The Other Half

This is how it ends

We were as official as the whistle…we were committed to a cause…we ran for one reason, self satisfaction.

Mission accomplished.

It sure would have helped to have water stations ever few miles, a cop or two blocking off traffic and a few more fans and runners to create the incomparable atmosphere a marathon provides, but we, along with several hundred others made do with what we had.

Were the race conditions ideal? Probably not, but the City of Myrtle Beach’s reason for cancelling the race was out of fear that automobiles and runners wouldn’t be able to safely coexist on the roadways.

See you at 7

My brother, my cousin and yours truly will be at the corner of Grissom and 21st at 7:00 a.m. sharp to run what would have been the Dasani Myrtle Beach Half Marathon.

Providing a case of water and a case of beer I guess we are now sponsoring our own event - the 1st Annual Ripke Half Marathon. So all you die hards come out and join us for what you came here to do...RUN.

Spread the word, see you there... running total is at 5.

Like a kid on Christmas Eve I wait

Is it Christmas Eve or Myrtle Beach Marathon Eve?

As five adult men sit in my living room waiting to hear the latest marathon update from the City of Myrtle Beach, I can’t help but to get into the spirit.

My anticipation for the city’s final say resembles that of an anxious youngster on Dec. 24, but the only present I want for now is a “Yea” for race day.

Weather worries

As if 2010 Myrtle Beach Marathon participants didn't have enough to worry about heading into this weekend's events, the weather may play an increasing role following this The Sun News report via the National Weather Service.

It is being reported that around 11:30 p.m. Friday, as many as 3 inches of snow, rain or a mixture of both could fall on the coastal Carolina region by sunrise Saturday.

With a 60 percent chance of precipitation on Friday expect a wet course come race day. Temperatures are expected to rise above freezing for the 6:30 a.m. start but the threat of overnight sleet and snow has the potential for making a mess. The newest weather development also projects18 mph winds out of the northwest with a wind chill as low as 21F.

As a general rule of thumb I like to dress as if it is 15 to 20 degrees warmer than reality when I run. Within the next 24 hours I will commit to a decision to wear or not to wear gloves, a stocking cap and a long sleeve t-shirt to go with my cold gear Under Armor and running shorts.

Check out new route review for tips on managing a wet course. Safe travels to all.

Poetic promise

When I get to mile nine and the snot in my nose and my toes are froze;

I know I’ll make it.

When I get to mile 10 and my ears are numb and so are both thumbs;

I know I'll make it.

When I get to mile 11 and my legs are gassed I won’t get passed;

Because I know I’ll make it.

At mile 12 when I get to Mr. Joe White, I’ll put up a fight;

Because I know I’ll make it.

To the last of 13 when my energy is lean;

I know I’ll make it.

Commons could cause cluster

Let me recant my description of this year’s race route as strictly straight.

Thirteen turns in 13 miles seems pretty bland on paper but if you look closely five of the redirections happen within six-tenths of mile.

The right on Johnson, left on Hackler, right on Howard, left on Reed, left on Farrow loop through Market Commons drew a concern as I reviewed the race map last night.

Today I felt the need to go run that section of the race, mostly because of my inability to dissect directions, but also to get a taste of the newest twist to the course.

 

New route review

Last night when I turned on my cell phone after landing in Atlanta I had a voicemail from my cousin Tommy asking me to return his call immediately.

Fearing he wouldn’t be able to get out of Washington, D.C. on his originally scheduled departure date (Thursday) he asked if it would be OK to leave this morning before another 12 to 18 inches of snow fell on our nation’s capital.

Of course I didn’t object, but it did put a wrinkle in my master plan.

Technology tirade

Traveling twice a week I normally make Mondays an off day for workouts opting to use the down time to catch up on sleep.  Today is different though – traveling from Pacific to Eastern Time zones I feel cheated.

Recognizing a relapse

It has been over 50 hours since I have set foot outside and the monotony of the curriculum being introduced is wearing on my mental state.

Rookie mistakes

After spending 12 hours in conference rooms with 25 eighth and ninth grade scholars I needed a state change. When I parted ways with my pack, I thought now would be a good time (nine days before the race) to share some of my do’s and don’ts from my first half marathon.