Myrtle Beach Marathon

Myrtle Beach Marathon

February 15, 2014

Expo: 3/5 
The Myrtle Beach expo wasn't my favorite expo in the world but it certainly is up there.  The expo didn't have a ton of vendors but I really don't care for them that much anyways.  My favorite part of the expo was the free beer and the live animals.  I got to see two little monkey's play, pet some sweet dogs that were up for adoption and hand dollar bills to vet therapy dogs (no touching these dogs).  We were in and out of the expo in less than 45 minutes.  It wasn't to crowded in the isles which is HUGE since many places crowd as much in as possible.  I didn't give the expo a 5 because there really wasn't a lot of things to buy :( but then again I didn't need anything.

The monkeys were the highlight for me! I could have stayed there with them all day! 

Race Swag: 5/5
I LOVED the race swag. We got a bag, socks and a short sleeved shirt.  I just love my pink socks that they put in our race bags.  They gave the ladies pink socks and the men orange ones.  My Dad gave me his orange socks!!!! The bag isn't the best as mine doesn't have the best zipper. 

Starting Line: I don't know :(
Dad and I waited on the bus shuttle to take us to the starting line.  The race started at 6:30 a.m. the bus was still not there at 6:13.  So we had to walk over a mile to get to the starting line.  Why didn't we leave earlier? It was pouring cats and dogs which was the main reason why we waited to late to leave. When we got to the start line everyone was already off running.  We didn't get poured on and we didn't have to stand around...so it turned out just the way it should have!

Course: 4/5
I really did love this course but the crowd support just wasn't there.  I understand it was cold and super windy but I felt like I was out there by myself most of the time.  There wasn't a lot of bands either or entertainment but again the weather wasn't the best.  There was suppose to be animals on the course but I didn't see a single one.
My favorite part of the course was when we were running on ocean blvd.  We got to run in front of the hotels, the small amusement parks and the best was the beach. Nothing beats looking over and watching the ocean waves hit the sand while running.  I LOVED this part of the course!!!!
What I didn't like was the wind.  Holy smokes it was hard to run the last 8 miles.  I think the wind had to be around 20-35 mph.  It was a really struggle but I know it wasn't the courses fault.. I blame mother nature.

Water Stops: 5/5
Funny thing about the water stops I don't remember them.  I rarely take water from the stations since I carry some of my fuel belt.  I did stop to take water at mile 12 to take in my ucan but other than that I didn't really pay much attention.  I know there was a water stop every 2 mile with some sports drink.  They did have gu's, banana's and even oranges at two of the stops.  I grabbed three oranges around mile 22 (I think) because I wanted something tasty. 

Finish Line: 2/5
I was kind of upset with the finish line.  They didn't have a large banner with "Finish" on it....I love to see a finish sign after 26.2 miles I guess.  When I got to the food line there wasn't much left for me.  I did have some hot soup, milk and I grabbed a fruit cup.  Other wise, there was nothing really yummy for me to eat.  The only reason I am giving the finish line a 2 is because of the free beer.  I was able to have as much beer as I pleased without paying.  That rarely happens at races.  They had a band playing but I was to cold to enjoy it.

Medal: 5/5
I just loved the beach theme medal!!! How fun is it to have a medal that is flip flops.  The medal says 2014 finisher on the back this is a nice little touch. 

Results: 5/5
I was completely happy with my results! I didn't plan to race since I have a marathon on Sunday.  I just told myself to run strong and go with what I was feeling.  I did just that! I kept at 6:1 (run 6 and walk 1) for 18 miles then decided to go down to 4:1.  I did push but I didn't push so hard that I was really struggling.  I decided before the race that I didn't want to go any slower than a 5:20, so I was happy that I was under that.  I did beat my last marathon time (not Disney) by 15 full minutes but I was 26 minutes under my PR.  For some reason my race results are not up on the website....looks like I have to contact them since I need that for Marathon Maniacs.

Overall: 5/5
I seriously loved this race for many reasons.  1. It was my birthday Marathon!!! 2. I loved running near the ocean. 3. It wasn't a large race which meant no running around mass amounts of people. 4. Marathon Training Academy members were there which we had a meet up.  5. The weather actually was perfect (NOT THE WIND).  6. I just loved the animals at the expo, plus the free beer was a HUGE bonus. 7. Free beer at the finish line.  8. My parents were at the finish line.. this is the first time I had someone cheer me on. It was very special to me to have them there :)

Would I do this race again? Yes! I did love the course but really wished for more crowd support.  It was nice getting away from snowy Ohio to run on the beach.  I don't think I will go back any time soon but this marathon will be on my list of favorites.  

What's up next
Sunday I am running another Marathon! Yep, I am a little crazy but crazy in a good way right?  I am running "Last Chance for Boston" in Dublin, Ohio.  This race will be mental challenge for me since the race is a one mile loop.  That means I have to run the dang loop 26.2 times... CRAP.  I do have my fingers crossed and hands folded that the weather is PERFECT!

