12 team members
197 miles
2 hours of sleep
28 hours of running

KGW Running Footage
2007 Hood to Coast Finishers

Check out our team slideshow.

Posted by Scott Burton at 3:15 PM | Permalink

So part of participating in Hood to Coast is covering Hood to Coast. Each year Matt Zaffino does his weather broadcasts in between his running legs. It says a lot about his conditioning. While the rest of our team took a break between our first set of legs, Matt showered and headed to the East Bank Esplanade for our 5pm and 6pm broadcasts.

Below are some pictures. If you've ever wondered what the other side of your television screen looks like. Here it is. There are a couple pictures inside our live truck. All those machines are some of what allows us to report live for you each night. The people we interview and interact with are why we do what we do.

That's the short (not long) of broadcasting Hood to Coast.

Posted by Scott Burton at 6:57 PM | Permalink

We're 1/3 of the way there! What a morning. So blogging along the way was a little tough. Cell service is spotty through much of the Mt. Hood area. I can tell you it's been so much fun. Part of the fun is life in the van. It started so clean organized and full of "new car scent". Now it's full of "runner's scent" and "gummy feet". Clearly we're getting a little punchy.

The ride is actually pretty comfortable. As a rookie I was worried about running then getting into a cramped van. It hasn't been that bad at all. Alan Webb Auto Group provided us a Town and Country mini van and it's been perfect. If Matt could figure out the air conditioner it would be paradise...Well not quite, but close.

As for the running, we got off of the road for our first break just in time. It was starting to get hot. Matt Zaffino posted a 7:40 min/mile time despite "not running much lately". Sure Z! Our 5pm producer Gina Zandy blasted through the hot weather to a 9:25.

Right now the folks from Van 2 are on the road. I don't envy them. It's warm and that Springwater section is going to be long. Van 1 will be back on the road around 7 tonight.

We'll leave downtown Portland, head north on highway 30 and wind up north of Scapoose tonight. Wish us luck.

Posted by Scott Burton at 4:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

We are officially running. At 9:15 this morning KGW Running Footage started pounding pavement toward Seaside. Michelle Ruark from KGW Sales drew leg one..it's solid downhill quad busting from Timberline to Government Camp. Brad Zellick from KGW Sales is up next. I won't even tell you how he's preparing. Some things are better left unsaid on Hood to Coast. See you soon. Gotta conserve laptop battery. Before I go, we have to give a quick thanks to Adam Tishler for shooting the start.

Scott Burton
Government Camp
10:08a

Posted by Scott Burton at 10:04 AM | Permalink

By Craig Edwards

Thursday, Lindsay Lohan reached a plea deal on misdemeanor drunken driving and cocaine charges. In lieu of jail time, a judge told Lohan she must pitch 40 innings of long relief for the Baltimore Orioles. Okay, I made that last bit up, but a day in jail and 10 days of community service (her real punishment) may be a lighter sentence right now.

Wednesday night, the O's pitching staff gave up 30 runs to the Texas Rangers in game one of a double header, setting a modern day major league record (the overall record of 36 runs dates back to 1897). To put that in perspective, the Rangers scored more runs in one game than they had mustered (28) in their previous 9 combined!

Continue reading "They Scored How Many Times?" »

Posted by Craig Edwards at 6:27 PM | Permalink

STOP IT ALREADY!! Is that clear enough? This case is spiraling outta control enough. We don't need your senseless wit to try to "soothe" the situation. If you want to defend him....do it on your own time! Don't bore us with this "he's being victimized" garbage! If I sound angry, you hit it on the head. This bothers me more and more each and every day that passes. It bothers me more because I have two dogs (Murphy & Oden). I won't get into them (at least right now), but the people that are defending Vick are truly 'off their rockers'. Today, it came to a climax with me.
I'm ticked off at professional athletes that are using "The Situation"--that's what they call it at Falcons headquarters--as a way to boost their support of Vick.
First off, the NAACP came out today and said that "Vick should be allowed to return to the NFL". Two words NAACP....nice timing!!! The only way Vick has a ghost of a chance at redeeming anything with the general public, is to call a press conference and let the world know how (truely) remorseful you are at these inhumane actions you were apart of.
The reason for me to blog on this topic was mainly because of Roy Jones, Jr. and Stephon Marbury who both came to Vick's defense today. Here's what Jones was quoted as saying:

"People tend to talk so hard against people. They make it such a bad thing, like dog fighting is worse than killing someone." Jones Jr added: "I'm not a dog fighter. I've never been to a dog fight. But just because they have the animals doesn't mean they are fighting the animals. Michael Vick doesn't have that kind of time to train and raise dogs... I like bulldogs and I like their mentally."

