Myrtle Beach Marathon Report!

This is what happens when you PR at Myrtle Beach!

The marathon-a-month saga continues with an unbelievable adventure to the Myrtle Beach Marathon over the February 17th weekend. Our running group had a blast. Lots of stories to tell and I even PR'd with a 4:18!!

Here's some of the highlights (pics follow):

The Great Package Pick-up and Expo!- Held at the Marriott Grande Dunes Resort. What a stark difference this was from the disaster location last year.

The Mexican Party at the La Quinta!- This place was the pits this year! It began at check-in when our front desk host refused to give us an extended check-out time- wanted to charge us for it. I got one anyway by asking the much nicer front desk clerk who worked the graveyard shift......HA!!

But wait it gets better.....

In the room next to mine, a Mexican party went on all night long complete with loud drunks listening to loud Mariachi music. Sounded like there may have been a pinata involved also. Didn't hear any gunshots thank goodness. Now I'm no prude but come on muchachos I got to run 26.2 miles in the morning!

The Great Pasta Dinner!- Found our way to a little hole-in-the-wall place in Surfside Beach called Antipasta. This was recommended by the father-in-law of our running buddy David. THE FOOD WAS FANTASTIC!! Got dinner for two for under $20. Lot's of locals there and now I know why. Thanks David!

The Perfect Weather!- The original forecast called for a cold front to move through bringing plenty of rain. However, the temp at the start was in the mid 40's and not a cloud in the sky. Excellent conditions remained the entire run.

The Great After Party!- Had a wonderful after party in Holden Beach with friends (we missed you Ron and Wendy). The food, drink, and conversation was remarkable, not to mention the group threw a surprise 50th birthday party for me! Got lots of new hats to wear around the apartment. Thanks Kim, Colleen, Jon, Amy, Ricky, Sharon, and Layne for everything you guys did. It touched my heart. My hats off to all.

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Pre-race jitters at 0230 hrs! (The "Gather Your Chi" Ceremony)

Colleen made it to the start just in the nick of time! (L-R) Colleen and Amy


It was a crisp start!

(L-R) Me, Amy, and Kim before the start

Trying to do my best "Ricky imitation" somewhere along the course

BAM!

Headed into the chutes (and no I don't have a nipple ring! That's my mp3 player headset holder attached to my shirt.)

Presentation of the medal

Kim heads to the finish line

I finally found Ricky- he ran a 4:04 and was at the end waiting. Two PR's- not too shabby!

Found Kim in the chutes proudly displaying her well deserved medal

TIME TO CELEBRATE! Hey, turn up that Mariachi music!

Women love the hat and the red hair! (Amy and Me)

Just in from Mount Olympus- Layne!

Don't steal my hat! (Ricky and Me)

Social Planner and Scream Team Captain- Colleen "Popcorn" Hart with her better half Jon

You get two cakes when you turn 50...YIPPEE!!!!!!!!

The Gang (L-R) Amy, Kim, Sharon, Me, Ricky

.....and finally, thanks Matt Marshall!!

WHAT'S THE NEXT ADVENTURE?
Bataan Memorial Death March Marathon- March 26, 2006

Find out more details about this upcoming marathon here