Myrtle Beach Planning

I must admit, I have a hard time trying to take off my "planner" hat after the Richmond Marathon. With the size group we have going to Myrtle (13 runners), I want to have a little organization around the trip, so here goes. . .

Entries: Looks like all races are going to sell out, as the Marathon only has a few spots let, and the half sold out weeks ago. Having most of your entries come a few months before the race usually indicates a smaller percentage of "no-shows", so arrive early and expect a crowd for the start!

Expo: If your travel time is tight, post a comment. There is probably someone who can pick up your race packet for you with a copy of your ID. There is no race day packet pickups. The Expo runs from 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM on Friday. The last expo I went to sponsored by BI-LO had lots of food, and even beer.

Weather: Part of tapering process is spending time obsessing about the weather (something you can't change). The 15-day forecast for Myrtle Beach now includes race day. Right now things look interesting, a low of 50 and a high of 68. They are calling for rain however, but this honestly means nothing two weeks out. 10 days from New York, they were calling for snow, but Ryan and I ran in shorts on a perfect day. One thing to keep in mind is that Myrtle starts early. Half runners will be done by 9:00 am, and full runners by 11:00 am. You will never feel the high temps.

Dinner: In Richmond we organized a group dinner. It actually worked out very well, and we had our own private dinning room, with everything pre-ordered. It was quick and good. I would not mind a group gathering again, but if it is not prearranged, all it will do is make your dinner take too long. If someone is interested in coordinating a dinner I am on board, but I will not have the time, nor do I have the knowledge of the Myrtle Beach area to pull it off.

Here is a list of Italian restaurants in Myrtle Beach. It has local options, Olive Gardens, Carrabbas, and even Fazolis if you want good, cheep, and quick. I have no idea where these are in relation to the race and hotel. There is a Pasta Dinner put on by the race, with a standard pasta menu. There is no information about the cost on their site. It is at the host hotel, and runs from 5:00 to 8:00 which probably means it is a buffet, and you eat when you are ready. It likely will be crowded, but if the price is right it may be a good option.

Shirts and Names: First and foremost. . . wear what makes you comfortable in the race. That being said, use your RMEC shirt if possible. With a group our size we could have lots of family members on the course. They may not know who you are, but they will cheer if they see your RMEC shirt. Secondly, put your name on your shirt if you want to be cheered for. We have a role of bright yellow electrical tape and a black Sharpie that works great.

Car Pooling and Cell Phones: Because most of us are staying at the same hotel, carpooling is probably a good idea. I expect we do not want to leave our families behind without a car. We can figure out the details when we get there. We need a cell phone list, so email me your numbers, if it is not already on our contact list page. I will consolidate the list and send everyone going to Myrtle a copy. Let me know where you are staying and when you are leaving too.

Spectators: I know very little about this race, but using only the map, here is the easiest option for the full marathon. Go to mile four. This is also mile 14.5 and mile 24.3, so you can see runners three times. Keep in mind however there will we 80-100 minutes in-between each time they run by. Anyone know if there is a coffee shop nearby?

House of Blues: All runners and volunteers get access to the post race party on Saturday night. You must be over 18 to attend. Post a comment if you plan to go. If not, you may consider loaning your race number to someone else so they can get free admission.

RUN RSVP: Saturday 02/02

Let the Taper Madness continue. . . After building up your miles, you are probably going nuts now feeling like you are cramming for a test. Repeat after me: "My Training is over. All I have to do now is not get injured."

This week we are going to mix it up. Gerry has offered to host a run from his house. If you have been to Tracy's before for a hill run, you are a stone's throw from Gerry's House. In fact you finish running that hill. We have a big loop planned, and Gerry is going to put a cooler out about half way, so it is very important you RSVP.

Run Details:

• Day: Saturday @ 7:30 am
• Where: Battleboro - Gerry's House
• Route: 12 miles or 8.3 miles
• Supported: Yes - One Fluid Stop
• Weather: Forecast 36F at start and 48F at finish.