Also quoted in the Green Valley News, Jones Jr stated: “Fighting animals don’t necessarily get mistreated. They get treated just the way I get treated."

Hey Roy....when did you get dunked under water and drown....or when did somebody electrocute you? Please refrain from getting near any microphone or camera for the foreseeable future Roy.

Then, there's Knicks guard Stephon Marbury....who said this earlier today:

"I think we don't say anything about people who shoot deer or shoot other animals," the Knick point guard told Capital News 9, an Albany TV station. "You know, from what I understand, dogfighting is a sport. It's just behind closed doors.

"I think it's tough that we build up Michael Vick and then we break him down."

It's ignorance at it's professional best, isn't it? My guess is this case will uncover many other former/current athletes that have been involved in such dispicable events.
This garbage wasn't the reason I got into sports....but it is what is. Luckily, I'm not making the news.....just reporting it.

Posted by at 11:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

It's done - well, almost. As first reported by the Virginian Pilot newspaper, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick has accepted a plea deal to settle charges he participated in and funded a dogfighting ring in Virginia, his home state. It may take until a sentencing hearing Monday to find out how long he'll spend behind bars - prosecutors reportedly wanted 18-36 months, while Vick's attorneys wanted a year or less - but there's no doubt his NFL season is over.

Don't think this is a situation where Vick will serve some token sentence, then pick up right where he left off with his pro career. In fact, he may have a hard time ever suiting up again in the NFL. First, the owner of his team accused Vick of lying to him about the facts of the case. Then, consider what ESPN analyst John Clayton thinks about the case. Clayton argues it would be a big risk for any team to bring Vick back into the huddle, both from a PR and a football standpoint.

Finally, the NFL commish has been laying down the law, trying to protect his league's image. Just ask Pacman Jones, late of the Tennessee Titans. Roger Goddell suspended Jones for the entire 2007 season for a series of incidents, none of which ended in a federal indictment. What will he do with Vick, once his federal conviction becomes official?

Let's not forget the dogs, either. If you can get your eyeballs onto the latest episode of "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel" on HBO - and you have the stomach to match - check out Bernard Goldberg's piece on the underground world of dogfighting. Riveting and revolting all at the same time, it adds incredible insight into the violence and ruthlessness of dogfighting, not to mention the bloodlust that hooks the humans who train and sometimes execute the animals.

Posted by Rich Kurz at 12:17 PM | Permalink

Sorry for the delayed posting. This afternoon I was in Sky 8 covering a fire in Clackamas County. When I wasn't focused on the flames, the vantage point from Sky 8 gave me a great opportunity to see how beautiful this area really is. It was a such a great day for a flight. Now just one week from race day, I can't wait to see our great state leg by leg.

Having only lived in Portland for two years now, there is much I haven't seen or explored. I think the part of this race that I'm looking forward to the most is the chance to see our state in slow motion. So often we zip by that forest or that field at 55mph. Beginning Friday we'll all have the chance to celebrate where we live.

For this entry, please write in with your favorite spot along the route. I'd love to hear about that perfect picture you took or that amazing field you found outside your van window. We are lucky to live in this great place. Let's share in the pride together.

-Scott Burton-

Posted by Scott Burton at 6:28 PM | Permalink

It's Day Two at the AST Dew Tour over at the Rose Quarter. To see it all "up close" just really blows you away. That said, I'm glad I wasn't at X-Games XIII just two weeks ago to watch skateboarder Jake Brown. You've all seen it.....the fall from 45 feet up straight to the ramp below? Yikes...and double yikes! He cheated death indeed. Got the chance to talk to Brown today. He's in Portland....but obviously, he's not competing. He says he's got 6 more weeks "to heal"....and that he's watched his crash "a number of times". What did he get out of it? A fractured wrist, sprained his other wrist, a bruised liver, a lung contusion, and "crazy whiplash" to his back and neck. He knows he's lucky....but isn't willing to let that deter him from stepping on a board again. He said the exposure his crash has gotten (more than 2 million hits on You Tube in the first 48 hours)....can only help the sport.
He's a very cool guy....and we're glad he was able to tell his story with us. More on Jake and his crash coming up on Sports Sunday this week.

