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.

Growing up in Ohio it is hard to fathom three inches of snow shutting down an entire city, but as an educated man I understand the potential safety hazards involved with running a race in slick conditions.

Still, I just want to race.

Tommy, Brandon and I have talked about this day since we registered on Oct. 12 and after today’s events, running the race would cap off a weekend to remember. The fellowship between people of like interests at the Expo and the collection of all my race goodies would be a huge tease if the race was called off…

As Brandon played video games with my two roommates Frank and Zack, Tommy and I prepared our traditional prerace meal – chicken fettuccini alfredo, salad and bread sticks.

After dinner everyone is starting to get antsy.

We are minutes away from the City’s decision, the department of transportation are urging people to stay of the roads. With every piece of new information that comes across my roommates (a born Southerner and a 13-year transplant) are convinced that we won’t be running in the morning.

I’m trying to be as positive as possible, but a cancellation means guys night out and that doesn’t sound like too bad of a backup plan.

As I sit here and blog a snowball fight has just broke out here in Murrells Inlet – the energy in this house is unreal. I’m saving mine up for a potential 7 a.m. start…

Just think if there is no race what are they going to do with 20,000 bottles of water and Powerade; 6,000 oranges, bags of cookies, chips, and crackers; 5,000 bagels; and most importantly 50 kegs of beer?

If the city cancels, I’ll be there at sunrise ready to start the race, so will two others. Together we will have the first annual Ripke Half Marathon. Our $180 went to a good cause, we all got our goody bags, but still want to race.

We’ll see ya there. I’ll bring a stop watch.

Comments

[RunningGA]

Hearing they have cancelled.....what time will you be at the starting line, we'll join you!

[Nate Ripke]

We will be there at the corner of Grissom and 21st at 7 a.m. sharp. We will still wear our bib and shirt from the Expo. Spread the word. See ya there.

[RunningGA]

Expect 2 more....see you there