This is a 12 mile loop Gerry uses. I made the shorter loop for anyone planning to run less. If you need directions, click on "Notes" when you view the map. These are very simple to run because they are big single loop routes.

If you are running the half in Myrtle, you can still have a good long this weekend, in fact it would be my recommendation. A two week taper is enough for the names I see signed up in the half marathon.

It will warm up during our run, so don't over dress, or plan to drop a layer and pick it up after the run.As always, everyone is welcome. We run anywhere from an 8 minute to an 12 minute pace depending on who shows up, so come join us!

Unofficial Chase of Champions 2008?

Poll Updated: virtually everyone knows the last running of the Chase of Champions was in 2006. This was a long time running 5k and 10k event in Rocky Mount. Last year the RMEC had nearly 50 people turn out to run the "Unofficial Chase of Champions" however. We did not close the roads; we did not have chips for our shoes; and we all ran at our own risk. When it was all over however, we still had fun and everyone got their race results.

If there is interest, I would like to do this again. Just like last year, this is a group run. It just happens to be a run where you do it fast and try to beat your buddies. We again will not close and roads, so running will be at your own risk.

There are two dates that seem like they could work. April is a busy month. The first weekend is the busiest race weekend of the year in the Southeast. The weekend of the 19th has a10k in Raleigh and also the Fiesta Biathlon in Greenville. This leaves April 12th and April 26th. (I realize the 12th also conflict, but it is not as bad as the other weekends).

As always, we cannot pick a date that works for everyone. I added a poll to the blog to see if there is enough interest, and if so what is the preferred date. Please vote even if you are just a blog reader. Feel free to comment here if you have anything to add.

NOTE: I removed the poll and put it back so I could add another date option. If you already voted, please vote again. Sorry!

Update on Swim Tips

Based on the post and comments below, Mary is bending over backwards to offer help to our group. (Thanks Mary!) It was obvious in the comments that there is no perfect time. I took Mary's response, and gave it a new post to make sure it was seen. I think the main point is Mary is here to help, and is frequently at the YMCA when we are swimming. She is offering these tips, but is not coaching us. If you truly want to get some pointers, please email Mary when you plan to be at the pool, and be sure to show up. Like all of us, here time is valuable.

This is what Mary has offered:

• Mon - I could be in the pool between 10-12 although no one needed this time.
• Tues - are tight, as I have a 12:30 commitment elsewhere and it sounds like lunchtime works best for most. But if 11 matches anyone, let me know.I teach Tues. PM at 6 in the rec pool and would be glad to offer some help before that class if you can make it before 6.
• Wed I will swim at 11ish and can easily stay as late as needed up to 1:30. So a good day.
• Thurs I will swim and can do so easily over lunchtime if that works for people, no time constraints. So another good day.
• I teach 8 AM Wed. in the rec pool and 9:30 upstairs but if you are swimming at 9 I could catch up with you a bit then, or maybe Friday AMs.

As races near I'm sure we can plan some group open water swims with Masters swimmers who have access to the reservoir, lakes and boats. More on that when warmer days!

To repeat what Michael said (Thank you, Michael), I am not a certified coach and the Y has some EXCELLENT coaches and great programs. I can and gladly will offer helpful suggestions and love to watch folks improve, such a joy. But I can't spend lots of time with any one person or I risk my job, yet I know there will be no objection to us training together in this way.

I do coach Masters on Monday 6-7 which is an ideal time for personalized instruction, as are Wed. and Fri. 6-7 AM. You DON'T HAVE to do the Masters workout, just come at that time and do your own pace and ask for help from the coach on deck. That is what Masters is all about.

My one request, please. Since we are so varied in timing, please don't assume I will be at the pool at all these times because of this post (except the Mon. 6-7 AM, that is guaranteed). Email me directly and I will make every attempt to match up with you.