Posted by at 5:59 PM | Permalink

By Craig Edwards

Despite being a Northwest boy most of my life, I've called myself an Atlanta Falcons fan for nearly 18 years. I still have my 1999 NFC Championship hat, know how to do the dirty bird, and am definitely "2 Legit 2 Quit."

So as a Falcons fan, I have two words for Michael Vick: Good-bye.

Continue reading "Betrayed by Michael Vick" »

Posted by Craig Edwards at 2:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Blogging From Hood to Coast(Part 2)

We're just over a week a week away and I don't know about any of the other runners, but I'm starting to stress about packing. With this being my first H2C, I'm talking to everyone about often overlooked items that really make a difference during the race. Rich Kurz, our special projects producer, brought up baby wipes for a quick post run "shower". Very wise Mr. Kurz. Matt Zaffino reminded me to bring a good sleeping bag and pillow. A list of last minutes can be found in this month's H2C newsletter. http://www.hoodtocoast.com/documents/2007Newsletter4_000.pdf Look it over and let me know if there's anything else you can think of.

Also in reply to last week's comment: The KGW Running Footage team is comprised of employees from sales and news here at KGW. Matt Zaffino and I are the only two you will find on air. It's a great group of people.

This team is not related to Laural's team for Race for a Cure. Go Laural, we love you!

--Scott Burton--

Posted by Scott Burton at 2:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Portland is his home away from home! He's a Northwest native...now trapped in Hartford, Connecticut these days. And each weekday morning, he delights his countless listeners across the nation. None more than right here in the Rose City. Portland is where "The Herd" is listened to most. He's none other than former KGW Sports Director Colin Cowherd....who stopped by our studio on Sunday night. And what a riot we had! In fact, I wouldn't be holding down the position I have right now if it weren't for Colin electing to working at the "mothership" known as ESPN. I thanked him profusely for going splittsville on KGW :) Cowherd is in a league of his own. Well-revered in any broadcast circle you may come up with. He's extremely intelligent and knowledgable in many different walks of life....that's why his radio show is a huge success. I asked him if he has any intention of filling the vacant seat of Dan Patrick....he said no. He enjoys the hours he works (about 6 per day). Those were far from the hours he logged between 1080 The Fan and KGW a mere 4 years ago.
He'd fill the 6-9 a.m. radio slot....then scoot over here and work from 3-11:30 p.m.
If you want to see the entire interview....head over to the "video" portion of our website and track it down. It was the highlight of the week for me....for sure!

Posted by at 7:43 PM | Permalink

By Joe Becker

Today was my first day back from vacation...and it was a vacation I'll never forget.

It was capped by a magical night at AT & T Park in San Francisco. Yes, I was there when Barry Bonds passed Hank Aaron to become the All-time Home Run King.

I was in the stands...like most of the 43-thousand plus...standing and chanting Barry's name. 5th inning, 3-2 pitch...and Homer number 756. It was a majestic shot...and Giant fans were going nuts. Fans, who didn't even know each other, were hugging and laughing.

I was lucky to be there. Originally, I was hoping to go on vacation earlier than I did, but Adam Bjaranson asked if I could wait a week, because his team, the A's were playing in Seattle. So I did, planned my trip and bought tickets to the Giants-Nationals game on-line. I could pick Monday night or Tuesday night. I picked tuesday and it worked out. I sat four rows from the top behind home plate. Good spot. I was underneath the overhang, which blocked much of the wind.

I've been lucky when it comes to baseball milestones. In 1974 I was at Busch Stadium in St. Louis when Lou Brock broke Maury Wills single season stolen base record with 105. I saw Brock get his 3-thousandth hit in 1979. One month later, I saw Carl Yastrzemski get his 3-thousandth hit at Fenway Park in Boston. There was also Mark Mcgwire's 500th homer in St. Louis in 1999. Then Bonds with #756 on Tuesday.

Once Bonds hit the homer...the stands at AT & T Park emptied in a hurry...but the fans didn't leave the ballpark. They went to the souvenir stands. The Giant merchandise counters had lines stretching 100 feet with fans. The Giants had 756 items ready to go and they sold out of just about everything. The fans didn't miss a great finish. The Giants blew the lead and the Nationals won the game 8-6 with four in the 8th.

After the game, Bonds came back onto the field and did a number of interviews that were pumped through the speakers at the ballpark. Then he did a newsconference in the press room that was carried on the big screen in centerfield.

