Hood to Coast: the Relay Movie for Runners Who Love Relays
| February 12, 2011 | Posted by Lauren under Motivation, Running |
If you’ve been reading HOTR or following me on twitter for any significant amount of time, you may have come to the conclusion that I’m obsessed with relays. And I probably wouldn’t try to convince you otherwise. The truth is, the 200-mile relay race is probably my favorite race of all. If someone were to come out of the woodwork tomorrow and tell me that they wanted to sponsor me so that I could run relays for a living, I would jump at the chance (any takers?? 
)
You may not believe it, but I wasn’t always this way. EC actually got into relays first. He ran one the summer before we started dating and was instantly hooked. A couple months into our relationship, he was already trying to convince me to sign up with him for next year. I was hesitant, not only because I wasn’t even sure our relationship would last that long (sorry, EC but it’s true!), but also because the concept didn’t exactly sound like fun. Spending over 24 hours in a smelly van with runners I didn’t know and having to run three different times on no sleep and limited real food? Not exactly the makings of a fun weekend.
But deep down, I couldn’t escape the feeling that this was going to be a crazy experience, and one that I should try at least once. So after a few months of convincing (and once it started to seem like EC might actually be a keeper) I signed up. And the rest is history!
So when I got the opportunity to see the encore presentation of Hood to Coast, I was super excited. The HTC relay is the largest 200-mile relay in the country — it’s the race that started it all. In the 27 years that it’s been running, the relay has literally exploded in popularity. Now over 1,000 teams compete every year. If you want to be one of them, you need to either place in your age category, or enter the lottery that is open for only one day a year (this race is harder to get into than the NYC marathon!). It’s definitely a dream of mine to be one of the lucky ones competing in this epic relay one day.
But for now, I was happy to at least be able to experience it through film. On Thursday night, EC and I met up with Becky, Lizzy, and Corey for a screening. In short: the film did not disappoint! I loved it (minus the Bart Yasso runway commentary at the beginning. Sorry Bart, I love ya but what were you thinking with those green glasses?!) and couldn’t believe how accurately the documentary captured the entire spirit of the relay. The movie followed four different teams on their journey through the 197 miles from Mt. Hood to the Oregon coast. Each team had a unique background, but they all shared a common goal. Their stories were moving, quirky, and inspirational. At the end, my only regret was that they didn’t show more – I would’ve loved the event to go on for another couple of hours!
What I found just as interesting as the movie, however, were our different reactions to it. Of the five people in our group, only Corey had not done a relay before. And while Lizzy had completed one Ragnar relay, from the sounds of it, the weekend was not such a great experience. Going in, I had thought that a movie about a 200-mile adventure race would easily make anyone who loves running instantly obsessed. With every scene, every conversation, Becky, EC and I found ourselves getting more and more excited about our upcoming relays. I think the only things that came out of my mouth the entire time were either, “Oh my gosh! That’s so true! That’s exactly how it is!!” or “Oh my gosh! I want to run this race so bad!!” Clearly I have an addiction…
I don’t think Lizzy and Corey were quite as sold, however. While both really enjoyed the movie, I think it’s pretty safe to say they weren’t left with the same crazy feelings of excitement for running a relay as Becky and I. In fact, it may be hard for many people to truly understand our extreme love for these things. Even I don’t know if I can completely explain it. I’ve written a little about adventure relays and my love for them in the past, but as Bart Yasso says in the film — it’s one of those things that you will never fully understand until you’ve experienced it yourself. The camaraderie and bonding that happens when you’re supporting 11 other people through a crazy, extreme challenge; the feeling of running at night while the rest of the world sleeps, with only the sound of your own footsteps keeping you company; and the crazy high you get from accomplishing something so difficult — these are all things that make the race so unique. You may be tired, you may be sick, you may question yourself many times throughout the relay, but in the end, I can guarantee that you will feel incredibly, completely alive.
Becky perfectly summed up her reasons for loving the 200-mile adventure relay here. I couldn’t have said it better myself. However, if you want to read an unbiased review of the Hood to Coast movie from a sane person, you should probably read Corey’s thoughts on the film.
So what does all this mean? Do I think you should see the movie? Yes. But can I guarantee that you’ll love it and be inspired to do a relay yourself? No. I think the Hood to Coast movie is an awesome film for runners. It’s a tale about the triumph of the human spirit – a tale about ordinary runners accomplishing an extraordinary thing. But I know that running a 200-mile relay doesn’t appeal to everyone. And that’s okay!
However, if you’ve watched the film or read reviews and have somehow caught relay fever, I have a proposition for you. I’m starting the process of putting together a team for the 2011 New Hampshire Reach the Beach Relay (you can read my recap here). If you’re interested, let me know. Leave a comment on this post or email me at lauren[at]healthontherun[dot]net and I can send you more information. I realize that September seems like it’s a long time away, but this relay fills up extremely fast, so we’ve got to sign up soon.
