Staying active and exercising regularly is something that Portland Fire and Rescue (PF&R) takes very seriously. Firefighting is a physically demanding job, and it is important that firefighters are able to respond safely in an emergency. Every firefighter is encouraged to work out one hour per day in a 24-hour shift. 

Most of PF&R's stations have exercise equipment that they can use any time during their 24-hour shift and some even have memberships to local gyms or community centers. Many firefighters take this a step further.  There are several competitive sport teams that firefighters take part in outside of work, and some, like members of Station 25, enjoy participating in more extreme activities.

Firefighters Greg and Chris have been training to run around the timberline of Mt. Hood. They have been preparing by doing daily workouts as well as more demanding runs. A couple of weeks ago, they ran the Wildwood Trail in Portland’s Forest Park. This is a physically demanding 30.25 mile loop.

The north side of Mount Hood from the Timberline Trail

In late August, these firefighters are planning to run Timberline Trail, a 40.7 mile loop around the timberline of Mt. Hood. The Timberline Trail rises and falls across gully and glacier, providing over 9,000 feet of elevation change.“We aren’t sure yet if we can,” explains Firefighter Chris. “There is still a lot of snow on the mountain.” If they are not able to do the Timberline Trial, they are going to find another run to complete that is about the same intensity.  

Congratulations on your dedication

and good luck in accomplishing your goal!

Blog courtesy of PF&R Summer Intern Jessica Budge.

  Portland Fire & Rescue We Respond: Always Ready, Always There

  August 5, 2010