I finally left the ball park at close to 11pm.

San Francisco is an amazing city, AT & T is an amazing ballpark and Barry Bonds is an amazing player, performance-enhancing controversy or not. My vacation went ten days and I also saw games in Los Angeles and San Diego. Over the next few days I will blog about ballpark hot dogs and a few other memories from the trip.

Posted by Joe Becker at 12:44 AM | Permalink

Blogging From Hood To Coast (Part 1)

So begins the first installment of Blogging From Hood To Coast. Starting today and continuing every Tuesday and Friday afternoon, we'll talk relay running. I'm the first to admit I am as novice as a runner as they come. That's where this blog comes in. I'm looking for veteran advice, concerns of other beginners and some encouragement that I can actually finish all three legs.

I started running a little more than a year ago. I barely finished the Lake Run 5k in Lake Oswego. Since then I've lost 30lbs and I'm now looking at Hood to Coast.

Once the race begins our KGW team will blog along the way. Please join us for the fun. We'll start posting just after our 9am starting time on August 24th and we won't stop until we reach the beach on the 25th.

To get us started, let's talk training. We're now just two weeks away. There are now two categories: those who have trained and those who have not. For those who have, any advice on staying fresh and uninjured as we head toward race day? For those who haven't (Adam Bjaranson) any suggestions on ways to get race ready quickly without injury?

Thanks for reading and participating.
See you on Tuesday

-Scott Burton-

Posted by Scott Burton at 4:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

By Craig Edwards

It's over. Barry Bonds now stands alone on top of baseball's home run mountain. Career homer # 756 went into the right field stands at AT&T Park Tuesday night, pushing Bonds past the great Hank Aaron.

To say that Bonds' quest has been controversial would be like saying the Pacific Ocean has a little bit of water in it. Though he has never tested positive for performance enhancing drugs, the cloud of suspicion has been hanging over the slugger for years.

Was Barry's march to history enhanced by steroids and other drugs?...... Probably. We're all innocent until proven guilty, but the circumstantial evidence against him is too overwhelming.

That being said, should Barry's records get the little asterisk (*) next to them, or be expunged completely?..... Probably not.

Continue reading "To * or not to *" »

Posted by Craig Edwards at 6:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Because it's fun to think about.....Barry Lamar Bonds only needs 112 more home runs to be the REAL all-time leader.
I bring this up...because while watching the Bonds' postgame press conference tonight.....a Japanese reporter asked "how does it feel knowing that Sadaharu Oh has more home runs than you?" Barry's response...."Congratulations Sadaharu!"
It was a timeless memory for me....as it shed a little humor on the whole situation/event tonight. By the way, Oh hit 868 career homers in the Japanese leagues. Something to ponder, I guess.

Posted by at 11:51 PM | Permalink

I'm finding myself entranced by this whole Barry Bonds circus. Maybe because it's my job to be "informed". The more I think about it.....the more disgusted I get. Tonight, as the Giants returned home, I found myself getting up and watching his every at bat.

I feel like I'm doing myself a little disservice...because I really DON'T want Bonds to break Hank Aaron's record. I should be openly rooting against him.
Look, Bonds has never tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs, but you know the old adage..."where there's smoke, there's fire". I convicted him in everyone's favorite "court" these days---the court of public opinion.

I love what Hammerin' Hank stands for....and he's the legit HR champ. I'm somewhat appalled at what baseball has become these days. Is there an end in sight? I hope so...but I won't hold my breath!

Posted by at 10:59 PM | Permalink

My first experience with hockey was attending an NHL Exhibition at Memorial Coliseum in 1991. At that time, I learned about the Winter Hawks. They were hot.....but not now! And certainly not after today's news. Dean "Scooter" Vrooman, the long-time voice of the Hawks (25 years to be exact), stepped down today. I've known Scooter for about 8 years now....and I know he's one of the hardest working guys I've ever known. A call placed to his office on Thursday said he has resigned and will no longer be checking voicemail from that number.
No Mike Williamson...and now no Scooter?? I was on hand the day the new ownership group held their press conference about a year ago. I drank the Kool-Aid they were serving up that day. But all I can think about now is how much they've royaly screwed up this once proud franchise. Are you kidding me, J's? (Jack, Jim and John make up the ownership group). You've got some 'splainin to do guys!!
How 'bout holding a press conference....and letting the public attend? I'm sure you won't be getting a stamp of approval by anyone.

Posted by at 6:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)