Myrtle Beach Marathon
February 15, 2014
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.
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.
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 :)
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