I look forward to seeing everyone in a bathing suit, heh, heh, heh! And don't forget the goggles! --Mar

Lake Kristi Triathlon

The Lake Kristi Triathlon has now been posted. It will be at 8:00 am on May 31, 2008. The race is located just east of Greenville, NC. The event is a 1/2 mile swim in Lake Kristi (private, man made ski lake), a 15 mile bike ride on country roads and a 3 mile run on a private golf course - mostly grass.

Entry is $40 for USAT and $50 for non-USAT members registering before May 24. Teams are welcome for $90 for all USAT memberships or $120 for non-memberships. There are two ways to register. One is to print the PDF from the web site and mail it in. The other is on Active.com.

Ever dreamed of walking half a marathon?

I know people read our blog, that never post. Maybe you are just curious, or maybe you don't know if you are ready to give something like this a try. Well, now there is a perfect opportunity to get started with improving your physical fitness.

Background:

Kinnie for our group has started a group called the Rocky Mount Women Walking for Fitness (WWF). This is a program to promote physical fitness through the low impact activity of walking and the stimulation of community. As the name of the group indicates, this is a group for women only. There are already 21 people on the roster! The group just started walking last week. If anyone wanted to start next week you need to have a base of 2.5 miles comfortably walking. Next week the group walk is 3 miles on slightly rolling terrain.

The organized walk each week is Tuesdays at 12:30. They welcome anyone who wants to improve their fitness and maybe enjoy some camaraderie. One requirement: must have email!

Expectations:

• Walk time will be a priority vs. an occasional option
• All effort will be made to attend the weekly group walk (1-2 hrs.)
• Minimum of 1 and preferably 2-3 other walks each week
• Should be able to comfortably walk 1 mile (can be slowly) at this time

Requirements:

• A desire for good health and a smile
• Prospective walkers with knee or hip replacements, arthritis, or other musculoskeletal issues that could be exacerbated by walking must obtain written permission from their physician before beginning the program
• A release from liability form will be provided for the protection of the group organizers
• Cost - $1.00 per week

Scheduling and Time Frame:

• Group walk day and time will be chosen with input to best accommodate all involved
• Group walk locations to be determined with input, allowing for varied and SAFE terrain
• Walking program will begin the week of Jan. 8th
• Program will run Jan.-mid May
• Each month a schedule of suggested walks will be provided
• A “race” walk, distance to be determined (suggested distance half-marathon 13.1 miles), will be generated in May to celebrate the successful completion of the program
• Participation in the race is NOT mandatory for participation in the program

Training Plan:

• Kinnie has training plan that outlines what each participant should do to increase miles.
• As with any training (walking or running), a slow increase in miles keeps you healthy

Personally, I think what Kinnie has organized is great. I think everyone in our group will agree that they feel better about their lives because they stay active. This improves your physical and emotional well being. If you know someone who would be interested let them know about the WWF. All ages, sizes, and abilitiy levels are welcomed. If you are a blog reader, this is a great time to get involved. Bring a friend with you. It is a new year. . . see how you can change your life! For more information post here, or email Kinnie directly.

RUN RSVP: Saturday 01/26

For the Myrtle Beach Marathon crowd, this is your big weekend. . . the 20 miler! If you are doing the half, you could probably do your longest run next weekend and only use a two week taper which should be ample for a 13.1 mile race. With a longer distance, I bumped the start time up to 7:00 am. This is also closer to the actual start time of the race, which should help simulate race day.

Run Details:

• Day: Saturday @ 7:00 am
• Where: Harris Teeter
• Route: 6.67 miles x 3
• Supported: TBD
• Weather: Forecast 28F at start and 37F at finish.

Like our last 20 mile run for Richmond, I am using a loop three times. This keeps everyone close together regardless of pace, and enables you to pass the train tracks six times so just one fluid stop can be set up. Regarding fluids, I will be running the Krispy Kreme and will therefore do my 20 miles on Monday morning. If someone can offer to put out fluids, speak up. It would be great if everyone did not have to carry their own. I can offer up a cooler, mix, cups, and Clif shots.