatsop County law enforcement force to babysit me. There was a suburban full of young testerone, multiple ATV's manned by Paunch and Jon, and two mounties who constantly passed my position. Even the mounties' horses eyed me with suspicion (its rider didn't help, speaking to its steed such sentiments as "That man doesn't belong here, does he?"
Is this the "Girl Effect?"
The best quote from the year was easily this women, who said unprovoked and without any context: "I run for the girl effect." If anyone knows what on earth that means, please do educate and enlighten me.

And now on to the awards for 2012. I'm going back to the basics this year, having the contestants focus on basic skills: jumping, smiling












Best Jumpers


The Ramblin' Rod Award for Best Smile While Running



And that's all I got. Except for these two guys (one was dressed up like a Mormon missionary (I looked up his team, and he was totally rogue--they had no such theme going for them).


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