South Carolina has been great in so many ways. Despite the crushing claustrophobia of close- minded condescension caused by Southern Self-righteousness and shade, I really am glad we were able to experience a vastly different part of the country. Top of the list of good elements was how close it was to my brother, Andrew, who I was able to see in the last three years far more than since I was in high school. I will probably miss that the most.
Second most will surely be all the odd-ball competitions I was able to compete in. While my running times have increased and belly ballooned, my knack for eating and drinking while moving has only improved. Here's a quick run down of some of the more unique competitions, I was able to compete in:
Beer Mile-1st overall(no chance of that placing in New England so I'll take it;))- Drink a beer, run 1/4 mile repeat x 4.
Quarry Crusher-ATL- 1st overall. Run down a quarry and turn around and run back up.
Stein Holding Competition - 2nd overall. My most recent competition. Hold a liter of beer with elbow extended, shoulder at 90 degrees for as long as you can. Longest one wins. I didn't but got a free beer and beer stein.
Beer-Lay- 2nd overall x2(both times crossing finish line first but losing after age-grading). Drink a beer, run 2 miles, repeat x 4
Krispie Kreme Challenge- 1st overall x 2. Run 1 1/2 miles, eat one dozen donuts, run 1 1/2 miles. This race paid for itself with a year of weekly dozen donuts!
Hairy Bison Trail Race- Never placed. This could be a direct correlation with having neither donuts or beer involved in it, or it could be the fact that the course is unmarked and Wrong-Way Ferreira is involved, but it is an amazingly fun(and funny) race put on by the good people of Harbison Trail Runners.
In addition to these competitions, I tried my hand in stand up paddleboard, kayak and rock climbing competitions, with middling success in them all. Throw in a few traditional road races, and excursions in a national park within 30 minutes of me, and that was time spent in the South.
Definitely a fun time.
All of this in compounded by suckering(err getting) married at the Outer Banks, having a beautiful daughter, and more trips and adventures than can be listed and this time here has been wonderful. I will be sure to update you all on where our next adventures lead us:)
Until next time,
Danny