Thanks for the movie review. I want to see it even more now. I ran the Ragnar Relay DC last September (Team Superfreaks!). To add to the craziness of doing a 200 mile relay race, I was in the same van with my ex-husband and his new girlfriend. Yeah it was crazy, emotional, and an experience I will never forget AND I would do it again in a heartbeat, maybe not the whole being in the same van with the ex and his girlfriend, but definitely the relay.
Jenn
Wow! I can’t even imagine!! That sounds like a crazy (yet unforgettable) experience. But I love that you would do it again anyway, despite all that. It’s crazy how addicting those things can be
Sorry that was so uncomfortable for you. Running was fun though!
It was a life experience I would not pass up and I would do it again the same way (except maybe that first leg I did in the heat with those switchbacks, that was more uncomfortable than anything).
And you have a co-captain – ME! This is going to be the ontherun adventure of the year! I just know it. I can hardly contain myself! I am so excited for our relay future – just like “Heart & Sole,” minus the scary heart attack.
And how did we not discuss Bart’s glasses before now?! Haha! See you bright and early!
Becky´s last post ..Finding My Om
Your recap was great Lauren – I seriously love your enthusiasm for relays!! I really have no doubt that relays can be awesome experiences, and I hope my entry didn’t make it seem like I never want to do one. I think I just need to see for myself, if that makes sense. The HTC movie didn’t totally “speak to me.”
You are so right about the beginning commentary; there was no need for that. So fun seeing it with you!!
I just said this on Becky’s blog, but listening to both of you talk about your experiences makes me want to do a relay. I am totally crazy enough to do one, I think I just need a little more convincing
And I really hope I didn’t make it sound like I thought you’d never do one. I was just trying to show the difference in reactions since I am admittedly obsessed….and most people are not. I realize that it takes time to get used to the idea. I totally believe you’re crazy enough to do one and I’ve decided to make it my goal to convince you how incredibly awesome it would be!
I loooove relays! I was actually thinking about trying to get a team together this year since it’s been over 4 years since we’ve done one. I’m dying to see this movie!
Glad you can relate to my love for them!! What relay were you thinking about doing?! Would you be interested in one in New England?? Or are you in need of another runner?
I need to see this film! Long distance relays sound AWESOME and your enthusiasm for them is infectious. I think the cameraderie, team spirit and general van banter is what I’d love the most. The running I could just about cope with. Maybe. Now all I have to do is find some friends that might just be silly enough to do it with me…
Laurie´s last post ..Good morning sunshine!
Haha, I’m telling you — all those things make the running part worth it. I promise! Let me know if you need some relay friends…or want to come up to New England to run one
I think a relay would be fun, but maybe a smaller one. I don’t think I could stay up for 36 hours!
Lee´s last post ..The New Late Night
Wait, you like relays?
I want to see this movie so badly and I want to do a relay even more! I cannot imagine the camaraderie that you build. You’ve totally inspired me to want to run a relay 
Sadly, I can’t commit to Reach the Beach this year, but I promise to be on your team one day!
Jen´s last post ..The break-up I didn’t see coming
I would LOVE to do a relay with you, but Sept 17th is my brother’s wedding. So mad!!
Liz´s last post ..Race Recap- Love the Run You’re With 5k
Haha — my sister did the same thing to me! She’s getting married on the day of my all-time favorite relay this summer (Green Mountain in VT). So selfish….
But there’s another relay in June that goes through all of New England if you’re interested! Just putting that out there…
Super cool! I’ve never done a race longer than a 10K, but I loooooveee running movies. They are so inspirational. And I love the new header and redesign! Very cool.
Erin @ Big Girl Feats´s last post ..Retreat
Thank you!!
Thanks for the review! I’m definitely interested.
What a cool relay this would be to run! If you ever got in, I’d definitely be rootin’ for ya!
Rach´s last post ..I love…
I like the idea of a relay because, as you said, its such an experience. Similar to the way that an organized race bonds the runners the relay gives you even more of a sense of kinship. I really wish HTC was screened in Toronto. I would love to see it.
Enter me catching up on blogs, so prepare for a few comments.
I’m so glad you got to see the movie!! I’ve never done a relay, but it was soooo much fun to watch and got me really excited to do the relay in May. I love being around runners and accomplishing something so great together will be AWESOME. Plus, I like crazy running things sooooo this definitely fits the bill!
I may be in for a relay in September…
SO EXCITED TO MEET YOU IN MAY!!
Susan´s last post ..Runniversary to City Bakery
You may wish you never said that. I am adding your name to my list!!
Can’t wait to meet you in May either – it’s going to be amazing!