My Hood to Coast Experiences

I'm a runner

I still call myself a runner even though I haven't been able to run for almost 20 years. My knees are shot.

1972 Olympic Trials 800 meters  (I'm the Oregon half-miler on the left)
Dave Wottle (in the hat) set a world record at the Trials and won the 1972 Olympic gold medal

However my Hood to Coast experiences have taught me that running is more than just a physical activity. Running is also a mindset which has been an important thread throughout my life.

What follows are my favorite Hood to Coast experiences and lessons.

Nike's Hood to Coast History

[Updated June 2018] Hood to Coast started in 1982.  This is the 37th year.

Nike has entered at least one team every year since 1983.  There have probably been at least 20,000 Nike employees and affiliates from around the world who have participated over the years.  Hood to Coast Nike to its running heritage and is in our own backyard.

Tarahumara is the only Nike team to participate every one of those years and has only lost their division twice; in 1987 and 2006.  A victory this year will be 33rd time.

Nike holds almost half of the division records (7 of 16) including the overall 1995 Mambu Baddu record which converts to 4:51 per mile.

Nike also holds the longest standing division record set by Nike Team Swoosh in 1992.

About me, I've run or walked 28 times: 14 Nike Hood to Coast teams and 14 Nike Portland to Coast teams.  17 of those years I was on a team that won its division.  (can anyone beat that?)

  1985-1995:  Tarahumara, Corporate Mixed.  Won 10 of 11 years.
  1996-2001:  Limp Swooshes, Men's Masters.  I couldn't run 3 years.
  2002-2005:  T-Wrecks, Mixed Masters Walking.
  2006-2015:  T-Wrecks, Mixed Super Masters Walking.  Won 7 of  9 years.

Now some Nike HTC history.  My history-keeping fell off in recent years.

Nike's first Hood to Coast team, 1983 Tarahumara