So a group of friends, both new and old, decided to form a group for HTC this year. I think I can speak for all of us when I say "I had no idea what to expect or what I was in for!" I knew it was going to be a challenge, but this experience blew me away. I am hoping that we can start a tradition and get in again next year!!!
So the race started bright and early up at Timberline Lodge in Mt. Hood, OR. We decided to stay in Portland the night before at the wonderful Palms Motel!! Mind you I said Motel- not Hotel, and to pay by the hour was an option. Van 1 had to leave around 6:00am to drive the hour to the starting line...
Deb is super excited!!!!
Van 1 getting ready to take off.
I heart Barney!!!
The first major exchange with Van 1 was in Sandy, OR. Driving up was amazing seeing all of the vans taking over the Safeway parking lot.We had a few hours to wait, but there was lots to do.
Some people went all out. The van decorating and outfits were great!
Kelley coming in at the end of her first leg.
There is Jay (AKA the Fabreeze police) exchanging with Brittany. It was crazy how hot it was. It was well into the 90's and all of our first legs had zero shade. But we made it!
Jay had an ongoing battle with the bracelet! All he wanted to do was to be able to slap it on someones writs but it wouldn't cooperate!
Some people went all out. The van decorating and outfits were great!
Kelley coming in at the end of her first leg.
There is Jay (AKA the Fabreeze police) exchanging with Brittany. It was crazy how hot it was. It was well into the 90's and all of our first legs had zero shade. But we made it!
Jay had an ongoing battle with the bracelet! All he wanted to do was to be able to slap it on someones writs but it wouldn't cooperate!
Brittany waiting to start her leg.
Danielle getting ready to start her first leg.
Notice the designer shades????
The second major exchange was in downtown Portland. It was always nice getting to see Van 1. Go B!!!
Kelley getting ready for her night time run. It was such a great/scary experience running at night. It definantly made you pick up the pace to get to the finish line. Especially when you were alone, it was so dark you couldn't even see a few feet in front of you, and there was howling in the distance???
Notice the smile on her face, why you ask. Well Brittany was the very last runner of the entire race. She is about to start her 4 mile leg into the finish line on the beach. End is in sight!!!
Here she goes!
Why does she look so made you ask?? Well that is because she just ran 8 miles uphill, yes all uphill, in about 90 degree heat with no shade!! But she finished and did amazing:) Again note the designer shades!
And here is the entire team drivers and all. We are showered, clean, somewhat rested, with food and drinks in our bellies!
GREAT JOB TEARS FOR BEERS!!!
Danielle getting ready to start her first leg.
Notice the designer shades????
The second major exchange was in downtown Portland. It was always nice getting to see Van 1. Go B!!!
Kelley getting ready for her night time run. It was such a great/scary experience running at night. It definantly made you pick up the pace to get to the finish line. Especially when you were alone, it was so dark you couldn't even see a few feet in front of you, and there was howling in the distance???
Notice the smile on her face, why you ask. Well Brittany was the very last runner of the entire race. She is about to start her 4 mile leg into the finish line on the beach. End is in sight!!!
Here she goes!
Why does she look so made you ask?? Well that is because she just ran 8 miles uphill, yes all uphill, in about 90 degree heat with no shade!! But she finished and did amazing:) Again note the designer shades!
And here is the entire team drivers and all. We are showered, clean, somewhat rested, with food and drinks in our bellies! 
GREAT JOB TEARS FOR BEERS!!!