Blog about meeting MTA family soon :)

Walt Disney Mickey Mouse Marathon

I should have completed this blog a week ago but life got in the way.  I been busy working out, working on school stuff and just being lazy.  Luckily, I had time today to get a quick blog in for anyone that follows me.  Enjoy :)

Day four of Dopey was a tiring one for sure.  We went in thinking we would just take our time, enjoy the experience and take pictures if we wanted.  I was excited that this was Marathon day as the Marathon has become a big love of mine lately.  I love the distance, the challenge, the people... basically I love every single part of the marathon even the time when I feel like I could die. 

Basically, the first half the marathon was just like the half marathon.  We ran down the amazing main street in the Magic Kingdom again.  We stopped to take some pictures but didn't goof off like the day before.  Corinne had to stop to use the bathroom so I got a chance to get in line with Mr. Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland.  Everyone laughed at my pose but come on you don't want to be late!

 I been following Doctor Dribble on instagram so I was very excited to pose a picture with him.  This guy runs races dribbling not one but TWO basketballs.  Freaking BEAST...a good looking one as well.  

I told Corinne that if Mickey and Minnie were at the Castle that I wanted to wait for a picture.  The line was long but it moved along faster than we both thought.  I love this silly Mouse...he sure is cute!

 After we took pictures with the King and Queen of Disney we got serious about our running.  We passed many picture stops but new that if we didn't keep running we would be in a world of trouble.  We wanted to beat the heat and of course beat the sweep.  After the Magic Kingdom we ran on the race track.  Last year there was a ton of cars, this year it was sort of boring...Not a lot of cars and where the heck was the Cars from the movie Cars? Booooo! 

Up next was Animal Kingdom.  We stopped for some silly pictures heading in which lead to Corinne hurting her big toe by a big PIG...SERIOUSLY he stepped on her foot.  I decided to take a quick picture with this awesome crew! 

 

I honestly can't remember what mile the roller coaster was but we knew this would be part of our Marathon journey again this year.  How cool is it to say hey we ran a marathon but we also road a roller coaster.  I believe it took a total of 15 minutes to get on and off the coaster.  It was a great pick me up, break or whatever you want to call it.  After we got off the coaster we were back running.

Corinne and I both got into our zone! We didn't talk much but just focused on getting the miles in.  I honestly can't say what happened between this picture and mile 20.  I do remember seeing a giant snake that was climbing a fence.. totally freaked me out.  Other than that I can't remember a dang thing.  I guess you can say I was focused big time. 

I did remember the ball park because the grass was soft heading into it.  Felt like pure heaven on my feet.  We also got a towel from Disney that was wet to cool off.  Another thing I LOVE about Disney is the little things they think about.  That towel was amazing, cold and something I carried with me till probably around mile 24.  

 

The road from the ballpark to Hollywood Studios was LONG, HOT and BORING.  I ran ahead of Corinne to keep a good pace and stopped to talk during our walk breaks.  We both were struggling a little but keep moving forward.  

 

They gave us some amazing chocolate when we entered Hollywood Studios. Corinne passed up the good stuff but not me! I took as many chocolate bars they would give me. I would say I had 4 little bars but they were freaking amazing. 

Next up was the bacon!  This is honestly all we focused on after the roller coaster.  Just get to the bacon stop.  We stopped to eat our bacon at mile 24.  Eating three pieces of bacon would get us another awesome medal called the three little pigs.  I haven't gotten the medal yet but the bacon was tasty indeed.  What a GREAT idea!!!!

You would think the last 2 miles would be a walk in the park after all we have done but it was HARD.  Corinne was worried about stopping to take anymore pictures but I really wanted to take a picture with Dopey.  She did stop to get a picture which I knew she was happy with.  After all we never saw Dopey at the finish line so I was so happy we stopped. I gave the cute guy a KISS!! 

As we headed to the finish line I had my moment.  I couldn't believe what I was about to accomplish.  I literally got ready for this race in 62 days after being off for 5 weeks from a hernia surgery.  I have never once cried during a race or even after one but this race had a lot of meaning to me.  This race meant that I was strong, a fighter and someone who will not stop till I reach my goal.  I ran for my family, my friends and even my sweet dog....this race wasn't just for me it was for all of those who has held me up along the way. 
I have to say I am so blessed to be able to use my legs to get me from point A to point B.  I would NEVER trade my love for running for anything in the world.  I will continue to do it and explore new roads along the way but this race will always be the race I am most proud of. 

 Getting my Marathon Medal.  I was tired but the happiest I have been in my life.  Never doubt your goals or the person you want to become!

 BLING. BLING. BLING.  We got the Marathon Medal, Goofy Medal and the Dopey Medal!!! We also got a ice cold BEER!

I told myself that I would NEVER do another Dopey race or Goofy race after we finished.  I can't help but think about this amazing experience and want more of it.  I don't know if I will sign up for the Dopey next year but you can count on it that I will do it again some day.  Thankfully, I am heading to DisneyLand for the Dumbo Double Dare in August.  That is right I will be getting my Coast-to-Coast medal along with 3 other beauties!

Thank you Corinne Crabtree for being the BEST running partner out there.  I can't wait to see where our feet will take us next!