Jenn and I have been plagued with injuries the past few months. I tried to warn her that after 25 it's all down hill, but I think now she finally believes me. My back injury was up and down all summer and early fall while her heel was really hurt off and on the past couple months, too. Luckily we both were feeling pretty good race weekend, although we were not in top form. We decided to make it a leisurely run of 3 miles, 1 mile walk, 3 miles, 1 mile walk, 3 miles, 1 mile walk, and run the final mile. So there was no pressure to get a good time, just enjoy the race and the weekend at the beach. We even spoiled ourselves with a beachfront hotel room while was gorgeous.We travelled up to Myrtle Beach right after school on Friday. We had to drop Leo off at his buddy Jasper's place, so we had a little later start than planned, but we still made it (even if Jenn DID NOT let me sleep at all on the drive there). We woke up nice and early on Saturday and headed to our free breakfast thanks to our hotel/marathon combo. Then we headed to get our race packets. On our way back, we stopped at the Broadway on the Beach and went to Ripley's Aquarium. It was really neat and I think Jenn and I both agree that our favorite fish we saw was the bowmouth guitarfish, a kind of mix between a shark and ray.
Me in front of the coral reef
Jenn in front of the shark and ray tank
The following morning we woke up bright and early (5:30 AM) so we could make it to the race beginning. Luckily we got there early enough that we didn't have much trouble parking. However, we were informed later that parking was a disaster. Lucky us I guess. The start was at the Medieval Times restaurant, and they had some of the actors there to send us off, which was unique and cool. The knights battled and the winner got to sound the airhorn to let us start. The king and queen were also there on their horses to send us off. It was a perfect day for running and the course was very flat. It's too bad we weren't in better shape or I'm sure we could have had personal records. Maybe next year. As it was, we walked for about 3 minutes after the first 3 miles before deciding we could run again. We walked from mile marker 6 to 7 and then ran the final 6 miles.
Jenn running by Broadway by the Beach
The course was one of the nicest we have run. The weather was perfect, we ran around a few malls and through the town of Myrtle Beach over the final 3 miles or so. Water was plentiful throughout the course and every mile was marked and had a clock to show the time. They had a few bands along the way, too. We were taking our leisurely time, so I was able to snap a few photos along the way for the first time during a race.
Me during the final miles
The finish was well put-together. There was a real nice band playing songs like "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay" and "Brown Eyed Girl". Also some beers and wheat thins which I enjoyed. The only downside to the race were the shuttles back to the start line. We waited about 45 minutes to get in a shuttle to travel the 5 miles or so back to the start. They needed a lot more shuttles if they were going to have a point-to-point race. But this was just the first time they had this mini-marathon, so maybe next year will be better :).
Jenn and I at the finish (time 2:22:14)
Enjoying the post-race
Jenn with her massive medal
