Age Group Nationals

Taking in the scene over Portland via the tram.

I had no idea what I was getting into when I (Michele) registered for yesterdays “6-8 mile mountain running race”.  I was thinking it would be a race on trails at the lodge at Mt. Hood, which it was.  I was not expecting: 1/2 mile steep downhill, followed by 2 1/2 miles steep uphill (a tough hike, not a run), followed by 2 1/2 miles steep downhill (the fear of falling and breaking my leg 2 weeks before my marathon did enter my mind at several points yesterday), followed by 1/2 mile steep uphill to the finish.  We went from 5800 ft of elevation down to 5500 ft, up to 7000 ft…so a gain of 1500 ft in 2 1/2 miles.  It’s hard to train for that in Madison! But it was fun. And gorgeous scenery, despite the very foggy and wet weather.  The picture doesn’t quite do it justice.

Mile 4, downhill

Bob finished first marathon today at Fox Cities in 3:59, making his goal of 4 hours. Way to go Bobby!

Michele explaining course to Heather from inside the lodge.

Sadly we missed her finish due to horribly underestimating her running prowess.

We were feeding our faces while Michele was working her ass off.

About a six mile trail run with over 1200 feet of climbing. Yes, they’re nuts.

She’s participating in the Northwest Mountain Running Championships. Weather is cold, rainy, and windy on Mt Hood today.

Awesome pizza and beer at Hopworks Urban Brewery in Portland. It’s Oregon’s only brewery powered by 100% renewable energy. They offer all organic handcrafted beers, fresh local ingredients, and a sustainable building which wouldn’t mean anything if the food and beer sucked. Thankfully they’re pretty far from sucking. Heather took the pic of Dean, Jess, Sarah, Brian, Katie, Jeff, Michlele, and Judy. The pizzas farthest to nearest include: a Cascade Mtn Range, Going Green, Gatherer, and D.N.F. We tried a bunch of different beers and liked all but one. Odds are good you won’t go wrong on whatever you choose. There are a few more interior shots at Flicker. Including an ingenious urinal head rest. Portland is amazing!

To River City Bikes in Portland. Complete with an Eddy Merckx shrine above the FREE espresso bar.