530am bus pick-up from Breakers Resort – early start, still dark & 28 degrees.  Not as originally thought when I signed up for my South Carolina marathon run.  That said, I’m a cold weather runner.  28 degrees – bring it on!  Laced up, ready to run.

Lotta locals in parkas & an announcement this would be Myrtle Beach’s last Valentine’s Day race start – moving the event to March next year, in search of warmer weather.  Today’s finisher’s medal would feature flip-flops – uh…no beach attire this day.  HA!

Donning a thermal wrap (Las Vegas Marathon leftover), ran 2 miles in my cape before disposing in a municipal can.  Sunshine & the Atlantic Ocean were visible early – cold but SPECTACULAR!

Flat course so folks had me thinking PR all day.  In hindsight, think I need hills to mix up pace or find I run flat-footed, lose form – running solely from my calves, not utilizing enough quad & hip strength.

Made the turn at mile 18 & met strong [ocean] headwinds the last 8 miles. Tough on pace, tough on the spirit – but whatta beautiful course. Pushing hard, wind blowing – felt I was running in place, making no forward progress at times.

Slogged in my last 2 miles, no PR, no sub-4 this day – but marathon 20 done & in the books, 3^rd 26.2 of 2015.

Couldn’t think of a better way to avoid Valentine’s Day 🙂

Congratulations K R Haga
on completing the
Marathon
Your Finish Time:
04:12:09.263

Woke Sunday 3am – hour half drive to Florence SC.  On & off 2 planes, neither actually left the airport.  High winds cancelled all air travel – U.S. Airways moved passengers by bus to Charlotte, 2 hours away.  Missed my connection but thankfully arrived home same day – Charlotte to Dallas, Dallas to Phoenix, Phoenix to Denver.  Crazy travel day.  Several of my running family spent Sunday night stranded in Dallas, Houston & Memphis – woes of winter travel.

Walked thru the door – crazy wildly, greeted by Ro.  Home, sweet Colorado, home 🙂